Welcome back ThemeParkHipster! Today I’m excited to cover one of my favorite topics: the top rides for solo travelers! In particular, the best Animal Kingdom rides.
In the world of theme parks, especially Disney World, it can feel like the whole layout is only planned for big groups or families.
And of course, that can make the single rider feel pretty left out.
But today, I’ve got good news, because I’m going to offer you a solution to all of those solo rider worries with the Animal Kingdom rides solo travelers must do!
So, throw those Single Rider stresses out the window and let’s get started planning the best solo Animal Kingdom day ever!
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1. Expedition Everest
This crazy cool coaster tops our list as the BEST Animal Kingdom solo traveler ride for one very simple reason: it has a Single Rider Line!
Believe it or not, Single Rider lines at Disney World are few and far between – in fact, there’s only one per park – and so when I find one, I’ve definitely GOT to tell you about them!
Now, the reason Single Rider lines are the best option for solo travelers is, you don’t have to answer that oh so awkward question, “How many guests are in your party?”
Because you’re in the Single Rider Line, even if you were there with fellow friends, Cast Members only seat you one at a time, no questions asked – aka: the BEST case scenario for a solo traveler.
Another perk of the Disney Single Rider Lines?
They move super fast, probably even faster than the Lightning Lane, and that’s AWESOME news considering that Expedition Everest is probably the most popular of all the Animal Kingdom rides.
Something interesting to know is that this Disney attraction set records such as being the 2011 Guinness World Records’ most expensive roller coaster at a price tag of $100 million.
It held this title up until Universal Orlando Resort debuted Hagrid’s, which totaled $300 million.
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2. Avatar Flight of Passage
Aside from being the newest of the Walt Disney World rides, Avatar Flight of Passage always seats you as a Single Rider, even though there isn’t an official Single Rider Line…
…let me explain.
While the majority of the time you’ll be waiting in the normal or Lightning Lane (which is pretty cool all by itself, might we add), by the time you’re nearing the attraction at the front of the line, Cast Members might begin to call out for Single Riders.
This is because the ride loading area has numbered spaces, and Cast Members like to fill up all the spaces to keep the line moving.
What does this mean for you, a solo traveler?
Chances are better than not that you will be called on to fill up said empty spots; which not only means you get to jump the line.
It also means you get out of sitting directly next to strangers or telling the Cast Members that you’re a “party of one.”
And plus, once you finally board the ride, you’ll notice that all riders are seated independently…
So, you and everyone else, no matter how big their party, will enjoy the ride, solo style!
Something to note is when Flight of Passage actually begins, it is a uniquely designed adventure from the physical effects such as airbags that allow you to feel your banshee’s breathing to the beautiful sights of floating mountains.
3. Kilimanjaro Safari
Aside from being a great ride for solo travelers, the Kilimanjaro Safari is one of the best Animal Kingdom rides, period!
You’ll see elephants, giraffes, lions, and more…
…so close you really will feel like you’ve been transported to Africa!
But, why this ride for our solo traveler list?
Well, every Kilimanjaro Safari truck can hold over 30 passengers!
So at the end of the day, almost everybody, not just solo travelers, end up sitting next to strangers.
Plus, the ride itself is so mesmerizing, you’ll forget you’re a solo traveler the second you see your first awesome, precious animal!
Hipster Power Tip: The Kilimanjaro Safari is QUITE the popular attraction as far as Animal Kingdom rides go. So, you’ll either want to head there as soon as the park opens, or get a Lightning Lane Pass (once it’s available). Our suggestion? Get a Lightning Lane Pass+ for 6 p.m. or later, that’s when the lions are awake and start to get active!
4. DINOSAUR
A classic crowd favorite of the Animal Kingdom rides, Dinosaur makes the list because it kind of combines elements of the Flight of Passage and the Kilimanjaro Safari to make a pretty great solo rider experience.
More specifically, once you’ve waited on the regular or Lightning Lane line, there will be a big loading room where a pre-ride video is played.
During this ride, I highly recommend that Single Riders move straight across, ALL the way to the other side of the room by the opposite set of doors.
This is because these are the doors that will open right after the video is over to get you into the loading area of the ride.
Once this has happened, you’ll see the ride vehicles, which have 3 rows of 4 across.
Like Flight of Passage, odds are pretty good that you will be called up to fill an empty spot in a row.
Either way however, this thrilling, immersive ride happens in the dark, so it’s easy for all riders to feel like they’re a solo rider, while still having the time of their lives!
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5. Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Affection Section
Now this attraction is one of Animal Kingdom’s best kept secrets that you’ve probably never even heard of!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an entirely separate section of Animal Kingdom that can only be accessed via a train ride that many don’t know about!
Now, before you beat yourself up for never hearing about this, Rafiki’s Planet Watch recently went seasonal, meaning it will only be open during peak park times (starting up again this summer)!
How do you get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch?
You can board the train at Harambe Station in the Africa section of the park, and enjoy the educational ride through otherwise hidden parts of Animal Kingdom property.
And, since this ride is a sort of secret, the line for the train never lasts longer than 10 minutes, and guests usually can spread out and even have a row to themselves… #SingleRiderHeaven
Once you depart the train, there are SO many fun places to explore, including the veterinary area where you can watch Animal Kingdom Cast Members care for animals and have a meet and greet with Rafiki!
However, the part of this Animal Kingdom attraction that we really want to note is the Affection Section, which is essentially a petting zoo!
Sheep, pigs, and the like are all awaiting your love in this secret station, and all of the places to visit at Rafiki’s Planet Watch are self-guided, so you definitely won’t feel left out as a solo traveler!
What to Know Before You Go to Animal Kingdom
Now that you know what the best rides at Animal Kingdom are for Solo Travelers, let’s go through a few things you must know before your trip.
When is the best time to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Like any other Orlando theme park, if you’re hoping to avoid long lines and crowds, then your best bet is to book your Disney trip outside of children’s school vacations, or sometime in September, November (before Thanksgiving), or late January/early February.
What nighttime offerings are available at Animal Kingdom?
Another fun fact about Animal Kingdom that many first time guests do not know, is that there are no firework offerings in this park; and it is the only Disney theme park where that is true.
How come? Well, for the health and safety of the animals, loud noises and explosives definitely aren’t a good idea.
Instead however, Animal Kingdom recently came up with a solution such as the majestic lighting on the Tree of Life or exploring Pandora World of Avatar at night!
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
Do I need an entire day to spend at Animal Kingdom?
To be honest, this one is really up to you, ThemeParkHipster, and what you hope to get out of your solo travels.
If you’re a thrill seeking type of traveler and only want to enjoy the most thrilling rides, then sure, you could give Animal Kingdom a half- day.
However, if you truly want to experience everything Animal Kingdom has to offer, from interesting shows to viewing all the animal exhibits, then I would definitely recommend setting aside a full day for Animal Kingdom.
Especially because this park has the earliest closing time to accommodate for animal care, and usually is never really open beyond 8 p.m. (and sometimes even closes as early as 6 p.m.).
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Rides at Animal Kingdom for Solo Travelers
Well ThemeParkHipster, I hope you enjoyed reading this Animal Kingdom solo traveler guide as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Do you have any other Animal Kingdom tips and tricks? Know of any Animal Kingdom rides for solar travelers that we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments below, because solo theme park travelers get their best research done together.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
UP NEXT: Disney Animal Kingdom for Adults: The Definitive Guide for Your Trip
(Original Article Date: May 14, 2021/Updated by Editor on July 15, 2024)