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Animal Kingdom Park Plan – 1 Day
Animal Kingdom Park Plan – 1 Day
Animal Kingdom Park Plan – 1 Day
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Two expert-crafted itineraries to help you maximize every ride and experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Choose the plan that fits your trip!
- This Animal Kingdom itinerary does NOT include the use of Disney Genie+ and does NOT include a midday break. We find it best suited for families with older children and young teens.
- It's important to remember that you will have to move some attractions around depending on the time of year you visit and how long the wait for Avatar Flight of Passage is, as this is one of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World.
- Avatar Flight of Passage is the crown jewel of Animal Kingdom and regularly sees 90–120+ minute wait times during peak hours. Both plans are built around hitting this ride at the optimal time of day for your situation.
- DinoLand U.S.A. has permanently closed and is being transformed into the new Tropical Americas land, expected to open in 2027. DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, TriceraTop Spin, and Fossil Fun Games are all permanently gone as of early 2026.
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opened in November 2025 at the Tree of Life Theater, replacing It's Tough to Be a Bug. This new show is a great addition to the park and is included in both plans.
- We recommend arriving 45 minutes before the park's opening to take advantage of lower wait times on the most popular attractions. For Early Entry guests, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before Early Entry begins.
- Always check the My Disney Experience app on the morning of your visit for the latest park hours, show times, and any attraction closures.
1 – ARRIVE EARLY
Early Theme Park Entry gives Disney Resort hotel guests access to the park 30 minutes before it opens to the general public. We recommend arriving at Animal Kingdom at least 30 minutes before Early Entry begins — that means being at the park entrance up to an hour before standard opening. The earlier you're through the gates, the better your position heading into Pandora.
2 – HEAD STRAIGHT TO PANDORA
The single most important move during Early Entry at Animal Kingdom is to get to Avatar Flight of Passage immediately. Do not stop, do not browse — walk as fast as possible to Pandora. This ride regularly sees 90–120+ minute waits by mid-morning. Riding it during Early Entry with a fraction of that wait is a game-changer for your entire day.
3 – LINK YOUR RESERVATION TO MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE
Make sure your Disney Resort hotel reservation is linked to your My Disney Experience account and that all members of your party have their tickets connected. Your Early Entry benefit is tied to your resort stay — cast members may verify this at the park entrance.
4 – DOWNLOAD MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE
The My Disney Experience app is essential for checking real-time wait times, mobile ordering food, and viewing show schedules throughout the day. Download it before your trip and link your park tickets.
Pandora during Early Entry
Both Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey are available during Early Entry. Hit Flight of Passage first — it has significantly longer waits. Na'vi River Journey is a great follow-up while you're already in the land.
Kilimanjaro Safaris — go late afternoon
The safari is actually better in the late afternoon when the animals are more active and the lighting is beautiful for photos. Don't waste Early Entry time on it — save it for the end of the day when the timing is perfect.
Festival of the Lion King
This beloved show runs multiple times throughout the day. Check the My Disney Experience app for show times on your visit day and plan to attend whichever performance best fits your schedule.
| Attraction | Min. Height |
|---|---|
| Avatar Flight of Passage | 44" |
| Expedition Everest | 44" |
| Kali River Rapids | 38" |
| Na'vi River Journey | No minimum |
| Kilimanjaro Safaris | No minimum |
| Zootopia: Better Zoogether! | No minimum |
| Festival of the Lion King | No minimum |
| Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! | No minimum |
| Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail | No minimum |
| Maharajah Jungle Trek | No minimum |
🏨 Plan 1: Early Entry Plan
Early Theme Park Entry Required | Disney Resort Hotel Guests | Starts at ~8:30 AM (or early entry time)
| Time | Attraction / Activity | *Wait |
|---|---|---|
| ~8:30 AMHOUR 1 (Early Entry) | Avatar Flight of Passage Head straight to Pandora — most important ride of the day. Do not stop. |
~120 min |
| ~10:45 AMHOUR 3 | Na'vi River Journey Stay in Pandora — you're already there. |
~65 min |
| ~12:05 PMHOUR 4 | Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Head to the Tree of Life Theater on Discovery Island. |
~30 min |
| ~12:50 PMHOUR 5 | Expedition Everest Head to Asia. |
~35 min |
| ~1:40 PMHOUR 6 | Lunch | ~60 min |
| ~2:55 PMHOUR 7 | Kali River Rapids Stay in Asia. Seasonal — check app for availability on your visit date. |
~60 min |
| ~4:10 PMHOUR 8 | Festival of the Lion King / or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! Check My Disney Experience app for show times on your visit day. |
~45 min |
| ~5:10 PMHOUR 9 | Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Head to Africa — no wait, great filler activity with impressive animal habitats. |
~30 min |
| ~5:55 PMHOUR 10 | Kilimanjaro Safaris Stay in Africa. Late afternoon light is ideal for animal viewing and photos. |
~45 min |
Rest of the Day
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (if not done during the day)
- Dinner
- Tree of Life Awakenings (nighttime projection show)
🎟️ Plan 2: Standard Plan (No Early Entry)
No Early Entry Required | Starts at ~9:00 AM (or park opening time)
| Time | Attraction / Activity | *Wait |
|---|---|---|
| ~9:00 AMHOUR 1 (Park Opening) | Expedition Everest Head to Asia at rope drop — shortest waits of the day. |
~25 min |
| ~9:40 AMHOUR 2 | Kilimanjaro Safaris Head to Africa. |
~45 min |
| ~10:40 AMHOUR 3 | Kali River Rapids Head back to Asia. Seasonal — check app for availability on your visit date. |
~35 min |
| ~11:30 AMHOUR 4 | Festival of the Lion King / or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! Check My Disney Experience app for show times on your visit day. |
~45 min |
| ~12:30 PMHOUR 5 | Lunch | ~60 min |
| ~1:45 PMHOUR 6 | Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Head to the Tree of Life Theater on Discovery Island. |
~30 min |
| ~2:30 PMHOUR 7 | Na'vi River Journey Head to Pandora. |
~65 min |
| ~3:50 PMHOUR 8 | Avatar Flight of Passage Stay in Pandora. The crown jewel — plan for a long wait but it is worth every minute. |
~90 min |
Rest of the Day
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Festival of the Lion King / or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (whichever wasn't done during the day)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Dinner
- Tree of Life Awakenings (nighttime projection show)
Ready to Plan Your Animal Kingdom Day?
Get a free Disney World vacation quote from our expert team at The Park Prodigy — we'll handle all the details!
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