A hybrid zoo/theme park, animals are the focus at Disney's Animal Kingdom. But there are more thrills to be had than getting up-close views of hippos, tigers, and other creatures. While it can't match the G-force madness of some of the biggest thrill machines at parks like Cedar Point, Expedition Everest is a surprisingly potent ride for a Disney park. And there are other surprising thrills nestled among the zoo exhibits at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Want to avoid the thrills? See my advice in Disney's Animal Kingdom for Wimps.
Expedition Everest
© Arthur Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.
- Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 6
Fairly intense positive G-forces, backwards coaster motion, darkness. - Height Requirement: 44 inches
- Location: Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Fastpass: Yes
Dinosaur
Disney. Used with permission.
- Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 4
While there are no coaster drops or inversions, the vehicles are fast, and the ride is action-packed with quick starts and stops and plenty of jostling. Also, many of the scenes are dark, and there are dark ride gotchas, including a dinosaur "attack." - Height Requirement: 40 inches
- Location: Dinoland U.S.A in Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Fastpass: Yes
Primeval Whirl
Disney. Used with permission.
- Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 4
A typical spinning coaster, Primeval Whirl offers the combination of coaster thrills and unpredictable spinning. - Location: Dinoland U.S.A in Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Fastpass: Yes
Kali River Rapids
Disney. Used with permission.
- Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 3
30-foot drop, turbulent waters, soaking geysers and other water gotchas. - Height Requirement: 38 inches
- Location: Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Fastpass: Yes
