This is obviously a loaded question because your plan for the day should always revolve around what’s most important to you & your party. BUT, this is our go to plan for the most magical morning in Animal Kingdom!
If you are in Animal Kingdom, chances are you want to see animals! Animals can be unpredictable but the way we have always seen lots of active animals is by rope dropping Kilimanjaro Safaris and then getting on the first Rafikis Planet Watch train to head over to Conservation Station! You will absolutely see lots of active animals. So head straight to Africa in the morning and start your adventure. Let’s dive into some details!
Rope Dropping Kilimanjaro Safaris
What is rope dropping you may ask. Well, it’s getting to the park 30 minutes to an hour before the park opens and being ready to head to your first attraction as soon as they let you in. Most people will probably be heading to Flight Of Passage in Pandora Everest in Asia but not us, we are headed to Africa!
We head straight to the safari. The reasoning behind this is that we have always found that the animals on the safari are really active early in the morning. We have heard the lions roaring, cheetahs walking around and giraffes right next to our truck early in the morning. The animals seem to be waking up and moving around more this time of day compared to the afternoon in our experience. It may be the same way in the evening but we always felt like the best way to start the day in Animal Kingdom was by seeing lots of animals!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch Train
Right next door to Kilimanjaro Safaris is Rafikis Planet Watch. A lot of people skip this gem but I am here to tell you it’s a must do! Especially first thing! The train typically doesn’t start running until an hour or hour and a half after the park opens so it’s perfect for after an early morning safari.
If you time it right and get on the first train of the morning you might get some extra magic. Every time we have done this Rafiki has come over on the train to greet us and then hops on the train with us to go back to Conservation Station! This has been such a cool character interaction each time and has even been a private one as most people are off doing the bigger rides first thing in the morning.
Another cool thing about this train ride is that it shows you some of the backstage areas where they house and take care of the animals. Just this morning we saw a white rhino hanging out at the barn! If you have ever watched the Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+ you will recognize these buildings from the show. Unless you purchase one of the behind the scenes tours in Animal Kingdom, this is the only way you will get to see these areas.
Conservation Station
Now you have arrived at Conservation Station, what do you do? Well, lots of things! Inside the building you will find working veterinary labs where you may even see the Animal Kingdom vets working on an animal. There are exhibits with different types of creatures and information as well as areas with cast members telling you about their job with the animals in Animal Kingdom. This morning we spoke to a cast member who was mixing and preparing bird food, it was really interesting to learn about the different mixtures and who they were each for.
Here inside the building is also where you will find Disney’s Animation Academy. These are special classes that go on throughout the day with Disney animators teaching you how to draw some of your favorite Disney characters. This morning they were drawing Pumba! This is free to do and only available here at Animal Kingdom and at Epcot during the Festival of the Arts.
Once you have finished up inside, it’s time to wander outside to the Affection Section. This is where you can pet some really cute animals and even give them a brush out! They have goats, pigs, sheep, donkeys and a big bull in this area that are so cute and friendly. Most are just wandering or laying around and love it when you come up and let it brush them. Don’t forget to wash your hands on the way out in one of the outdoor sinks as you exit Affection Section.
And finally, there is small stage to the right of Affection Section called Animal Encounter. This is where they sometimes have cast members out with different animals showing you how they care for them, teach you about their species and talk about ways the Disney Conservation Fund helps animals like the ones they have in Animal Kingdom.
What Next
When you are done petting cute animals it’s time to hop back on the train and head back to Harambe! If there are any Wilderness Explorers in your party you won’t want to miss the three stations located at Conservation Station. You will walk right by them coming from and going to the train.
Once you arrive back in Harambe you have the whole rest of your day to ride the big rides or just explore all that Animal Kingdom has to offer. But in my opinion you have started your day the best way possible in this park, lots of animals and a fun character interaction.
Conclusion
Animal Kingdom has always been a very chill park for us. When we were here on vacations it always seemed like the least crazy day. No running from ride to ride, actually enjoying the scenery and walking trails. The boys love the safari and always got so excited about riding the train with Rafiki. And of course they loved petting goats, haha.
As I said in the beginning, how you start your day really depends on what is important for your travel party but if you want a chill morning that doesn’t feel rushed and takes you on an animal filled adventure then here you go! I hope you enjoyed this article and I thank you so much for reading along, make sure you subscribe so you get our weekly blog delivered right to your inbox! Have a magical day!
