What if we told you that you could explore the highest peaks in Asia, go on a safari through the rich savanna grasslands of Africa, fly on the back of your very own banshee, and travel back through time to the age of the dinosaurs?
You can do all that (and more) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom has worked hard since its opening to overcome the impression that it is “just a zoo,” and the recent opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar has helped to take this park from a half-day experience to a full-day adventure.
You don’t want to go into Animal Kingdom without a good plan, though.
Check out these resources to help you maximize your time (and money) at during your trip…
How many days should I visit Animal Kingdom?
For most trips there simply aren’t enough days to see and do everything at Disney World, so deciding how to divide your time is an important step in planning your stay.
The table below has suggestions for the number of days you should plan to spend at each park, but depending on your family’s tastes and interests you may want to adjust how you allocate your time.
Suggested number of days in each park
wdt_ID | TRIP LENGTH (DAYS) | MK | EP | HS | AK | WATER PARK | OTHER THINGS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 HS or | 1 AK | 0 | |
2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
4 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
5 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
6 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
7 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
8 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Animal Kingdom map
Animal Kingdom is home to 6 distinct areas or “lands,” including the new Pandora – The World of Avatar:
- Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Africa
- Asia
- Dinoland U.S.A.
Want a map you can download? Check out our Animal Kingdom maps.
Parking at Animal Kingdom
Thinking about driving at Disney World?
Parking is quick and painless and a good option if you’ll have your car on your vacation.
All parking lots are staffed with an abundance of Cast Members that will help direct you to your spot. If you park too far away from the front gate to walk, there will be handy trams to shuttle you back and forth from the end of your row to near the front gates.
How much does parking at Animal Kingdom cost?
- Free for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests
- Offsite guests $25/day
- Passholders – Free with Passholder card and photo ID
- Preferred Parking – $45-50/day
Want more tips on driving? Check out our post on using a car at Disney World.
What should I bring with me to Animal Kingdom?
Since Disney allows you to keep your bag with you on every attraction, many people find it handy to carry a bag or backpack with them into the parks.
What you pack in your backpack will vary on your age and who you are traveling with but to help you decide what you might want to bring we have an entire post dedicated to Disney World park bags.
Here are some other common questions on what to bring with you:
Can I bring food with me?
Yes! You can bring your own food items with you. The only restrictions are no glass containers (baby food is an exception) and no alcohol. Also, for the safety of the animals, no straws are allowed at Animal Kingdom.
Can I bring a cooler?
Yes, small coolers are allowed; however, the total size can’t exceed 24″ b 15″ by 18″. We recommend bringing a cooler small enough to fit into a locker or in the bottom of a stroller (note: beginning 5/1/19, loose ice and dry ice are not allowed in the parks, so you will need to use an ice pack or something similar if you plan to bring cooled items).
Are wagons allowed?
Items that can be pulled behind you are not allowed at Disney World, and that includes wagons.
Can I bring my selfie stick?
Sorry, but no. Selfie sticks are banned at all Disney World parks, including Animal Kingdom.
Can I bring my tripod so I can take pictures?
Tripods (and monopods) that are small enough to fit in a backpack are allowed.
I heard the lines are long. Can I bring a folding chair with me to sit in while I wait?
Folding chairs are not allowed, and we’d never want you standing in a line long enough that you’d need one! Make sure you read the touring plan information below so that you avoid standing in long lines.
Why no balloons or straws in Animal Kingdom?
Unlike the other parks, Animal Kingdom is home to a plethora of animals and their safety is a top concern. Because of that, anything that animals might accidentally ingest are banned, and that includes balloons and plastic straws.
Paper straws are available at all dining locations.
Additional helpful resources
Did we leave anything out? Let us know your questions in the comments below.
The following products and services give us a commission on sales.
Get our free Quick Start Guide
Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️
Take our course
Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️
Our recommend travel agency
We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️
Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?
It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️
Private car service
Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️
Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?
Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️
Amazon recommendations
Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️
WDW Prep merch
Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️
- What’s coming in late 2023 and early 2024 – PREP 376 - September 26, 2023
- Dishing with Bethany Vinton – PREP 375 - September 19, 2023
- Disney cruise from England to Norwegian Fjords – PREP 374 - September 12, 2023