This past Summer, we took our quick vacation to one of our family favorite spots – Walt Disney World. We have been there countless times and yet still enjoy it every time we visit.
We have been there since before we have kids. I know.. It must be something they put in the water or in the air. Every time we step foot in this place, it just likes magic. You suddenly have this happy feeling.
However, there is certain park that we seems to have the worst of luck whenever we visited. The Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is the newest park (at 11 years of age). We have visited this park a few times and each time we just couldn’t get to explore it to the full extent.
Our first couple trips we were attacked with Florida heat. No surprise here that Florida can be hot. Add that to one of the largest park with a lot of walking, we just couldn’t take the heat.
Our recent trip, we had a high hope. We came prepare with all essentials to survive the heat in Disney’s Animal Kingdom with kids. We wanted to try out the new ride – Expedition Everest. But before heading for the thrill, we opted for a easy and fun ride first.
Wildlife Express Train & Conservation Station
We hopped on the Wildlife Express Train to the Conservation Station. Believe it or not, this was our first time doing this ride! What a gem!
I highly recommended this ride and station for family with small kids. The ride is fun and exciting for kids without too much hassle. After we got off at the station, we walked along a shade path to the conservation station. Along the way, there is Discovery Kid Club station with a ranger to help kids learn about nature. There are 6 Discovery Kid Club in the whole park. You can look at the map on where to find them. Kids will get their pin and a stamp on their Discovery Kid passport. It’s a great way to get kids engaged in exploring the park.
Another big plus is that the conservation station is indoor and cool. Anyone visiting Animal Kingdom will know how hot it can be even on a good day. So this station is a great escape for family with kids. There are also picnic tables all around for you to take a break and have snack.
Kilimanjaro Safari
After spent what feel like hours there, we hopped back on the train to Kilimanjaro Safari. It was probably as close as Africa we can get for our family at this moment seeing the cost of going to the real Africa is out of our budget. Kids enjoyed seeing animals and fun bumpy ride along the way.
I think this ride will be good for family with a bit older kids. School-age kids will throughly enjoy this ride as they can look at the chart provided in the bus to look out for the animal. Younger – preschoolers might enjoy the ride but it can be a bit scary for them if they are not used to bumpy ride.
After a hot and long-lined lunch (yes, I probably should read all the tips about lunch or food in Disney), we walked toward Asia for the Expedition Everest (or we thought we could).
Flight of Wonder
But the walk proved to be too difficult for them to handle. So we took a short break at Flight of Wonder show. It was a really really nice show. The birds were amazing and the casts were very entertaining.
And don’t forget to try out the pineapple ice cream in front of the entrance. It was a life-saver for me.. Cool and tasty!
That’s when it came to an end for us. The rain came and we got soaked. So we decided to abort all other plans and head back to our condo.
Even though it was a really quick visit for us and we only covered 3 rides/attractions, the kids truly enjoyed the experience and I won’t give up on Animal Kingdom anytime soon. :)
Family Tips:
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Prepare for a long walk by bringing stroller for younger kids (or even big kids)
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Bring essential stuffs to combat the heat – hats, fan, sunscreen, water and light clothing
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Pack a poncho or small umbrella because you never when it’s gonna rain in Florida
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Take frequent break. Look for indoor theatre or store for a quick cool down in between attractions
Do you have any other tips for family travel to Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Check out other travelers’ Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
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I loooove that park. Haven’t been in a decade, but it’s still one of my faves. Too bad we were there in high season (June) and I wasn’t about to brave all the kidlets to go!
This looks like a park worth exploring. Like the tree it reminds me of the one in Harry Potter where they flew the car into.
Animal Kingdom is so fun!! Glad that you guys survived the heat here, lol. It can be pretty intense for sure, I have had many northern relatives simply wilt in the heat, so you’re not the only one :-) You’ll surely have to make to the Everest one next time though!!
We found that the Animal Kingdom was the best park for our son when he was not quite a toddler. The other parks were over stimulating for him. He loved to see the animals and wander through the trees and paths that are so beautiful.
This sounds like such a gem for the kids. Disney is always going to be exciting for young and old. And I love the sound of the pineapple ice cream too :)
I guess a little fun has to go a long way when it’s that hot – wouldn’t mind one of those lollies myself
It sounds like a lot of fun even in the heat. I like how your son is looking at his ice cream, you really get the idea he’s thoroughly appreciating it.
Good tiips. Must be tough to plan full day outings in the summer in Florida. I hear the heat is quite stifiling.
Looks like a way fun place to visit…… maybe someday.
Do you live nearby..? Would totally stink if you were on vacation there and not get to see the whole thing.. we did Disney World years ago when I was pregnant with number 2.. so my tip to add to your list.. DON’T Be PREGNANT! :)
Yes do not be pregnant, I was only in my first few months but had terrible nausea. Nausea and Disney rides not a good mix.
My son has this park at the top of the list when we make it to Disney World. He’s a safari-type of guy. No tips here, but enjoyed reading yours.
We haven’t been there yet, and now I want to go!