**Please note that these tips and tricks are always subject to change due to the parks constant additions. Always check the information ahead of time**
Well, here it is! I’ve organized all this awesome information into three categories: Rides & Attractions, Time Saving Tricks, and Cool Things to Discover! Hopefully this helps makes planning your Disney vacation more magical and exciting! Check back, this list will be updated frequently!
Rides & Attractions
Make reservations at the Tusker House between 1pm and 1:40pm to reserve tickets for the 3:15 Nemo show.
Get a FastPass for Expedition Everest first thing in the morning. This is a very popular ride so the FastPasses could run out. It’s also a good idea to ride it when it gets very hot out.
The animals are said to be most active first thing in the morning. I caught the first Kilimanjaro Safari of the day when I was last there, and got too see a really good selection of animals. If you are staying at the resorts and have the Extra Magic Hours, see if the Animal Kingdom is open for one of those evenings and try taking a safari at night, too. It’s a completely different feeling and you might see different animals.
The farther back you sit on the Kilimanjaro Safari, the rougher the ride will be. So if you want a smoother ride, aim for the front.
At the Flights of Wonder in Asia, have your camera ready! They will pick a volunteer from the audience for a really awesome demonstration. Hang back after the show is over and the performers will let you meet the birds and even get your picture taken with them!
If you are looking to attend the parade, know that it begins and ends at the Safari. If you can catch the end of the parade, you might be able to meet some of the characters. A lot of the characters in the Animal Kingdom don’t make appearances in any other park, so it is worth it to stay.
Animal Kingdom brews its own beer, and you can find it at the Dawa Bar. It’s called Safari Amber.
At the Pangani Forest Exploration attraction, the Gorilla Observation area is usually quite crowded. Move through the crowd. There is a bridge that overlooks the gorillas on the right-side.
At the Conservation Station, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt for bugs.
Time Saving Tips
This park is one of the earlier ones to close, so if you hang around until then, it will die down a lot and you might be able to get in a few more whirls on Expedition Everest (if you’re in to that kind of thing!).
Long lines to get in? You can enter the park through the Rainforest Cafe, as well.
Cool Things to Discover!
On the way to the Kilimanjaro Safari, notice some rocks that are in the shape of animals. Also, the pond that the flamingos stand in (on the Safari) is shaped like Mickey ears!
There is an entertainer names “Miss Devine” who is usually found between Africa and Asia along the path the heads into the woods.
You will find Prayer Trees that have been draped with scarves in Anandapur in Asia. These scarves commemorate loved ones who have passed on.
As you exit “It’s Tough to be a Bug“, look up at the ceiling and notice the ‘bugs’ that are flying towards the exit doors.
When the Tree of Life was being built, Michael Eisner asked Jane Goodall to pick out a location for a chimpanzee to be sculpted. You can see this sculpture at the entrance outside of “It’s Tough to be a Bug“. The chimp’s name is David Greybeard. He’s the first chimp that Goodall ever observed. He is much more detailed than the other sculptures, and there is a plaque next to him.
When in Asia, you’ll notice bike tracks along the dirt. This detail helps add to the village feel, since there would be no modern conveniences here.
Another small detail can be found in Harambe, where a Coke bottle is perched on top of a utility pole to be used as an insulator for a power line.
You can encourage the Cast Members to play a game of “Recycle Basketbottle”, and you’ll receive a special Disney pin and a certificate presented by the DAK Custodial Team.
As you walk down the Discovery Island Trails, search oak a large shaded rock. Inside of this rock are dozens of small holes. Look through the holes and you’ll be able to hone in on specific carving on the Tree of Life.
As you walk towards Camp Minnie-Mickey, you’ll stumble upon an old watering hole (just after you cross the bridge). Notice Goofy is there, enjoying a quiet fishing trip with some of his friends.
In the entrance of the Conservation Station is a mural that hides over 30 Hidden Mickeys.
Notice the highway sign in Dinoland reads Route 498. This is in reference to the parks opening date, which was April 1998.
As you head towards Harambe Village, watch out for the last path to the right after the Tree of Life but before the bridge to Harambe Village. There, you will find a “secret path” covered in plant life to make it harder to see. But if you make it down the path, you will discover some really nice spots for photos with the Tree of Life in the background.
Men, visit the restroom at Raffiki Planet Watch (the one where all the animal faces are). While you’re doing your thing, the mirror will display questions about other animals bathroom habits. You NEED to wash your hands to get the answers.
If you sit in the outside area of the Tusker House, you will hear a recording of kitchen noises, such as dishes clashing, sweeping, glass breaking, etc… It’s a cute little extra.
In the Pizzafari, the rooms are all themes. They are: The Home Room, The Nocturnal Room, The Upside-Down Room, The Camouflage Room, The Four Seasons Room, and The Bug Room. Take some time to check out all of the murals that decorate this space.
The Disney Diva 