Toddler Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Taking Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers to Animal Kingdom

May 20, 2009 Christy Swift

The Nemo Show, animal treks, and unique animal experiences make Animal Kingdom an excellent park for children under five. Here are some must sees for toddlers.

Disney’s version of a zoo, Animal Kingdom offers animal experiences as well as a chance to see and interact with characters from its collection of animated movies. In a May 2009 interview with Suite, veteran Disney mom/Gifted teacher who has 25 plus Disney trips with kids under five under her belt, Amy Moreland shares her tips on the must sees and things to avoid for little ones at this park.

Shows at Animal Kingdom

The Nemo show at Animal Kingdom is a must for small children, especially any “Finding Nemo” fans. While the park recommends that guests arrive 45 minutes before the show, that kind of wait can be gruelling with small children (for those who opt to do it, sit down near the front on either side of the stage where kids can run around in a small area and climb up and down the carpeted steps). They do drop bubbles near the front of the show, but arriving 15 minutes before the show starts and sitting closer to the back still makes for a fantastic experience.

During the Lion King Show, which involves fire twirling and trapeze artists, the cast members choose children out of the audience to march in a little parade and play instruments.

“It’s Tough to be a Bug” is a 4-D show, complete with 3-D glasses and “sensations” in the chairs. It may be too intense for some children, as spiders come down from the ceiling, smoke gets sprayed into their faces, and the grasshoppers can be intimidating. There is also a loud swarming of bees at one point, and for parents wearing sleeping infants on their backs, watch out – at one point the baby will get poked in the back as part of the 4-D experience! Despite all this, the show can be a lot of fun for many children, who may just need to hide their faces in mom or dad’s armpit during the scary parts.

More Things to Do for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers at Animal Kingdom

Since Animal Kingdom is also a zoo, there are several animal treks that offer fantastic views of wild animals. One trek near the safari ride has a gorilla exhibit, with great close-ups of these amazing animals. Another must-see is the animal trek near the Kali River Rapids ride. Kids can get excellent views of tigers, huge fruit bats and more. Don’t forget to look up if strange noises are heard. It may be the monkeys swinging about and howling in jungle gyms above the crowds.

For more animal fun, check out the petting zoo at the Conservation Station. Kids can pet goats and sheep, and the occasional donkey or llama. Brushes are provided, which is a fun twist for little kids who may enjoy grooming an animal. A large hand-washing station is also available as kids exit, so parents can skip hauling out the hand wipes and sanitizers.

Some other things the kids might enjoy are the African-themed Jammin’ Jungle Parade, complete with people on stilts, fun music, and “floats” that are huge contraptions shaped like jungle animals that are being pedaled by their drivers. Also, the African musicians in the street are often great at getting the kids involved dancing and playing instruments, and the Boneyard playground gives kids and parents alike an opportunity to run, jump and climb.

Dinoland has a midway game section as well. Kids can also learn a thing or two in the Conservation Station’s informational building, which houses an animal hospital and booths with headphones that play the sounds of the jungle and teach kids about the rain forest. Moreland also shares her recommendations for rides to do and avoid at Animal Kingdom and how and where to see the kids’ favorite Disney characters in a separate article.

Places to Eat at Animal Kingdom

There is plenty of kid-friendly food at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including the FlameTree barbecue restaurant between Dinoland and Asia that has several air-conditioned seating areas off the main cafeteria as well as outdoor seating. There is also a good pizza place (Pizzafari) with fun murals on the walls; playing “I Spy” in one of the rooms is a great way to entertain kids while they are waiting for their food.

Disney does allow guests to bring in food and drink, one of the ways families can save money on their trip. “And,” adds Moreland, “You can have a beer at Animal Kingdom.” For parents in the midst of a whirlwind day at Disney, that can be a treat.

Want to read more about taking small children to Disney World? Check out tips for taking small children to Disney World and details about the other three major parks. By following some simple recommendations, families with small children are sure to have a fantastic time in the Happiest Place on Earth.

The copyright of the article Toddler Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Christy Swift. Permission to republish Toddler Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Silverback Gorilla on the Pangani Forest Trail

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