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We rank all of the best rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort from worst to best!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is easily the most beautiful of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. With lush walkways, exotic animals, and wonderfully crafted buildings, there’s always something amazing to see. The lands seamlessly move together as you journey through Africa, Asia, and even a dinosaur park. The newest addition, Pandora—The World of Avatar is both alien and familiar with floating mounts and eye-popping flora.
Though this park is big on eye candy, it’s also a bit short on rides. With only eight rideable attractions, it pales in comparison to the Magic Kingdom. Even Disney’s Hollywood Studios beats Animal Kingdom by one ride. However, some of the attractions at Animal Kingdom are the best rides in the resort. We rank them here from worst to best.
8. TriceraTop Spin
The TriceraTop Spin ride is nearly a clone of Dumbo the Flying Elephant in the Magic Kingdom. What some fans call an “off-the-shelf carnival ride” this classic spinner has a greater purpose. You see, there aren’t many just-for-kids rides in Animal Kingdom, so this attraction serves that purpose. While the big kids go on the scary DINOSAUR ride nearby, a preschooler or kindergartener will love flying high on this attraction. Though we think that TriceraTop Spin is cleverly colorful, it’s in the gaudiest land in Walt Disney World. The Chester and Hester carnival games area of DinoLand, U.S.A. is purposely an ugly roadside attraction. However, even though it’s intended to be garish, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this land is an actual eyesore.
Height Restriction: None
7. Wildlife Express Train
The Wildlife Express Train is a beautifully crafted locomotive. Themed after adventures in Africa, this freight-style ride whisks guests to a hidden part of the park, Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While we love that the Express Train reveals some behind-the-scenes areas, the rest is pretty much a bore. But that’s not the worst of it… guests hop off the train hoping to find adventure, but are met with a lackluster experience. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a dated building with few attractions other than a petting zoo and a learn-to-draw. Overall, it’s a big letdown that we hope Disney fixes in the years to come.
Height Restriction: None
6. Kali River Rapids
Disney has a few of these raft-style rides throughout the world. Grizzly River Run in the Disneyland Resort and Roaring Rapids in Disneyland Shanghai are both exciting and filled with nature-inspired imagination. While Kali River Rapids is likely the most beautiful of all three, it’s also by far the most disappointing. Though there’s a fun drop and plenty of chances to get wet, the ride doesn’t deliver enough thrills. To make things worse, the Kali River Rapids’ theme is about deforestation which is pretty depressing for a theme park ride. With all of that said, guests may enjoy this ride the first time. But they won’t come home thinking it’s one of Disney’s most memorable experiences.
Height Restriction: 38 in (97 cm)
5. Na’vi River Journey
The Na’vi River Journey is one of the most underrated rides in Walt Disney World. This gentle boat ride glides through a bioluminescent forest set in the alien world of Pandora from the Avatar movie. Disney uses a mix of technology and physical set pieces to bring movie scenes to life. However, the cake goes to the stunning Na’vi shaman animatronic at the end. The movements are so realistic you’ll think its a person in a suit! The Na’vi River Journey can be enjoyed by all ages and makes a great midday escape or post-lunch chill out.
Height Restriction: None
4. DINOSAUR
Disney cleverly converted its Indiana Jones attraction from Disneyland into a time-traveling ride! DINOSAUR launches guests into the past with giant animatronics and thrilling sequences. Some exotic and lesser-known dinosaurs make appearances throughout this attraction. However, the original in-ride music was deemed too scary, so Disney removed it entirely. Sadly, the lack of musical score makes this ride feel a bit flat. Still, it’s a lot of fun to swerve and dart through a prehistorical world!
Height Restriction: 40 in (102 cm)
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Perhaps an overall favorite, the Kilimanjaro Safaris take guests into a recreated African safari. From the safety of a caravan, guests spot exotic animals like giraffes, zebra, rhinos, and African Elephants. Unlike most zoos, this ride is huge! Kilimanjaro Safaris expands over 100 acres, which is roughly the same size as the Magic Kingdom. During 22-minute ride, guests learn about these beautiful animals as they watch them graze, swim, run, and play.
Height Restriction: None
2. AVATAR Flight of Passage
Disney upgraded their theatre-ride experience to astounding new heights! Flight of Passage uses 3-D effect, a massive screen (similar to Soarin at EPCOT), and motorcycle-style moving seats to simulate flying. Guests hop on the back of a virtual “Ikran” that zooms around this alien world. There are smells, mists, and plenty of action to enjoy. Though the seats may feel uncomfortable to large guests, most will find this attraction to be jaw-dropping!
Height Restriction: 44 in (112 cm)
1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Disney’s best rides is Expedition Everest, a roller coaster like no other! This $100 million thrill ride enters the mystic world of the Himalayas. The car zooms forward, backward, and side to side during this heart-racing, gravity defying experience. We love the ingenuity and beauty of Expedition Everest. While its best suited for thrill riders, there aren’t any inversions or extremely steep drops. There is, however, an angry yeti on the loose! Sadly, the yeti’s been broken for some time and doesn’t move like he used to. Nevertheless, his thunderous roar is terrifying enough!
Height Restriction: 44 in (112 cm)
Our 2021 Walt Disney World Guidebook is here! Discover the best way to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom and all of the other theme parks. We give tips for where to stay, how to save money, the best food, and even dedicate a chapter to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Our guide is must for anyone planning a trip in 2021! Click here for more information and where to buy!
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