KidZ Guides Rating: 3/4 Z’s
Safari Rides, Singing Lions & Screaming Yeti: Our Day at Animal Kingdom! 🐘🦒🎢
By: Two Wilderness Explorers and One Brave Coaster Rider
From the moment we walked through the entrance, Animal Kingdom felt like stepping into a real-life jungle. Between the wildlife, lush trees, and the epic Tree of Life, this Disney park is part zoo, part adventure, and part WOW. We already knew a lot from watching *The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom* on Disney+, but seeing it all in person was on a whole new level!
Tree of Life: 300+ Animals Hidden in Plain Sight 🌳🦁
Our first stop was the giant Tree of Life, which has over 300 animals carved into its trunk and roots. We played a game of “who can find the most animals” — and we think Carter might still be counting.
Kilimanjaro Safari & Gorilla Falls = Real Animal Encounters 🐘🦍
The Kilimanjaro Safari was one of our favorite rides in the whole park. We got up close with elephants, rhinos, hippos, and best of all — a giraffe that refused to get out of the road. Our tour guide was awesome and knew so many fun facts!
After that, we headed to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. We learned even more cool things — like how zookeepers don’t want people to use the gorillas’ names so they stay focused on training. We felt like real animal experts!
Festival of the Lion King: Singing, Dancing & Circle of Life Feels 🎤🦁🎶
Before lunch, we made it just in time for the Festival of the Lion King. WOW. This show was AMAZING. There was singing, dancing, acrobatics, and puppets — and even Mom and Dad couldn’t resist singing along. (Loudly. Very loudly.)
Pandora: From Screaming Banshees to River Glows 🪷🌌
After lunch, we crossed into the world of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The first ride we did was Avatar Flight of Passage — which was absolutely INSANE. The smells, the wind, the water, the feeling of flying on a banshee… it felt so real. But if you get motion sick, be careful — this one’s intense!
To chill out, we rode the Na’vi River Journey next. It’s calm, glowy, and super relaxing — basically the opposite of Flight of Passage, but just as magical.
Wilderness Explorers & Popcorn Bucket Wins 🦦🍿
Throughout the park, we joined the Wilderness Explorers challenge. Each Explorer station had a different activity or question — and when we finished it, we got a sticker for our booklet! We collected about 20 of them and learned a ton along the way.
Also important: we brought our refillable popcorn bucket from Magic Kingdom — and yes, there are refill stations all over Animal Kingdom. Perfect for a snack while adventuring!
Expedition Everest: Coaster of Legends 🏔️🎢
Time for thrills! Charlie sat this one out, but Carter rode Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain with Mom and Dad using parent swap. This roller coaster goes backwards, inside a dark mountain, and has one wild Yeti encounter. Carter said it felt like flying through a snowstorm — *while spinning!*
Coaster lovers: this one is a must!
Final Show: It’s Tough to Be a Bug 🐜🎭 (No Spoilers!)
To wrap up our day at Animal Kingdom, we watched It’s Tough to Be a Bug — a hilarious 3D show inside the Tree of Life. We won’t spoil the surprises… but let’s just say, it’s more than just 3D glasses. Be ready to laugh. And maybe scream a little.
Bonus Round: EPCOT Encore! 🌍🎆
Since Animal Kingdom closed earlier than the other parks, we headed back over to EPCOT to finish exploring the World Showcase. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.
Animal Kingdom Tip: Do the safari early, bring your popcorn bucket, and don’t skip the Yeti (unless you’re Charlie)!
For more Disney days, check out our adventures at Hollywood Studios and Typhoon Lagoon! And if you’re staying nearby, we loved our hotel at Signia by Hilton – Bonnet Creek.