Rivers of Light preview at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Check out: 8 of the Best Kept Secrets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Lauren Repei

Animal Kingdom is a theme park like no other, it takes all the beauty of nature, and it gives it that Disney touch making it a truly magical and special park to visit. There is a lot to see and do at the park, and it will definitely take a few trips to discover all that the park has to offer, but to help you out we have put together a list of the 8 best kept secrets of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

8. Terra Treats

Terra Treats is a counter service location in the Discovery Island area of the park. If you have dietary concerns, especially if you are gluten free, this is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. They have a number of delicious gluten free snacks, such as cupcakes, bagels, cookies and doughnuts. They also have some healthier options like veggies and hummus and fresh fruit. They even serve gluten free beer!

7. Flights of Wonder

You’ve probably heard about the two amazing shows at Animal Kingdom, Finding Nemo the Musical and Festival of the Lion King, but there is another show that is worth seeing when visiting Animal Kingdom. That show is Flights of Wonder, which is a 25 minute show featuring about 20 exotic birds. This show gives guests the opportunity to see, and come fairly close to some of the most beautiful winged creatures on the planet. Among them you will see macaws, a cockatoo, and even a bald eagle. Guests will learn about the birds while having a few laughs, and there is also some audience participation.

Become a Wilderness Explorer and go on self-guided quests and adventures throughout Animal Kingdom. There are multiple challenges, and as you complete each challenge you are awarded a badge. You can collect such badges as the Yeti Badge, the Dinosaur Badge, and the Music Badge. There are Wilderness Explorer stops located throughout the park where you can get a field guide and begin exploring the park. It may take a few trips to complete all the challenges, giving you an excuse to return to Animal Kingdom!

5. Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Located in Harambe Village is the quick-service location Tamu Tamu Refreshments. This little window location serves some truly delicious treats that are perfect for a hot and humid day at Animal Kingdom. One of the must have items here is the Dole Whip with coconut or dark rum. There are also ice cream sandwiches and a chocolate waffle served with vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse. If you need a little sweet indulgence, this is the place to stop, and there’s even a little shady courtyard to enjoy your drinks and desserts.

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4. Breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant

Tusker House is a table service restaurant that features African and American cuisine in their buffet. This is also a character dining experience where guests can meet Safari Mickey and friends. Why not start your day at Animal Kingdom early and make a breakfast reservation at Tusker House? You can make reservations as early as 8am, feast on a delicious breakfast buffet with items like cinnamon rolls, orange bread, fruit chutneys, potato and leek frittata, and coconut sweet potato casserole. If you start your day off with a breakfast buffet and characters, you know you’re in for a magical day.

3. Single Rider Line at Everest

Hopping aboard the train to conquer Everest and come face to face with the legendary Yeti is one of the best and most thrilling experiences to have at Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest is no secret at all, but the single rider line is a lesser known option for this attraction. If you find you’re out of FastPasses, the standby line up is long, or you want to ride a few times, the single rider line is a quick way to climb Everest and get your thrills.

2. Characters

Animal Kingdom has some really unique character meet and greets. You can meet Donald, Mickey and Minnie in their safari gear, but you can also meet characters that are rarely seen elsewhere, if at all. You can meet Pocahontas, Rafiki, Tarzan, King Louie and Baloo, Dug and Russell and Flik. Make sure you check the times guide to see when and where the characters appear, so you don’t miss out on some great photos and interactions with your favorite characters at Animal Kingdom!

1. Tree of Life Roots

It’s pretty much impossible to miss the Tree of Life, it is the centerpiece and icon of the park after all. Often the tree seems so far away, or in the background, but it is possible to get a close look at sections of the tree. While exploring the Discovery Island Trails, you can admire the detail and craftsmanship of the animal carvings in the roots of the Tree of Life that wind around the path. You can also get pretty close to standing below the tree so you can gaze up into its branches and take in the tribute to all the creatures that are celebrated at Animal Kingdom.