When I first planned my trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I made sure I had an up-to-date list of all the rides at Animal Kingdom that were operating – or clearly scheduled to open – so I didn’t get blindsided by closures. Parks are always changing, especially with DinoLand U.S.A./Tropical Americas in transition, so verifying what’s open before your visit makes a big difference.
If you’re planning your Animal Kingdom day around the big-ticket rides, I keep an updated guide to Animal Kingdom ride closures so you can quickly see what’s down for refurbishment and adjust your rope drop and Lightning Lane picks.
In this post, I include height requirements, age-friendly tips, and thrill level so you can plan for a group with mixed ages or preferences. I also share strategy tips from my recent visits.
Key Points
- Check show & theater-attraction status because some shows have been replaced or are awaiting opening (e.g. the Tree of Life Theater).
- Some rides (like Kali River Rapids) may be temporarily closed for refurbishment – check dates.
- Even for less intense rides, weather/refurbishment can affect wait times more than thrill level.
List of All the Rides at Animal Kingdom (This Year & Upcoming)
Here are rides/attractions that are currently open (or confirmed to open later), grouped by land/area. I leave out those that have already closed permanently as of mid-2025.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Avatar Flight of Passage
Height requirement: 44 in. This is the headline attraction in Pandora and often the most talked-about ride in the park. The visuals are stunning, and the motion simulation makes you feel like you’re truly flying.
That said, it’s not for everyone. The intense motion, sudden drops, and 3D visuals can be overwhelming. I’ve seen kids under eight break down in line when they realize how big the experience is. Even adults can struggle with motion sickness, so it’s important to be honest with yourself and your group.
The best approach is to ride it early in the day before meals or heat exhaustion set in. If you skip it, don’t feel like you’re missing out on the whole park – it’s impressive, but it can also dominate your schedule if you let it.
Na’vi River Journey
No height requirement. This ride is visually stunning with glowing plants and creatures, but the pace is so slow that many adults walk away underwhelmed compared to the hype.
If the line is short, it’s a pleasant break and a great way to introduce little kids to the world of Pandora without fear. If the line stretches past 30 minutes, however, it’s rarely worth the wait unless you’re a diehard fan of the film or just need a calm indoor moment.
Africa
Kilimanjaro Safaris
No height requirement. This is one of Animal Kingdom’s signature experiences, and in my opinion, it’s non-negotiable. The ride through the savanna delivers some of the most memorable moments of the park, from giraffes strolling across your path to lions napping in the sun.
Timing matters a lot – animals tend to be more active in the morning or evening. The downside is that the ride is bumpy and can be tough for those with back issues, and if you go at the wrong time of day you might not see much action. I’ve learned to plan it early and accept that every safari is different.
Festival of the Lion King
This Broadway-style show is consistently excellent and a reliable crowd pleaser. It’s not a ride, but I include it because it offers the kind of entertainment that makes Animal Kingdom unique.
The singing and acrobatics are genuinely impressive, and the air-conditioning is a huge bonus. The catch is the time commitment: with a 30-minute runtime plus waiting to be seated, it eats up almost an hour. If your group values rides above shows, you might want to skip it, but for me it’s worth building into the day.
Asia
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Height 44 in. This roller coaster is a must for thrill seekers. The backward section is disorienting, and the final drop is intense enough to scare off some first-timers.
The theming is excellent, but the famous Yeti animatronic no longer moves, which makes the climax feel less powerful than it could be. I love this ride, but I’ve also skipped it on days when I wasn’t in the mood for a stomach-churning experience. If you’re traveling with hesitant kids or grandparents, be prepared to split the group.
Kali River Rapids
Height 38 in. This ride is divisive. On a hot day it feels like a lifesaver, but the short ride time and guaranteed soaking can make it frustrating.
I’ve had times where my shoes squished for hours afterward, which makes the day less comfortable. Pack ponchos or sandals if you really want to do it. When it’s closed for refurbishment, I don’t consider it a major loss – you’ll have just as much fun spending that time on the safari or trails.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
This is not a ride but a walking path through detailed animal habitats, and it’s one of my personal favorite parts of the park.
The tiger exhibit is gorgeous, and the aviary is surprisingly calming. The downside is that in the midday heat it can feel like a slog, and if you’re rushing to fit in thrill rides you might feel tempted to skip it. I recommend carving out at least 20–30 minutes to wander here when the crowds feel overwhelming.
Discovery Island & Tree of Life Area
Tree of Life Garden / Discovery Island Trails
These trails let you see the intricate carvings of the Tree of Life up close, which is something many visitors miss entirely.
They aren’t thrilling, but they’re peaceful and perfect for photo opportunities. If your priority is rides, you can safely skip them, but if you enjoy quieter moments in between big attractions, this is a worthwhile stop.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (opening November 7, 2025)
This new show replaces It’s Tough to Be a Bug! and should be more family-friendly than its predecessor. The bug show often terrified small children, and in my opinion it was more unpleasant than fun.
Zootopia’s 4D format will likely reuse effects from other Disney shows, so set expectations accordingly. If you’re visiting after it opens, I recommend it as a mid-afternoon cool-down option. Just know it may not be groundbreaking if you’ve seen similar shows elsewhere in Disney World.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Wildlife Express Train
This train ride is relaxing and a welcome break from the bustle of the park.
The catch is that it eats up more time than you’d expect, and the payoff at the end can feel underwhelming if you’re not particularly interested in the veterinary exhibits. I think of it as a good reset when the group is tired, but not essential for every trip.
Affection Section
This petting zoo area is great for toddlers who need something more interactive.
Older kids may find it boring, and adults might wonder why they spent time here instead of on the safari. It’s clean and well-managed, but it’s not worth going out of your way unless you’re traveling with small children.
Rides/Shows Already Closed or Removed in 2025
To save you surprises, here are some items no longer operating:
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug! – closed permanently March 16, 2025.
- TriceraTop Spin – permanently closed January 13, 2025.
- The Boneyard – closed September 2, 2025.
- Fossil Fun Games and other Dinoland U.S.A carnival / midway experiences.
- Primeval Whirl – removed, not operating.
Also, DINOSAUR ride is still open through 2025 but has a permanent closure scheduled for February 2, 2026. If your trip is later than that, plan accordingly.
Tips for Planning Your Ride Strategy
Visiting the Animal Kingdom takes more thought than just grabbing a map. With closures and refurbishments, older trip guides can be misleading.
- If you’re there before November 7, remember that Zootopia: Better Zoogether! isn’t open yet and It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is gone. That theater may be dark, so plan a break elsewhere – Festival of the Lion King or Na’vi River Journey both work as cool-down stops.
- Kali River Rapids is refreshing on hot days, but if it’s under refurbishment don’t waste energy walking there. Instead, wander the Maharajah Jungle Trek or spend longer on the safari. Always check the My Disney Experience app before crossing the park; it saves steps and frustration.
- The DinoLand/Tropical Americas area is in transition. Don’t expect a full land of rides – it’s mostly walls with a few remaining attractions. I treat it as a quick pass-through rather than a destination.
- Lightning Lane choices matter. Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest disappear first, so either rope drop one or be okay with a long standby line. If you’re unsure about Genie+, I suggest reading through a detailed Lightning Lane strategy before deciding.
- Food planning makes a difference too. Fewer rides mean busier restaurants at peak times. I like to eat early at Satu’li Canteen, or plan ahead by skimming the restaurant list so I’m not wandering hungry.
Overall, this park shines when you balance thrills with animal trails and shows. Do the coasters and simulators first, then slow down with safaris and quieter paths when the sun is high.
Final Thoughts
The mix of rides, shows, and wildlife is still strong this year, but families with small children need realistic expectations. Many of the gentler DinoLand options are gone, so plan alternatives.
I’ve learned to start with the heavy hitters like Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, then spend afternoons exploring trails, the safari, or Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It keeps the day enjoyable instead of exhausting.
Check the app often – closures can ruin a plan if you don’t adjust. And always keep flexibility: swap in a trail, a show, or even an early meal when something goes down.
For current details, the official Disney page is essential. For practical tips, I often refer back to guides on ticket prices, hours, rope drop timing, or even the Animal Kingdom map. More planning help can be found in the one-day itinerary, thoughts on half-day visits, and the write-ups on animals and the crocodile.
