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Animal Kingdom

The first thing we do everytime we enter this park is the Safari. It opens at park open though, so if you get there for the early opening, hit your favorite ride and plan to be at the Safari by park open. The animals are the most active during the early morning, before it gets too hot. This ride is about twenty minutes of observing animals up close. I recommend doing this more than once to see as many animals as possible. 

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The most popular ride is Flight of Passage. This will have a long wait in the morning as people run to this attraction at opening. I suggest waiting till park close. Pandora comes alive at night and the wait will be considerably less. Navi River Journey has been seeing high wait times, as well. This is a great ride for all ages, but not worth a long wait. Flight of Passage is available to purchase as an individual lightning lane. I recommend this if it is a must do attraction. 

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Dinosaur and Tough to be a Bug can be a little frightening, for all ages. I suggest watching Dinosaur on Youtube if you have younger kids before you go. Tough to be a Bug is a 4-D attraction where insects appear to leave the screen. If you do not like bugs, I would avoid this show.

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Don’t miss out on all the extras this park has to offer. There are animal trails throughout the park, the Asia trail is my favorite. You can take the train in Africa to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There you can see Veterinarians in action, pet goats at the comfort station, or take a free animation class with a Disney animator. Make sure you do this earlier in the day. The train only runs till about 4pm. Check the sign by the train station or the My Disney Experience app for the time for the day. 

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If you have kids, check out the Wilderness Explorer program. It’s free, fun, and throughout the park. It is a great way to spend time while waiting for adults to rider swap or in the middle of the day when waits are long. 

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If you get genie+ for this park, book the safari for the afternoon and try to hit it as standby in the morning so you get two rides on it. Navi River is the next highest demand ride. 

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There is not an evening show, but the Tree of Life illuminates at night and Pandora comes alive as well.

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CHARACTERS: 

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Here, characters are on boats and have meet and greets. My favorite spot to sit and watch the boats is at Nomad Lounge. Sit outside (it’s still under a cover and really shaded), grab a drink, a small plate, and watch the boats go by. This dining experience is available through walk-up wait-list only.

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Mickey and Minnie have a permanent spot together in this park. It is the only place at Disney World to see them together. You’ll see all the duck friends in Dinoland. Moana also meets at this park. My favorite character at this park is Kevin from Up. He walks around Discovery Island. Check the My Disney Experience app for all character spots and times.

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DINING:

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Seated Dining:

  • There is character dining at Tusker House. It is Donald and friends in safari gear. 

  • Yak ad Yeti

  • Tiffins

 

Quick Service:

  • Harambe Market - This is a hidden gem. Careful picky eaters, they use a lot of spices.

  • Flame Tree Barbeque - This is my recommendation for picky eaters

  • Satu’li Canteen - EVERYTHING here is amazing.

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Snacks: 

  • Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu

  • Ice cream cookie sandwiches - These are throughout the park. Dino bites and Tamu Tamu frequently have them 

  • Cheeseburger pods from Satu’li Canteen. They are on the kids menu and a delicious treat.

  • Mac and Cheese from Eight Spoon Cafe

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