Here are some of the rides/attractions/shows we went to:
1. Tree of Life
This is the second time I wasn't able to see the tree of life up close. I was very disappointed... the entire Discovery Island was closed off and I have no idea why. Needless to say, the next time I go to WDW I have to see the tree of life.. even if I have to swim or climb over the fences -- I'm going to get there.
2. Meet Russel & Dug at Discovery Island
Their little lodge set up was really cute. And it was at the very outer edge of Discovery Island, across from Disney Outfitters. Definitely love taking pictures with these two because they're so funny and silly -- Dug took my mom's pink floppy hat and took a picture with it!
3. DINOSAUR
This is a really fun ride, similar to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, and it's kind of dark so little kids might get scared.
I love this tiger enclosure - it's really big so it's a bit hard to track where the tigers are at all times. But once you see them it's really special and magical.
The aviary houses over fifty different species of birds and they are literally right next to you. They aren't too easily spooked but just don't get too close to their nests. There are some really strange looking birds, which is really cool if you love bird watching.
4. Finding Nemo - The Musical (FastPass+)
I love this musical - it's great fun for kids and adults! And there's lots of air conditioning in here!
5. Maharajah Jungle Trek
These bats were literally right in front of me - I was so scared! I definitely learned a lot about bats while inside the bat house.
6. Kali River Rapids (FastPass+)
I was a bit disappointed with this ride - it's definitely a long wait for a short ride, even with the FastPass+. The Grizzly River Rapids at Disney California is much better and you're in the water for a longer period of time.
7. Conservation Station
You have to take a train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch to get to this building. It's fun and interactive for the kids to learn about conservation - plants, animals, and the environment. There are also several character meet and greets such as Chip & Dale and Rafiki himself!
8. Kilimanjaro Safaris (FastPass+)
This is my favorite attraction at Animal Kingdom. The drivers/guides are always pretty enthusiastic and you get to see many exotic animals in an open environment - there are no paved roads, no fences/enclosures (except for the lions) and it gets really bumpy. I got to see many animals up close and it was breathtaking - baby elephants and baby rhinos! This is one of my favorite shots that I took of the baobab tree (I don't think it's real but just the thought that there are real ones in Africa that are thousands of years old is amazing).
9. Wilderness Explorers
Throughout the day, my sister made stops at different posts all around the park to complete wilderness challenges where she would earn a badge (sticker) upon completion of each challenge. Each Wilderness Explorer gets an activity book where they can put their earned badges. Once you finish all the challenges, you go back to the first outpost near the front of the park where you earn your final badge as a senior Wilderness Explorer. I think this is such a cool and fun way for kids to learn more about nature, animals, plants, extinction, environment, conservation, etc., while they are making their way around the park.
Overall, I had an amazing time at Animal Kingdom because I love animals in general. I will say that the rain was a bummer, it kept us indoors for about an hour. Also, Discovery Island was closed which I was not expecting at all. And finally, there aren't as many rides here as Magic Kingdom so my siblings found it a bit boring to be walking around looking at nature over and over again, which is why I think the Wilderness Explorers thing is so great because it gives them something to look forward to each step of the way.
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