There’s so much to do and see when you visit the parks at Walt Disney World. Many guests find “rope dropping” to be an essential tactic for their Disney vacations. Rope dropping a park means to arrive just before the park opens so you can be one of the first in the gates. This gives guests advantages when it comes to stepping in line for popular attractions and riding other rides with little to no wait at all. Each park has its own unique benefits when it comes to rope dropping. If you plan on visiting Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning during your next Disney trip then check out our rope drop guide.
Popular Attractions to Get in Line For
Animal Kingdom is home to several popular attractions that can develop long wait times throughout the day. Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora- The World of Avatar is one of the most popular rides in the park, making it a great choice for rope drop. Guests can also head toward Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, or Expedition Everest. Kilimanjaro Safaris can be especially fun during the morning when the temperatures are cooler and the animals might be more active.
Breakfast Locations
There are several places throughout Animal Kingdom where guests can grab breakfast during the morning. Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in Africa serves breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and other goodies. Guests can also stop by Creature Comforts for Starbucks coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. If you find yourself in Pandora after riding Flight of Passage then head over to Pongu Pongu where you can grab the popular Pongu Lumpia for a sweet start to your day.
Popular Photo Spots
Animal Kingdom is one of the most beautiful Disney parks, and there are so many great places to stop for photos. The Tree of Life is an obvious choice, and there are several areas throughout Discovery Island where guests can find a great view. Pandora is another incredible area for photos, especially near the floating mountains. Guests can also take photos throughout Africa and Asia where the detailed buildings and lush landscaping make for some unique backgrounds.
Popular Character Meet and Greets
Character meet and greets are another great activity for your Animal Kingdom morning. Guests can meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse together at Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island. This meet and greet is a great opportunity to see Mickey and Minnie in their adorable adventure outfits. Other characters can be found throughout the park as well, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for locations and appearance times during your visit.
Other Morning Activities
There is so much to explore at Animal Kingdom beyond the rides. Guests who arrive early can spend some time walking the animal trails, exploring Pandora, or simply enjoying the atmosphere before the park gets busier. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek are great places to see animals and slow down during your morning. You can also take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch where guests can visit animals, explore Conservation Station, and participate in the Animation Experience.
What do you like to do first thing in the morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Are you a rope drop family or do you prefer to sleep in? We want to hear from you in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her family. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
