Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rides Ranked From Worst to Best

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the most unique theme parks, blending thrill rides, immersive experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. This list get all major Animal Kingdom rides ranked, so you can make the most of your visit. With over 25 years working with, researching, and visiting theme parks, including Walt Disney World, I’ve ridden over 200 roller coasters and explored parks as both an industry professional and a passionate fan. 

Keep in mind that these are my rankings, and you may feel differently after your visit, which is fine!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rides Ranked (Worst to Best)

7. Wildlife Express Train

Honestly, I’ve never even ridden this, and that may help explain its ranking on this list.

It’s a relatively uneventful 7-minute, 1.2-mile train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an area dedicated to the preservation and conservation of animals. There’s not much in the way of thrills or immersive theming for this one. You can see some behind-the-scenes areas, but don’t expect to ride it as a major attraction.

6. Kali River Rapids

I haven’t ridden this ride, either – mostly because I don’t want to end up wandering around the park soaking wet when I’ve been there.

However, many people seem to agree that it’s a pretty underwhelming whitewater raft ride that offers a bit of a confusing storyline, drenching moments, and little pay off. While more thrilling than some rides on this list, prepare to get drenched on this one. It’s great for cooling off on hot days, but not good if you don’t want to walk around soaking wet.

5. Na’vi River Journey

A slow moving boat ride with some pretty scenes and the most impressive animatronic at Disney World, Na’vi River Journey’s biggest flaw is that it’s excitement level just doesn’t justify the long wait it always seems to get. 

Located in Pandora – The World of Avatar, it’s nice for people and families who want a break from the heat and low thrills in pretty environments, but be prepared to wait in long lines for this one. The animatronic at the end is stunning, but is it really worth waiting over an hour for? I don’t think so.

4. Dinosaur

Though officially announced to be replaced by an Indiana Jones attraction in the near future, Dinosaur is a dark ride through the prehistoric world with thrilling jump scares, but scenes and dinosaurs that have seen better days.

Make sure kids are ready for an intense experience with loud noises and sudden movements. It’s definitely an exciting attraction, but some younger guests may find the movements in the dark to be a bit much.

3. Kilimanjaro Safaris

The flagship ride of Animal Kingdom, it’s a real safari experience with live animals all over the place, offering ever-changing encounters.

Great for all ages, Kilimanjaro Safaris is worth the wait, as you get to see some animals up close and personal that you may not get to see anywhere else. Definitely a must-do attraction.

Expert Tip: Go first thing in the morning or around 5 PM for the most activity from the animals!

2. Avatar Flight of Passage

Combining state-of-the-art technology and breathtaking visuals, this is a must-ride for all guests. 

The second ride in Pandora – The World of Avatar, riders get the chance to ride a Banshee through some impressive scenes. It can feel intense, but is honestly pretty great for most members of the family. It’s similar to Soarin’ at EPCOT, but instead of sitting in regular seats that raise up, you straddle bicycle-style seats that get you up close and personal to the screens.

Expert Tip: This ride is the most popular attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so make sure to either purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for it or rope-drop it first thing in the morning to avoid waiting in long lines. The queue has plenty of fun stuff to look at, though!

1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

A thrilling high-speed coaster with iconic drops, backwards sections, and a Yeti, this is the most intense ride at Animal Kingdom and one of the most intense in the entire resort – no inversions, though!

My favorite Disney ride I’ve ever ridden, it’s something that everyone should experience, with its highly immersive theming, great storyline, and intense ride experience.

Expert Tip: While the lines for this attraction tend to move pretty quickly, if you’re looking to shorten waits and don’t want to purchase Lightning Lane, consider using the Single Rider line. Be advised that you will be split up from your party, placed with a stranger, and not have a pick in what seat you ride in, though.

Hidden Gems and Overlooked Attractions

• Festival of the Lion King: A great show for families that includes characters and music from the original animated classic as well as fire breathers, acrobats, and dancers!
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: A beautiful, immersive walk-through exhibit with gorillas and exotic animals.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek: Another must-visit for wildlife lovers, including animals like tigers and Komodo dragons.

If you’re looking to have the best Walt Disney World vacation, work with me as a travel advisor and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I can help make it one to remember. Whether you’re a family with kids, a solo traveler, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’ll have an stress-free, safe Disney trip!

How Animal Kingdom Compares to Other Disney World Parks

When it comes to thrill rides, Animal Kingdom isn’t as packed with high-speed attractions as places like Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, its offerings like Expedition Everest and Avatar Flight of Passage are among the best in the entire Disney World resort.

The park excels in immersive, nature-focused experiences, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris and the walking trails, offering a different type of adventure than the other parks.

If you’re after the most thrilling coasters or rides, Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom might be better for you. But if you’re a nature lover or traveling with young children or family members who prefer slower-paced attractions with the occasional great thrill, Animal Kingdom has a unique blend of excitement and relaxation.

The food here may also be the best on-property but don’t tell the EPCOT stans.

Best Strategies for Visiting Animal Kingdom

With so much to see and do at Animal Kingdom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. You may not know where to start or how to plan your day to get the most out of your visit.

Using Lightning Lane Effectively: One of the best ways to save time in Animal Kingdom is by using Lightning Lane. These services allow you to skip the regular standby lines for some of the park’s most popular rides, like Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.

Be sure to reserve your Lightning Lane selections early in the day to maximize their value and avoid long waits during peak times.

Where to Stay: The right accommodations can make your visit to Animal Kingdom even smoother, especially if you want easy park access.

If you’re looking to save without sacrificing too much comfort, Disney All-Star Sports is a great choice. It offers convenient transportation to the park and is affordable, making it a solid option for families or those on a budget.

For a more luxurious stay, consider Disney Swan or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

For the closest luxury resort, you can even stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s just a short distance from Animal Kingdom and other Disney parks, offering upscale amenities and a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the location makes it easy to catch a quick bus ride to the park.

Book Your Disney Vacation with a Theme Park Expert!

There’s so much to see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World in general!

I started Vertigo Views to share my passion and knowledge for theme parks and travel. With over 25 years of experience visiting, researching, and working in theme parks, I want to help families, solo travelers, and LGBTQ+ travelers plan stress-free adventures to some of my favorite places.

If you’re looking for a Disney World vacation without all the stress and time that goes into planning and booking one on your own, reach out to me for a free quote, and we can get you ready for a magical vacation you’ll always remember!