A complete plus-sized guide for Disney World attractions: Animal Kingdom

Welcome back, my friends, to another plus-sized guide to Disney World! So last month, we dove into all the attractions at the Magic Kingdom. And now, we’re jumping into my favorite park, the Animal Kingdom.

The Animal Kingdom is, hands down, my favorite because of how beautiful it is. I loved walking to each destination and taking all the pictures. It also has one of my all-time favorite rides, Expedition Everest.

I wanted to make this guide because as we planned our trip, I found that the one thing that gave me the most anxiety was how all the attractions would feel being a plus-sized person. So I hope this guide helps my fellow plus-sized friends feel more confident when visiting Disney World!

So you can all gauge how the attractions fit me and how your experience will compare, here are my body details:

As many of you know, there is a lot to do at every park, and it’s tough to do every ride and show. However, even though we didn’t get around to seeing and doing everything, I included every attraction in this guide. The attractions that I didn’t personally go on are marked with an asterisk (*) so you know that the experiences I share are not my own. And to add a cherry on top of this post, I color-coded each ride for easy scanning!

Green is for plus-size friendly attractions
Yellow is for tighter attractions
Red is for attractions that aren’t size-inclusive

And now that all the details are out of the way let’s jump into the Animal Kingdom guide!

quick navigation

Pandora

Rides

• Avatar Flight of Passage: I figured I’d start this post with the most controversial ride regarding size-inclusivity. According to various Facebook groups and Disney-related websites, this ride has always been a hit or miss for plus-sized people. Unfortunately, this ride wasn’t a winner for me. They had a tester seat outside the ride that I could try out. The actual ride vehicle is a bike with a seat that you straddle. Each side has a built-in restraint by your feet that must close before the ride starts.
  
  The issue for me was that I was too short, and my tummy was just large enough that I couldn’t scoot myself all the way forward so the foot restraints could activate. Right where the entrance for the queue is a tester seat that you can go and try. It was a bummer that I couldn’t fit, but I don’t think it was entirely because of my size; I think it was because of how short I am and not being able to reach my feet forward enough.

• Na’Vi River Journey: This incredible slow-paced boat ride takes you through the world of Pandora. Like other boat rides at Disney World, this one is amiable for plus-sized people. The boats have two rows with a lot of space in all directions. I found the ride very comfortable and loved the scenery throughout the attraction. This one is a winner!

Africa

Rides

• Kilimanjaro Safaris: Back in high school, I visited Disney World, and I remember this was the one ride we didn’t get a chance to go on. So, it’s safe to say I was super excited to be able to experience it during our family trip. This ride had the same vibes as Jungle Cruise, where you are taking a ride with a charismatic tour guide. In addition, each vehicle had several comfortable rows that didn’t require seatbelts and could fit several people. This ride is a definite must to experience and is plus-size friendly!

• Wildlife Express Train*: This was another attraction that we, unfortunately, didn’t have enough time to ride. But according to the Disney Wiki page, the train has bench seating, making it an easy and comfortable ride for plus-sized people. So if you’re looking for an easy and gentle ride, check this one out!

Shows

• A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King: I was so excited to see this show, I had heard excellent things about it, and I can confirm that it was pretty spectacular. The show it’s was very accommodating to all body types. The show takes place in the middle of the room; everyone sits on one of the room’s four sides. The seats were bench-style, very similar to bleachers. The first seat is reserved for people in AV vehicles or wheelchairs, while the rest are available to everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend the show; it was comfortable and fun to watch!

Asia

Rides

• Expedition Everest: If I had to choose a favorite ride at Disney World, this one would be it. I remember loving this ride as a kid, and still, so many years later, it does not disappoint. In addition, I am so excited to say that this ride was utterly plus-size friendly. The vehicle is like your typical rollercoaster; there are a bunch of rows with two people per row.
  
  Each seat has a lap bar, and I fit on it comfortably, even with a bigger belly. The nice aspect is that each person gets their lap bar, so even if you’re riding with a smaller companion, there is no need to worry about them not fitting. I rode with my 5-year-old kiddo; we both fit perfectly and had a blast. This one is a winner, and that iconic drop out of the mountain is the best!

• Kali River Rapids*: This is another ride I loved as a kid but didn’t get a chance to ride when we visited. However, Pammie Plus Parks gave an excellent review of the Kali River Rapids ride where she stated that the belt was snug and to snap the strap over your thighs, sit entirely down, and then adjust the belt as needed. If you’re plus-sized like me, you might want to sit by yourself in a pair of the seats as they are narrow and close together. While not the most comfortable ride, it sounds like it should be ok for all my plus-sized friends.

Shows

• Disney KiteTails: We caught the tail end of this show after eating lunch and while we didn’t get to see the entire show, what we did see was cool. The seating arrangement is plus-size friendly, with the seats being a concrete arena. In addition, each row in the stadium has a long wooden bench where guests can sit. Like other theater bench seating, it’s comfortable and spacious, making for a fun show for adults and kids alike. If you have time, check this show out!

DinoLand U.S.A.

Rides

• TriceraTop Spin*: Because my girls are a bit on the older side, we didn’t end up riding this one, but while we were at Animal Kingdom, I noticed that the ride looked very similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant at the Magic Kingdom. Each vehicle has a small bench with a shared seatbelt and plenty of wiggle room. Check out this review from Pammie Plus Parks for a visual review of the TriceraTop Spin ride. This ride is a great attraction if you have little ones!

• Dinosaur: I’ll be honest, this was one of my favorites as a kid but riding it as an adult gave me whiplash. It’s a fun ride but be aware that it is very jarring and jostles you around a lot. Each ride vehicle has a few rows with four seats per row. Each chair has a seatbelt, and I had no issue pulling it out and clicking it in. If Disney does one thing right, it’s with the length of a seat belt they give you! The seat wasn’t uncomfortable, and I found plenty of belly room. As long as you’re aware of how jarring the ride is, it’s a fun one to go on that is size-inclusive!

Shows

• Finding Nemo*: I haven’t seen this show in years, but I remember loving it when I visited the Animal Kingdom several years ago. According to All Ears, the Finding Nemo show utilizes theater bench seating, making it a perfect attraction for plus-size people who need a little more wiggle room. Unfortunately, this show was closed for a while, but thankfully, Disney announced it is currently open!

Discovery Island

Shows

• It’s Tough to be a Bug: And last but certainly not least is this adorable little show. I remember seeing this show back in high school, so it was fun to take my kiddos and experience it with them. The seating is your typical theater bench with plenty of room to spread out. I will recommend, because this is a 3D show, try to get a seat in the middle to the far back. We sat in the front row, making the 3D effect all wonky. The benches were a part of the show and made it feel immersive; it was fun!

And there you have it, my little personal guide to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park attractions. I hope this guide was informative and helped you with your trip planning. If you’d like to see any visuals of attraction seats, check out the attraction vehicle photo gallery from all ears!

What were your experiences at the Animal Kingdom? Do you have plans to visit Disney World this year?

Wants to see my other plus-size guides for? Check out the guides for the other Disney World parks!