As a Disney enthusiast, I’m always excited to explore the parks and discover new experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a fantastic day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, trying out new Lion King-themed snacks, riding some of my favorite attractions, and capping off the evening with a delicious dinner at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Join me as I take you through this wild adventure in June!
A Beautiful Day in the Animal Kingdom
I arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a gorgeous day with temperatures in the low 90s. The weather had been amazing for the past couple of days, making it the perfect time to explore the park. As I entered, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the surroundings. Animal Kingdom truly transports you to another world with its lush landscapes and immersive theming.
Tip: The best time to visit Animal Kingdom is typically in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when the weather is milder. However, if you do visit during summer, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned areas.
Genie+ and Wait Times
Before diving into the attractions, I checked the Genie+ prices and wait times. On this particular day, Genie+ for Animal Kingdom was $18, which is usually the cheapest option among the Disney World parks. This is likely because Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks, typically at 7:00 PM.
I decided to hold off on purchasing Genie+ and monitor the wait times throughout the day. Here’s a snapshot of the wait times I observed around 2:00 PM:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: 35 minutes
- Expedition Everest: 50 minutes (with single rider option available)
- Dinosaur: 60 minutes
- Avatar Flight of Passage: 110 minutes
Tip: Wait times at Animal Kingdom often decrease later in the day. If you’re not using Genie+, consider doing popular attractions in the last few hours before park closing.
Lion King 30th Anniversary Treats
One of the main reasons for my visit was to try out the new Lion King-themed snacks celebrating the movie’s 30th anniversary. My first stop was to get the Lion King Dole Whip, but I soon discovered that Disney had switched up the locations of some treats.
Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich
I started with the Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich, available at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa. This delightful treat features vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two blue cake batter sugar cookies, topped with a chocolate medallion.
The ice cream sandwich was sizeable and perfect for a hot day. However, I quickly learned that eating it in the Florida heat can be a bit messy! The cookie softened as the ice cream melted, creating a delicious, albeit slightly messy, eating experience. Pro tip: Grab some napkins and find a shaded spot to enjoy this treat.
Lion King Dole Whip
Next on my list was the Lion King Dole Whip, which I discovered was being sold at Dino-Bite Snacks in DinoLand U.S.A. This swap of locations between treats initially threw me off, but it gave me a reason to explore more of the park.
Festival of the Lion King
After enjoying my treats, I made my way to the Festival of the Lion King show. This spectacular performance is a must-see at Animal Kingdom, combining music, acrobatics, and puppetry to bring the story of The Lion King to life.
I was lucky enough to get a ground floor seat, which provided an excellent view of the action. The performers were incredibly talented, and I was particularly impressed by the fire dancer and the acrobatic monkeys. The music, of course, was phenomenal – it’s hard not to sing along to classics like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Tip: Try to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before showtime to secure a good seat. The theater is air-conditioned, making it a perfect midday break from the heat.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
After the show, I checked the wait times again and was pleased to see that Kilimanjaro Safaris had dropped to a 20-minute wait. This attraction is one of my favorites at Animal Kingdom, offering a chance to see real animals in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environments.
During my safari, I was lucky enough to spot several animals, including:
- A black rhinoceros
- Giraffes, including what looked like a younger one
- White rhinoceroses (fun fact: they’re actually gray, not white!)
- A lion perched majestically on a rock
Our guide shared some interesting facts about the animals. For instance, did you know that white rhinos got their name from a misheard Afrikaans word “weit,” meaning “wide,” which referred to their wide, flat mouths? It’s these little tidbits of information that make the safari both entertaining and educational.
Tip: For the best animal viewing opportunities, try to go on the safari early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the animals are most active.
More Lion King Treats
Continuing my Lion King-themed food adventure, I made my way to Eight Spoon Cafe to try the Simba Mango Slushy. This refreshing drink features mango-flavored slush with grenadine and is topped with two gummy candies. It was the perfect way to cool down in the afternoon heat.
I also tried Timon’s Luau cake, a vanilla chiffon cake with passion fruit and guava flavors. These tropical flavors perfectly capture the “Hakuna Matata” spirit of Timon and Pumbaa.
Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
As the day progressed, I decided to head over to DinoLand U.S.A. to experience Dinosaur one last time before its rumored closure. This thrilling dark ride takes you back in time to the age of dinosaurs, and it’s been a favorite of mine for years.
The queue area for Dinosaur has a distinct, musty smell that I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. It’s one of those sensory experiences that really adds to the immersion of the attraction.
The ride itself was as wild and bumpy as ever, with close encounters with various dinosaurs and a race against time to avoid the asteroid impact. While I’m excited to see what new attractions might come to this area of the park, I’ll certainly miss the heart-pounding adventure of Dinosaur.
Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to skip Dinosaur or take some precautions. The ride can be quite jarring!
Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boma
To cap off my Animal Kingdom adventure, I decided to head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma – Flavors of Africa. I managed to snag a last-minute reservation through the My Disney Experience app.
Before dinner, I took some time to explore the lodge. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning resort that truly makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Africa. The grand lobby, with its soaring ceilings and African-inspired decor, is breathtaking.
One of the highlights of the lodge is the savanna viewing areas. I visited a less crowded viewing spot and was able to see some animals, including an eland and an ostrich, against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.
Frozen POG Juice
Before heading to dinner, I stopped by The Mara, the quick-service restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge, to try their Frozen POG juice. POG juice (a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava) is a favorite among Disney fans, typically found at the Polynesian Village Resort. This frozen version was a delightful twist on the classic drink and a perfect pre-dinner refresher.
Boma – Flavors of Africa
Dinner at Boma was the perfect way to end my Animal Kingdom day. This buffet restaurant offers a wide array of African-inspired dishes along with some familiar favorites. At $56 for adults and $38 for children, it’s not the cheapest dining option, but the variety and quality of food make it well worth the price.
Here are some of the standout dishes I tried:
- Corn chowder: This was a personal favorite. Paired with their bread (which isn’t quite cornbread but is equally delicious), it’s a comforting start to the meal.
- Spiced pork ribs: These were fall-off-the-bone tender with a delicious honey barbecue sauce.
- African spiced strip loin: Perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
- Bobotie: A South African dish made with ground beef, lamb, mushrooms, and egg. It’s a unique and tasty option that I’d recommend trying.
- Various stews: Boma offers several stews, including a lamb curry and a seafood stew. These are not to be missed!
- Zebra Domes: These iconic desserts are a must-try. They’re like a mousse-cake hybrid with a cookie base, covered in white chocolate with chocolate stripes.
Tip: Come hungry to Boma! With the wide variety of options, you’ll want to pace yourself to try a bit of everything.
Reflecting on a Magical Day
As I headed home to my dog Gracie after a long and exciting day, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the magical experiences I’d had. From the thrilling rides and spectacular shows to the delicious food and breathtaking scenery, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge offer a unique and immersive experience that truly transports you to exotic locales.
Here are some key takeaways from my day:
- Try the seasonal treats: Disney often introduces special menu items to celebrate anniversaries or seasons. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offerings!
- Take time to appreciate the details: Whether it’s the theming in the queue areas or the wildlife on Kilimanjaro Safaris, there’s so much to discover if you take the time to look.
- Consider dining at a Disney resort: Restaurants like Boma offer unique dining experiences that can add an extra layer of magic to your Disney day.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: It’s invaluable for checking wait times, making last-minute dining reservations, and navigating the park.
- Don’t rush: Animal Kingdom is a park that rewards those who take their time. Stop to watch the animals, enjoy the live performances, and soak in the atmosphere.
Planning Your Own Animal Kingdom Adventure
If you’re inspired to plan your own day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: This allows you to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times.
- Prioritize your must-do experiences: Whether it’s Flight of Passage, the Festival of the Lion King, or Kilimanjaro Safaris, make sure you fit in your top priorities.
- Take advantage of single rider lines: Attractions like Expedition Everest offer this option, which can significantly reduce your wait time.
- Stay hydrated: Florida can be hot, especially in the summer. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of free water at quick-service locations.
- Consider Park Hopper: If you want to experience more of Walt Disney World in one day, a Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit multiple parks.
- Explore Animal Kingdom Lodge: Even if you’re not staying or dining there, it’s worth a visit to see the animals and the beautiful African-inspired architecture.
- Check the Times Guide: This will help you plan around showtimes for performances like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Final Thoughts
My day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was filled with adventure, delicious food, and magical moments. From the excitement of the attractions to the wonder of seeing animals up close, to the cultural immersion of dining at Boma, it was a day that embodied the spirit of discovery and adventure that Animal Kingdom represents.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, Animal Kingdom offers experiences that will delight, educate, and inspire. So next time you’re planning a Disney World vacation, be sure to set aside a day (or more!) to explore this wild and wonderful park. Who knows? You might just have your own unforgettable animal adventure!