4 Top Secret Places in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney World is a place that’s chock-full of secrets and hidden features!

If you’re a fan of hunting for details like easter eggs and hidden Mickeys, you’ll love searching for those things in Animal Kingdom. In addition to those hidden details, there are many “top-secret” places, and some of them may even be hidden in plain sight — so keep an eye out for them on your next trip!

Tree of Life Gardens

The Tree of Life is the icon of the park and is very easily spotted when you walk in.

But if you want a closer and “quieter” look, you should check out the Tree of Life Garden.

This path is one that you likely pass by every time you enter the park without even knowing it! You can find several entrances to the area like across from Creature Comforts…

…and the exit of “It’s Tough To Be A Bug.”

Even though it’s the “center” of the park, the Tree of Life Garden is nearly empty even on the busiest days at the park.

Walking Trails

Next up, we’ve got two walking trails that you might never have experienced. In fact, you may have walked right past them without knowing they were there!

If you’ve ever ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris, you’ve basically been right on top of this one. Right next to the safari is the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

It’s a self-guided tour where you’ll stumble upon tons of different animals including gorillas, meerkats, and okapi. There’s also a bird exhibit and an underwater viewing area where you can see hippos floating (or walking) their way through the water.

You’re usually going to find this walking trail to be pretty quiet (except for any animal noises). Also, it’s kind of long, so be sure that you’ve got enough time to stop and stare at the animals while you’re on the trail!

The next walking trail is the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This one is located in Asia just past the entrance to Kali River Rapids.

Here you’ll find animals that are native to Asia including tigers, bats, birds, and more.

The animals aren’t the only attraction here. Make sure to enjoy all the art and architecture that you might find in Nepal, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Here’s another “secret” area you’ve probably never been to. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is located at the back of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and includes a petting zoo called the Affection Section.

At this spot, you can get up close and personal with sheep, goats, llamas, donkeys, and cows.

And, they’ll even let you touch them!

It’s usually pretty empty back here, so if you’re looking to take a break from the crowds and get your animal fix, check this area out.

Conservation Station

While you’re at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you need to check out the Conservation Station.

Animal Kingdom features a large veterinary facility that is often home to all sorts of procedures and surgeries. Sometimes those take place during the day, but emergencies don’t often abide by business hours.

If you get lucky, though, sometimes you can see animals undergoing procedures during the day at the Conservation Station.

Also, If you’ve got an artist in the family, you’ve got to try the professional sketch classes called the Animation Experience!

A professional artist will take the group step by step through the process of drawing a Disney character!

You’ll get to take the drawing home with you, and all drawing materials are provided at the event. It happens a few times a day and takes up a good chunk of time though, so keep that in mind as you’re planning your day.

Those are only just a couple of the “top-secret” places that are hiding all over the parks, so keep an eye out on your next trip to Disney World! We’ll keep bringing you all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to AllEars for more.

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What is your favorite “top-secret” place in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!