We go to Disney World every day, which means we have, unfortunately, learned some hard truths.

Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s fourth park and is super detailed. You really do feel transported when you step into the park!  Where else can you visit Pandora, take a safari, and come face to face with a yeti?  While Animal Kingdom is so immersive, sadly, the park gets a bad rep for quite a few things and even we can recognize its flaws. When you visit Animal Kingdom, heed our warning and be prepared to face these six truths that may make you regret your decisions.

When we visit Animal Kingdom, we are always aware of these six hard truths, and they are good to keep in mind when you visit the park on your next trip to Disney World.

It is the Worst When it Rains

Animal Kingdom is mainly outdoors, which means when it rains, it can be hard to find shelter to keep you dry. 

Many people claim that Animal Kingdom is only a half-day park, and when it rains, it can really empty out. While no one likes to get caught in the rain, make sure you have rain gear ready to go, especially during the rainy months, so that way you are prepared in case it starts to pour in Animal Kingdom.

Our Tips and Tricks for Conquering Rainy Days in Disney World

It is Humid and Hot in the Park

Animal Kingdom is known to be the hottest park due to its lush plants, which transport you to the rainforest. As we mentioned above, the park is mainly outdoors, so it can be hard to escape the sun, especially in the summer.

And if you end up making it through a rain storm at Animal Kingdom and don’t leave during it, the rain can make the park even hotter and more humid. So make sure to hydrate and take breaks as needed. If you need to cool off you can head to the Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! for some AC and entertainment!

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The Park has Short Hours

Out of the four parks at Disney World, Animal Kingdom closes the earliest and has the shortest operating hours. 

This can be frustrating to those who may buy a park ticket for Animal Kingdom only because it can feel like you are getting ripped off. You still pay a high price for a park that is not open late. If you plan on spending a whole day in Animal Kingdom, we suggest getting there when the park opens to get your money’s worth since it does close so early.

If you plan to park hop, we also suggest visiting Animal Kingdom first, as you may be on a tight schedule trying to make it to Animal Kingdom before the park closes. It is also disappointing that the park closes so early because it is so cool at night — just look at Pandora!

The good news is that Animal Kingdom has now joined the line-up for Extended Evening Hours. The bad news is that only Deluxe Resort guests can participate. But at least some visitors will be able to see the park’s cool nighttime features. 

CONFIRMED: All the Attractions Open During Extended Evening Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios

The Park will Soon be Under Construction

It was confirmed at D23 that DinoLand U.S.A. would close to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land. This new land will feature three brand-new attractions and will open in 2027. 

The Tree of Life will also be under construction as It’s Tough to be a Bug! is being replaced with a new Zootopia show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The new show will open in the winter of 2025.

Even though closing dates have not been announced for these areas of the park, we know that their days are numbered as permits have already been filed for construction on DinoLand U.S.A., and Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will open in just over a year. While some people already say Animal Kingdom is a half-day park, with the construction, this could truly be the case. When planning your vacation, make sure to watch for construction dates so you can be prepared. 

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Discovery River Amphitheater Is Now Just Extra Seating

Have you ever noticed the amphitheater in Asia, near Expedition Everest and across from the Tree of Life? This seating area used to be home to two recently canceled shows.

Animal Kingdom used to have a nighttime show called Rivers of Light. Previously, It avoided nighttime spectaculars for the animals’ safety. The cool thing about this show is that it did not use fireworks but instead, 11 light-up floats that sailed in the water. 

The show opened in 2017. In 2019, it was updated and added moments from movies like The Lion King. The show then closed in March of 2020 and never returned after the parks re-opened from the pandemic.

In 2021, the amphitheater was home to a new show! KiteTails debuted in 2021 as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. The show featured giant elaborate kites from The Jungle Book and The Lion King.

Originally, KiteTails was a scheduled show that ran six times during the day. Unfortunately, the show had a lot of issues with the kites crashing, and by May of 2022, the performers in the show were eventually removed, and the show transitioned into a “walk-by” experience. Eventually, the show closed in September of 2022.

There are still tons of other entertainment options in the park, and it is a shame that this space is essentially just used as a break spot.

5 Cringey Things That Make Me Rethink Walking Into Animal Kingdom Ever Again

Flight of Passage May Not Be Worth the Wait

Okay, do not get us wrong. Flight of Passage is a super cool ride, and it has been popular for over seven years. The problem is that in order to ride the attraction, you either need to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass or, in most cases, wait in an outrageously long line.

Time is money in the parks, and you do not want to spend the majority of your time waiting in line when you can explore other parts of Animal Kingdom.

We do not blame you for wanting to experience this attraction, but instead of hopping in line during the middle of your park day, we recommend getting in line right before the park closes. By this time, many people have already left, and you may get through the line quicker. Plus, this strategy allows you to wait in line after the park has closed; just make sure you are in line at least one minute before the park closes.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Riding Flight of Passage in Disney World

We love Animal Kingdom and despite these six hard truths, it is a beautiful park. As long as you are prepared to deal with some rain, humidity, and sometimes long lines, you are setting yourself up for a successful day visiting the park!

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What is a hard truth you learned at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!