This post will help you decide if the following 13 sensory friendly activities in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are a good fit for your family.
Parents often think visiting the Disney theme parks is an unobtainable feat due to their child’s sensory processing issues. The parks are primarily known for their in-your-face type experience with fast rides, loud noises, and flashing lights. I hope this post helps you plan for a low-sensory, low-key and well-regulated day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
This blog post will take us into the wilds of Animal Kingdom. It is one of my favorite parks with its fantastic theming, great variety of attractions, shows, and rides for every ability in your family.
Please check out my other posts on sensory friendly activities for the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Sensory Friendly Activities in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
1. The Oasis
Animal Kingdom is separated into six different areas. Let’s start at the beginning with the Oasis. Once you come into the entrance to the park, the path splits to the right and left. Animal habitats make up the center with exciting animals such as black swans and anteaters! You can make a complete loop around, heading either direction.
The Oasis is a perfect opportunity to let your child explore and look at the different exhibits. Many people rush through this area and never see the multiple learning opportunities on these paths.
Discovery Island
After walking the Oasis, you will come to Discovery Island. Here you will find the iconic Tree of Life that represents the park. It is the perfect spot for getting a Photopass picture made in front of the tree. The sun can be harsh during certain times of the day. If your child is sensitive to light, come back another time! Photopass photographers are there throughout the day.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
2. Wilderness Explorers
My first suggestion coming into Discovery Island for a low-sensory attraction (and for really anyone!) is to sign up to become a Wilderness Explorer. Parents, don’t worry, it only consists of taking a pledge and having a cast member explain what to do. Super Easy! You can also sign up in Pandora, Africa, and Asia. Your little Wilderness Explorer can earn patches (stickers) from around the park by learning and exploring! Kiddos can then place the stickers in their book. Not only is this a great way to explore the Animal Kingdom, collect a fun souvenir, but your little one can learn about habitats, conservation, and their favorite exotic animals. The cast members are great at modifying this for everyone’s needs.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Warning!
While you are on Discovery Island, you may be tempted to try out the attraction “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” It seems relatively innocuous, but I feel it is NOT a good match for sensory challenged kids. It is a 3-D show with smells, water sprayed, animatronic bugs and videos of insects with a scary moment at the end of the show. Every time I have attended this attraction, a parent has to leave out of the auditorium with a crying child. I wouldn’t risk it if your child does not like anything I mentioned previously. My kids like the attraction now; only because they are older and know what to expect.
3. Discovery Island Trails
If your child enjoyed the Oasis and the animals along those paths, then try out the Discovery Island Trails. Here you will find paved trails that wind around the Tree of Life and exotic animal exhibits. It is difficult for me to list these animals as they do change, but they are all awesome!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
4. Pandora
Animal Kingdom recently opened the new land, Pandora, The land of Avatar. Unfortunately, the two rides in this area are not wheelchair accessible. However, it is a great area to explore, especially at night. There are bioluminescent plants and incredible theming. The paths are wide, with plenty of room to explore in quiet areas. It is beautiful, so make sure to check it out!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes (only the paths in and around this land. Neither signature attractions are wheelchair accessible)
Africa
5. Festival of the Lion King
Next, let’s head to Africa and make a stop to see The Festival of the Lion King. It is a 20-minute show based on the 1995 movie. Dancing, singing, acrobats, floats, and colorful costumes make this show an Animal Kingdom must-do. You can reserve a Fastpass+ for faster seating closer to the front. The show is very audience interactive with an opportunity for kids to volunteer to be in a performance at the end.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
6. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic adventure for viewing exotic animals in their habitats such as lions, elephants, giraffe, and even a Cheetah! Guests board a safari truck with a guide who has a ton of knowledge about the animals you may see on your adventure. Seeing these animals up close in their habitats is a great learning opportunity for kids as well as adults!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
*patrons in wheelchairs wait in a different queue to board a wheelchair accessible safari truck.
7. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails. Set out on an adventure to see live gorillas in their habitat. Also located along this pathway will be hippos and an exotic bird area.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
8. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Take the train near Kilimanjaro Safaris and head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. Kids love riding in the open air train through the lush jungle to meet characters such as Chip and Dale and even Rafiki from The Lion King! There is an animal petting area with animals such as pigs and goats. Inside guests can learn about interesting creatures, conservation, watch videos, and even watch Animal Kingdom cast members caring for the animals in a veterinarian area.
*Rafiki’s Planet Watch closed temporarily in October of 2018 for “extensive refurbishment” and will open again in summer of 2019. According to the Disney Parks Blog Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Affection Section and the Wildlife Express will reopen with some new Lion King theming! Check out the article here.
Asia
9. Up! A Great Bird Adventure
Up! A Great Bird Adventure is a 25-minute show where guests can learn about exotic birds with Dug and Russell from the movie Up!. The characters and hosts create a fun learning experience for kids and adults alike. Up! is an excellent low-sensory attraction that is fun for the whole family!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
10. Maharajah Jungle Trek
Is your little one a big fan of tigers, exotic birds, and even bats? The ‘trek’ through the jungle is an animal-fan favorite. The area is shaded with dense foliage and is wheelchair accessible. If your little explorer could use a break from the commotion and loves to see awesome animals, this a must-do!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
DINOLAND U.S.A
11. The Boneyard
The Boneyard is the ultimate in dinosaurs, digging for fossils, sliding, climbing, and getting some energy out and playing with new friends. Who knows you may even see a character make a surprise appearance! The Boneyard has two separate sections; a large play area with a variety of slides, fun objects to climb on and tunnels. The floor is a mat-type cushion (feels a bit springy), and there is partial shade over the play area. The other area is an expansive sandpit with fossils to dig around, cool shade, and fun themeing. Your child will love pretending to be an archaeologist just like Indiana Jones!
Parent Tip! This area is extensive, but there is+ only one entrance and exit from the play area. There are cast members at the entrance/exit to assist with any questions or monitor kids leaving without mom and dad in tow.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
12. Fossil Fun Games
Fossil Fun Games is in the heart of Dinoland U.S.A. It is similar to many other carnival type games.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Note! These games do cost extra!
13. Finding Nemo The Musical
If you have a little one that loves Finding Nemo, then don’t miss this fantastic show. If you are planning your Animal Kingdom day in advance, check out the Disney world website for upcoming show times. The schedule for shows typically runs six months out.
