Ten Overlooked Experiences at Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is often seen as a half day park, but there is certainly enough to see and do to keep you there until the park closes! And while the main draws of the park, like Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris, are amazing and should most definitely be part of your trip , there is also so much more to do. Consider adding one of these amazing experiences to your next trip!

Here are the top ten overlooked experiences at Animal Kingdom.

• Pocahontas – This is the one and only place that you can meet Disney Princess and often times and opportunity to do so is overlooked.

• Wilderness Explorers – I think that many people walk right past this experience because they think that it is just for kids or people with kids. It is a great time for kids, but it is a lot of fun for adults, too! On our family trip last year my son was 7 months old, and while he was all smiles the whole trip, he couldn’t do any of the activities and even slept some of the time while made our way around the park. My husband and I had a lot of fun completing all of the tasks and learning new things. You should try this out with, or without, kids and begin your quest to become Senior Wilderness Explorers.

• Discovery Island Trails – Did you know that you can get up close with parts of the Tree of Life? That’s right! There are trails around the tree that give you the opportunity to get a better look at all of the amazing animal carvings and to try to find the hidden Mickeys! It is also a great spot to get away from the crowds and to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful scenery.

• Finding Nemo the Musical – Almost everyone knows about The Festival of the Lion King, and it is an amazing show that is worth your time. But there is also another musical in the park and it features your favorite fish friends from Finding Nemo!

• Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery – This little shop doesn’t look like more than a hole in the wall, which is what it is, but it has some great eats to offer. Stop by for pastries and wraps for breakfast, and sandwiches, cookies, and cupcakes in the late morning and afternoon. It is worth a stop and maybe even a snack credit. Also if you get a chance drop by Zuri’s Sweets Shop for some fudge, candy apple or a cookie!

• Music – Amazing authentic and ethnic entertainment like the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, Gi-Tar Dan, Burudika, and Chakranadi can be seen and heard throughout the parks. We’ve all seen them and enjoyed a brief few seconds of music as we make our way to the next attraction, but why not stop and watch for a while!

• Boneyard – Are you looking for a place to let your kids run around for a while? Well this is it! Head on over to DinoLand U.S.A. for a HUGE playground that celebrates dinosaurs and digging for fossils. There are slides, bridges, and even a huge sand pit where you can practice your digging.

• Tours – Animal Kingdom also offers two behind the scenes tours. They cost extra and need to be reserved in advance, but they are worth it. Go on a special safari, walk over wooden bridges over wild animals, and enjoy a lunch on the Wild Africa Trek. Or see how all of the animals in Animal Kingdom are taken care of on the Backstage Tales tour.

• Affection Section – Take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, check all that there is to see and do inside Conservation Station, but don’t forget about Affection Section while you’re there. Here you can get up close and personal with barnyard type animals like goats, sheep, and pigs in a petting zoo like setting.

• Restaurantosaurus – Located in DinoLand U.S.A. this quick service eatery offers guests a unique place to dine. Restaurantosaurus is the dorm of paleontology students that are on a dig. There is a lot to see inside, including an airstream. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or a chicken BLT salad while you take a break from your fossil hunting.

Have you tried any of these experiences? Which one do you plan on adding to your next trip? Let us know in the comments!

My name is Miriya Whitaker, I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel, and writer for Chip and Co and Disney Addicts, and I love trying something new on each of my Disney World trips! I would be happy to help you plan your next magical vacation. Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com to start planning and follow me on Facebook for more Disney and travel information

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