How To Spend Your Downtime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Disney’s largest park, and it is also the park with the most opportunities to explore. Because of the space between each attraction at Animal Kingdom being size-able, guests might find themselves with a lot of downtime in between attractions. There is so much to do and see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here are a few ideas on how to spend your downtime at Animal Kingdom!

Explore Discovery Island

Discovery Island is the main hub of Animal Kingdom and is truly the heart of the park. This area is where you’ll find several animal exhibits like otters, storks, red kangaroos, flamingos, macaws, and so much more. You’ll also find extensive trails throughout this area making it seem as if you truly are exploring! The serene nature and beauty of Animal Kingdom is unmatched. Guests should truly take time to slow down and enjoy all that Discovery Island has to offer.

Play Games at DinoLand

DinoLand U.S.A. is a fun carnival-like area of Animal Kingdom that will soon be replaced to make way for new fun, so guests should take the opportunity to enjoy it while it is still here! One of my favorite ways to spend my downtime with my family is by playing the carnival-style games at DinoLand. Vouchers can be purchased at an additional fee to play these games for a chance to win fun Disney and Dino-themed prizes.

Take the Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Too many guests skip the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch! This 7-minute train ride takes guests from the main park area to the conservation area of the park: Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is home to several exhibits such as the Affection Section Petting Zoo, an outdoor discovery trail, and Conservation Station which is home to an animal care facility.

Conservation Station is also where guests can watch Cast Members prepare food for various Animal Kingdom animals, visit the reptile and amphibian house, check out the Science Center, and witness park veterinarians at work. Conservation Station is a fantastic place to spend time in if you or someone in your family is passionate about animals and zoology.

Take an Animation Class

Conservation Station is also home to a unique attraction that is great for killing time. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station is a 25-minute long class that is led by a real Disney animator. During this class you will learn how to draw a Disney character and get tips on animation. Each class offers a different character, so feel free to enjoy this experience as many times as you wish!

Be a Wilderness Explorer

One of the best ways to spend your downtime at Animal Kingdom is to become a Wilderness Explorer. Throughout the park, several Wilderness Explorer stations are set up where guests can grab a handbook and guidebook and begin their journey. Guests can participate in a variety of self-lead activities in order to earn badges and eventually earn the title of Wilderness Explorer. This is a great educational opportunity for children, and a fantastic and fun way to kill time at the park!

How do you spend your downtime at Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.