We don’t like to play favorites, but sometimes you have to. We get asked all the time what our favorite park is, and truly… it’s almost impossible to choose!

We’re lucky enough to spend a LOT of time in the Disney park mulling this impossible question over. And recently I find myself thinking… Disney’s Animal Kingdom just might be our favorite park!

Here are some of the many reasons we love DAK:

 

1. Unique Character Interactions

Sure we love meeting Mickey and Minnie (and they are in Animal Kingdom, too, in cute safari gear!), but we also love meeting unusual friends! There are several characters you can’t meet anywhere but Animal Kingdom — like Pocahontas, Russell and Dug, and Rafiki… not to mention the amazing Kevin from UP!

You can check out our guide to Animal Kingdom Characters here.

2. Pandora – the World of Avatar

Even if you’ve never seen Avatar (which you totally should) you will be BLOWN AWAY by the beauty and detail in Animal Kingdom’s newest land. It is absolutely stunning!

Not only that, but Flight of Passage is the most technologically advanced attraction at Walt Disney World (for now!). It is MIND-BLOWING and I notice something different every time I ride it.

If that’s not enough, the food and drinks in the land are exclusive to Pandora, and quite tasty! At Pongu Pongu you can grab a beer brewed just for travelers to the Mo’ara Valley (and one is green!) plus a Pongu Lumpia, which is a pineapple cream cheese delight. Nearby at Satu’li Canteen you can build your own hearty bowl, or grab a cheeseburger pod!

 

3. Thrilling Attractions 

Flight of Passage isn’t the only thrill at the park. Animal Kingdom is home to some of the most detailed and top-drawer thrill rides in all of Walt Disney World!

Dinosaur is one of the scariest attractions at Disney, and Expedition Everest is a top-three most detailed ride — not to mention the tallest.

If you want thrills, Animal Kingdom is a great place to be!

4. Outstanding Live Entertainment 

Rivers of Light might not be the most popular nighttime spectacular, but the daytime entertainment is INCREDIBLE.

The streetmosphere is so much fun — especially in the village of Harambe! The various acts include a live street band, authentic African instrument players, and the Harambe Acrobats, who you have to see to believe!

Plus, the highest rated show in all of Walt Disney World is the Festival of the Lion King! And for good reason — it has everything: acrobatics, fire-stunts, and incredible live performances of all of your favorite songs from The Lion King. Trust me — if you do one thing in Animal Kingdom, make it seeing this show!

 

5. Animals 

One of the best things about Animal Kingdom is the animals – DUH. The big draw of the park is being able to see animals from all over the world. Head to the park’s flagship attraction Kilimanjaro Safaris for a 20-minute truck ride through the African savanna. You’ll spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and so much MORE!

And that’s not all. You can walk through the animal exhibits at the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Discovery Island Trails, and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. It is so fun and relaxing to stroll through and see everything from Okapis to Naked Mole Rats, and Tigers to Otters!

Animal Kingdom not only gives you the chance to get up close to some of the most beautiful creatures in the world, but it also gives you the chance to help save them! The Disney Conservation Fund has given more than $75 million dollars globally to wildlife causes. At Animal Kingdom you can buy certain souvenirs whose proceeds go to certain causes, and “Conservation Hero” buttons that donate directly to the Fund. Or if you toss a few spare pennies into a fountain, they are collected and donated.

So there you have it — five reasons Animal Kingdom is our FAVORITE park, this week at least! What about you, why do you love Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

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