When you think about spending money in Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom may not be at the top of your list.

Animal Kingdom is sometimes referred to as a “half-day park” (which means you only need half a day to do everything), but the truth is that there is plenty to do there! Whether you prefer to focus on restaurants, rides, or shows, you can spend a whole day there without getting everything done. But what should you prioritize with your precious cash?

Food

Satu’li Canteen

Let’s start out at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar, where you can choose from a selection of customizable bowls and steamed pods in a space decorated to reflect the art and culture of the Na’vi. While it is a quick service (aka fast food) restaurant, it’s not the spot to visit for typical theme park eats.  

One of our favorite things to get at Satu’li is the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods, which are essentially bao buns stuffed with ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheddar. 

The customizable bowls are also a tasty choice, especially if you’re looking for plant-based options. Choose from Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef, Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken, or Chili-Garlic Shrimp (or no meat). Then you pick your base, sauce, and any extras!

You don’t need a reservation to visit Satu’li and it offers both indoor and outdoor seating. If you’re looking for a nontraditional theme park meal, this is a great option for you! You can order via Mobile Order or head inside to place your order in person.

Here’s our most recent review of Satu’li Canteen!

Pongu Pongu

Pongu Pongu is located just steps from Satu’li Canteen and it has a smaller selection of snacks and drinks — including some of our favorite eats in Disney World.

Choose from the Colossal Pretzel (served with beer cheese), Lumpia (a pineapple cream cheese spring roll), Hawkes’ Grog Ale (which is GREEN), as well as a few frozen drinks.

If you’re hungry but not in the mood for a full meal, Pongu Pongu is a great place to stop by. Sometimes the line can get fairly long but it typically moves fast, and you might also get the chance to choose from the breakfast menu in the morning — including eats like a Sausage and Egg Biscuit or French Toast Sticks!

Read our review of Pongu Pongu here!

Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree Barbecue is another quick service restaurant in Animal Kingdom but here you can get (shocking) barbecue! It’s located near the Discovery Island bridge to DinoLand and you can choose from classic barbecue eats as well as some different dishes.

We’re partial to the Baked Barbecue Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork, which is $12.49 for a filling portion, but you can also enjoy ribs, chicken, and a Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich — and don’t forget a side of onion rings!

Note that there is plenty of seating at Flame Tree and while it’s all outdoors, the area is covered by pavilions for shade (or weather shelter!). If you’re in the mood for filling barbecue in Animal Kingdom, make Flame Tree a must-visit.

Read our review of Flame Tree Barbecue here!

Nomad Lounge

Nomad Lounge is popular lounge in Animal Kingdom known for its hand-crafted cocktails, appetizers, and specialty drinks. It doesn’t require a reservation but you might have to wait a bit before you can get a table and eat, depending on when you visit. In fact, although Nomad Lounge typically opens at 11AM, if you’re not in line at that time you might have a loooong wait.  

Once you’re seated either inside or on the outdoor covered patio, you can choose from African, Asian, and South American wines and beers or specialty cocktails (including nonalcoholic versions) and appetizers like the Tuna Poke Bowl, Churros served with dipping sauces, Tiffins Bread Service, and more.

Nomad Lounge does use the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist, so you may have the opportunity to join the mobile waitlist through the My Disney Experience app. But keep in mind that this waitlist tends to fill up FAST, so you probably want to head straight to Nomad Lounge at opening time if you want to give this spot a try!

Click here for a recent review of Nomad Lounge!

Tiffins

Tiffins is a signature restaurant (aka fancy dining) in Animal Kingdom and you might be missing out if you outright skip it. It’s located in the same building as Nomad Lounge and you can visit to enjoy African, Asian, and South American-inspired dishes.

Tiffins is known for their Signature Bread Service (which you can also get at Nomad Lounge) along with entrees like Tamarind Braised Short Rib, Butter Chicken, and more. Entree prices range from $30 to $65.

Keep in mind that as a signature restaurant, Tiffins can be quite pricey — and reservations are required. But if you’re an adventurous eater looking for an opportunity to sit in air conditioning for a lengthy meal, Tiffins is just the place.

Check out our most recent review of Tiffins here!

Yak & Yeti

Yak & Yeti is interesting because it’s not officially Disney-owned (it’s owned by Landry’s, Inc.), but it serves up some delicious Asian fusion cuisine in a really cool environment. You can make a reservation in advance or get priority seating if you’re a Landry’s Select Club member.

Yak & Yeti is located in Asia not far from Expedition Everest, and this is the place to enjoy favorites like Wok-Fried Green Beans and Pork Pot Stickers or grab a specialty dish like Bhaktapur Duck.

If a sit-down restaurant isn’t your vibe, check out Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe for a quicker and on-the-go look at Asian fusion cuisines. Grab Pork Egg Rolls, Sweet-and-Sour Tempura Shrimp, or a VERY filling portion of Chicken Fried Rice (for under $10!), among many other options.

Yak & Yeti generally requires reservations but check out the Local Food Cafe for a counter service meal if you don’t feel like sitting down to eat. Either way, you probably don’t want to leave Animal Kingdom without giving one of these a try.

Here’s a recent review of Yak & Yeti!

Mr. Kamal’s

Mr. Kamal’s is all about snacks, including some incredible fries. We can’t say no to seasoned fries!

Located between Asia and Africa, here you can order Hummus, Chicken Dumplings, and the famous Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries, served with curried honey mustard or Korean chili ketchup.

You might be able to sit at a nearby table near the Discovery River, and generally speaking, you won’t find a super long line here. It can be a great place to stop for a filling and unique snack!

Read our review of Mr. Kamal’s here!

Entertainment

Caring for Giants

Animal Kingdom offers a variety of tours that can be worth the extra cash, and we’ll start with Caring for Giants, a guided look at African elephants from about 80 to 100 feet away. This 60-minute experience costs $35 per person and you can get much closer to the elephants (for longer) than you would on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

A dedicated guide will help guests learn more about day-to-day care for African elephants. Note that guests must be four years and older and you need to make your reservation for this experience ahead of time.

Read more about Caring for Giants here.

Savor the Savanna

Savor the Savanna is another tour you can book for a private safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. It costs $147.90 to $174 per person and it includes an exclusive evening safari tour, and afterward, guests can enjoy African-inspired small plates, beer, and wine from a private Savanna viewing area.

This is a 2-hour experience and guests must be 8 or older, so keep that in mind if you have young kids or want to spend more time on rides in the park.

You can learn more about Savor the Savanna here.

Up Close with Rhinos

Are you a rhinoceros fan? Up Close with Rhinos gets you literally up close with white rhinos for a 60-minute viewing. At $45 per person, this is a slightly less expensive Animal Kingdom tour option.

During this experience, guests get to go backstage with the rhinos’ keepers for a special viewing area where they can learn all about rhino behavior and biology. Like all the tours, guests must make a reservation ahead of time and you must also have valid admission and an Animal Kingdom park pass.

Read more about Up Close with Rhinos here.

Wild Africa Trek

And finally, if you REALLY want to splurge, check out the Wild Africa Trek, a 3-hour private guided tour for $199 per person. This tour takes guests through the Safi River Valley, which most guests never see, and you get up-close views of many Animal Kingdom animals. The tour includes riding in a safari vehicle, walking, and crossing an open bridge.

After your trek, you can enjoy small plates like chicken curry salad and sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita, and a photographer will be there throughout the tour to get photos. Tour guests get access to all the photos!

Check out the Wild Africa Trek here.

Merchandise

Capture Your Moment

Capture Your Moment is a personalized 20-minute photo session in designated areas of Animal Kingdom. It can be a great way to get those professional shots you’re looking for inside Disney World! Choose from locations on or near Discovery Island, including the Tree of Life!

You pay $50 for a maximum of 8 guests, although it costs more to actually print your photos. But if you want the best possible shot of your important moment, this is it, folks! Just make sure you make a reservation ahead of time.

Read more about Capture Your Moment here!

Windtraders

Windtraders is the gift shop in Pandora and this is THE spot for Avatar souvenirs. While you might be able to find some of these items on shopDisney, there is some Avatar-themed merchandise you might not be able to find anywhere else.

“Adopt” your very own Banshee from the Rookery, grab a plush Pandoran creature, or you can even make an Avatar action figure (when available). There is no shortage of Pandora goodies to take home if you really want to remember that part of your visit!

Check out a Banshee toy here!

Shops like Mandala Gifts and Yak & Yeti Bhaktur Market

There are a variety of kiosks and small shops around Animal Kingdom where you can find unique souvenirs to bring home, including wood wind chimes, handmade jewelry, wood carvings, and more.

You can also find musical instruments in some areas! You can find these shops all over Animal Kingdom and you might want to stop by if you’re not looking for a typical Disney World souvenir.

Here is one of the most unique Animal Kingdom souvenirs we’ve ever seen!

Are you convinced yet? There’s a LOT to do in Animal Kingdom! We hope this helps you figure out your budget for the park so you can put your money toward all the things you want to do. Keep reading DFB for more Disney World news and updates, and check out these posts on how you should spend your money in other Disney World locations!

• How You Should Spend Your Money in Magic Kingdom
• How You Should Spend Your Money in Disney Springs

Check out a NEW change to Genie+ in Animal Kingdom!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!