
How to Stay Cool in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
With all of its trails and open exhibits, Animal Kingdom can often feel like the hottest park among the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Despite many attractions being outdoors in Animal Kingdom, there are some ways to stay cool during the hot summer days.
Enjoy Lunch Indoors
The afternoons are the hottest part of the day, so it can be helpful to plan for lunch indoors to enjoy some much-needed air conditioning. Many of Animal Kingdom’s eateries are quick service locations or kiosks with outdoor seating, such as Flame Tree Barbecue, Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes, and Harambe Market. However, table service restaurants like Tusker House, Tiffins (including the neighboring Nomad Lounge), Yak & Yeti Restaurant, and Rainforest Cafe, or quick service restaurants like Satu’li Canteen and Restaurantosaurus offer nice cool seating areas.
Catch a Show

Watching live performances is another great way to sit and cool down in the air conditioning. In the Harambe Theatre in Africa, you can catch the Festival of The Lion King. This 40-minute show features songs from “The Lion King” plus some incredible acrobatics and dancing. Over in DinoLand U.S.A., you can also watch Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! The 25-minute stage show brings to life the story of Nemo and his friends with puppets, animated backdrops, and special effects that make you feel like you are under the sea.
Head to Conservation Station
Take the Wildlife Express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to get to Conservation Station. Within this building, you can cool off and learn a lot from the animal experts. You can see how cast members care for the animals in the veterinary treatment room; check out amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates; watch cast members prepare food for the animals; and learn how to sketch a Disney character during the Animation Experience. In honor of the 30th anniversary of “The Lion King,” you can also meet Rafiki and Timon at Conservation Station for a limited time.
Ride Kali River Rapids
If water rides are your thing, Kali River Rapids will surely cool you off! Located in Asia, this whitewater thrill ride sends you along a fast-moving current past waterfalls and a geyser, and down a 20-foot slope. You are guaranteed to get wet on this ride, whether you get splashed or completely soaked. Disney even recommends extra clothes or a towel to dry off and lockers for items like phones that need to stay dry.
Visit Animal Kingdom during your next trip to Walt Disney World! Start planning your vacation by browsing the confirmed reservations or checking availability and pricing for a stay at a DVC resort.