What Time Does Animal Kingdom Open

Introduction

Enter the magical world of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Adventure, wonder, and the beauty of nature come to life there! Are you planning a visit to this great theme park? You might be wondering, “When does Animal Kingdom open?” In this article, we’ll give you all the key info. We’ll also share a delightful family experience. Let’s dive into the magic and make the most of your trip!

The Opening Time of Animal Kingdom

Before you start your thrilling journey through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you must know when the park opens. The park usually opens at 9:00 AM. This lets visitors start their day of exploration early. However, it’s always good to double-check the official website or contact Disney Guest Services. Confirm the opening time for the date of your visit. This ensures that you can plan your day and make the most of your time at the park.

Day	Off-Season & Normal Crowds	Peak Season	Early Entry (Optional)
Monday – Thursday	9:00 AM to 7:00 PM	8:00 AM to 8:00 PM	7:30 AM to 8:00 AM
Friday & Sunday	8:00 AM to 7:00 PM	8:00 AM to 8:00 PM	7:30 AM to 8:00 AM
Saturday	8:00 AM to 8:00 PM	8:00 AM to 8:00 PM	7:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Our family recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was a pleasure that we will love forever. From the moment we entered the park, we felt an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. It greeted us. Here, we’ll share our journey. Furthermore, we’ll highlight the attractions, shows, and encounters that made our day magical.

1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Firstly, as thrill-seekers, we couldn’t resist the allure of Expedition Everest. This roller coaster was exhilarating. It took us on a high-speed adventure through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. Moreover, the ride’s theming had great attention to detail. It made us feel like true explorers on a daring expedition. However, the thrilling drops and twists were more intense than we anticipated. Our encounters with the legendary Yeti left us breathless and wanting more.

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Going on a safari at Kilimanjaro Safaris was a top part of our day. In fact, boarding an open-air vehicle, we embarked on a journey across the vast landscapes of the African savanna. The sheer abundance of wildlife was awe-inspiring. Consequently, we marveled at the sight of majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and mighty lions, all seemingly in their natural habitats. The knowledgeable guides further enriched the experience. They provided fascinating insights into the animals’ behaviors, making the entire safari even more engaging. This made the experience both educational and thrilling.

3. Festival of the Lion King

Firstly, we immersed ourselves in the bright colors, charming music, and amazing performances. It was the Festival of the Lion King. It was a pure joy. The show was like Broadway. Moreover, it took us through the beloved story of Simba and his friends. It had acrobatics, dancing, and live singing. Furthermore, it left us in awe. The cast showed energy and talent. Moreover, it was infectious. We couldn’t help but sing along to the iconic songs.

4. Pandora – The World of Avatar

Stepping into the field of Pandora was like entering a dream. Indeed, the attention to detail in this immersive land was breathtaking. However, we wandered through glowing forests, their bioluminescent flora casting an otherworldly light. Moreover, gazing upwards, we marveled at the floating mountains, their peaks seemingly suspended in the air. Furthermore, we even took flight on the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage. This groundbreaking 3D ride lets us soar on the back of a banshee. Moreover, it was thrilling and awe-inspiring., we’ll never forget it.

5. Extended Evening Hours

In addition to the regular operating hours, guests of deluxe Disney resorts and some partner resorts have access to a special perk called Extended Evening Hours. Moreover, On select nights (about 1-2 nights a week), these guests get to enjoy one of the four Disney World parks for an extra two hours after the park closes to the public. Furthermore, this extended playtime translates to a fantastic way to experience the magic of Disney with shorter wait times and smaller crowds.

6. Animal Kingdom After Hours (Not Currently Offered)

Firstly, for the evening hours, there is Animal Kingdom after Hours. This is not a perk, like Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours. It’s not offered to certain guests. Instead, it’s a ticketed event held on select evenings. Anyone can buy a ticket (unless they sell out). You don’t need to separate park admission for the day to buy a ticket for After Hours.

When it occurs, After Hours allows ticketed guests access to the park from 7 PM to 3 hours after the park closes. Regular park admission is all you need to access After Hours, and you can enter the park at 7 PM.

However, tickets cost around $130 per person and are available for buy on the Disney World website. We reviewed Animal Kingdom After Hours here.

The available attractions are Avatar Flight of Passage and Navi River Journey. Also, there’s Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, and TriceraTop Spin.

However, as we wrote in the review, Animal Kingdom After Hours is a pricey option for what you get. Because the main draw is Avatar Flight of Passage, most guests flock there. The ride is already long. You can expect to spend about 45 minutes on it.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Animal Kingdom Visit

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Animal Kingdom:

Double-check the park hours. They can change throughout the year. So, it’s wise to check their exact open and close times on the official Walt Disney World website or app. Do this a few days before your visit.

• Consider Early Entry: If you’re visiting during peak season or with young children, Early Entry can be a lifesaver. It allows you to tackle popular attractions before the crowds arrive.
• Download the My Disney Experience App: This app is a game-changer! You can use it to view real-time wait times. You can also make dining reservations and mobile order food to avoid long lines.
• Plan your itinerary: Animal Kingdom is a sprawling park with diverse offerings. Research attractions and shows before your trip. Make a loose plan to ensure you see your must-sees.
• Dress comfortably: Florida weather can be unpredictable. However, opt for comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and a hat for sun protection.
• Stay hydrated: However, it’s easy to get dehydrated under the Florida sun. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.

Conclusion

Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers adventure and imagination. The whole family can enjoy it. By knowing the park’s opening time and planning your day accordingly, you can make the most of your visit. The park has thrilling rides like Expedition Everest. It also has awe-inspiring encounters on Kilimanjaro Safaris. It also has enchanting shows like Festival of the Lion King. The memories made at Animal Kingdom will last a lifetime. So, gather your loved ones. Embark on an unforgettable journey. Let the magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom captivate your hearts.

FAQ’s

What time does Animal Kingdom open?

Animal Kingdom typically opens its gates at 9:00 AM. However, you should check the official website or contact Disney Guest Services. Do this for the specific opening time on the day of your visit.

What are the must-visit attractions at Animal Kingdom?

Firstly, Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster ride. Secondly, Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you on an exciting safari adventure. Moreover, don’t miss the Festival of the Lion King for an incredible show and the immersive Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Are there any dining options available in Animal Kingdom?

Yes, Animal Kingdom offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. Moreover, you’ll find a range of cuisines and dining experiences in the park. They range from quick-service to table-service eateries.

Are there any age restrictions for the attractions at Animal Kingdom?

However, some attractions at Animal Kingdom have height or age restrictions for safety reasons. Moreover, make sure to check the park’s official website or consult the park map for specific attraction requirements.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Animal Kingdom?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your food and non-alcoholic drinks into Animal Kingdom. However, glass containers and alcohol are not permitted.