Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – it’s time for your holiday to get really wild
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is spread across 580 acres, making it the largest theme park in the world, so make sure you’ve got comfy shoes on for this one. It’s part of the huge Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida.
Because there are live animals at the Park, it’s been set up a little differently from other Theme Parks. It’s well away from the noise and bustle of the rest of the Resort, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park attractions are designed to be quieter and less intrusive. You can see animals that are on the brink of extinction in the wild, and the efforts being made to protect them.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park rides and attractions
As with all Disney Parks, there’s plenty of food and drink on offer, from character dining with Donald Duck at Tusker House Restaurant to the wonderful Anandapur ice cream truck in Asia. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Satu’li Canteen, found at Pandora – The World of AVATAR to enjoy healthful dishes all while indulging in the culture of the Na’vi.Another one of our favourites is the Flame Tree Barbecue in Discovery Island for their genuinely amazing pulled pork buns – a tasty treat not to be missed!
Hotels near to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney's All Star Resorts
What could be better than three resorts in one? Disney's All-Star Resorts has movies, music and sports, so there really is something for everyone! Each resort has its own pools and themed activities going on, so you'll always be spoilt for choice.
If Animal Kingdom is your favourite park, then this will surely be your favourite Disney hotel! From restaurants, viewing platforms, and possibly even your room, you can watch zebra, giraffes and gazelles roam free and graze in their natural environments.
Sat on the lakeside, Disney's Coronado Springs will treat you to relaxed vibes, as well as fun for all the family. Little ones (and big kids!) will love the huge waterslide, and be sure to catch a movie under the stars when the night rolls in.
Getting in and around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park is part of the huge Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Fly into Orlando International Airport, and either rent a car at the airport or if you’re staying at one of the Disney Resort Hotels hop onto Disney’s Magical Express, a complimentary ride that takes you from the airport to your hotel. Pack comfy shoes, because you’ll probably do a lot of walking during your visit.
Once you’ve arrived, there are two main ways to get to the Park:
By bus: Buses to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park run from all across the Resort, as well as from the other Disney Parks. Depending on where you’re staying, the journey can take from five minutes to half an hour.
By car: If you’ve hired a car then you can drive to the Park. There are several parking lots, and it’ll cost you from around $25 (depending on the size of your vehicle) for the day to park. Disabled parking is closer to the main gates
Walt Disney World Resort Tickets
Our advice is to go for the only ticket you’ll need for your trip – Disney’sMagic Ticket*. Choose from 7 or 14 day passes that give you access to not just Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, but other parks and attractions too, including:
Access to ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and one round of miniature golf per day.
Disney’sUltimate Tickets also include Memory Maker**, where you get unlimited digital downloads of your Walt Disney World holiday photos, and the new complimentary digital service Disney Genie, which lets you create your best Disney Park day with a recommended personal itinerary based on your own attraction and dining interests.
Getting around the Park itself is done mainly on foot. Download a map onto your phone or pick one up as you enter the Park. Our top tip is to go online and download the My Disney Experience app **. That way you get to see all your favourite attractions without walking further than you need to.
1 Disney’s 7-Day Magic Tickets expire 15 days from the first day of use and Disney’s 14-Day Magic Tickets expire 18 days from the first day of use. For child tickets, children must beaged 3-9 at the time of use.
2 Water Parks subject to seasonal and weather closures.
3 Greens fee only; subject to availability and tee time reservations required — call 001 407 938 4653 to book.
4 One round of miniature golf per day available at either Disney’sWinter Summerland or Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Courses; roundmust start before 4pm.
5 Valid only on event days; some events priced separately.
