The Ultimate Animal Kingdom Bucket List

September 1, 2017

JAMBO! Welcome to the Ultimate Animal Kingdom Bucket List.

A lot has changed recently for the last of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Earlier this summer, Animal Kingdom introduced a new area, Pandora, with new attractions, foods, and photo spots! Here’s everything you need to do when you visit the park.

Grab a bite at the Rainforest Cafe.
Visit the Oasis Exhibits
Become a Wilderness Explorer like Russell from Up.
Meet Russell in Discovery Island.
Take the Discovery Island Trails to find the many animals around the Tree of Life.
Experience some “creepy-crawly moments in the dark” on It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Find your favorite ant Flik.
Visit Adventurers Outpost and meet Mickey and Minnie.
Stop for some pasta at Eight Spoon Cafe.
Grab a sandwich at The Smiling Crocodile.
Get your BBQ on at Flame Tree Barbecue.
Feed your coffee addiction at Isle of Java.
Experience world cuisine at Tiffins.
Clink some glasses with cocktails and beers at the Nomad Lounge.
Enjoy more familiar food at Pizzafari. (Can you guess what they serve?)
Cool off and experience the Festival of the Lion King.
Say “Wingapo” and catch up with Pocahontas.
A Starbucks run at Creature Comforts.
Chicken wings anyone? You’ll find them at Terra Treats.
Grab a Mickey safari hat or some leopard print Minnie ears at the Island Merchantile.
Find Tarzan on the Discovery Island Trails.
Get to the park early to experience the Swotu Wayä Na’vi Drum Ceremony in Pandora.
Journey deep into the rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
Try the Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu.
Find a shop of many wonders of Pandora at Windtraders.
Fly on the back of a mountain banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage.
Grab a bite at Satu’li Canteen.
Take a picture by the Moss Wall. (Yes, it’s a thing.)
Hit up Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa.
Try the Dole Whip with Coconut Rum. (YUM)
Take a ride through the lush African savanna on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Wind down with a cocktail from the Dawa Bar.
Journey down the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Experience Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House Restaurant.
Discover how you can help save the world at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Meet your favorite baboon, Rafiki.
Visit the Affection Section and interact with a variety of animals.
Get a check up with Doc McStuffins in Conservation Station.
Shop for African-inspired artwork, carvings, and drums at Mombasa Marketplace.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Zuri’s Sweets Shop.
Try the Giraffe and Zebra Marshmallow Pops.
Go bananas for the Money Candy Apple.
Watch exotic birds at Flights of Wonder.
Embark on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Get adventurous on the Kali River Rapids. (You’ll definitely get wet.)
Enjoy specialty cocktails at Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks.
Avoid the clutches of the yeti on Expedition Everest.
Pick out your much deserved Expedition Everest souvenir at Serka Zong Bazaar.
Stay until after dark to experience Rivers of Light.
Grab some grub at Yak & Yeti.
Feast on fried wontons.
Try the Frozen Yak Attack.
Swing by to meet Baloo and King Louie at Upcountry Landing.
Dig up some bones in The Boneyard of Dinoland U.S.A.
Get nachos and beer from Dino Diner.
Catch up with Goofy and Pluto.
Fly high on TriceraTop Spin.
Feed your dino-sized appetite at Restaurantosaurus.
Face your fears on DINOSAUR.
Shop for all things Dino at The Dino Institute Shop.
Ice Cream time at Dino-Bite Snacks.
Enter a big blue world with Nemo and his friends in Finding Nemo – The Musical.
Play carnival games galore at Fossil Fun Games.
Take a spin on the Primeval Whirl.
Buffalo chicken chips, anyone? Check out Trilo-Bites.
Meet the #1 Duck in Dinoland U.S.A.

More on Kait Around The Kingdom: Eight Facts You Didn't Know About Disney's Hollywood Studios

You’re in for a wild time when it comes to Animal Kingdom! So many eat, meets, and feats. Have you seen the other ultimate bucket lists? If not, be sure to check out Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios!

What’s something you can’t wait to scratch off of your Animal Kingdom Bucket List?

Ready to plan your vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Click here to fill out a form to receive a free no obligation quote from The Vacationeer, an official travel partner for Kait Around The Kingdom. The Vacationeer specializes in vacation planning for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios, Adventures by Disney, and beyond! The best part about their services is that they are absolutely FREE. Fill out this form to start planning your dream Disney vacation today!

Holly
September 1, 2017 at 9:27 am

Aww I want to go back to Animal Kingdom so bad now! I love Disney, and it’s always fun reading these types of posts and getting ideas for the next time I go back 🙂 xx

http://hollyhabeck.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:19 pm
  
  Awe yeah!
Sam Temsah-Deniskin
September 1, 2017 at 9:34 am

My daughter would go nuts for this place! Thanks for all the recommendations!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:19 pm
  
  Of course!
thesophiadiaries
September 1, 2017 at 12:32 pm

omg, thanks for this list!! every time I read your blog it makes me wish I could go to disneyland again xD
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:19 pm
  
  Awe! I want to go back to Disneyland too!
Christine Martinez
September 1, 2017 at 1:13 pm

Dole whip is always a must! I would love to do everything on this list!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:18 pm
  
  I hope you get to someday!
Kristen Woolsey
September 1, 2017 at 1:26 pm

The Festival of the Lion King is sorely underrated! I love it!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm
  
  I agree! I loved it
Julie Shenton Peters
September 1, 2017 at 2:25 pm

great list! Our favorites were the Bone Yard and the Kali River Rapids. (The day we were there, it wasn’t very hot and hardly anyone wanted to go on the Kali River Rapids ride. We got to ride it over and over about four times in a row – we felt like we owned the place!)
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:18 pm
  
  Oh yes! Kali River Rapids is a blast! We did it at night last time and it was even more fun!
Maegan Clark
September 1, 2017 at 11:19 pm

this looks like so much fun!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  It is girl!
Jordyn Upchurch
September 2, 2017 at 10:14 am

The Festival of Lion King is my favorite-such a fun show!

xoxo, SS

Southern and Style
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  I love the energy!
Paige | The Daily Paige Blog
September 2, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park in Disney World, hands down. I always loved the Festival of the Lion King! I miss it so much!

xoxo, Paige
http://www.thedailypaigeblog.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  Festival really is fun!
Bella B @ xoxoBella
September 2, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Animal kingdom is the best!!! I love Disney world its the best.
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  I agree!
Candice Nikeia
September 2, 2017 at 10:14 pm

Now I want nachos and beer! That sounds so yummy!

xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:17 pm
  
  YUM!
Laurel Noelle
September 3, 2017 at 12:36 am

Lovely list! I definitely need to go to Animal Kingdom next time I’m there. Disney World is always so much fun!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:16 pm
  
  Yes it really is!
Ashley Vickney
September 3, 2017 at 12:46 pm

This looks like SO much fun! I haven’t been to disney world in so long!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:16 pm
  
  Awe I hope you end up there again soon!
Greta Hollar
September 3, 2017 at 8:46 pm

Oh my gosh how fun is this! I’d love Animal Kingdom!

Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:15 pm
  
  You’ll have to check it out!
fairyprincessjord
September 4, 2017 at 8:59 pm

I haven’t been to Animal Kingdom since I was 8, I would love to go back!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:15 pm
  
  Awe! Yes so much has changed since then!
Amy
September 4, 2017 at 9:53 pm

I’ve been to WDW 4 times and visited all of the parks but Animal Kingdom!! I need to go asap!

xoxo,

Amy | Pastel N Pink
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:15 pm
  
  Yes girl! Get over there soon!
Michelle @ She's Not So Basic
September 5, 2017 at 1:55 am

I haven’t been to Animal Kingdom is foreverrrr but this looks so fun! I need to go back!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:15 pm
  
  YES GIRL!
Jennifer L. | Modern Chic Mag
September 5, 2017 at 4:14 am

I actually have a trip to Walt Disney World soon and I was looking for recommendations on what to do. I keep hearing that rainforest cafe is a must I’ve been to the one ear Disneyland and it’s fun.
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:14 pm
  
  Awe! I hope You have the BEST time!
Rachel at RKCSouthern blog
September 5, 2017 at 8:25 am

I have never been to this park but it sounds so fun! I wonder if my little nephew would like it? He’s 2, so maybe too young still? xoRach | http://www.rkcsouthern.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:14 pm
  
  Oh I think he would love the animals!
Cassie Arenz
September 5, 2017 at 8:45 am

Wow, such a robust list! I haven’t been to a theme park in so long. I need to go!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:14 pm
  
  Yes you’ve got to go!
Stephanie Ziajka
September 5, 2017 at 6:02 pm

Such a perfect Animal Kingdom bucket list. I’m missing home already.

xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:12 pm
  
  Awe! I’m ready to be back as well!
Cameron
September 5, 2017 at 6:20 pm

Wow that is definitely a long bucket list! I loved going to The Festival of the Lion King years ago!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:12 pm
  
  Yeah! It’s kind of meant to cover everything so those who have a chance to go back can cover it al!
Dara @ The Southern Thing
September 6, 2017 at 12:28 pm

My time at Animal Kingdom was so short. I feel like I missed a lot of this!!
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm
  
  Awe, I’m sure you’ll get back soon!
Elly
September 15, 2017 at 7:24 am

never been but it looks fun! x
1. Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
  September 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm
  
  Animal Kingdom is definitely pretty wild!