Jambo, Lisa, and welcome to planDisney!
It sounds like you are gearing up for a safari adventure and I will be more than happy to help prepare you for this excursion!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has stolen my heart. I remember growing up and not really favoring this park, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to love it.
It could be all the memories that I’ve made there as a parent that has made me fall in love with this park. Things like watching my then toddler waddle over to Mickey and Minnie Mouse at
Adventurers Outpost. And then most recently seeing my daughter cheer on Donald dancing at
Tusker House this summer has created lasting core memories. You’ll be thrilled to hear that both of these experiences aren’t actual rides. Just enjoyable things to experience while visiting Animal Kingdom.
Now to answer your question, once you enter the park you are free to enjoy whatever you choose to. If
Kilimanjaro Safaris is your only “must-do” then I recommend a morning and late afternoon ride. You never know what the animals will be up to while you’re there, so enjoy it multiple times. Something to keep in mind is that in order to experience the safari, you will still need to hold a valid
theme park ticket and possibly a
theme park reservation, depending on the type of admission ticket you hold.
What you choose to do and experience while you’re there is up to you! I do recommend refueling at
Flame Tree Barbecue. The baked macaroni & cheese with pulled pork is one of my favorites!
Have a great trip and always remember,
The Wilderness Must be Explored!
Shantel