Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park is a theme park adventure that is just a little bit wild. The park opened on Earth Day 1998 and offers several distinct areas for guests to explore, including Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar. A new Tropical Americas area is also currently under construction and is expected to open in 2027.

Africa

Take an epic ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Walk along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and see African animals across multiple habitats, including the savanna and forest. Keep an eye out for favorites like giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos and hippos. Along the trail, you may also see meerkats, gorillas, zebras and a variety of African birds.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can see Disney’s conservation and animal care efforts up close and personal at Conservation Station. Take the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe and learn more about how Disney cares for its animals, with animal experts available to answer questions about many different species. You may even get a look at veterinary care in action. Visit Jumping Junction to see kangaroos and wallabies, or enjoy Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, where families can play, dance and have fun with Bluey and Bingo. This is an experience that can be just as interesting for adults as it is for younger animal lovers!

Asia

If you’re a thrill seeker looking for a water ride to cool off, look no further than Kali River Rapids in Asia. For an even bigger thrill, take on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, where you’ll race through the Himalayas on a runaway train while trying to escape the legendary Yeti. You can also slow things down with a walk along the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where you may encounter tigers, giant fruit bats, exotic birds and other fascinating animals along the way.

Discovery Island

On Discovery Island, the Tree of Life is the central feature of the park, housing Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a 4D show featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other favorite characters from Zootopia. The Tree of Life is unique, with more than 300 different animal carvings covering its trunk, roots and branches. Take some time to explore the trails around the tree for a closer look at its incredible details and the many animals carved into its surface.

New: Nighttime Spectacular

At night Disney’s Animal Kingdom® is home to Tree of Life Awakenings, a nighttime experience that brings the park’s iconic Tree of Life to life after dark. Colorful light effects and animated imagery are projected across the tree, making the animals carved into its trunk appear to move and come alive. Different scenes and stories are displayed throughout the evening, with Tree of Life Awakenings taking place approximately every 10 minutes after dark until the park closes.