Welcome to Walt Disney World, where the Disney magic is real and around every corner. If you’re a Wilderness Explorer looking for some fresh air combined with theme park entertainment, we’ve given you a FastPass to the best outdoor activities at Animal Kingdom.
When you’re done with the park, be sure to stop by Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where more wild experiences reside. Read below for our favorite park experiences and further outdoor recommendations for other Disney Parks.
Best Outdoor Activities at Animal Kingdom
While Disney’s Animal Kingdom is, for the most part, an outdoor experience with the animals, you will want to avoid attractions like Na’vi River Journey, Flight of Passage, or Finding Nemo the Musical if you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors. Many of these queues or rides are held inside large buildings. Disney fans can instead, enjoy this park’s animal-attraction based things to do and breathe deep! These are our favorite outdoor activities at Animal Kingdom!
Oasis & Discovery Island
Entrance Oasis Exhibits – These welcoming exhibits are hiding in the foliage, among waterfalls, streams, and fascinating creatures of the Earth. Stroll past a giant anteater, wallabies, and spoonbills!
Tree of Life Examination – Spend a few minutes standing at the base of the Tree of Life, and you’ll see more art carvings than you’ve ever seen. See which member of your family can find the most animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Discovery Island Trails – “Stroll tranquil pathways around the Tree of Life and discover a lush landscape brimming with wildlife.” Even Disney agrees with us… these quiet pathways are seldom crowded and provide so many Beautiful vistas and looks at animals. Did you know there was an Otter pool at the foot of the tree?
Wilderness Explorers Program – This free scavenger hunt is also educational! Learn about the creatures, plants, and wonders of the world as you fill your scout book with stickers and achievements. Inspired by the movie UP!, you’ll feel just like Russell, a real Wilderness Explorer.
Pandora
Petting the Giant Pandora Pod Plant – When you cross into Pandora from Discovery Island, you’ll see a larger than life Pod plant. Find it’s glowing pink panel and drum on it. After a few moments, the pod plant will spit onto unsuspecting Disney fans passing by!
Satu’li Canteen Patio – A lovely place to sit in the park, the Satu’li Canteen has great food and a very shady place to sit. Restrooms are nearby.
Finding DeVine – After journeying on another planet, cross into Africa on the back path. It’s long a winding, but be sure to look up and around. DeVine could be posing near you… she’s great at camouflage!
Africa
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Take a ride on the wild side and explore the great animals on this 110-acre jeep vehicle ride while a Cast Member provides facts about the animals you’ll see as well as conservation tips.
Harambe Village – This detailed recreation of a village was designed by Joe Rohde, famed Disney Imagineer. Discover Rohde’s vision for the Disney Park, and marvel at all the small details, the beautiful music performers, and more before you journey to your personal Kilimanjaro Safari.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – Explore the dense tropical forest where native African wildlife lives, including the likes of Silverback gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds.
Conservation Station
Wildlife Express Train – Rushing air is fantastic on a hot day, as you ride in the shade on this train. You’ll cross rustic lands with behind the scenes looks at animals as you cross to Conservation Station from Harambe village on your Disney vacation.
Animal Kingdom Affection Section Petting Zoo – Currently unavailable for petting, this fun animal zoo is look-only. You’ll see all sorts of friendly farm animals and be able to ask Cast Members about their care, cuisine, and characteristics.
Asia
UP! Great Bird Adventure / Flights of Wonder Bird Show / Feathered Friends in Flight – The show of many names and even more script rewrites lives here in Asia. The showcasing of birds is a marvel, but the additions can feel cumbersome. At least you’re in the great outdoors!
Expedition Everest – This thrilling coaster, inspired by Mt. Everest, explores the mystery of the Yeti and a tea train into the mountains. While a portion of the coaster is sheltered, it’s still outdoors and rushes through quickly. It’s advised to use a Fastpass on this ride in order to limit your time indoors.
Lion-tailed Macaque Exhibit – Flying high near the Maharajah Jungle Trek, these monkeys will often call out to each other as the day goes on. Morning vocals are great during the morning meal in cool weather! Listen to them and watch them climb high over your head!
Maharajah Jungle Trek – Winding outdoor trails lead you on a wild trek of tigers and other wild animals. Our favorite room houses bats!
Kali River Rapids – There is no ride that will result in a wetter journey. Change your shoes before setting out on a “thrilling whitewater adventure through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia.” – WDW website.
Anandapur Village – The village that winds through Asia has just as man details (if not more) than Harambe village. Find your way with the backpackers and listen to the sounds of nature.
Dinoland U.S.A.
TriceraTop Spin – Take the Tri by the horns and soar above the parking lot in this classic fair ride. Suitable for all ages, it’s an easy family favorite with an outdoor queue.
Dinoland USA Fair Games – all along Dinoland U.S.A.’s lot are classic fair games and align with the popup attraction theme in Dinoland. All the games are outside, but are a small upcharge. It’s fun to compete in a few of them as a family!
When you’re ready to park hop, be sure to read up on our guide on the best outdoor activities at Magic Kingdom, where we’ve broken it down by land and given you some seldom-seen tips to have fun in this iconic Disney theme park. You can also catch the best outdoor things to do at EPCOT. Stay tuned for the best outdoor activities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as we wander around the Walt Disney World Resort!
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