Heads-up for your dates
- DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A. are closed. Tropical Americas, with an Indiana Jones ride and an Encanto ride, opens in 2027.
- Expedition Everest is expected to close for repairs in late 2027 or 2028.
Our take
Animal Kingdom rewards the families who show up early. The animals are most active in the morning, the safari is better before the heat, and the park often closes earlier than the others. It is a gentle day for toddlers and grandparents, and Avatar Flight of Passage alone justifies the ticket for anyone 44 inches and up.
Who it works for
Little ones
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: no height limit, and the best in the morning
- The Festival of the Lion King show and the walking trails
- Na'vi River Journey: slow, glowing, no height limit
Big kids
- Kali River Rapids, you will get soaked (38 in)
- Avatar Flight of Passage (44 in)
- Expedition Everest (44 in)
Teens
- Flight of Passage first thing, then Everest twice
- The Gorilla Falls and Maharajah Jungle trails are better than they sound
Grandparents and a slower pace
- Safari, Lion King and the trails are the whole day for a slower pace
- The park has plenty of shade compared with the others
Height check
My shortest rider is
| Ride | Minimum | Can ride |
|---|---|---|
| Kali River Rapids | 38 in | |
| Avatar Flight of Passage | 44 in | |
| Expedition Everest | 44 in |
Heights are checked with shoes on. Every ride not listed has no minimum height. Riders under 48 in at Universal need a companion 14 or older.
Game plan from ChampionsGate
- Arrive for opening and ride the safari before 10 am.
- Flight of Passage is the line to beat. Rope drop it or use Lightning Lane.
- Leave by mid-afternoon and spend the evening at the Retreat Club, a 3-minute walk from the house.
