Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is where towering rollercoasters meet real-life safaris, and where a 3D flight over an alien world sits just a short walk from gorillas, tigers and free-roaming birds. It's the most nature-led of the four parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and it's every bit as thrilling as its neighbours.
We’ve pulled together our hand-picked top picks for 2026, covering the headline thrill rides, the best family adventures, the experiences little ones will love, and the shows worth building your day around.
Quick summary:
- Avatar Flight of Passage - a breathtaking simulator ride over Pandora, and the park's most in-demand attraction
- Kilimanjaro Safaris - an open-sided truck safari through a real African savannah, with no height restriction
- Expedition Everest™ - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain - the park's tallest rollercoaster, complete with a Yeti
- Na'vi River Journey - a gentle, glowing boat ride through a bioluminescent rainforest
- Kali River Rapids - a white-water raft adventure that's guaranteed to leave you drenched
- Festival of the Lion King - a spectacular stage show widely rated as one of the best in all of Walt Disney World Resort
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! - a brand-new 3D show inside the Tree of Life
- Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station - an interactive experience for younger fans, new for 2026
What’s new at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2026?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in the middle of an exciting transformation. DinoLand U.S.A. and its headline ride permanently closed in February 2026, making way for Tropical Americas, a new 11-acre land inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones that's due to open in 2027. Because of this, the park currently has fewer rides than usual, so we'd recommend prioritising the headliners below early in your day.
There's also a lot to be excited about. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opened inside the Tree of Life theatre in late 2025, bringing Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to life in a high-energy 3D show. And over at Rafiki's Planet Watch, Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station opened in May 2026, giving younger guests the chance to dance and play games with Bluey and Bingo, alongside a new Australian-themed animal habitat.
For thrill-seekers
Disney’s Animal Kingdom might be known for its wildlife, but it holds its own when it comes to thrills too. Here are the rides we'd recommend for anyone chasing an adrenaline rush.
Avatar Flight of Passage
We're starting with the ride widely considered Disney's most impressive piece of imagineering: Avatar Flight of Passage. You'll walk through Pandora - The World of Avatar before being transformed into an Avatar to fly on the back of a banshee, soaring over glowing cliffs and waterfalls in astonishingly lifelike 3D. You don't need to have seen the film to be blown away by it. Riders must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall, and this is consistently the busiest attraction in the park, so we'd suggest riding first thing or booking it as your priority Lightning Lane selection.
Expedition Everest™ - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Set in Asia, Expedition Everest™ - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. Board a steam train on an expedition to find the Yeti guarding the forbidden mountain, then hold on as your journey takes an unexpected turn, including a thrilling backwards section in complete darkness. It's a brilliant coaster for guests who don't want to go upside down, though it certainly has a surprise or two in store. Riders must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall.
Kali River Rapids
Need cooling off after a few hours in the Florida sun? Kali River Rapids is Disney's Animal Kingdom's white-water raft adventure, taking you through lush jungle scenery, past gushing waterfalls, before a sudden drop leaves everyone soaked. Riders must be at least 38 inches (97 cm) tall.
Top tip: Pack a waterproof poncho if you'd rather stay dry.
For family adventures
With plenty of experiences that appeal across the age range, these are the rides we'd point every family towards.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris is as close as most of us will get to a real African safari. Climb aboard an open-sided truck for an 18-minute journey through a recreated savannah, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos and more. There's no height requirement, and because the animals roam freely, no two rides are ever quite the same.
Top tip: Ride early in the morning, when the animals tend to be at their most active.
Na'vi River Journey
The second attraction inside Pandora - The World of Avatar, Na'vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride through a glowing, bioluminescent rainforest. Along the way you'll spot some of the most lifelike animatronics in any Disney park, including the cc. It's a beautifully calm way to take a break from the Florida heat, with no height restriction, making it a great pick for guests of every age.
For little explorers
Disney's Animal Kingdom has plenty to keep younger guests entertained beyond the headline rides.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
This self-guided walking trail winds through the Pangani Forest, where families can spot gorillas, meerkats, hippos and exotic birds at their own pace. It's a lovely spot to slow down and let little ones explore.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Housed inside the iconic Tree of Life, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is a high-energy 3D show starring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and friends as they celebrate Zoogether Day. Expect music, comedy and some brilliant in-theatre effects.
Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station
New for 2026, Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station invites younger fans to dance, play games and meet Bluey and Bingo. It's reached by boarding the Wildlife Express Train from Africa, which is a fun mini-adventure in itself, and the area also includes a new Australian-themed animal habitat.
Shows and live entertainment worth building your day around
Some of the best experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom aren't rides at all.
Festival of the Lion King
Widely rated as one of the best stage shows across all of Walt Disney World Resort, Festival of the Lion King combines acrobatics, fire performers and songs from the film for a genuinely spectacular half hour. We'd recommend arriving early to secure a good seat.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!
This beautifully staged musical brings Marlin and Nemo's story to life with large-scale puppetry and a memorable score. It's a great way to rest your feet in the middle of the day.
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Held in the open-air Anandapur Theatre in Asia, Feathered Friends in Flight! introduces guests to the park's free-flying birds, hosted by Disney's own animal behaviour specialists. It's informative, entertaining and a favourite with animal lovers of every age.
Disney's Animal Kingdom attractions at a glance
Attraction | Type | Height requirement | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|---|
Avatar Flight of Passage | 3D flight simulator | 44 in / 112 cm | First thing in the morning or last hour before close |
Kilimanjaro Safaris | Open-air truck safari | None | Early morning, when animals are most active |
Expedition Everest™ - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain | Rollercoaster | 44 in / 112 cm | Late afternoon |
Na'vi River Journey | Boat ride | None | Mid-morning or evening |
Kali River Rapids | White-water raft ride | 38 in / 97 cm | Midday, to cool off |
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! | 3D show | None | Anytime, indoor and air-conditioned |
Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station | Interactive experience | None | Check the My Disney Experience app for virtual queue times |
Ready to plan your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
From soaring banshees to sleepy river cruises, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences for every kind of traveller. For everything you need to know before you go, take a look at our Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park guide, or head straight to our Disney's Animal Kingdom tickets to start planning your visit with AttractionTickets.com.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to DinoLand U.S.A. and the DINOSAUR ride?
DinoLand U.S.A. and the DINOSAUR ride permanently closed in February 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas, a new land inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, due to open in 2027.
What is the best ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
Avatar Flight of Passage is generally considered the park's flagship attraction, closely followed by Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest™ - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
Is there a height requirement for Kilimanjaro Safaris or Na'vi River Journey?
No, both attractions have no height restriction, making them a great choice for guests of any age.
Will I get wet on Kali River Rapids?
Yes, it's likely. We'd recommend a waterproof poncho if you'd rather stay dry, especially if you're planning to ride again afterwards.
Age and height restrictions may apply to some attractions. ©Disney. TM & © 20th Century Fox.
