37 Hidden Gems in Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Sure, you know about Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, but there are lots of fun, special, and little-known facets in Disney World's Animal Kingdom that you may not even realize are there! We've got our favorite attractions, food, entertainment, and secrets to share with you from Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park today!

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Images Used:
Flaska Reclinata in Pandora by elisfkc

The Boneyard Play Area Animal Kingdom Discovery Island by Michael Gray

Pair of Rhinoceroses at the Kilimanjaro Safaris by David R. Tribble

Baby Rhino by Jeff Christiansen

Disney Elephant by Jason Wolff

All images are used under Attribution Licenses:

Sound Effect Used:
Cash Register by kiddpark
Licensed under the Attribution License.

[mutlupb]

Divine made me cry last time I saw her. My mom was in a wheelchair and Divine walked up to her and bowed down to her in reverence. Absolutely made my mom's day to have this gorgeous lady come up to her and do that. It was a very special moment.

[coastiegirlwithpearls]

The most memorable experience of my Disney life: When on the safari, our family experienced the Lion roar. It was a holy moment. Everyone on the safari in our jeep vehicle was in complete awe. No one spoke for at least four minutes as this magnificent creature raised his head, bellowed to the universe, and shook the earth. Finally after what seemed like eternity, our tour guide, obviously moved to tears, stated it was her first such encounter. Now, we moved on and our astounded group would never be the same. Thank you King of the Jungle.

[louiseherrick]

Also go on safari if it rains. Lots of Attractions at AK are outside so if it rains people leave. The safari stays open, the queue is short as so many people have left & you see TONS of animals as they all come out in the rain for a cool down.

[logenarndt]

Hi there, Animal Kingdom cast member here. I agree with everything she said except one thing....do not try to watch Rivers of Light outside of one of the theaters. In fact, it is best viewed from the far left seats in the fast pass theater or the dining package (go to the dessert party to ensure the direct center seats and an amazing spread of sweet treats). The show cannot be viewed in all of its beauty from outside the theaters (one exception being the bridge between Dinoland and Asia) because you will not be able to see the projections on the water screens which make the show what it is. Most seats in the standby theater are also unable to view the screens well.

Best advice for Rivers of Light: Book the Dessert Party or a Dining Package, or get a fast pass and sit as high up in the stands and as far left as you can get for the best view of the show.

Also sometimes if the theater is not full they will let anyone in to the fast pass theater starting around 5 minutes before the show starts to stand in the back and if you walk as far left as they will let you to view the show at that point you will end up with one of the best views of the show that is available.

[paigethecurtain]

One of my favorite parts of Animal Kingdom were the trails around The Tree. My family was in awe of all the hidden animals. We spent probably more than an hour finding different ones and getting awesome pictures.

[josiecortez]

OMG I’m in this video on the Tam Tam Drummers 😱😃

[jordanelise]

I agree with EVERYTHING you just said! I love Animal Kingdom so much!! It has gradually become my FAVORITE Disney World Park... Those who still say it's a "half-day" park are not fully experiencing everything the park has to offer! One thing you didn't mention is the Finding Nemo show; maybe this isn't a "Hidden Gem, " but if EVERYONE is not seeing this show, they need to... Best show at DW in my opinion!

[pfvruth]

Hi! I work at windtraders and we don’t have lines in the rookery anymore, people can come and go and play with the banshees. We sell those too in the cart next to the navi river journey

[christinaehinger]

Loved hearing the lions roaring during an evening safari! I've been to them at all times of day and it's always so different!

[stephensmith]

In addition to the excellent Tam Tam Drummers in 'Africa', there is a strolling solo musician who plays a kora. This is a type of finger and thumb plucked string instrument that sounds similar to a harp. His music is somewhat exotic to western ears, but it is beautiful. He is well worth seeking out.

[sportstrap]

I met Tarzan at animal kingdom and he was literally just standing there no one around him and we just walked up snapped a photo and it was really cool and didn’t expect it at all

[danielbailey]

I’m watching this in my room at Pop Century! Went to AK yesterday!!!

[carolinepatterson]

Former CM here! I used to work at Mr. Kamal's! I'm so glad someone is finally recognizing how delicious those fries are. They're the most filling option at that stand. The falafel is good too, but you only get 5 balls and a side of sauce. I would not get the hummus, it's pretty gross.

[yaffarealbeauty]

I have a favorite sitting spot in the India section near the water you can relax and look at the tree of life. Last time we were walking and enjoying different animals when I looked up and saw 3 red parrots flying overhead. Truly a Disney Magic moment!

[emmxx]

yes!!! animal kingdom is my favorite park! 🙌🏻

[valphonsecapone]

Excited for this, since I go back to Disney World in two weeks for my 40th birthday!

Thanks AJ & everyone at DFB.

[angelad]

I love the clean bathroom in Animal Kingdom! That's a hidden gem for sure.

[Lisa-kduh]

It took me 3 days to do wilderness explorers thing
And the ‘grand prize’ was a sticker.

[bella_iris]

WHAAT! You can meet Pocahontas!?!? How did I miss that!

[RoyalHighlands]

Animal Kingdom is our favorite park. Thank you for telling us about the hidden gems. We will visit many of these on our next visit. Very helpful video.