Why This Disney World Park Is An Absolute MINEFIELD of Potential Mistakes

Let’s talk about Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a second.

It’s an incredible park (quite possibly my favorite of the Disney World parks). It somehow transports you to different wild places on the planet and even off-world (with Pandora – The World of Avatar). Now, all that’s amazing, but if you’re not paying close attention while you’re there, you can easily fall into a few traps that could really mess up your day. I know, it sounds dramatic, but trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way, and that’s why I’m here to help you avoid those sneaky pitfalls.

As we were saying, Disney’s Animal Kingdom can be a minefield of sneaky mistakes that you can make, and that’s the last thing we want for you.

So, let’s dive right in to what could potentially trip you up!

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

First up, let’s talk about the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. It’s an awesome walkthrough trail located in the Africa section of the park, and it’s home to some pretty amazing animal exhibits.

But here’s the kicker: It often closes early, way before the park itself shuts down. For example, on one of my trips, Animal Kingdom was open until 7PM, but Gorilla Falls closed at 6PM. That’s a full hour earlier!

Why does this happen? Well, it’s all about the animals. They have routines, dinner time, check-ups, and they need downtime, too. While it’s totally understandable from an animal care perspective, it’s also very easy to miss if you’re not aware of the timing.

Here’s my pro tip: Make sure you’re checking the My Disney Experience app regularly throughout the day. The closing times for attractions like Gorilla Falls will be listed there, and it can change depending on what’s happening that day. Plan ahead and make sure you hit up this trail earlier in the day so you don’t miss out.

Those Sneaky Early Closures Don’t Stop There…

Like we said, Animal Kingdom is a minefield of attractions and snacks that close early, and it doesn’t end with Gorilla Falls. Let’s go over a couple of other things you need to keep an eye on if you don’t want to be caught off guard.

First, we’ve got to talk about the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This is the only way to access Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is home to the Conservation Station and petting zoo.

And, guess what? The train also stops running before park close. So, if you’re planning to visit this area, don’t wait until the last minute to catch the train because you might find yourself unable to ride on it.

Then there are the snack kiosks. Yes, those delicious food carts around the park. Many of them also shut down early.

You might want to grab a snack right before leaving, but some stands close an hour or more before the park does. This can be a serious bummer especially if you were saving your appetite for a late-afternoon treat.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Honestly, the best way to avoid these potential missteps is to stay on top of your schedule. Remember to use the My Disney Experience app like it’s your Disney World lifeline. When you’re making your schedule for the day, go ahead and check the times, set reminders, and try to do the things that tend to close early first. That way, you’re not left scrambling or disappointed at the end of your day.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of Animal Kingdom, but you can save yourself a lot of hassle by planning ahead. That way, you can just enjoy all the wonders of the park without stressing about the clock.

Until then, keep it right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!

61 Dates To AVOID Animal Kingdom in 2025

Will you be heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 

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