Six Reasons Why Africa is the Best Land in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

There’s so much to love about Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom — from the exciting attractions to the extraordinary design details.

Animal Kingdom definitely has its own special kind of magic. We can feel the care and attention to detail the Imagineers poured into every inch of the park.

But we feel especially attached to the Africa section of the park — and here’s why.

1. Festival of the Lion King

This might just be our favorite show at Disney World! Festival of the Lion King combines the classic music from the film we know and love with some exceptionally talented performers. From the tumble monkeys to the ballet dancers and everything in between, this show makes us feel all of the emotions!

We’ll admit, we rarely leave the theater without having shed a few tears. And for us, no trip to Animal Kingdom is complete without catching a performance (or two!) of Festival of the Lion King!

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

This is a must-do attraction for us. Having the opportunity to see the animals up-close is such a unique and fascinating experience — no matter how many safaris we’ve been on!

We love to keep our eyes peeled to spot the lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and all the other awesome animals on the safari! Plus, there’s something so breathtaking about having your safari vehicle stalled to let the wildlife cross the road.

3. Tusker House

Tusker House is a restaurant that can please just about everyone in your party! This is an all-you-care-to-enjoy character meal where guests can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. And it’s one of the few character meals at Disney World where we’ve consistently had really good food!

And the theming in here is top-notch as well! The backstory of the restaurant is that it’s where locals serve food and sell African items to help the people of Harambe Village. There are a ton of details and nods to Imagineer Joe Rohde throughout the restaurant, so be sure you take the time to really soak in all the atmosphere! (Note: When the Parks reopen, character dining experiences will be suspended. Be sure to keep an eye on this change as your visit approaches.)

4. Dawa Bar

As far as quick refreshments go, we can’t pass up a drink at Dawa Bar! This open-air bar has some of our favorite cocktails, plus a selection of beer, wine, and other specialty beverages.

Bonus: its location in Harambe makes it the perfect spot to people-watch as other guests pass by. You can soak in the energetic vibe of the land while still taking a step back from the bustle of the crowds!

5. Live Performances

Africa is also home to our favorite “streetmosphere” in Animal Kingdom! Several times a day, guests can take part in a Street Party, and performers including drummers, dancers, and acrobats bring the land to life!

As much as we love the laid-back feeling we get in other sections of the park, Africa has a special energy and buzz. And the amazing street performers definitely help to create that atmosphere!

6. Imagineering Details

While it’s true that there are a ton of hidden (and not-so-hidden) details throughout all of Animal Kingdom, Africa is home to some of our favorites. We love slowly making our way through Harambe Village to take in all of the decor and embellishments.

We can feel the intense care and love the Imagineers poured into the park, and it’s a perfect representation of the attention to detail that Disney is known for. So, as many awesome things as there are to do in Africa, we also encourage you to slow down and take the time to just soak it in as well!

We absolutely adore Animal Kingdom — the theming is next-level, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the attractions are unique. And we think that out of all of the lands in the park, Africa perfectly encapsulates the spirit of what makes Animal Kingdom so special! If you’d like to debate us on this, you can find us sipping on a cocktail at Dawa Bar.

What is your favorite thing about the Africa section of Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

 

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