The 23 Best Photo Spots in Animal Kingdom
The 23 Best Photo Spots in Animal Kingdom: Perfect for Posting on Instagram
Seeking the best photo spots at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom? I’ve got you covered with the prime locations for capturing Instagram-worthy moments in this wild park.
Let’s be real—there are no lackluster photo spots at Animal Kingdom. Disney Imagineers go above and beyond to immerse visitors in every magical theme park. However, some spots outshine the rest, and this blog is your guide to the crème de la crème for your perfect Disney snapshot.
I’m a lifelong Disney park enthusiast. My first visit was at three, thanks to my mom and I’ve been making the pilgrimage almost annually for the past 30 years.
I’ve been to Disneyland and Disney World many times. I even made it over to Disneyland Paris during one of my trips to Europe. And I’ve got plans to conquer the parks in Asia soon (stay tuned for my updates when I do!).
On my most recent trip to Disney World, I took some time to scout out the absolute best photo opportunities across the parks. These are the best locations to snap all your Disney pics and fill up your camera roll with Instagram-worthy shots.
So, without further ado, here are the top 23 photo spots to strike a pose at Animal Kingdom in Disney World.
1. “You Are Most Beautiful” Wall
How sweet is this wall? Sometimes we all need a reminder that we’re beautiful and this wall is more than willing to oblige.
As the wall is tucked away in the Cast Member Entrance, it’s a bit more challenging to locate. This means it’s also more private with fewer people competing for camera time.
Location: To find the “You Are Most Beautiful” wall, enter Harambe Market and take a left between the “Famous Sausages” shop and the “Ribs Shop” at the end.
2. “Bicycle Land” Wall
Colorful with a bit of a rustic twist, this wall makes for a fantastic backdrop for an Animal Kingdom Instagram photo.
Location: Across the road from Harambe Market is Zuri’s Sweets Shop. You’ll find the “Bicycle Land” wall here as well as a few other great photo spots: the “Children of the World’ mural and an “Accommodations and Internet Cafe” mural.
3. Bridge in Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Taking a picture on this bridge in Gorilla Falls looks as if you’re taking a picture on a bridge hidden deep within a jungle. It’s the height of adventure for Disney Instagram pics.
Location: The bridge is about three-quarters of the way through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
4. All the Other Nooks and Crannies in Gorilla Falls
Gorilla Falls is full of nooks and crannies just waiting for someone to snap a picture. The Disney Imagineers have carefully curated a jungle experience that is not only authentic to the wild jungles where the animals are native but also helps you forget you’re in a Disney park, tricking your brain into thinking you’re on a wild expedition.
Location: Gorilla Falls is in the back end of Africa. The path to the falls is between Kilimanjaro Safaris and the entrance to the Wildlife Express Train.
5. Behind the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a full 360° spectacle that looks fantastic from every angle. The perk about getting a picture from behind the tree is that you don’t have to fight the crowds all gathered at the front. Plus, you can capture this beautiful lagoon in your picture, too.
Location: On the path between Africa and Asia there’s a little dip in the pathway on the left leading to a lookout overlooking Discovery River. If you’ve reached Caravan Road and Mr. Kamal’s food huts you’ve gone too far.
6. Gazebo Near Anandapur Theater
I love finding interesting pieces of architecture to pose with for a unique photo. And the thing about Disney is that all their parks are full of interesting things that make for a great Instagram photo, like this gazebo near the Anandapur Theater.
Location: This white gazebo is tucked against the bushes between the Anandapur Theater and Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Asia. It’s right across from the bridge that leads to Discovery Island.
7. Gazebo Near Drinkwallah in Asia
Located directly across the road from the white gazebo is this beautiful piece of architecture. Each gazebo offers a similar type of picture but with a very different vibe. Pick your favorite, or do what I did and pose for a picture in front of each place!
Location: From the white gazebo, walk across the road like you’re about to cross the bridge to Discovery Island. Before you get to the bridge, this gazebo will be on the left, next to the Drinkwallah drink hut.
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8. The Sauropod in DinoLand U.S.A. Near Fossil Fun Games
This is a must-grab photo because, in a couple of years, the Sauropod won’t exist anymore. Disney recently announced they will be transforming DinoLand U.S.A. into “Tropical Americas,” a new land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones.
So pose with this giant dinosaur while you can! It’s a great opportunity to grab a picture and document a bit of history at Animal Kingdom.
Location: When you cross the bridge from Discovery Island into DinoLand U.S.A., take the fork in the road leading left. Follow the path until you come to the next fork in the road. When you do, go right. You’ll see the Sauropod forming an entrance to a little dinosaur carnival area.
If you reach Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… And Beyond! then you’ve gone in the wrong direction.
9. Looking out to Expedition Everest from across Discovery River
Everest stands as an iconic feature in the Animal Kingdom landscape. Its majestic presence is visible from nearly every bridge in Africa. Photographers are often stationed in various places throughout the park to capture your better side in front of its majestic beauty.
But my favorite spot for a pic in front of Everest is hidden away in the Flame Tree dining area. From there, you can enjoy a stunning vista of the mountain resting on the other side of the river, creating a picture-perfect setting that’s completely Instagram-worthy!
Location: Go into the Flame Tree restaurant and head back to the outdoor dining area. You don’t have to order food to explore this area. Follow the path to a little lookout away from the tables.
10. The Lion King Wall
This one’s for the 90s babies.
Fun fact, The Lion King was the first movie I ever saw in theaters. I don’t remember any of that because I was, well, a baby. But I do remember watching this classic Disney movie over and over again on VHS while growing up.
The Lion King Wall is the perfect backdrop for the perfect Disney World photo. It’s one of the best Instagram photo spots in the Animal Kingdom.
Location: This brightly colored wall is easy to spot. You’ll find it on the left as you head into Pandora from Discovery Island. It’s located across the path from Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge.
Related: Disney World Resort Hopping: What Is It and How To Do It in 2024?
11. The Doors to Africa
These magnificent, larger-than-life carved wood doors command attention. They’re the stewards of Africa and form the doorway into that section of the park from Discovery Island.
The doors are covered in stunning African animals like lions, zebras, and giraffes. They make the perfect backdrop for a photo at Disney.
Location: You can’t miss these big wooden doors marking the entrance to Africa from Discovery Island. They’re on the Discovery Island side of the bridge.
12. The Bridge to the Tree of Life
Bridges, doorways, and arches always make for some of the best pictures. If you’re like me and love a good bridge pic, then head over to the Discovery Island Trails. You’ll find many little photo spots between the huge roots of the Tree of Life, including this “bridge” shot that cuts between two of the tree’s roots.
Location: On the Discovery Island Trails as you make your way to the Tree of Life.
13. The Roots of the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life’s roots are massive and intertwine throughout the curvy Discovery Island Trails. Be sure to capture a few photos as you make your way to the center of the maze where the Tree of Life stands in its full grandeur.
Location: Discovery Island Trails.
14. The Tree of Life
Like Cinderella’s Castle is to Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life is the crown jewel of Animal Kingdom. The tree is the star of the show. This list mentions several different angles to capture the tree, including a close-up right in front of it like this.
Location: Discovery Island Trails.
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15. “Fichwa! Fellow” Wall
This iconic wall is renowned for its charming hand-painted portrayal of Mickey Mouse and the accompanying phrase below. The Swahili term “fichwa” translates to “hidden” and is a nod to the long-lived tradition of hidden Mickey’s around the various Disney parks.
Location: Discover this wall situated in Africa within the vibrant Harambe Market.
16. Simba and Nala Wall
This adorable wall is perfect for couples because the Swahili words written above Simba and Nala translate to “Can you feel the love tonight.”
Location: You can find this wall between Harambe Market and Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
17. Pandora Moss Walls
Y’all know I love a good wall backdrop. And this moss wall in Pandora is simply iconic.
Location: You’ll find this beautiful moss wall close to the Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu drink stand in Pandora.
18. Pandora Waterfalls
As the newest addition to Animal Kingdom (so far), Pandora is full of the perfect photo spot opportunities. Another place I love to capture pics is in front of the Pandora waterfalls. Here, you might even forget you’re at Disney. The beautiful landscapes make you think you’re in some magical, out-of-this-world, jungle.
Location: When you first enter Pandora, veer to the right. You’ll find the waterfalls on the right-hand side of the path as you make your way to the floating mountains.
19. Pandora Plant Thing
Okay, so it’s pretty obvious I don’t know what this thing is called. But I do think it makes for a super cool photo op.
Location: This geode plant thing marks the entrance to Pandora from Discovery Island. You’ll see it on the right when you enter the area from Discovery Island.
Four More Animal Kingdom Photo Ops
These four photo spots complete this list as honorable mentions for the best photo spots in Animal Kingdom:
- Floating Mountains of Pandora
- Maharajah’s Jungle Trek, Asia
- Mandala Gifts Signs, Asia
- Children of The World Wall, Africa
Create a Photo Plan for Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is one of the best parks for a photoshoot. Not only is it gorgeously designed and less crowded than the other parks, but there are so many nooks and crannies to pop into for a pic. This makes it easy to avoid getting too many other park guests in the background of your photos.
As with any popular destination, the best advice is to arrive early. You want to be there before the crowds start to limit your time or mess up your shots.
If you’re staying on property, you can access the parks 30 minutes earlier than other Disney guests, so take advantage of that! If you’re staying off-property, I advise you to get in line an hour before the parks open so you can b-line it to where you want to go and beat the crowds.
Start your photoshoot in Africa. Skip Discovery Island and the Tree of Life for now, unless you’ve got early access. Since Discovery Island is right in front of the entrance, it’s going to be super crowded at the beginning of the day.
I also recommend saving Pandora for last. Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are two of the most popular attractions in Animal Kingdom and many guests will go here first and create congestion throughout the entire area.
Africa is in the back corner of Animal Kingdom and will be fairly empty at the start of the day, making for the perfect photo ops. After you’ve completed this area, work clockwise around the park until you complete the full circle.
Dinoland USA will likely be mostly empty all day, so you can stop by here at any point and still have plenty of privacy for pictures.
FAQs About The Best Photo Spots in Animal Kingdom
Now that we’ve covered the best photo spots in Animal Kingdom, let’s make your trip extra magical by answering a few FAQs.
Are There Photographers at Animal Kingdom?
All of the Disney parks include photographers at popular photo spots. The most popular locations will include the Tree of Life, various places around Pandora, and in front of the “Fichwa! Fellow” wall.
The PhotoPass photography locations are subject to availability and change daily though there will usually be one in front of the popular Disney landmarks and at character greetings.
What Is the Most Photographed Place in the World Disney?
Cinderella’s Castle takes the lead as the most photographed spot in Disney World. The magical castle is the epitome of classic Disney Charm.
Meanwhile, the Tree of Life holds the title of the most photographed location in Animal Kingdom.
Where Is the Light Show In Animal Kingdom?
The famous Animal Kingdom light show, called Rivers of Light, is located between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Where Do You Go For Capture Your Moment Animal Kingdom?
Capture Your Moment is a service provided by Disney where you can hire a private photographer for a 20-minute photo session. At Animal Kingdom, you’ll meet your photographer at Island Mercantile, which is on the left-hand side as you enter Discovery Island. The photographer will then escort you to the various photo locations.
A Capture Your Moment photoshoot costs $99 and lasts 20 minutes.
More About Animal Kingdom
Opened on April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom holds the distinction of being the newest among Walt Disney World’s theme parks. It’s also the largest, sprawling across more than 500 acres.
The park is segmented into six unique areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Dinoland USA, Asia, Africa, and Pandora–The World of Avatar. Pandora, the newest section, was inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar and it replaced Camp Minnie-Mickey in 2017.
Walt Disney said his parks would “continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world” and the Imagineers have taken his words to heart. The Disney parks are constantly changing and Animal Kingdom is not excluded.
In September 2023, D23 revealed that Dinoland USA will be reimagined into “Tropical Americas.” While this change is still several years away, it means that sometime soon popular Disney IPs like Encanto and Indiana Jones will be featured in Animal Kingdom.
A Note About Animal Kingdom as a Zoo
Animal Kingdom at Disney World is widely regarded as one of the premier zoos in the world, particularly for its exceptional commitment to animal welfare.
Animal Kingdom, like many zoos, houses a mix of captive-born, rescue/rehabilitated, and wild-caught species. However, any wild-caught species in the parks would have been brought in a very long time ago, before the zoological community changed its views and determined that capturing wild animals for exploitation is indeed unethical.
Now, any animals brought in from the wild are done so for a greater purpose. For instance, as an intervention for species facing critically low population levels.
Animal Kingdom is known for its focus on exotic species and participates in rescue efforts, such as taking in animals destined for culling.
In terms of treatment and enclosures, Animal Kingdom upholds remarkably high standards. The exhibits are spacious, featuring mixed-species setups that provide animals with ample choices in their surroundings.
Behind the scenes, the holding and night houses are impressive, ensuring optimal conditions for the animals’ well-being. The park’s financial backing from Disney enables continuous care, with three shifts of keepers working around the clock. The commissary, responsible for supplying the animals’ food, boasts high-quality produce, some of which is grown on-site.
While Animal Kingdom operates as a for-profit entity, it compensates with an extensive conservation fund, underlining its commitment to broader conservation efforts.
Zoos can be a controversial topic, but the work that Disney does behind the scenes to take care of their animals is incredible. This is why I feel comfortable continuing to support them and visiting places like Animal Kingdom. However, I encourage you to do your own research and make decisions that align with your values.1
Suggested Gear For Your Disney Trip
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Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Photo Spots in Animal Kingdom
Knowing what photos you want to take in advance will save you lots of time in the parks. You’ll end up with more time for riding the rides and will come home with a camera roll full of fantastic pictures for your Instagram feed. Save this photo spot list and use it as a reference during your trip to Animal Kingdom.
Source1: Animal Kingdom Animal Welfare
Discover More Photo Locations At The Disney World Parks:
- 19 Photo Spots In Disney World’s Magic Kingdom That Are Unforgettable
- 19 Best Photo Spots In Hollywood Studios For 2024
Additional Resources:
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