In my eyes, it’s indisputable. Walt Disney World is the absolute best place to have a date night! Going there for a night with your loved one, well the magic is just unmatched! Any vibe you are going for, whether it’s a romantic night out or just for the sake of spending time together, you’ll not regret choosing Disney. If you’re here on a vacation or maybe even a local, I’ll run down each park showcasing what I think is the best way to go about Disney date night! Last on our list is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Unfortunately, Disney’s Animal Kingdom seems to close pretty early most days. That’s not to say you can’t have an incredible date night, evening, or late afternoon! In this article, I’ll give you some ideas and how to make the most of the time you do have at this gorgeously unique park.
Dining
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has plenty of unique food and drink options. Spanning multiple continents and cultures, I almost prefer the food here compared to EPCOT. Take the Nomad Lounge for example. This lounge connected to Tiffins, a table service restuarant, has genuinely the best snacks on property. The churros they serve here are leagues better than your typical Disney World churro. The Bangkok Chicken Wings are the most savory chicken wings at the parks. Getting to know someone over some small dishes and drinks is the best way to start a date. Maybe you two have been together for a long time and are taking this chance to unwind and talk about your week.
If your date has a more formal vibe, the aforementioned Tiffins is a fine dining restuarant that explores many different cuisines across different cultures. A cheaper alternative is just across the bridge in Pandora- The World of Avatar. Satu’li Canteen offers dishes inspired by Pandora and the Valley of Mo’ara. Think of it like a Disney version of Chipotle, but the food is a lot more fresh and flavorful!
Attractions
While Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not have as many rides as the other parks, there is so much to do in this park that makes for a unique date! Let’s start with the rides. You could take a slow moving boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora on Na’Vi River Journey, which provides a very relaxing and romantic ride for you and your date. If you both are more into thrills, just next door is Avatar Flight Of Passage. Almost like if Soarin’ and Star Tours had a baby, this flying simulator is thrilling yet also deeply emotional. Looking over at your loved one on this ride, with the wind in their hair as you both soar through Pandora is a sight you will never forget, trust me. Other thrill at Animal Kingdom include Dinosaur and Expedition Everest, which provide a huge adrenaline rush!
Looking to take things slow? Hop aboard Kilimanjaro Safari’s which takes you through an African savanna. No two rides on the safari are ever the same, meaning you’ll see sights of these animals that can never be replicated, unique to your special evening. Wanting to get up close with some more animals? The Marharajah Jungle Trek and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail allow guests to get closer to gorgeous animals ranging from Tigers to Gorillas!
Animal Kingdom has two incredible musical shows, Festival of The Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! These two shows are unbelievable. A mixture of insane displays of talent and raw emotions, you’re bound to leave one of them with at least some misty eyes! It’s a nice way to sit down with your loved one and enjoy a beautiful show!
A lot of people like to say there’s not much to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially on a date, and I have to disagree! This park might not have a lot of rides (yet that is!), but it has so many adventures for you and a loved one to embark on together, and that’s greater than any ride!
At the end of the day, nobody knows your connection like you two! No matter what you end up doing, it’ll be special because you’re creating memories only you two could make. I would love to hear about your most memorable Disney date in the comments!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Mateo Osorio
Mateo has been in love with the Disney Parks for as long as he can remember. During his childhood he spent any free second talking about Walt Disney World and Disneyland to anybody who would listen. Not much has changed! During his free time you can find him either at Hollywood Studios or trying to convince his friends to go on another trip to Disneyland.