Animal Kingdom is so much more than a zoo.
In honor of Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary on April 22nd, I wanted to share some of the incredible experiences you can find at the park and at its neighboring resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge. Here are 10 fun ways you can enhance your Disney adventure!
1) Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour
During this four hour guided tour of Animal Kingdom you’ll experience FastPass+ access for the following attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Dinosaur. You’ll also get VIP seating for Rivers of Light, Animal Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, plus signature snacks and a specialty beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
2) Wild Africa Trek
During this three hour tour you’ll not only explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve via a privately-guided safari vehicle, but you’ll also walk along grassland paths and cross rope bridges. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close views of many of Animal Kingdom’s animals. This experience includes an arrangement of African-inspired snacks in the morning and afternoon, as well as a digital collection of photos taken throughout the tour.
3) Caring for Giants
Get an up close view of Animal Kingdom’s elephants as animal specialists and African cultural representatives teach you how they care for and protect these magnificent creatures. You’ll learn fascinating facts and get a glimpse of the day-to-day responsibilities involved in keeping the elephants happy.
4) Rivers of Light Dining Package
Dine at one of two incredible restaurants at Animal Kingdom and enjoy VIP seating for Rivers of Light, the park’s nighttime spectacular. Choose from a character dining experience at Tusker House Restaurant or a signature meal at Tiffins. This package is eligible for use with the Disney Dining Plan.
5) Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
Take a guided evening safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and visit a private viewing area of the savanna. Indulge in a sampling of African-inspired cuisine paired with a selection of regional beer and wine. Guests also receive a commemorative keepsake to take home.
6) Wanyama Safari
Board a 12-person safari vehicle for a 90-minute tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve as your guide teaches you about the 30 different special that live on the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Afterwards, indulge in a multi-course meal at Jiko – The Cooking Place, including South African wine pairings and a dessert sampling.
7) Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
During this three-and-a-half hour tour, you’ll learn about the story line behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and dine in one of its featured restaurants, Boma. After an African-inspired buffet breakfast you’ll board a private safari vehicle and head backstage for some up-close encounters with a few of the savanna’s animals.
8) Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Tour the savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge after dark using night vision goggles from your privately-guided safari vehicle. During this one hour tour you’ll see up to 30 different species roaming under the stars. A portion of the proceeds from this tour benefit Disney’s conservation initiatives.
9) Jiko Wine Tasting
Sample a trio of South African wines at Jiko – The Cooking Place. This signature restaurant is located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, only a short ride from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Each wine is paired with a selection of cheeses and learn about the wine regions of Africa.
10) Dine with an Animal Specialist
Enjoy a four-course lunch at Sanaa as you learn about the animals of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, wildlife care, wildlife research, and Disney’s conservation initiatives from one of Disney’s Animal Specialists. Each table is limited to 12 people in order to provide guests with an intimate setting to ask questions and learn from the expert.
So now the only question is, which experience do you want to add to your next visit?
Ready to start planning your vacation? Want to learn more about these special experiences? I’m here to help. As a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations, I’m with my clients every step of the way to design the perfect vacation for their families. When you book your Disney vacation with me, you get my full suite of concierge services at no additional cost!
You can request a free quote on your next Disney vacation using the button below, or feel free to email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com with your Disney questions!
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