Top Five Quiet Places at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World
We are a family of six and can’t go to many places without injecting chaos into the mix. Let’s be honest- a family of our size takes up space. Every child occasionally gets overwhelmed and tired in the hot, busy parks. Over the years, we’ve found the top five quiet places at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Over the years, we have found quiet places away from the crowds at the Animal Kingdom. Some days, it’s essential to take a break away from the sensory overload of crowds and heat.
Die-hard Disney parents, you can still go hard. Usually, one parent will wait with the children, and the other will run with bands in hand to score a new reservation time. Your children will get a much-needed break, and you don’t have to trash your plans on your expensive vacation.
Our son has autism and is a giant Walt Disney World fan. We know what works for him. You know your child better than anyone. Show them videos of the rides, prepare a social story, and talk about expectations. If you need to take a break back at your hotel room– plan to do it daily. Bring a tablet and plan to take time to relax and decompress.
The most important tip is to remember to be flexible and sensitive to your autistic loved one’s needs. Disney can be accommodating, but it is also overwhelming even if you don’t have sensory issues! We don’t include anything in Pandora, world of Avatar, because it is usually very crowded. However, if you’re looking for sensory tips related to Pandora and autism, see our post.
The Animal Kingdom provides beautiful trails filled with animals, lush greenery, and entrancing education opportunities. Unfortunately, the biggest issue is that it is the smallest and hottest park, so our children need a spot to get away from those things. The following is the list of our favorite quiet places at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
5. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
The First Aid is next to Creature Comforts. The baby care center is also available in this area. In the height of the heat of the day, the smell near here is pretty atrocious. In our experience, we avoided the inside and hung out in the outside shaded area next to these buildings.
4. Discovery Island Trails in Africa
If you walk behind the Tree of Life in the center of Animal Kingdom, you will find a twisting trail. These walking trails include animals such as kangaroos, otters, lemurs, and porcupines. The path begins to the right side of the Discovery Island bridge to Africa. The other option to hop on this path is off to the right of the entrance to The Tree of Life. There are waterfalls, luxurious landscaping, and quiet places to escape the park.
3. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Asia
The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail attraction in Asia used to be known as the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail until 2016. Now this gorgeous path is appropriately named as you can view gorillas on this path. We love to do tackle this trail following Kilimanjaro Safaris. When you are exiting, it’s on your way back to Harambe. You can rest and relax in this lush tropical forest among hippos and exotic birds. This path has monkeys and other primates.
2. Maharajah Jungle Trek, Asia
The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a wildlife trail in Asia, the Kingdom of Anandapur. It features bats and tigers, and there are many places along the path where you can stop and relax over footbridges, near waterfalls, or by a jungle bend.
Sensory concerns: the aviary can be noisy with lots of birds chirping and flapping. This self-guided tour has tons of maharajah tigers in the tropical paradise- my children become transfixed.
1. DinoLand U.S.A.
If you head to Dinosaur’s courtyard, there is a recess in the wall across from Finding Nemo: The Musical. The break is quiet and out-of-the-way, the perfect place to have a quick snack and ice-cold drink. However, it’s hard to catch a break from the sun unless you find a shaded tree or bench.
If you’re tempted to ride Dinosaur with small children after this, picture this.
I am covering two sets of eyes at one time! If your family requires getting energy out, the Dino Dig site is nearby. The TriceraTop Spin is a dinosaur-themed ride like Dumbo, Flying Carpets, or Astro Orbiter.
The best part of spending Dinoland? We also enjoy making a quick exit towards the front of the park.
What are your favorite quiet spaces in the Animal Kingdom?
Are you looking for other places to retreat in the other parks?
- Quiet places in Magic Kingdom
- Quiet places in Epcot
- Quiet places in Hollywood Studios
thanks for the tips, these quiet places are also perfect for families traveling with younger kids who need a little less noise too.
This is such useful info! I think many families will benefit from knowing where they can find quiet space for a little break from the chaos of Disney!
I dont think I’ve been on any of these rides! I like how you carve out the quiet places, as theme parks are not usually known for “calm”
I totally agree with these 5 areas of Animal Kingdom that are quieter than the rest of the park! It is so nice to get away to them for a break from all of the crowds. So glad you could share your experience too!