Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is a park that embodies the spirit of adventure, exploration, and conservation. Guests of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park can have endless hours of fun exploring and finding animals, and enjoying various attractions. The park has seen quite a few changes since its opening in 1998. While many attractions from opening day still remain, there are a few attractions that are newer and have opened within the last decade. If you have an upcoming trip to Disney World then be sure to check out the newest attractions at Animal Kingdom.
Avatar: Flight of Passage
Pandora- The World of Avatar, is an expanded section of Animal Kingdom that opened in 2017. This intricately themed area invites guests to step into the alien world of Pandora. Complete with floating mountains, guests will feel entirely enchanted by this immersive land. Avatar: Flight of Passage, is an attraction within this area that has been thrilling guests for just 7 years. This unique thrill ride allows guests to ride their own banshee. Using 3-D effects as well as practical effects within the ride vehicle, guests will truly feel as if they are taking flight. Avatar: Flight of Passage is for guests 44 inches or taller. Guests with mobility issues should be aware that they are seated in a prone position for this attraction.
Na’vi River Journey
Another attraction within Pandora is Na’vi River Journey. Having opened in 2017 as well, this attraction is one of the newer Animal Kingdom attractions. This slow-moving boat ride through a bioluminescent forest explores Pandora in an enchanting way. Guests will be delighted by the calm visuals of the attraction, and then come face-to-face with one of the largest audio-animatronics ever created. The Na’vi River Shaman is an impressive feat of Disney Imagineering and should not be missed.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
This Broadway-style stage show has had a recent upgrade! Finding Nemo: The Big Blue, has had recent additions to make it Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! The show now features characters from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, as well as additional set pieces and visuals and an all-new script. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! features original music and puppetry to tell the story of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
Meet Moana at Character Landing
A new character experience recently arrived to Animal Kingdom. Guests can now meet Moana at Character Landing, in addition to other character meet and greets throughout the park. You can find Character Landing near Discovery Island, just before you enter Dino Land U.S.A. Moana typically meets throughout the day. Other characters that can be found at Animal Kingdom are Chip and Dale, Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Mickey, Russell, Doug, and Pocahontas. Guests can also spot Kevin the bird walking around the park, as well as the performer Divine.
Have you had a recent visit to Animal Kingdom? What are your favorite new attractions? Or do you prefer the classics? Let us know 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 two toddlers. 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.
