Planning a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and trying to figure out what the best rides at Animal Kingdom are? Whether you’re mapping out your park day or deciding which attractions to prioritize, you’ve come to the right place!
Animal Kingdom is known for thrilling rides and immersive animal experiences. With rides like Avatar Flight of Passage, the high-speed Expedition Everest Coaster, and the Safari Adventure Kilimanjaro Safaris and other key rides including the water-based Kali River Rapids and the gentle Na’vi River Journey, this park offers some of the most unique attractions at Walt Disney World.
I’ve ranked my top picks! From must-do classics to can’t-miss Animal Kingdom thrills, I can help you plan a smooth and magical park day.
Along the way, I’ll share important tips for each ride, including height requirements, average ride duration, and insider strategies for minimizing wait times.
Let’s jump into the best rides at Animal Kingdom and make sure your visit is as magical (and efficient) as possible!
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Is Lightening Lane Worth Getting at Animal Kingdom?
If you’re visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you might be wondering if Lightning Lane is actually worth it.
Here is what I found. You can get by at Animal Kingdom without a Lightning Lane pass, however if you want to park hop later in the day, it is worth it. It is also worth it during peak seasons, hot days, or if you do not want to do rope drop early in the morning.
You can typically experience most attractions via standby, particularly if you rope drop or visit the park near closing times. Animal Kingdom closes early!
Animal Kingdom has fewer rides than the other parks at Walt Disney World making it a half day park in my opinion, and the most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage is not included in the Lightening Lane.
You have to buy and individual Single Pass Lightening Lane for that ride. So basically your options are limited with picking rides with Lightening Lane.
Hot Tip for Lightening Lane at Animal Kingdom
Here is something I noticed last time we went. Animal Kingdom’s Lightening Lane was much less expensive than other parks. So was it worth it?
For us yes, we used it and here is the hot tip…… once you ride your first ride you can hop on and book a Lightening Lane in another park for later in the day.
So basically you pre book Animal Kingdom rides 7 days in advance (if staying onsite) or 3 days in advance (if staying off site), and then once you use your first one you book a ride in another park.
Okay lets get starting on our list of the best rides at Animal Kingdom!
5. Na’vi River Journey
Height Requirement: Any height
Ride Time: About 4.5 minutes
Na’vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride through a glowing rainforest deep inside Pandora.
The bioluminescent plants and animals make this one of the most visually beautiful rides in the park. The highlight is the Shaman of Songs animatronic at the end, which is incredibly lifelike.
It’s calm, relaxing, and a great break from the heat. That said, it is very short and doesn’t have much of a storyline, which makes the long wait times hard to justify.
Located in Pandora – The World of Avatar, it’s worth riding at least once! With that said, I visit Animal Kingdom every year and this is one that I typically do not ride unless there is no line.
4. Kali River Rapids
Height Requirement: 38 inches
Ride Time: About 3 minutes
Kali River Rapids is a white-water rafting adventure through the jungles of Asia.
Guests board a circular raft and spin through rapids, drops, and waterfalls. You never know who’s going to get soaked, but chances are, someone in your group will! That is why I always suggest wearing a poncho on this ride!
This ride is short but fun, especially on a hot day. The theming touches on environmental conservation, though most people are focused on not getting drenched.
Honestly, my 10 year old would rank this ride as #1. He loved it. He does not like coasters so for him it was a winner!
Located in Asia, this is a great ride to cool off, just be prepared to get wet!
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Height Requirement: Any height
Ride Time: About 18–20 minutes
Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you on a real African-style safari through open savannas filled with live animals.
You’ll see giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, and more. They are all roaming freely in massive habitats. Because the animals move around, every ride is completely different.
This is one of the most unique attractions in all of Disney World and a must-do for first-time visitors.
Located in Africa, it’s best experienced early in the morning when the animals are most active!
2. Expedition Everest
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Ride Time: About 3 minutes
Expedition Everest is a high-speed roller coaster that takes you deep into the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti.
The queue is packed with detail, building the story before you even board. Once the ride starts, you’ll race through the mountain, hit a massive drop, and even go backwards in the dark.
It’s thrilling without being too intense, making it one of the most re-rideable coasters at Disney.
Hot Tip For Everest
There is a single rider line! This is the best way to ride muliple times while you visit!
Located in Asia, this is a must-do for anyone who loves roller coasters!
1. Avatar Flight of Passage
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Ride Time: About 5 minutes
Inspired by Avatar, Avatar Flight of Passage lets you fly on the back of a banshee over the world of Pandora.
Guests are seated on a ride vehicle that moves and even “breathes,” making the experience feel incredibly real. As you soar over oceans, mountains, and glowing forests, it truly feels like you’re flying.
This ride is immersive, emotional, and easily one of the best attractions Disney has ever created.
This ride will always have a wait. Even if you run at rope drop to get there! It is the most popular ride at Animal Kingdom and the best.
Located in Pandora – The World of Avatar, this is the ride you should prioritize first. The wait times get very long!
Best Strategy for Riding Everything
Animal Kingdom is a park where you can get distracted.There are lots of cool shows, characters, and interactive trails. Don’t get distracted if your plan focuses on rides!
One stategy is to get to the park early and ride the most popular rides first. Here’s a simple game plan:
- Start with Flight of Passage
- Hit Kilimanjaro Safaris early
- Ride Expedition Everest (use single rider if needed)
- Save Kali River Rapids for the hottest part of the day and make sure to bring a poncho
Q&A for the Best Rides at Animal Kingdom
What Rides Have the Longest Wait at Animal Kingdom?
Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and Kilimanjaro Safaris consistently have the longest wait times at Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage is the most popular ride at Animal Kingdom and is the busiest sometimes exceeding 120 min wait times. Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris range from 50- to 70 minutes on really busy days.
What Rides are a Must at Animal Kingdom?
The top must-do rides at Animal Kingdom are Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjar Safaris. These offer a mix of thrills and a unique experience that you will only find at Animal Kingdom.
What is the Most Intense Ride in Animal Kingdom?
Expedition Everst is a high-speed roller coaster that races through the Himalayas, it has steep drops, sharp turns, a backward section, and a surprise encounter with a Yeti. The combination of storytelling plus speed makes it the most intense ride in the park.
What is the Busiest Ride at Animal Kingdom?
Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandor is the busiest ride at Animal Kingdom, sometime the wait is over 2 hours long! The best way to ride this attraction is to go at rope drop or purchase and Single Pass Lightening Lane.
How Many Total Rides are at Animal Kingdom?
There are 5 rides as of right now. Right now, 3 rides are being built. The first ever Encanto Ride, Indiana Jones, and a animal carousel. These rides are expected to open in 2027 and then we can redo this list!
Are you Ready to Ride the Rides at Animal Kingdom?
Animal Kingdom offers some of the most immersive and adventurous experiences in all of Disney World, from breathtaking safaris to thrilling mountain expeditions.
If I had to pick:
Best Overall Experience: Flight of Passage
Best Thrill: Expedition Everest
Best Family Adventure: Kilimanjaro Safaris
No matter what you choose, Animal Kingdom delivers unforgettable moments you won’t find anywhere else.
Have an amazing day exploring Animal Kingdom!
Disney World is such an incredible destination. Be sure to experience the rides at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Also, check for special events and seasonal offerings during your visit , they can make your trip even more magical.
Have More Questions?
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