A few years ago, my husband and I escaped to Disney World for a weekend getaway.
After dropping our bags at the hotel, we headed straight to Animal Kingdom for the evening.
We arrived as hordes of families with young children headed toward the exit. The crowds were thinning.
I noticed just a hint of pink in the evening sky on our ascent to the peak of Expedition Everest. The roller coaster certainly felt a bit spookier at twilight.
We were amazed at the increased activity of the wildebeest, giraffes and African wild dogs after the sun had set on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.
As we strolled leisurely from Asia to Africa, we could hear the lions’ eerie chuffing from some distance.
Our next stop was Discovery Island to see the Tree of Life Awakenings show. And after the show, we stopped at Nomad Lounge for cocktails and a bite to eat.
By that time, it was properly dark and we entered the Pandora section of the park. The vivid colors and dazzling bioluminescence made us feel as though we had truly stepped onto another planet.
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What is there to do at Animal Kingdom at night?
There is something special about Disney’s Animal Kingdom park at night. The whole park transforms before your eyes.
The heat of the day dissipates and the energy shifts.
Most of our favorite Animal Kingdom attractions continue running into the evening. And early-rising visitors tend to leave in the late afternoon. In other words, the evening is a good time to take advantage of shorter wait times.
Plus, experiencing a familiar ride at night can offer a different perspective. It’s cooler – usually both literally and figuratively.
Also, the darkness can make thrill rides like Dinosaur Primeval Whirl and Expedition Everest a bit more frightening (in a good way!)
Does Animal Kingdom have fireworks at night?
Animal Kingdom doesn’t incorporate fireworks into its nighttime entertainment portfolio.
All of the other parks have fireworks and some have projection shows, like Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But at Animal Kingdom, the nighttime experience is a little different.
Read Also: Does Disney Do Fireworks Every Night? Tips for Each Park [2023]
Why are there no fireworks at Animal Kingdom?
Put simply, a nightly series of nearby explosions would be disturbing to a herd of elephants.
Which makes perfect sense. Disney doesn’t want to give its hippos or any other creatures any hernias, so no fireworks.
It would be nice if they had a nighttime parade. I can picture one in the style of the popular show Festival of the Lion King. But that doesn’t mean they offer us nothing in the evening.
Does Animal Kingdom have a night show?
The Animal Kingdom used to have a Rivers of Light show, but it is now sadly a thing of the past. But yes, there is still a night show, as well as a variety of smaller more intimate entertainment options.
There are several locations throughout the park where you can catch pop-up shows.
And then, of course, we have the Tree of Life Awakenings show, often referred to as the Animal Kingdom night show.
What is the Tree of Life Awakenings show at Animal Kingdom?
Disney is known for its spectacular shows and special displays, and the Tree of Life Awakenings show is pure Disney enchantment.
When the sun goes down, a series of animations are projected onto the magnificent Tree of Life located at the center of the park.
The show begins with flickering fireflies that magically appear and stir animal spirits in the tree’s trunk awake.
You’ll be captivated by the gentle music and bright colors as several short stories of animals participating in the circle of life unfold.
The special stories are on display on select nights and during special events – like Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
There are multiple opportunities to see the show as you cross from one section of the park to another or before it’s time to head home. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and keeps the crowds small.
What time is the Animal Kingdom night show?
The show begins just after dark and repeats every ten minutes or so until the park closes.
The exact start time will vary seasonally. It will depend on the park hours and the time the sun sets, which is earlier in winter and later in summer.
If you’re otherwise occupied when the sun goes down, no worries! Since it repeats, it’s easy to catch the show during your visit.
Does Pandora at Animal Kingdom light up at night?
Yes! The World of Avatar section glows at night.
It’s certainly a whole different experience if you wish to come back after dark when possible.
And if you are there to catch the rides, the most popular ride in Pandora is Flight of Passage. It’s a 3D motion simulator that takes the best of EPCOT’s Soarin’ and combines it with the best of Hollywood Studios’ Star Tours.
The second ride is the Na’vi River Journey, a slow boat ride to the wonders of the Pandora World of Avatar. It’s extremely beautiful.
In the evening, you can still ride other popular attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris or Kali River Rapids, as long as they are open for the season.
What other shows does Animal Kingdom have?
One of the new shows at Animal Kingdom is Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! It features puppets and singers from the popular animated film “Finding Nemo”.
Of course, one of the most popular shows in Animal Kingdom is the Festival of the Lion King, which features amazing stunts inspired by the film “The Lion King”.
In particular, I enjoy the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. It features live performers who are mesmerizing. The shows take place throughout the day and into the evening. Outgoing guests are invited to learn traditional dance as part of the show.
Remember to check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes and additional info.
What are the best places to eat at Animal Kingdom at night?
Animal Kingdom has interesting food options.
Satu’li Canteen in Pandora serves amazing bowls that will appeal to both picky and adventurous eaters and is usually open until the park closes. Choose a base, protein and sauce for a customized meal that satisfies your personal tastes and dietary needs.
In Asia, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes (also normally open ’til the park closes) offer a selection of take-out-style Asian cuisine. Barbecue lovers should opt for Flame Tree Barbecue near the Tree of Life.
Looking for more traditional theme-park food options? On Discovery Island, you’ll find salads and personal pies at Pizzafari. Pizza is always a good idea when you have little ones in tow.
Be sure to download the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date dining hours and locations while inside the park.
Read Also: 19 Best Animal Kingdom Snacks, an Underrated Park for Foodies
Is visiting the Animal Kingdom at night worth it?
Animal Kingdom is typically the only park that regularly maintains shorter hours compared to the other parks, like Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.
However, there’s still plenty to do after dark in Disney World’s largest park.
Exceptionally long lines on popular rides are rare. Old familiar experiences are made new again by the energy that night brings.
So yes, for me, a nighttime visit to the park is very much worth it.
Can you find adult beverages in Animal Kingdom?
EPCOT is perhaps the Disney park most famous for its selection of spirits, but did you know that Animal Kingdom serves adult beverages, too?
There are, in fact, several bars, lounges and kiosks offering a variety of libations throughout the park.
In Africa, Tamu Tamu Refreshments serves special adult Dole Whips. You may also want to check out Thirsty River Refreshments in Asia for specialty spirits.
Trilo-Bites in DinoLand U.S.A. serves margaritas and a seasonally rotating selection of draft beers.
Despite its central location on Discovery Island, Nomad Lounge feels a bit off the beaten path. It shares a building and kitchen with Tiffin’s, the park’s fine dining restaurant.
The Snow Leopard Salvation will hit the spot for Moscow Mule lovers. Finally, if you’re looking for something more colorful, try Pongu Pongu Refreshments in Pandora.
Most locations also offer mocktails for those who do not imbibe. Many of these can be purchased in a souvenir cup that you can take home with you.
What is your favorite park to visit when the sun goes down? What do you think is the best thing about visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at night?
Let us know in the comments below!
