We are always seeking out the best tips and tricks for your Disney World vacation! From testing park essentials to trying new services and hacks, we want to ensure you have the best vacation possible.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We are all for Disney World hacks that help make your vacation better, but there are a few hacks for Disney’s Animal Kingdom that are getting out of control. Let’s look at them so you don’t fall victim to them!
The first hack is rope dropping. Now, we talk a lot about rope dropping here at DFB, as it can be a great way to knock out some top-priority attractions right off the bat. However, rope drop at Animal Kingdom can be stressful and chaotic, especially if you are heading towards Pandora.
Flight of Passage Line
Most people head towards Flight of Passage or Na’vi River Jouney, and it can feel overwhelming with the crowds. You can always take this time to check out other attractions with super low waits (it is hard to beat an early morning safari!), explore the park, or sleep in a bit!
Flight of Passage Entrance
While rope drop can be a great time to knock out some attractions, you don’t want to start your day off on the wrong foot if you might get overwhelmed by the experience. You don’t NEED to rope drop the park to be able to enjoy your day!
Pandora
The next hack is making Animal Kingdom a half-day park. It can be helpful if you have a short trip and are trying to see as much as possible. But if you have the time for it, we think Animal Kingdom deserves more time. Animal Kingdom usually closes the earliest of all the parks, and many people plan for it to only be a half-day park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
However, we think you will get the most out of this park if you spend the whole day here. You can also take advantage of lower crowds in the afternoon/evening since many people park-hop to another park. However, double check the hours for the attractions as some may close earlier than the park; for example, Kilimanjaro Safaris closes at sunset! You can even use your leftover time in the evening once the park closes for a relaxing meal at a hotel or spend some time by the pool! Then you will be rested and ready for your next day at the Disney World parks.
An evening in Animal Kingdom
The final hack that has gotten out of control is entering through the Rainforest Cafe. Some people claim that this will save you time when entering the park, but most of the time, there are only a few scanners open to get in. You would likely save more time entering the park through the main entrance. When we were there recently, only one scanner was open, so it may not be the hack that people claim it to be.
Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom
While you are at Animal Kingdom, make sure to explore some of the more under-the-radar aspects of the park. Don’t miss out on the walking trails and various animal habitats. You can also head over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for an animation class and petting zoo. And definitely don’t forget to appreciate the beauty of the park and slow down a bit.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
At the end of the day, make sure you are planning the Disney World vacation that works best for you! If that involves rope dropping and leaving in the afternoon, go for it. But your day could also include having a leisurely morning and spending all day at Animal Kingdom. Choose what sounds best for your family!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Of course, we are here to help you every step of the way, and if you are working on planning your day at Animal Kingdom, make sure you check out our video that provides you with EVERYTHING you need to know about this park:
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The only hack I need for AK- and if anyone has one please share-is how to get reservations for Up Close with Rhinos. I think this is the hardest reservation to get in all of WDW.
Your favorite places to eat are Flame Tree BBQ and Yak and Yeti. At Flame Tree BBQ the BBQ is really good, but the best part is being able to go down by the river and eat in peace and quiet. We like Yak and Yeti for the curries.
Hope you get your reservation Paul. I know how it is. Trying and Trying for a special place then you finally get it and some D…. lets a bug loose and the world closes down. Now back at trying to get the reservation for my special place. Maybe next month. Good Luck
I agree that you can spend an entire day at AK. One thing that takes some time is a relaxing vsit to the Nomad Lounge – sit outside and enjoy the views, food and drinks! Try checking out the trails as AJ says and also attractions you might not have considered before – I am amazed how many people skip Feathered Friends of Flight (I think it was once Flights of Wonder), a really awesome experience (and funny too) with the people who work with the many different birds there. Besides, if eligible, you can visit AK the same day you plan to hop to MK on a day when MK has Extended Evening Hours and still have plenty of time in MK!
A cast member told us that the best time to go to Rafiki’s Planet Watch was first thing in the morning as that’s when the vets bring animals in for medical procedures. You can ask at guest services what procedures are booked in for that day. We have yet to try this, however, as we are no longer rope droppers. We like to sleep in and stay later.