Planning a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Knowing the Animal Kingdom hours is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. While Disney keeps it straightforward, there are a few quirks and exceptions to keep in mind.
This guide breaks down typical park hours, tips for early and late access, and strategies to maximize your time.
Whether you’re starting early, staying late, or anything in between, this resource has everything you need to plan your perfect day!
Typical Animal Kingdom Hours
Animal Kingdom typically opens its gates around 8:00 AM and closes between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, making it the Disney park with the shortest daily operating hours.
While this might seem limiting at first glance, the condensed schedule is packed with opportunities to explore both the park’s thrilling rides and its immersive animal exhibits.
However, hours can vary significantly based on the season. During holidays, like Christmas or spring break, the park often opens earlier or stays open later to accommodate the larger crowds. Be sure to double-check the hours leading up to your visit to avoid surprises.
The easiest way to stay up-to-date is through the My Disney Experience app or the official Disney World website. These resources provide real-time updates on park hours and even specific ride schedules, which can help you plan your day down to the minute.
PRO TIP: If you're driving to the park, plan extra time for parking, especially during peak seasons. To help with this, check out our guide to Animal Kingdom parking for tips on where to park, costs, and transportation options to the entrance.
Early Theme Park Entry
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort or select partner hotels, you’re in luck—Early Theme Park Entry is a game-changer for getting a jumpstart on your day at Animal Kingdom. This perk allows you to enter the park 30 minutes before it officially opens, giving you a head start on select attractions before the general crowds arrive.
Most of Animal Kingdom’s major attractions are included in Early Entry. You can enjoy iconic rides like Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, and more. However, keep in mind that Kilimanjaro Safaris and Kali River Rapids typically open with the park, so they aren’t part of Early Entry.
Actionable Tip: Use this extra time wisely! Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before Early Entry begins to navigate security and be among the first in line. Head straight to Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora, as this ride often has the longest wait times throughout the day. Starting here can save you hours later on.
Want to learn more about the rides in Pandora? Check out our guide to Pandora rides at Animal Kingdom for insights into these immersive experiences.
Specific Ride Hours
Not all rides at Animal Kingdom follow the park's overall operating schedule, so it’s important to be aware of individual ride hours as you plan your day. For example, Kali River Rapids often opens later and closes earlier than most other attractions, especially during cooler months. Similarly, Kilimanjaro Safaris and some of the park's zoological trails may close well before the park itself, so visiting them earlier in the day is a smart move.
TIP: Use the My Disney Experience app to check ride hours daily. This app is an invaluable tool for keeping track of opening and closing times, as well as wait times and Lightning Lane availability.
Strategizing Tip: For rides with limited operating hours, like Kali River Rapids, plan to arrive just a few minutes before their posted opening time. This will often let you enjoy a short wait and avoid using a Lightning Lane. Similarly, prioritize attractions with early closures, like Kilimanjaro Safaris, earlier in your itinerary.
For a full list of attractions and their general hours, check out our guide to the list of all rides at Animal Kingdom.
Staying Late at Animal Kingdom
Just because Animal Kingdom has a set “closing time” doesn’t mean your experience has to end right away. Closing time refers to the last moment you can join a ride queue—not when you’re required to leave the park. This gives you a little extra time to soak up the magic.
Evening Opportunities:
- Tree of Life Awakenings: Don’t miss the captivating projection show on the Tree of Life. These brief but beautiful animations often continue for a short time after the park officially closes.
- Pandora’s Nighttime Ambiance: Pandora transforms at night into a glowing, bioluminescent wonderland. This is a perfect time for photos or a relaxed stroll through the area.
- Shopping: Many stores, especially near the front of the park, remain open well after the rides close. Use this time to grab souvenirs or browse unique Animal Kingdom merchandise.
Pro Tip: Use the last hour of the day to revisit a favorite ride or explore quieter attractions. Getting in line for a major ride like Avatar Flight of Passage right before closing ensures you’ll still get to ride, even after the park officially closes.
Looking for a great spot to end your day with a meal? Check out our Animal Kingdom dining guide for recommendations, from quick snacks to sit-down dinners. Staying a little later can be the perfect way to end your Animal Kingdom adventure on a high note!
Extended Evening Hours (When Available)
Extended Evening Hours are a special perk available to guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts and select partner hotels. On certain nights, these guests can enjoy extra time in one of the Disney parks after it officially closes, giving them access to shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
At Animal Kingdom, this perk is less frequent compared to other parks like Magic Kingdom or Epcot. It’s typically offered seasonally, such as during the holidays or busier times of the year. When available, the extended hours usually last for about two extra hours, allowing guests to enjoy attractions with significantly smaller crowds.
If you’re planning to take advantage of Extended Evening Hours, it’s a great time to revisit major rides like Avatar Flight of Passage or soak in the magical ambiance of Pandora after dark.
Pro Tip: Staying at a deluxe resort also makes it easier to manage late nights. Check out our guide to directions to Animal Kingdom Lodge for tips on navigating to and from one of Disney’s most unique resorts.
What If You Don’t Have Extra Hours Access?

If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort or eligible partner hotel, don’t worry—you can still enjoy an amazing day at Animal Kingdom! While you won’t have access to Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Hours, a smart plan can help you make the most of your time.
Tips for Non-Resort Guests:
- Avoid the Morning Rush: Skip the crowds heading straight to Flight of Passage or Na’vi River Journey in Pandora during the early hours. Instead, focus on other high-priority attractions like Expedition Everest or Kilimanjaro Safaris, which often have shorter wait times earlier in the day.
- Use Lightning Lanes Wisely: If you’re purchasing Genie+, prioritize rides with historically longer wait times, such as Flight of Passage. For attractions with moderate wait times, like Dinosaur or Kali River Rapids, standby queues can be a good option.
- Plan Strategically: By timing your visit to popular attractions for off-peak hours, such as midday or late afternoon, you’ll avoid the heaviest crowds. This is especially helpful for non-resort guests who can’t access Early Entry.
For those coming from another park, like Epcot, or staying off-property, check out our guide to Epcot to Animal Kingdom transportation tips to make your journey seamless.
Making the Most of Your Day
To fully enjoy everything Animal Kingdom has to offer, it’s essential to combine your knowledge of park hours, ride schedules, and available perks to create a personalized itinerary. By planning strategically, you can maximize your time while avoiding unnecessary stress.
Bonus Tips for a Perfect Day:
- Start Your Day with Breakfast Reservations: If you’re staying at a Disney Resort or partner hotel, booking an early breakfast at a park restaurant can grant you early access before the official opening time. This is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal and still get a head start on popular attractions.
- End Your Day with Dinner at Tusker House: As the park winds down, a leisurely dinner at Tusker House is the perfect way to savor the Animal Kingdom atmosphere. It’s a character dining experience, offering delicious food with a fun, family-friendly vibe.
- Pro Tip for Resort Guests: Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Take some time to relax after your park day by enjoying its stunning pools and amenities. Check out our guide to the Pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a refreshing way to end your evening.
Final Thoughts
Animal Kingdom is a park filled with unforgettable experiences, but making the most of your visit requires a little planning. By checking current hours, staying informed about ride schedules, and embracing flexibility, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free and magical day.
Whether you're prioritizing thrilling rides like Avatar Flight of Passage or soaking in the beauty of Pandora at night, having a game plan can make all the difference.
For more resources to help you plan your trip, don’t miss these guides: