Next up in our series about the Disability Access (DAS) Pass is Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is different from the other parks in that there are only a few rides and lots of shows. As per the usual, the rides can be given times on the DAS but shows can not get a time. Since many of the outdoor trails and animal encounters don’t need a time , this park is relatively easy to navigate with minimal waiting for your autistic child
Rides were DAS is available:
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
It’s Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Primeval Whirl
Triceratop Spin
Shows or Rides were DAS is not available:
Affection Section
Conservation Station
Discovery Island Trails
Fossil Fun Games
Habitat Habit
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
The Boneyard
The Oasis Exhibits
Wilderness Explorers
Wildlife Express Train
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo : The Musical
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at the Adventures Outpost
This sounds like a lot but it really isn’t when you break it down into the 3 categories. Animal Kingdom is a park with a lot of walking trails as well as things that happen outside. Let’s break it down into doesn’t matter, get a fastpass or use the DAS. All this is done with the understanding that Animal Kingdom is very laid back and is certainly in it’s current capacity not an all day park.
Doesn’t matter
Wildlife Express Train
Affection Section
The Oasis Exhibits
The Boneyard
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Habitat Habit
Fossil Fun Games
Discovery Island Trails
Conservation Station
Wilderness Explorers
Triceratops Spin
Use Your Fastpasses:
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo : The Musical
Meet Your Favorite Disney Pals at the Adventures Outpost
Use your DAS:
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Primeval Whirl
On the assumption that you are only spending one day at this park and you’ve never been before, here’s what I would do.
Get the 3 Fastpasses for Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo : The Musical and Meet Your Favorite Disney Pals at the Adventures Outpost
Before going to the fastpass , get a time for a ride near there. For example if first fast pass is Festival of the Lion King then get a DAS time for Kilimanjaro Safari. If it’s Nemo then get Expedition Everest or Kali River Rapids.
Go to the Fastpass then the DAS ride. After riding the DAS ride then get another DAS time near the next Fastpass.
Always have a DAS time that you are waiting on before you use the Fastpass. That way, you are killing time for the DAS with another ride or show. There will be minimal waiting for the child.
Primeval Whirl usually has a 20 min or less wait time. Use your discretion on using your DAS there. Logan doesn’t like Primeval Whirl so it’s not a problem for us. You could always get a time for Primeval then go ride Triceratops Spin or play some Fun Fossill Games (which are not free btw).
A couple of things you need to know for a child with sensory issues:
The shows are loud. Bring ear plugs.
The shows are over the top Disney and Nemo is dark. Try to sit on the aisle so you can make a quick exit if need be.
You will get soaked on Kali River Rapids. All the way down to your shoes. If this freaks your child out as it does Logan then be prepared with ponchos and flip flops in your backpack. There are lockers to rent nearby so you can easily change your shoes then throw your backpack with shoes into it to keep it from getting wet. I highly suggest you put your phone in there as well.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a truck tour ride. It is bumpy. Your child must remain seated throughout the ride or they stop the truck to wait for the child to sit.
Affection Station is a petting zoo. There are animals walking freely around as well as in the enclosures.
This park is a ton of walking so bring comfy shoes, a stroller or rent one if needed.
