15 Tips for Disney’s Animal Kingdom You’ve Never Heard Before

My team and I are in Disney World every single day to catch all of the latest updates — and that means we have some pretty secret tips that could change your vacation.

Of course, we’re chock full of good tips and you probably know the basics. Rope drop Pandora, eat at Nomad Lounge…you’ve heard it all before, right? Well here are 15 Disney’s Animal Kingdom tips you’ve never heard before!

If you don’t know the basics, check out my video about Animal Kingdom must dos right here!

Now let’s get to the tips!

1. Don’t eat dinner in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

Don’t get me wrong, Animal Kingdom has some amazing restaurants but those are better saved for lunch!

This park closes a lot earlier than the others on average so you can often take advantage of a full park day and still get dinner at a reasonable time elsewhere. That way you can explore more of Disney World and not use up valuable park time with a longer meal!

2. Animal Kingdom is better during the winter. 

Sure, all of the parks benefit from milder weather in the winter but Animal Kingdom has a very big plus in the cooler months.

Because the park has to close earlier for the animals’ benefit, it closes before the sun goes down in the summer months! Shorter winter days mean the park actually stays open past sundown so you can see Pandora at night and the Tree of Life projection shows!

3. There are tricks to enjoy It’s Tough to be a Bug even if you hate bugs. 

It’s Tough to be a Bug is a surprisingly scary A Bug’s Life show that tends to strike fear into the hearts of many a little one or anyone afraid of bugs and spiders.

If you are afraid though, follow these tips! Sit as far to the side of the theater as you can. That way you won’t be in the scary fog and spiders won’t drop directly above you. Also, lean forward from the back of your seat to avoid some not-so-pleasant effects.

4. Don’t eat at Restaurantosaurus…but do go inside anyway. 

Restaurantosaurus is a quick service restaurant in Dinoland U.S.A. This spot is not where you want to stop for a meal as the food is a bit lackluster.

But it is a great spot to stop for water as they have soda fountains with cool water to fill up water bottles or free water cups. And the theming in here is pretty spectacular. The idea is that students on a geological dig have been staying at this spot and they’ve left their own personal touches (including chairs and cans on the roof!).

5. Try the Pancake Sandwich! 

Recently, Animal Kingdom introduced a new breakfast item with the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich made with Sausage, Guava Paste, Egg, and Cheese.

It’s $8.99 and can be found at locations around Animal Kingdom. You can even get it without the guava if you’d prefer! We loved this eat and think it’s a great grab-and-go way to start your day.

6. You can request more dressing at Satu’li Canteen for free. 

We often recommend a meal at Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen. In fact, it’s regularly rated the best quick service in Disney World by our team!

The create-your-own bowls come with a dressing of your choice but you typically only get one serving and kid’s bowls don’t come with dressing at all. But, you can request extra dressing free of charge so you could try a few different ones or just make sure you have as much as you needed.

7. You can meet a famous pig in Rafiki’s Planet Watch. 

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an out of the way land about a mile from the rest of Animal Kingdom. You have to take a train to get there, but it can be well worth the journey.

There are some cool exhibits, a drawing class, and a petting zoo. The coolest part of the petting zoo is that one of the pigs that you can pet is the very same pig that animators observed to design Pua in Moana — but she’s a whole lot bigger now!

8. Sit on the left on Kilimanjaro Safaris. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic ride where you’ll see amazing views of animals every time. But the seats are not all created equal.

Sit on the left for more animal views — especially the lions! And we recommend putting littles toward that side so it’s easier for them to see.

9. The best bathrooms are by Theater in the Wild IF you time it right.

A private bathroom is a great bathroom in my book, and you can find very private and large bathrooms by Theater in the Wild between Dinoland U.S.A. and Asia.

The catch? You need to time it right. If Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! is about to start or just let out, these bathrooms will be very busy!

10. Walk in the exit of It’s Tough to be a Bug.

This is probably one of the only times you’ll hear us telling you to enter the exit of an attraction, but the exit path of It’s Tough to be a Bug hides a few secrets.

This path leads to one of the best views of the Tree of Life as well as Discovery River and a secret waterfall! It’s well worth the stroll for some pictures and sightseeing and can even make a great shortcut between the sides of Discovery Island.

11. Don’t take pictures in front of the Tree of Life. 

Speaking of the Tree of Life, don’t take pictures in front of it! You’ll see tons of families and Disney photographers positioned to take photos in this crowded area but you should do differently.

Head behind the tree, whether on the Tree of Life trails or on the path between Africa and Asia for some beautiful, people-free photos!

12. Move on from the gorillas. 

If you’re exploring Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, you’ll likely find yourself paused at the first sign of gorillas you see — and I don’t blame you! The gorilla window often lets you see a whole family (including little babies!) up close!

But, don’t think that will be your last chance to see the gorillas. If you move on, you’ll escape the crowds and get views of the sweeping gorilla exhibit where you can often see the little ones playing. I even saw one 40 feet up in a tree once!

13. Drink POG juice! 

This is a major one for me. POG juice is a Disney World favorite made from a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava juice. You can find it in Animal Kingdom, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. So, it’s a little hard to find!

Make sure to try some at Tusker House, in an alcoholic drink at Dawa Bar, or in a drink that can come spiked or not at Harambe Market!

14. “Rope drop” Moana and Nomad Lounge. 

Typically when we talk about rope drop, we mean heading to rides right when the park opens, but I’m going to use the term a little differently here. You should head to Moana and Nomad Lounge right when they open if they are a must-do!

Moana’s line can get hours long and if it rains, she won’t come out so be sure to be in line 15 minutes before her first appearance. Nomad Lounge is incredbily popular as well, so guarantee a spot by being there right when it opens!

15. You can bring food and drink into Flights of Wonder. 

One of my favorite shows in Animal Kingdom is Flights of Wonder, where you can see birds doing a variety of spectacular tricks. It’s a wonderful show and one that gives you a nice break in the shade.

You might be surprised, but you can bring food and drink into this show — even with the animals! Watching a bird untie a shoelace is even more fun with a cool drink in your hand.

Keep an eye on AllEars.Net for more Disney tips!

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What do you think of these tips? Tell us in the comments! 

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