What are the Lightning Lane priorities for kids at Animal Kingdom?

For kids at Animal Kingdom, the top Lightning Lane priorities are: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest.

What is the best Animal Kingdom itinerary for kids?

The best one-day Animal Kingdom itinerary for kids starts with Avatar Flight of Passage (44"+) at rope drop, followed by Avatar Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris. For lunch, try Satu'li Canteen. The afternoon features Expedition Everest (44"+, great second lap) and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. The Wilderness Explorers activity book (free from cast members near the entrance) keeps kids engaged on the walk-through trails and adds educational depth to Animal Kingdom. Kids get real validation from completing challenges.

Family exploring Disney's Animal Kingdom wildlife and rides — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Animal Kingdom Itinerary for Kids (6–9)

Q: What should kids do first at Animal Kingdom?

Kids should rope drop Avatar Flight of Passage (44"+) at Animal Kingdom. Flight of Passage rope drop brings a 90-minute experience down to a 10-minute wait. Head straight to Pandora from the park entrance.

One-day plan — rope drop to close.

Your day at a glance

Rope drop

Rope drop (park open)

Rope drop: Avatar Flight of Passage (44"+)

Morning

7:30–9:30am

Avatar Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey

Lunch

12:00–1:00pm

Satu'li Canteen

Afternoon

1:00–5:00pm

Expedition Everest (44"+, great second lap), Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Dinner

6:00–7:00pm

Tusker House (character dining) or Yak & Yeti

Evening

7:00–close

Expedition Everest second ride

Rope drop: Avatar Flight of Passage (44"+)

Flight of Passage rope drop brings a 90-minute experience down to a 10-minute wait. Head straight to Pandora from the park entrance.

Morning plan

Lunch

Satu'li Canteen

Best quick-service food in Animal Kingdom by a significant margin. The Buddha bowls with plant-based protein or beef are genuinely outstanding.

Afternoon plan

1Expedition Everest (44"+, great second lap)
2Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
3Festival of the Lion King
4Kali River Rapids (38"+, water ride — bring extra clothes)

Pro tip: Kali River Rapids will get someone soaking wet. Wear it or time it for a hot afternoon and embrace it.

Dinner

Tusker House (character dining) or Yak & Yeti

Evening plan

1Expedition Everest second ride
2Avatar Flight of Passage second ride if wait drops
3Tree of Life awakenings

Animal Kingdom evenings are beautiful. Stay until close for the Tree of Life lighting show and a quieter final hour.

Lightning Lane priorities

1.Avatar Flight of Passage
2.Expedition Everest

The Wilderness Explorers activity book (free from cast members near the entrance) keeps kids engaged on the walk-through trails and adds educational depth to Animal Kingdom. Kids get real validation from completing challenges.

Kids itineraries at other parks

MK for Kids EP for Kids HS for Kids

Other group itineraries at Animal Kingdom

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