Many guests prefer spending their days at the parks from rope drop to close. With so many attractions, shows, and entertainment located throughout all 4 Disney parks it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring and having fun. But what if you don’t have an entire day to spend at the parks? If you’re going for a last-minute outing, or you find yourself park-hopping, you can still have a blast at the Disney parks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be the largest park, but it is still a park that can be enjoyed with only a half-day or less! If you have an upcoming visit to Animal Kingdom planned then here are some of our favorite things to enjoy on a time crunch.
Explore Discovery Island Trails
Once you enter the park you are greeted with the iconic sight of the Tree of Life. Animal Kingdom’s park icon is so much more than just a symbol. It’s also the location of Discovery Island Trails. Discovery Island Trails take you around the tree and through some areas of the park that feel tranquil and secluded. You’ll see foliage as well as some great wildlife. Discovery Island Trails is home to otters, Red Kangaroos, Flamingoes, a Galapagos Tortoise, and more.
See Animals
The best part of visiting Animal Kingdom is being able to see various animals and wildlife. This is a great activity for a time crunch because there are no lines and you can walk throughout the park at your own pace. When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’ll encounter hippos, birds, elephants, African hogs, lions, bats, butterflies, Gibbons, Gorillas, and so much more.
Meet Characters
There are several character encounters throughout the park that guests can enjoy on a time crunch. At Adventurers Outpost guests can meet Mickey and Minnie, Moana at Character Landing, and even Timon and Rafiki at Conservation Station. Guests can also catch roaming characters during unscheduled times like Kevin from Up, and Devine.
Take the Wildlife Express Train
The Wildlife Express Train is easy to hop on quickly if you are on a time crunch. This train will take you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch which is home to Conservation Station and The Affection Section. Both Conservation Station and The Affection Section are attractions that guests can explore at their own pace making them perfect for those with time constraints. Just be sure to allow yourself extra time to take the train back to the main section of the park.
Catch Live Performances
While Animal Kingdom is home to great shows like The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond, these shows can be tricky for those who have little time to spend at the parks. Luckily, Animal Kingdom is full of live performances that run periodically throughout the day. Performances like the Viva Gaia Street Band will keep you entertained and feeling the Disney spirit.
Do you spend an entire day at Animal Kingdom or do you prefer a half-day? What are your must-do’s for a short visit? 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.
