Disney’s Animal Kingdom is growing and becoming more popular, so you must plan your day. We all make mistakes when on vacation, and these Animal Kingdom Mistakes, updated for 2020, can reduce the enjoyment of your holiday. However, with a bit of planning, you can easily avoid them and have a great vacation.
Not creating a plan for your visit.
The fact you are looking at this website suggests you are not going to make this mistake. However, you must make a plan of what you intend to do at
Your planning must start early to make sure you get those key FastPass+ & Advanced Dining Reservations.
Our Guide to
Attempting to do the Animal Kingdom in 1 day.
The problem with the Animal Kingdom is the entire park is excellent. Since Pandora- World of Avatar opened, this is no longer a 1-day park. Apart from 1 or 2 exceptions, you will want to do it all.
If you have time visit
Not booking FastPass+ Reservations
FastPass+ is Disney’s attraction reservation system. FastPass+ allows you to book attractions in advance of your arrival at Walt Disney World. Your reservation allows you to join a much shorter line so you can experience the ride quicker. If you don’t use FastPass+ you will spend a more extended period in standby lines.
You can only pre-book one FastPass for either Navi River Journey or Flight of Passage. Due to the popularity of these attractions do not expect to get an extra FastPass later in the day.
In addition, you can make a further 2 Fastpass selections. In our opinion, these should usually be Kilimanjaro Safaris & Kali River Rapids. While Expedition Everest can attract serious crowds there is a single rider option if you are prepared to ride alone.
We have created a guide to help you plan your Animal Kingdom Fastpass Strategy.
Trying to ride everything at the Animal Kingdom
You may need to skip the odd attraction at the Animal Kingdom if you are short of time. We have created a list of 5 attractions we would consider skipping at the Animal Kingdom if we are short of time.
Not checking the kids are tall enough to ride
Before planning, attractions make sure everyone who wants to is big enough to ride. Disney enforces height limits rigidly, and you will not succeed arguing with the cast members. If the kids are not big enough to ride, make sure they know in advance.
The following attractions at the Animal Kingdom have height restrictions:
- Avatar Flight of Passage at least 44 inches tall to ride
- Dinosaur at least 40 inches tall to ride
- Expedition Everest at least 44 inches tall to ride
- Kali River Rapids at least 38 inches tall to ride
Primeval Whirl at least 48 inches tall to ride
However, if the kids are too small to ride, it does not mean adults and older siblings can’t. Rider Switch, also sometimes known as child swap, allows guests with small children to take turns riding while another adult stays with the child. Visit our guide to learn more about Rider Switch.
You can’t access the park Wi-Fi.
Online access is essential in Walt Disney World. Don’t even consider entering a Walt Disney World Park in 2020 without access to Wi-Fi.
The My Disney Experience App is your essential guide to wait times, maps, showtimes & a lot more. Plus you can reserve FastPass+ & make dining reservations on the App.
Not planning Animal Kingdom dining reservations in advance.
There isn’t a large number of table service restaurants at the Animal Kingdom. Advanced Dining Reservations open 180 days in advance, and venues often book up fast.
Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day, especially during free dining. If standby reservations are available, you will often experience very lengthy waits.
Missing the shows
Walt Disney World is not all about rides. There are some sensational Broadway Style shows at Walt Disney World and some of the best are at the Animal Kingdom. A show also offers the opportunity for a rest and some time out of the sun.
Not having a break.
The
One option is to c
Not bringing park essentials
Make a list of what you need e.g. camera, autograph book, poncho. Make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen & a good hat. Plus you will need access to plenty of water.
Pack your bag the night before. Remember not to take too much as you will be carrying it all day. We have created a guide to what we recommend putting in your park bag.
Not realizing there will be a lot of walking
Make sure your shoes are worn in and comfortable; you will be doing a lot of walking, the Animal Kingdom is a massive park.
Be ready to hire a stroller for all under 5s and some older kids too. Kids will get tired & grumpy in Orlando. Plus, cranky kids often lead to even crankier adults.
Not using the lockers for Kali River Rapids
There is no longer storage for belongings on Kali River Rapids. Your belongings will get wet, perhaps very wet. Lockers are free and located near the entrance to the attraction.
Yes….We made this mistake & our stuff got wet!
Not getting a FastPass for Flight of Passage
Obtaining a Flight of Passage FastPass is our number 1 tip for visiting the Animal Kingdom. You should try and book this as soon as reservations open. Don’t expect to get one on the day, and the lines will be very long.
Our Animal Kingdom Fastpass Strategy has Tips & Hints of what to do if you do miss out on getting a Fastpass
Do you have any other Animal Kingdom Mistakes to avoid? Why not leave us a comment below?
Read More Animal Kingdom Tips
Our Guide to
We have also created a Guide to Walt Disney World which is a great starting point to plan your vacation.
Oh my gosh this was soooo helpful