BEST TIMES TO GO TO DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Most guests arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon, making late afternoon the best time to visit. Not only are the crowds thinner, but the park’s animals prefer the cooler temperatures found in the earlier and later parts of the day, so you’re more likely to see them. If possible, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, especially in the cool of the evening. The park is now open well into the evening. You may have more luck spotting animals during and after a rainstorm, too. When you first arrive, head for Expedition Everest or Kilimanjaro Safaris to pick up a FastPass+ (or just go ahead and ride if the wait is short enough). Another strategy is to get FastPass+ for three of the attractions early in the day and then immediately get a FastPass+ for another attraction. Check the Animal Kingdom Times Guide for show times and durations, and plan your day accordingly—these shows can chew up more time than you’d expect. You can use our touring plans to give you an idea of what you can expect to do in one day. Finally, if your park pass allows it, consider spreading out your visit over a couple of days rather than packing it all into one. Midday is best avoided due to the big crowds, the intense heat/sun, and sleeping animals.

GETTING TO DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

By Bus—All resorts, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have buses that take you directly to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From the Magic Kingdom, walk or monorail to the Contemporary and catch a bus. From Disney Springs, take a bus to an Epcot-area resort and catch a Disney’s Animal Kingdom bus.If you purchased the Express Transportation service with your park hopper, you may board the bus at a park to transfer directly to the Magic Kingdom without passing through security again (see page 124).
By Car—From I-4, take exit 65 (eastbound or westbound) and follow signs to Disney’s Animal Kingdom parking. All-day parking is available for $20 (free to resort guests with resort ID and annual passholders). The parking lot is some distance from the entrance. You’ll appreciate the free trams to the front gate.

Note: There is no boat, path, or monorail access to this theme park.