Why Animal Kingdom is the Most Underrated Walt Disney World Theme Park
By Kate Cohen
Orlando is home to four unique and immersive Walt Disney World theme parks.
Magic Kingdom has the quintessential Disney World charm. EPCOT is known for its international flair and popular festivals. Hollywood Studios has Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, among other big-name draws.
But Animal Kingdom, Disney’s “newest” theme park (circa 1998), can often be overlooked when it comes to planning vacation itineraries.
However, Animal Kingdom is one of the more underrated Walt Disney World theme parks. With vibrant entertainment, unique immersive exhibits, and thousands of animal residents, a visit to this theme park is absolutely worth working into your itinerary.
Here are a few reasons why we believe Animal Kingdom is the most underrated Disney World theme park.
Key Takeaways
- Entertaining and Air-Conditioned Shows
- Exciting Animals
- New Attractions and Park Updates
- Character Meet and Greets and Character Dining
- Pandora - The World of Avatar
- Stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel
Entertaining and Air-Conditioned Shows
When the Orlando heat starts to get intense, take a break and enjoy an air-conditioned show while you rest your feet.
Animal Kingdom has arguably some of the best indoor live entertainment of all the Walt Disney World theme parks.
In Africa, you’ll find Festival of the Lion King (affectionately known as “FOLK”), a bright performance featuring your favorite Lion King characters, incredible acrobatics, daring fire dancing, and of course, your favorite music from the classic Disney film.
Over near what was formerly DinoLand U.S.A., you'll find Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!, an original musical based on Disney and Pixar’s film Finding Nemo.
Spectacular puppetry, choreography, and aerial stunts bring a familiar underwater world to life. You’ll be dancing in your seat along to fan favorite songs like “In the Big Blue World,” “Just Keep Swimming,” and “Go with the Flow.”
Exciting Animals
Animal Kingdom is home to over 5,000 animals and more than 300 species, making it a great place to learn and explore the wonders of our planet’s diverse inhabitants.
The theme park has several geographically themed areas and attractions that invite guests to observe animals from around the world.
The most popular way to encounter Animal Kingdom’s furry, feathered, and scaly residents is the Kilimanjaro Safaris, a guided open-air vehicle tour of a lush African savannah.
On the ride, you’ll be immersed in over 110 acres of rich, rugged habitat with giraffes, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, elephants, and lions. Each animal has a mind of its own, so you never know what you might see as you ride through the African landscapes.
Animal Kingdom also has several self-guided walking tours through meticulously themed exhibits.
Journey along Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa, where you’ll find creatures like curious meerkats, graceful Grevy’s zebras, and of course, a majestic troop of western lowland gorillas.
In Asia, you can explore the Maharajah Jungle Trek, home to playful tigers, gibbons, Komodo dragons, water buffalo, and many more incredible animals.
Surrounding the Tree of Life, you’ll find Discovery Island Trails, a lush landscape that’s home to species like the red kangaroo, Asian small-clawed otter, ring-tailed lemur, West African crowned crane, and more.
Guests are invited to take the Wildlife Express Train for a short ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, full of animal-themed activities that teach about conservation methods, veterinary treatments, a nutrition center, and more.
Each unique animal encounter at Animal Kingdom offers a high-quality zoo-like experience perfect for mixing up a day at the theme parks.
New Attractions and Park Updates
Some big changes are coming to Animal Kingdom, and many of them are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
The newest attraction is Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, located in Discovery Island. Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in a brand-new 4D show at the Tree of Life Theatre (formerly home to It's Tough to be a Bug!).
Open as of early November 2024, the movie features special performances and an epic musical finale featuring all your favorite Zootopia characters.
But Zootopia isn’t the only fan favorite coming to Animal Kingdom.
Bluey and Bingo from the smash hit show Bluey are coming to Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom in summer 2026.
In addition to long-awaited character meet-and-greets, guests will also be able to play games like “Keepy Uppy” and encounter unique Australian animals.
Finally, the antiquated (albeit beloved) DinoLand U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom is being reimagined as Peublo Esperanza, a new land themed around the Tropical Americas.
Pueblo Esperanza will span 11 acres, and features characters and settings from Encanto and the popular Indiana Jones franchise.
Disney has announced the area will include an Encanto-themed ride through Casita Madrigal, as well as an Indiana Jones-themed attraction taking over the old Dinosaur ride building.
Pueblo Esperanza will open sometime in 2027.
Character Meet and Greets and Character Dining
At Animal Kingdom, you can meet some of Disney’s most classic characters, as well as some unique new faces, too.
At Adventurers Outpost, visitors can meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse together in their finest safari gear. Pluto can be found greeting guests along the west side of the Oasis Trails, and Safari Goofy is typically posing in explorer gear near Harambe.
New to Animal Kingdom are Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, hanging out at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot.
Pocahontas, Moana, and Dug & Russell from Up also make appearances from time to time throughout the theme park. Also from Up, Kevin the giant brightly colored bird pops up every now and again for a non-traditional meet-and-greet, interacting with guests as she meanders pathways.
Animal Kingdom is home to Tusker House, an interactive and immersive character dining experience that serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with bold African flavors.
Throughout your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy dressed in their Safari best.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
While the majority of Animal Kingdom is dedicated to exploring and preserving our beautiful planet and the amazing creatures who call it home, one unique area intrigues the imagination with a world of fantasy.
Inspired by the sensational Avatar film franchise, Pandora transports guests to a lush and magical landscape home to the ancient Na’vi race.
Here, you’ll find the incredible Avatar Flight of Passage ride, where you’ll ride atop a winged mountain banshee for “a breathtaking 3D flight over Pandora’s otherworldly landscape.”
The Na’vi River Journey is a beautiful boat ride that takes visitors deep into a bioluminescent rainforest where the legendary Na’vi Shaman of Songs comes to live amidst exotic plants and creatures.
Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen is also the perfect pit-stop for hungry and thirsty travelers, featuring international flavors and a fresh, fast-casual menu.
Stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, meaning we’ve received the stamp of approval from the leading experts in hospitality: Walt Disney World.
When you stay at our hotel, you’ll be welcomed and cared for by our outstanding staff. Rest and relax in clean and spacious accommodations equipped with comfortable beds ideal for a good night’s sleep.
Our onsite dining ensures you always have a delicious, balanced meal to start – or end – your day. Plus, kids under 5 eat for free with each paying adult.
Taking a day off from exploring the theme parks? Spend some time lounging by one of our beautiful swimming pools, or playing with your little ones in Ozzie’s Splash Zone, our onsite splash pad.
Conveniently located near all four Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as Orlando’s other premier entertainment and attractions, Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista offers comfort and convenience without sacrificing your budget.
We look forward to hosting you on your next Orlando vacation.