Hi Andrea!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. I'm excited to hear you have a Walt Disney World vacation right around the corner!
You're going to love your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's a gorgeous resort, and the theming is amazing! You'll be able to see many of the animals on the savanna through the large picture windows throughout the resort - it's like a 24-hour safari adventure!
In my opinion, and based on my family's experience, you can absolutely enjoy all the magic of
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in one day, as long as you have a game plan ahead of time. Arriving early is key, as well as making FastPass+ reservations for your favorite attractions/shows.
You'll be able to make FastPass+ reservations for 3 experiences in one park per day, so I suggest scheduling them early in the day. Once you've used that third FP+ you're able to add another, thus making the most of your time and ensuring shorter wait times on your selected attractions!
Our "can't miss" attractions in Animal Kingdom are: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (watch out for the Yeti!), DINOSAUR, Finding Nemo - The Musical (Marlin is my favorite), and Festival of the Lion King. We also enjoy the Flights of Wonder show!
There are plenty of places to pick up a yummy meal in Animal Kingdom - my crew loves Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus for a quick bite, or Yak and Yeti Restaurant for a sit-down meal. (Their ahi tuna nachos are to die for!)
Of course, I'd never be one to tell you NOT to stay an extra day on your vacation - the longer the vacation the better! That being said, I think you'll find a one day visit to Animal Kingdom Park completely doable!
I hope this helps, and I hope you have the most amazing vacation ever.
Jambo! - Diane W.