Best Attractions for Little Ones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

At first glance, Disney’s Animal Kingdom may seem like an overly large zoo or animal wildlife preserve.  But if you explore it, you’ll find there are some great rides and attractions for even the littlest ones in your travel party. 

Truthfully, we used to approach our Walt Disney World vacation with the mindset that if we had to choose a park to skip, it would be Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Not anymore!  After giving it a few more tries, I’m here to tell you there are some awesome attractions for the little ones that are not to miss.

Shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for Little Ones:

The Festival of the Lion King, of course! There is no way this show would not make my list of attractions for little ones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The show lasts about 30 minutes, and you will see guests in line to enjoy the next show almost all day. But don’t despair! This attraction does accept Disney Genie Plus, and the seating area is huge-approximately 1500 seats all around the stage area! The sights, sounds, costumes, and energy of this show cannot be matched. Our family sees this early in our day at Animal Kingdom! It gives us a high energy start to our day!

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue….and Beyond! Right at the top of my favorite shows at Walt Disney World, is Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! I had been to Walt Disney World 6 times before I finally made time to see it….you know, I was seeing the Festival of the Lion King every time before that!  Finding Nemo the Big Blue….and Beyond is fantastic! The story is so heartwarming, and I love that the benches in the theater have backs. I know, it’s the little things. The props are amazing, and I love how they put the show together. Knowing the entire movie takes place in the ocean, that stretches the creativity muscles to put it on a stage! But Disney does it wonderfully!

Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for Little Ones:

Kilimanjaro Safaris. No trip to Animal Kingdom is complete without a ride on a safari tour. There is nothing like it in all of Walt Disney World, and you see something different every time! Our personal favorites are the giraffes! We love to see animals existing with each other in their habitat. Disney has done such an amazing job of catering to these exotic animals! You can even get some great, up close photos of them. Enjoy the safari early in the morning, as the animals are out and about when it is cool. It is also amazing at night. Now that Animal Kingdom has extended hours, riding the Kilimanjaro Safari in the evening can be a unique experience! The Kilimanjaro Safaris is definitely one of the best attractions for little ones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Meet Disney Characters at Adventures Outpost. I know, you can see Mickey and Minnie in all the Disney parks. But, they are so cute in their safari costumes! This meet and greet is definitely one of my favorites. They have great interaction, the space is a good size, and the background makes a cute photo! We loved this meet and greet, and it’s definitely a unique one.

The Boneyard.  Here, your child can dig his or her way around a giant dinosaur boneyard.  They’ll discover bones, fossils and tons of fun in this shaded area.  In fact, it’ll be hard to get them out!  Worried they’ll be a sand covered mess? No worries!  Disney has laid down a nonstick sand on a cushy floor for your children to dig and play in.  You can sit in the shade and enjoy watching your child dig, go through tunnels, down slides, and travel the maze.  

Wild Life Express Train.  Every three to five minutes, you can board a rustic train in the Harambe Africa area of Animal Kingdom.  On this ride, you’ll see how the behind the scenes action of Animal Kingdom keeps everything running smoothly.  You exit at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and can catch the train here back to Harambe, Africa.  You’ll learn about conservation, as well as the animals and their care at Animal Kingdom.

Affection Section.  After exiting the Wild Life Express Train at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, your little one can encounter some animals up close and personal.  This is the only place on Disney property where you can interact with animals this closely.  Llamas, chickens, goats, and sheep are waiting for your little one to give them some love and attention.

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