By Mike Ellis.
Hello everyone and welcome to our fourth installment of our series where I take a look at my top five attractions at each of the parks. You may remember we had our top five attractions for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so this week, we’re taking a look at my top five Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions!
#5: Kilimanjaro Safaris
Starting us off on our countdown to #1 is Kilimanjaro Safaris, that very realistic safari ride that takes you through the African plains on your own safari to see exotic animals. It’s always a lot of fun to take a look at these incredible creatures, but what do you think of the attraction? The only problem I have with it is I have a tendency to get very blurry pictures from all of the bouncing the vehicle does!
#4: Festival of the Lion King
Festival of the Lion King is a great show, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not my favorite show. That choice goes to my selection for #3 in our countdown…
#3: Finding Nemo: The Musical
When it comes to shows at Walt Disney World, Finding Nemo: The Musical may be my favorite Disney show. I love the way the actors bring the story to life and how they work their characters in such creative ways!
#2: Kali River Rapids
Coming in at #2 in our countdown is Kali River Rapids, a rafting tube ride that takes you down some great drops, splashes, and twists and turns so that, at the end of the ride, your objective has been met: you are drenched from head to toe! The backstory of so many of the rides at Animal Kingdom is incredible, and the backstory for Kali River Rapids is no less so. You are going to take a rafting expedition for a couple of reasons — to explore the African wilderness, but to also help raise funds to stop all of the cutting of the rainforest that has taken a toll on the environment. Part of your trip is past the clear cutting, and it is at this point that the runoff speeds up the water, and causes you to go faster and be more out of control. The ride is a lot of fun for me, but you tell me — do you like it?
#1: Expedition Everest
For the longest time, I wouldn’t ride Expedition Everest…and then, when I did, it felt like it was too slow for me. But the last couple of times I’ve ridden on it that has changed. I’m not sure why, but now, Expedition Everest is easily in my top 4 for roller coasters (#1: California Screamin’, #2: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, #3: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, #4: Expedition Everest). I now have a unique appreciation for this attraction. It seems faster than it used to, I love going backwards, I love the darkness, I love it all! It’s a great ride, and I hope you agree with me!
Honorable Mention
Thank you for stopping by to check out my top five attractions for Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Leave me a comment please and let me know what your top five are! Also, don’t forget to enter to win a $500 Disney Gift Card, or one of two $250 Disney Gift Cards! Just click on the image below to go to that post and enter. Good luck everyone!
Interesting list, Mike. I might have to do my own Top 5 lists. This is a good idea – and my list would look very different from yours. ;)
Everest is definitely my daughter’s #1, but, honestly, it terrifies me! I ride it with her, but I keep my eyes closed the entire time! :) My top five favorites are: (1) Festival of the Lion King (2) Finding Nemo – The Musical (3) Kilimanjaro Safaris (4) The Tree of Life (5) Safari Mickey & Safari Minnie – I know the last two may not count as attractions, but I love them!! :)
Killamajaro Safari has always been my favorite. On my bucket list is to do a private tour and dinner.
I’m afraid to ride Kali because of the spinning, but I wish I could!
I love the shows at Animal Kingdom. My number 1 & 2 are the Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo. The other attractions are for filling time between shows. I probably do Expedition Everest and Killamajaro Safaris everytime, and the rest of the park I can take it or leave it.
Love Festival of the Lion King, Safaris, and everything thing AK! Thanks for sharing
I love the Safari and mt. everest. Very close call which one is my favorite!
I have to say, my family and I aren’t actually big fans of AK. When we go, we spend about 1/2 day there. We go on the Killamajaro Safari and the Kali River Rapids but don’t have too much interest in sitting through the shows. I do love the Tree of Life, though and It’s a Bug’s Life.
These Animal Kingdom attractions are great recommendations. I’d forgotten how fun Expedition Everest was until my most recent visit :). I also loved the creativity in animating the characters of Finding Nemo: The Musical.
You made great choices, but I wish more people would talk about Dinosaur. On my honeymoon, it was one of our favorite rides of the Animal Kingdom! Everyone needs to experience the thrill!
Kali River Rapids is my all time favorite ride at Animal Kingdom.