Hi there Jennifer!
It sounds like you're ready to embark on a wild adventure and I'm so glad that you've come to planDisney to ask about our top tips to make the most of your journey to
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. My two nephews are just about the same age as your kids and will also be going for their first time this year, so I'm very glad to be able to provide you with what I like to call Prince's Picks and personal recommendations!
One of the best things is that as of right now, there are only four rides and attractions with specific
height requirements which provides you with a lot of great opportunities to explore and enjoy together as you make your way around to new lands - and perhaps even a few things that you haven't seen since your last visit.
Number one on my list has to be
Kilimanjaro Safaris, which always seems to be the big showstopper for any young animal fan as you go on a rugged ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Your kids will be thrilled to spot some wonderful wildlife and glean some great facts from your expert driver. This was definitely one of the core memories from my first visit that I dreamt about for years afterward!
A great activity to do together is to learn and complete challenges with the
Wilderness Explorers as you collect complimentary adventure badges from Troop Leaders throughout the park. This is always a fun way to explore as a family and learn all about creature habitats and diets as you make your way around along your journey.
If you're looking to give them a chance to burn off some energy during your expedition, I'll always recommend taking a nice shady, activity break at
The Boneyard. My nephews can definitely be on the wild side (and I might've encouraged their love of climbing all over things) so if your kids are anything like them, this is a great open-air play area designed to immerse them in an active excavation site as they make their own dinosaur discoveries.
My last of Prince's Picks comes with a bit of a warning in case your kids aren't fans of creepy-crawlies:
It's Tough to be a Bug! Located in
Discovery Island right in the middle of the park, the
Tree of Life is not only one of those things that will wow them with its sheer size and beauty, but will also blow their minds to know that they can actually go inside it and see a show! This is my go-to recommendation if you'd like to take a break from the weather and see some really amazing Audio-Animatronics, but there are definitely some surprises that may make them squirm in their seats.
I hope that these tips were helpful for their first-time visit, and please feel welcome to come back to ask me anything for your upcoming venture into the wilds of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Like I always say when on any wildlife expedition: Take nothing but photos, leave lasting memories together.
Happy adventuring!
Prince