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The mountain of Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

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Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom mixes Pandora, a mountain coaster and a savanna ride with live shows. Here is what is open in 2026, what has changed and how to plan the day.

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Animal Kingdom at a glance

Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World near Orlando. It combines rides, animal-themed attractions and live entertainment in one park. The operator's current lineup includes Avatar Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

This is an independent guide with no connection to the park operator. Prices and schedules are the operator's published figures as of 2026 and can change.

From $119advertised one-day starting price for ages 10 and up, before tax (2026); it depends on date and park
$35standard car parking per day (2026), listed as including sales tax
30 minutesEarly Entry for guests of eligible hotels, before opening
The mountain of Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

What to do in the park

The main attractions the operator lists for 2026. Check height and health rules for each ride before you queue.

Pandora and Avatar Flight of Passage

Pandora is the Avatar land, with Avatar Flight of Passage and the boat ride Na'vi River Journey.

Expedition Everest

A coaster built around a mountain, listed among the park's main rides.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

A vehicle ride through an African savanna setting. It is an attraction inside the park, not a wildlife safari outside the resort, and no animal sighting can be promised.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

An attraction announced for November 7, 2025 and listed on the current park page. The older It's Tough to Be a Bug is no longer the main offer.

DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand closed on February 2, 2026, according to the operator's announcement, as part of a redevelopment of the area. Do not plan a DINOSAUR ride for your 2026 visit.

Orlando tours and day trips

Guided trips, transfers and attraction tickets from Orlando, with live prices and availability.

Browse all tours on GetYourGuide โ†’

Tickets, entry and Early Entry

Admission is a separate dated ticket. A hotel stay does not include it automatically. The operator advertises one-day tickets from $119 for ages 10 and up in 2026, before tax, with a category for ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 need no ticket. The price depends on the date and the park, so the starting price is not the price for every day. See the tickets guide for the options.

Dated one-day and multi-day tickets do not need a separate park reservation. Some other ticket types, such as annual passes, can still require one. A base ticket allows one park per day, while Park Hopper allows several. The operator's pages differ on when you may switch, so confirm the rule before you plan a second park.

Early Entry is only for eligible guests: 30 minutes before opening for registered guests of Disney hotels and selected other hotels, including on arrival and departure day. Not every ride opens early. Opening hours are published as a daily calendar, so look up your date.

Floating rocks and plants in Pandora at Animal Kingdom

Lightning Lane options

Lightning Lane is a paid add-on. Prices vary by park, ride and date and show in the operator's app, so no fixed range is given here.

OptionWhat you get
Multi PassUp to 3 rides or time windows booked ahead; more after you use a selection, subject to availability. Eligible hotel guests can book up to 7 days before the stay, other guests up to 3 days before the park visit.
Single PassUp to 2 separate rides per day
Premier PassEach available Lightning Lane once in one park on one day, no time window

Animals, rules and what to leave at home

Animal Kingdom has its own rules. Balloons and plastic straws are not allowed in the park. Do not feed, pet or touch wildlife anywhere on Disney property.

The general rules apply too. Bags can be checked. Weapons, drones, selfie sticks and alcohol brought from outside are not allowed, and strollers may be at most 79 ร— 132 cm (31 ร— 52 in).

Alligators live in Florida's fresh waters. The state wildlife agency asks you to keep your distance, never feed them, swim only in designated areas and only during the day, and keep pets away from the water.

The floating mountains of Pandora at Animal Kingdom

Heat, storms and getting there

Much of the day is outdoors. The National Weather Service advises drinking water, taking cooling breaks in air-conditioned spaces and doing less strenuous activity in the heat. In a thunderstorm, go into a sturdy building or a closed vehicle. An open shelter is not a safe substitute. Orlando's July average high is 92 ยฐF (33.3 ยฐC) with about 7.5 in (190 mm) of rain for the month, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Our best time to visit page has the monthly figures.

By car, standard parking is $35 per day in 2026 for all four theme park lots, and guests registered at Disney hotels park at theme parks for free. Theme park hotel buses run from 45 minutes before opening until 1 hour after closing. The Skyliner does not serve Animal Kingdom. More in the getting around guide, and hotel areas are covered on where to stay.

The Walt Disney World overview compares all four parks.

Animal Kingdom: frequently asked questions

Is DINOSAUR still open?

No. The operator announced that DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus closed on February 2, 2026.

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris a real safari?

It is a ride inside the park. It is not a wildlife safari outside the resort, and no particular animal sighting is guaranteed.

How much is a ticket?

One-day tickets are advertised from $119 for ages 10 and up in 2026, before tax. Ages 3 to 9 are a separate category, and children under 3 need no ticket. The price depends on date and park.

Can I bring balloons or plastic straws?

No. Balloons and plastic straws are not allowed at Animal Kingdom.

Does a hotel stay include park entry?

No. Admission is a separate ticket. Early Entry is only a perk for eligible hotel guests and still needs valid admission.

Plan your park days

Tickets, transfers and day trips compared, many with free cancellation.

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