Long before 1998, Walt Disney had an idea inspired by his travels throughout Africa and South America to build a ride in which guests would be able to see different animals in a boat excursion. Disneyland did not have the capacity or land mass required to take on the responsibility it would require to have animals on-site, and so the idea was altered to be what we now know as the Jungle Cruise in Disneyland and Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Decades later, shortly after the opening of Disney-MGM Studios, Disney began planning for a fourth park to be created in their Florida location. Imagineering legend Joe Rohde presented the idea of an animal-themed park, and when given the green light would travel across Asia and Africa with his team to develop what would become the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres and costing nearly $1 billion to complete. Originally the park was to showcase animals of the present (Africa and Asia), the past (DinoLand) and the mythical (Beastly Kingdom). Yet, this last name never came to fruition due to overruns in the budget. On Earth Day, April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom would open to the public, and besides a few touches in promotional posters and props at the front gate, the park wouldn’t see anything resembling the idea behind Beastly Kingdom until 2017 when Pandora – the World of Avatar opened. This would be open of the largest expansions Disney had ever done up until that point.
Today, while most people can agree they visit the largest theme park in Disney World to get up close and personal with some of the most mesmerizing animals in the world, it’s definitely not the only reason. Along with elephants, lions and gorillas, Animal Kingdom is also home to some of Disney’s best attractions – from heartwarming musicals to edge of your seat thrill rides, there truly is something for everyone at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, only one attraction at Animal Kingdom can be considered the best of the best, and we here at Frozen Mouse Fever aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers.
Before we jump in, let’s be clear, as always per other ranking rules, nighttime spectaculars like the Tree of Life Awakening, streetmosphere like Harambe Village Acrobats, playgrounds for kids like the Boneyard and the exhibits and animal trails like Gorilla Falls Exploration are not included.
Now without further ado, let’s get wild!
12. TriceraTop Spin
Apologies to my Dino-loving friends, but Dinoland USA is cute and quaint but just not my vibe compared to the rest of the park. It just feels so mundane compared to the gloriousness of Africa, Asia and Discovery Island. While TriceraTop Spin is sweet, it doesn’t have the same classic factor as Dumbo, and because of that it comes across as just another run of the mill aerial carousel. Sorry, Triceratops – you’re still my favourite dinosaur!
11. Feathered Friends in Flight
Full disclosure while I consider myself an animal lover, I have a strange fear and distrust of most birds not including ducks and penguins. That probably has something to do with my dislike of this show. It’s definitely a fun time, especially for kids to learn facts about different birds, see some of them perform tricks and even have them fly over your head (okay that’s actually the scary part). All in all, it is an okay show, especially if you are looking for some downtime to take a seat, but if you only have a limited time at Animal Kingdom, then don’t waste it here.
10. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Sure, It’s Tough to be a Bug! seems cute and all, and it is for a long period of time. A 3D film located in the heart of the Tree of Life, what’s not to love? Well, that bee sting on your butt ain’t pleasant and then the spiders rain down on you and you discover an inner fear of fake spiders you never knew you had (I’ve been to the Amazon and am totally chill around actual tarantulas but something about these fake spiders are terrifying). In all seriousness, while this does have some underrated scary moments (no one agrees with me on this, but I digress), it is a simple, fun ride that let’s you escape from the Florida heat and hustle and bustle of the parks for 9 air conditioned minutes. But let’s be real, I’m probably never doing it again.
9. DINOSAUR
Again, sorry Dino-lovers, but this ride is seriously way too jerky and terrifying! If you’re looking for a comfortable dark ride, this is not the one for you. Pushed and pulled in so many different directions in complete darkness is rarely fun but add in the haunted house with Dinosaurs factor, and you basically have the scariest ride in Disney World. To be fair, this writers eyes were closed for like 1/3 of the ride (it’s called survival) both times I’ve been on it, so like I didn’t get the full experience but what I did experience is enough for me. Sorry, DINOSAUR but I’ll be sticking with Jurassic Park from here on out.
8. Kali River Rapids
Who doesn’t love getting soaked? My younger self adored Kali River Rapids, especially in the Florida heat when a cool down is much needed. However, as I get older, the idea of walking around the park wet isn’t as fun as it used to feel. Kali has a slight edge over other rafting rides because of the beautiful theming of Asian culture, nature and architecture in the queue. The ride itself lacks some of that theming, and while you you plummet down a 20-foot slope provides a thrill, it does feel like there should be more to come when it ends. It’s a good attraction to do on a hot day or end of your time at the park, but don’t make it a priority unless your obsessed with water rides.
7. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
Prior to the pandemic, I considered Finding Nemo: The Musical to be one of the best daytime stage shows at Disney World. It gave you a taste of what you can expect from a Disney produced Broadway show and did such a great job of retelling the beloved “Finding Nemo” film in a unique way. Now, since it’s return to the Theater in the Wild, the show has been shortened and it has lost some of its magic. While the masterful puppetry remains and the special effects are still cool, the feel is very much in tune with other theme park shows. It’s an abridged retelling of the movie with a couple of songs that feels rushed and lacking in the emotion it once had. It’s still a great show to take the time to see, but it’s hard to see a great show diminished for no good reason.
6. Na’Vi River Journey
Dark rides are such a personal joy of mine and this has to be one of the most artistically stunning dark rides in Disney World. From the moment you enter the Na’Vi river boats you immediately feel a sense of tranquility and that tranquil feeling continues as you glide through caves and a bioluminescent rainforest. There is something new to see out of every corner of your eye from exotic plants to wildlife, and the Na’Vi Shaman of Songs is arguably the most impressive animatronic to exist in all the parks, with such fluid motions it wouldn’t be surprising to think it’s a real life actor for a split second. It’s a little too short for the long line it often entails and frankly could use a couple more animatronics to spice it up, but it’s certainly accomplishes its goal of being a pleasing visual experience.
5. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Am I cheating by combining an entire land as one attraction? Probably yes, but Rafiki’s feels like one big attraction with multiple experiences all in one as soon as you board the Wildlife Express Train. On this train, themed to a old timey train you might find in certain parts of Africa, guests get a sneak peak at some of backstage facilities and animals hanging around there. Once you step off, you also get to learn about conservation from the experts and see some more BTS of the animal care facilities, before taking part in an Animation Class, drawing a classic Disney animal as taught you by an expert animator. Lastly, and most importantly, you get to pet and hug some animals including goats and pigs. It’s an underrated gem of an area that is an attraction of its own that more people need to see.
4. Festival of the Lion King
“The Lion King” is one of my favourite Disney movies of all-time, and this show is so much fun! Interactive, audience participation shows usually aren’t my cup of tea but the Festival of The Lion King make it work. What this show does best is it doesn’t try to match the art and wow-factor of the Broadway musical or try to re-tell the story. Instead it takes the spectacular theatrics and classic songs from the film and incorporates them into a colourful and vibrant circus act. It’s everything you’d expect and want from a Disney World show – entertainment (in the air condition) from start to finish with an unlimited ray of talent from every performer.
3. Avatar Flight of Passage
Sometimes attractions are hyped up so much that there is no way for them not to be slightly disappointing, especially when waiting in line for nearly an hour. However there is just too much greatness going for this ride it’s hard not to love it all. Immediately the interactive elements of the queue grab your attention as it is so well themed that even non-“Avatar” fans like myself can appreciate every detail. Although the seats were a tad uncomfortable, once the simulation starts, you are instantly immersed in the excitement of riding on the back of a banshee, with every twist, turn and drop feeling very real and extremely thrilling. Unlike Na’vi River Journey, it’s also a longer attraction, making the wait feel worth it, and encapsulates the beauty and excitement of Pandora in one epic adventure.
2. Expedition Everest
Besides the Tree of Life and the animals themselves, Expedition Everest is the ride Animal Kingdom is best known for. The beautifully designed Mount Everest is a sight to be seen, and despite the fact that the Yeti has been incapable of moving for many years now, (Disco Yeti!) the ride still manages to build up the anticipation of your impending meeting with the snow monster as soon as you hop on the coaster. Of course, what throws everyone for a loop is when you approach that broken track, riding a roller coaster backwards is an experience no one is ever prepared for. Even without a functioning Yeti, it’s still arguably the most well-themed roller coaster in all of Walt Disney World, and made this writer a newfound fan of coasters which I could never have said beforehand.
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Were you expecting any other attraction to top this list? No matter what else is built at Animal Kingdom, in the end the animals will always be the main reason to visit. Unless you actually visit East Africa, you won’t find a safari experience as intimate and immersive as Kilimanjaro Safaris. The expert guides are super knowledgeable and make sure passengers see as many animals as they can on their trek across the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Out of all the attractions at Animal Kingdom this is one that you can ride multiple times a day and have a completely unique experience each and every time. It’s a Wild Adventure you’ll never forget and will always be the go-to reason to visit Animal Kingdom.
What’s your favourite ride or attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels and make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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