Escaping the Elements at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Light Meter by Lisa K. Berton

Here we are in August with roughly 7 weeks to go before the Fashion Police start writing citations for wearing white after Labor Day. Don’t they have other things to do like, oh I don’t know, get actual jobs. Yes, you heard me, Joan Rivers. Go write some jokes and get off the red carpet.

In my visits to Animal Kingdom (We all know Disney owns it, right? I don’t have to write Disney’s Animal Kingdom. OK, good.) I have found it to be the most humid of all 4 parks with the least amount of air conditioning and places to cool off. This list will look bare compared to the others and come with warnings on what to avoid. Kungaloosh! No, that’s not it. Nahtazu!

The Oasis

Scattered benches can be found in shaded or mostly shaded areas. Before you cross the bridge into Discovery Island, there’s a cavern with benches. They’re well shielded from direct sunlight and rain.
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If you cross the suspended bridge, you’ll see another bench on the right. It’s partially protected from the elements. Watch where you step, it isn’t potty trained.
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Discovery Island

Pizzafari – Air conditioning is impossible to find on Discovery Island so unless you want to hang around the restroom, take a seat at the counter service eatery.

Africa

Do not, I repeat, do not enter the hut-looking edifice beside Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery. Yes, there’s a high top table there but inside is hotter than outside. I learned that one the hard way.

Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders – A few folks can sit by the gift shop entrance. You’re outdoors and partly shaded.
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Partially shaded open air seating can be found to the right of the restrooms.

Honestly, I can’t think of anywhere else to really rest and get out of the sun. Several counter service restaurants have outdoor only seating. There are benches everywhere but they aren’t located in desirable areas.

This park needs some adjustments to help keep Guests healthy.

Don’t forget, First Aid is the place to go if you feel sick and/or are showing signs of heat exhaustion. First Aid is located on Discovery Island, on the far left, beside Creature Comforts and is staffed by nurses.

If you missed the earlier entries you can read about my tips for beating the heat at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.

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4 Replies to “Escaping the Elements at Disney’s Animal Kingdom”

  1. Animal Kingdom always ‘feels’ hotter then the other parks. I think its because all the lush plants and meandering trails trap heat and cut down on the cross breeze.

    For that reason, we always visit either Festival of the The Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Musical stage shows when we go. Its a good way to cool off, and they’re great entertainment.

  2. I’ve never given this kind of information much thought before. We always travel to Walt Disney World in mid November, and look for a sunny spot rest our feet. Summers are generally very hot here in our part of Canada, so Florida in July is unthinkable for me.

  3. You can get some shade in Camp Minnie-Mickey at the benches there depending on the time of day. Some of them get shaded by the trees.

    If you need a long rest, take in a show. Finding Nemo: The Musical and Festival of the Lion King are always nice and cool.

    Lisa responds: Absolutely! You just have to wait in line to enter the venues or time it so the doors are open and most people are already inside to avoid standing in the heat.