Animal Kingdom is a park that is like no other; I think we can all agree on that. Animal Kingdom is not my favorite park, because Epcot and Hollywood Studios hold a special place in my heart, but I think this park has some of the best attractions on Disney property. Where else can you go on a safari and eat a Mickey Premium Bar right after? Animal Kingdom has so many hidden gems, and I think that’s why there are so many bests at this park.

Best Attractions and Rides

Animal Kingdom is filled with great attractions, rides, and shows. I want to point out which ones I think are the BEST. Expedition Everest is at the top of my list of best attractions at Animal Kingdom. This attraction is filled with twists, turns, and backward motion. This attraction’s downfall is that the Yeti in the ride will probably forever be broken. The next attraction on my best list is a show. The Festival of the Lion King is a must-do on my list mainly because this show is what inspired me to become a theme park performer. I think the soundtrack, the choreography, and the set are fantastic. Watching the show is also a great way to get out of the heat and sit down. Kilimanjaro Safaris is a show-stopper attraction. The number of animals you get to see while on the safari is incredible. My favorite part of the safari is when they point out the new babies that have joined the safari. When the babies join the safari, the drivers get excited to point them out so that everyone can see them. Of course, we can’t leave out Flight of Passage, but it’s not the best for those prone to motion sickness. The ride is top-tier, especially if you love the Avatar film.

Best Animal Experiences

At Animal Kingdom, there are many different ways to see animals while walking around the parks, but there are two trails that I believe are the best ways to experience animals. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails is located next to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Here you can see meerkats, gorillas, zebra, and more. The Maharajah Jungle Trek is located by Kali River Rapids, and this is my favorite trail. You can find a Komodo dragon, water buffalo, an aviary, and tigers on this trek. Every time I go to Animal Kingdom, I have to do this trail to see the tigers. This trek also has a lot of great picture spots, especially by the tiger section. These two trails are great ways to learn more about the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Best Dining

Unfortunately, I have yet to try the places claimed to be the best dining experiences at Animal Kingdom. Tiffins is thought to be one of the best dining locations, and I’ve never heard a bad review, so I will trust those who have said it’s great. I have yet to try it, but I always see people eating there. Hopefully, I can eat there one day; the same thing with Tusker House and the Nomad Lounge. Quick service-wise I can tell you the best. Satu’li Canteen is the best quick service location, dare I say, in all of Walt Disney World. This location is so different from what we see at the other parks. This isn’t your normal chicken fingers and burgers. But if you enjoy burgers, you have to try the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods. Before becoming a vegetarian, I tried the pods, and I remember being blown away. My wife tends to be a picky eater, so I wasn’t sure about bringing her to Satu’li Canteen because I wasn’t sure if she would like what they offer. I eventually took her, and she ordered the Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl, and now anytime we go to Animal Kingdom, she has to eat here. I’m not mad about that because I’m obsessed with the Chili-Garlic Shrimp Bowl. Flame Tree Barbecue is another quick service location on my list. This one you can smell a mile away. It’s not the best food in the world, but it is way better than what they offer in Dinoland USA. They have a plant-based option that I love: the Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich. I also love the Macaroni and Cheese they serve at this location.

All in all, Animal Kingdom is filled with great experiences. I have some things that I specifically love at Animal Kingdom that aren’t the best, but it’s all things I have an emotional connection to, like Rafiki’s Planet Watch. I have so many memories of Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and these days it seems not to get as much love as it used to, mainly because it’s outdated. We all have those little things that we are emotionally connected to at Walt Disney World and fit in our own best list.

What are your favorite parts of Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.