Jambo Merf,
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your planning question! How wonderful that you’ll be visiting Disney World with your 86-year-old mother — what a truly special trip ahead! Some of my most cherished memories are from visiting Animal Kingdom with my own family, including my mother-in-law, who’s also in her 80s. There’s just something magical about seeing the wonder in her eyes as she experiences the beauty of this incredible park right alongside her granddaughters.
Now, let’s dive into your planning! One of the most popular attractions in
Animal Kingdom is
Avatar Flight of Passage. This attraction does offer a
single Lightning Lane entry (subject to change), and I highly recommend purchasing it on the
My Disney Experience App as soon as your booking window opens.
Here’s a helpful tip: Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay, while all other Guests can make their purchases up to 3 days in advance of their park visit. The booking window opens right at 7:00 a.m., so I suggest setting an early alarm, grabbing your morning coffee, and securing your spot before they sell out. Since December is one of the most magical—and popular—times to visit, booking early will help you soar through the skies of Pandora with ease!
Since your mom prefers to skip the thrills of Flight of Passage, there are still plenty of ways for her to enjoy the magic of Pandora while you ride. She could relax and enjoy a delicious meal at
Satu’li Canteen, located just across from the attraction, or browse the beautifully themed shop,
Windtraders, for unique souvenirs, or she can wait outside of the attraction and take in the beautiful scenery around her.
While you’re at Animal Kingdom, be sure to catch
Festival of the Lion King — a Broadway-style celebration filled with acrobatics, singing, and so much heart. My family never misses it! You might also enjoy a journey through the
Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can spot giraffes, elephants, and even okapis roaming across the savanna. It’s a gentle but slightly bumpy adventure — perfect for
Guests of almost any age!
Merf, I hope this helps make your planning a little smoother and your visit extra magical. If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit again.
See ya real soon,
Christina