Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Florida: 15 Tips & Tricks with Kids of All Ages

Animal Kingdom feels like a world tour in a single day. You'll walk from the African savanna to vibrant Asia and even step into the otherworldly world of Pandora, the Avatar of all things. This park is perfect for families who love animals, nature, and a bit of adventure. Think safaris, enchanting shows, and attractions that are a bit more exciting but still accessible for children. The Avatar section is also fun for older kids! Everything is beautifully themed, giving you a constant feeling of being in another world.

In this article, we've compiled all the best tips for you. From great hotels near Animal Kingdom to which attractions are suitable for both younger children and older adventurers. We'll also share our favorite shows and where to find the tastiest snacks and dishes you'll find almost nowhere else in Disney World.

Animal Kingdom only exists in America and it's definitely worth a visit if you want to experience Disney in a whole new way! 

 | TIP: You can regularly find deals on the Walt Disney World website for booking cheaper packages. Click here to view them >>

Pandora – The World of Avatar © Yourlbb

The best attractions for small children in

Animal Kingdom at Disney World in Florida

Animal Kingdom is the park where everything revolves around nature, animals, and adventure. The park is divided into seven themed areas, from the African savannah to the world of Avatar. Expect fewer classic attractions here, but all the more excitement. Young children will find plenty to discover at a leisurely pace, while older children can explore the more exciting side of the park. A bonus: unique Disney characters roam the park, such as Kevin the bird from Up or Chip and Dale dressed as dinosaurs.

Naʻvi River Journey

On this indoor boat ride, you'll sail through the world of Avatar, filled with luminous plants, magical creatures, and the film's signature music. It's the perfect ride for the whole family. Suitable for all ages and heights. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Perhaps the park's most exciting attraction. In a large, open safari vehicle, you'll ride past elephants, lions, zebras, and more. The ride takes about twenty minutes and feels like you're on a real African safari. Arriving early? Then head to this attraction first, as it's very popular. And for good reason! Suitable for all ages and heights.

The Wildlife Express Train

A leisurely train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch, where children can watch the animals being cared for behind the scenes. Suitable for all ages and heights.

The Wildlife Express Train © Yourlbb

© Your Little Black Book

These are the best attractions in Animal Kingdom Disney World in Orlando. For primary school children and thrill seekers:

Flight of Passage

This 3D ride puts you on the back of a banshee and flies through the landscape of Pandora. The experience is so lifelike that it feels like you're actually floating. I found this so special; you really don't know what's happening. It's like being in the movie yourself! Note: You must be at least 112 cm tall.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

This is a thrilling roller coaster that moves not only forward but also backward. You'll race through the mountains in search of the Yeti. Note: The minimum height is 112 cm.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain © Yourlbb

DINOSAURS

A thrilling ride through prehistoric times, where you'll embark on a jeep expedition and have unexpected encounters with dinosaurs. Any parent, like me, whose kids love dinosaurs should definitely not miss this attraction. So well done! Note: The minimum height is 104 cm.

© Your Little Black Book

You must see this show at Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King

Looking for a fun show to relax and enjoy? This is a fun, swinging musical show with Pumba, Timon, and a cast full of dancers and acrobats. Perfect for relaxing and being entertained. It's best to get there a bit early for the best seats with the kids! 

Festival of the Lion King © Yourlbb

5 x restaurants in Animal Kingdom at Disney World in Florida that you can't miss during your visit

Satu'li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar)

This quick-service restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch. The menu generally features healthier options, such as bowls with fish, chicken, or tofu, all Pandora-style. We opted for a tasty snack: bao buns with cheeseburger filling. A bonus: you can place your order in advance via the app and pick it up later. Perfect if you get hungry while still in line for an attraction. I found this bao so surprisingly delicious, you really have to try it!

Satu'li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar) © Your Little Black Book

Tiffins Restaurant

If you're looking for a more culinary experience at Animal Kingdom, Tiffins is the place. This table-service restaurant on the edge of Pandora serves global dishes with influences from Asia, Africa, and South America. Think charred octopus, butter chicken, and short rib. 

Nomad Lounge

Located next to Tiffins, it's perfect for a leisurely drink or a light lunch. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a large terrace overlooking the river. The menu features smaller dishes perfect for sharing, such as pork ribs, sliders, and churros, as well as excellent cocktails. 

Yak & Yeti Restaurant

This Asian-inspired restaurant has both an indoor and a patio area. The portions are generous and perfect for sharing. For those who don't have a reservation, there's also a Yak & Yeti quick-service location with a smaller menu.

Tusker House Restaurant

This African-style character dining restaurant is especially fun for kids. Enjoy a buffet of international dishes while Mickey, Donald, and friends pop in dressed in safari outfits. Perfect for breakfast or lunch if you really want to surprise the kids.

 TIP: The various Disney parks in Orlando also offer a wide variety of delicious individual snacks. Which ones should you try? You can read about this in this food guide for Walt Disney World >>

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge © Yourlbb

3 Best Hotels Around Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida

If Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, or you simply love nature, tranquility, and animals, these nearby hotels are perfect for you. Expect African influences and plenty of greenery. Good to know: there's no Skyliner or monorail in this part of the Disney World Resort, but there are buses that will take you everywhere. There are also drop-off and pick-up locations at all the parks for popular ride-sharing apps like Uber.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

This resort is a destination in itself. You'll feel like you're on safari, overlooking the savannas where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes stroll by. The African architecture is beautifully recreated, and the art and warm colors instantly capture the safari atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in Disney World.

In this hotel you will find, among other things: Boma – Flavors of Africa, a buffet restaurant with African and international dishes, the slightly more chic Jiko – The Cooking Place, a Sanaa, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view of the animals. The resort also has a beautiful pool with a slide, campfire activities, a spa, and cultural programs for children. I loved this hotel so much that I booked it right away for our trip to Hong Kong for our Disney visit there! 

Opening hours office All Disney parks and resorts are accessible by bus.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge © Yourlbb 

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (Moderate)

A cozy resort with Spanish and Mexican influences, set around a lake with palm trees and bridges. You'll get a tropical vacation feeling here! The rooms are modern and bright, especially in the Gran Destino Tower, which offers a slightly more luxurious experience.

For food and drinks you can go to Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (with skyline view!), Three Bridges Bar & Grill for cocktails by the water, or Maya Grill with a Mexican cuisine.

Opening hours office All parks, including Animal Kingdom, are accessible by bus.

Disney's All-Star Resorts (Value)

These are three separate resorts, each with its own theme: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music en All-Star SportsA tip if you're looking for budget-friendly options without losing the real Disney feeling. 

Disney's All-Star Music Resort is fun for true music lovers. You'll wander among gigantic instruments and decor inspired by rock 'n' roll, jazz, calypso, country, and Broadway. 

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort is a must for sports fans. You'll sleep among giant baseballs, surfboards, basketball courts, and other sporty eye-catchers—perfect for kids (and parents) with a healthy dose of team spirit.

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is a fun one for film fans. Everything here revolves around Disney classics such as Toy Story, Fantasy fabric en 101 DalmatiansYou literally sleep among your favorite characters, and everything is meticulously crafted.

Opening hours office Buses run from every All-Star Resort to Animal Kingdom and the other parks of Walt Disney World.

© Your Little Black Book

 | TIP: In this guide, I describe the best official Disney hotels, but there are also other hotels in the area in all price ranges. View them here >>

Also discover YLBB's other guides for Walt World Disney in Florida here:

• The ultimate food guide with the tastiest bites you must try in all the different parks at Walt Disney World >>
• Everything you need to know about Epcot >>
• The ultimate family guide to Magic Kingdom >>
• Go on safari and more at Animal Kingdom >>

© Your Little Black Book

© Your Little Black Book

© Your Little Black Book

© Your Little Black Book