Long ago Animal Kingdom used to have a parade but its narrow walkways and lush landscaping made it challenging (to say the least).
But now as the parks have reopened, Disney has found a new way to introduce characters back into the park safely: cavalcades.
Except, in the case of Animal Kingdom, those cavalcades are even referred to as character cruises or flotillas and they are a ton of fun to see.
Here’s what you need to know:
In this article
Looking for info on the other parks?
Check out our other posts for character information across Walt Disney World:
- Cavalcades and Characters in Magic Kingdom
- Cavalcades and Characters in Hollywood Studios
- Cavalcades and Characters in Epcot
What is a Cavalcade?
Cavalcades are basically like a parade, but a much smaller and shorter version. And at Animal Kingdom, they take place on boats that float along the Discovery River.
While we love parades, we also adore cavalcades.
Not only do they allow you to see characters quickly and multiple times a day, but you also don’t have to camp out for hours for a good seat (or in that hot Orlando summer sun), unlike a parade.
Cavalcades really are a lot of fun and provide opportunities to wave to characters without feeling tied down to a parade schedule.
You can simply catch one as you’re on your way to hop in line for an attraction or grab a bite to eat.
Cavalcades Are Magical
Cavalcades really do feel more magical. Why? Allow us to explain.
- Cavalcades are smaller, providing a more intimate experience. You won’t be stuck in the 2nd or 3 row of a crowd – you’ll be front row with lots of opportunities to wave – and for the characters to wave back.
- They are quick – no standing in the hot sun for an hour. You get a dash of magic and then you move along to your next adventure of the day.
- Cavalcades bring these magical character sightings into parts of parks we haven’t seen before like seeing Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed as dinosaurs floating in a boat on a river.
How Do You Know One Is Coming?
Just like with a parade, music is your cue (at least for most of the cavalcades).
Before you’ll be able to see a cavalcade you’ll likely be able to hear it.
You can also check the My Disney Experience app for cavalcade schedules. They usually run about every 15 minutes or so.
Cavalcades & Other Character Interactions
Animal Kingdom Flotillas
Since the news was announced that Disney would be bringing cavalcades to all the parks, we were very excited to see what that would mean for Animal Kingdom.
Unlike the other 3 parks, at Animal Kingdom there really isn’t any great space for a parade – no matter how small. At least not on the land, that is.
While Animal Kingdom may be lacking wide pathways fit for a cavalcade, they do have a river: Discovery River, to be exact.
And that means that in Animal Kingdom the characters have taken to the water in fun character cruises or flotillas.
There are quite a few flotillas at Animal Kingdom. Let’s take a look!
Goofy And Pals Set Sail
Characters: Goofy and other friends from Donald’s Dino Bash (most frequently Chip and Dale)
Where: Discovery River
Mickey & Friends Flotilla (Currently Decorated For The 50th)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto
Where: Discovery River
Discovery Island Drummers
Characters: Discovery Island Drummers take their music to the water
Where: Discovery River
Discovery River Character Cruise
Characters: Pocahontas and Meeko (Meeko isn’t always included) OR Rafiki and Timon
Where: Discovery River
Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!
Characters: Donald, Daisy, and Launchpad McQuack
Where: Discovery River
Best Places To Catch The Flotillas
Anywhere you can see Discovery River is a great spot, but here’s a few of our favorite places:
- Bleachers near Expedition Everest. The seating from Rivers of Light is a great place to catch the Character Cruises, but they can get quite hot during the middle of the day. And now that Disney KiteTails shows here, you can catch the cavalcades and the show all in the same place.
- Near the Caravan Stage Theater. Across from where Feathered Friends in Flight! takes place, there’s a seating area that offers a good view of the river and the cavalcades.
- Flame Tree Barbecue. The Quick Service spot in Discovery Island has some great food and an even more amazing view of Expedition Everest and the river, meaning you have the perfect spot for both the cavalcades and KiteTails.
- Bridges. Most of the bridges will give you a unique angle to shoot photographs as the characters pass below.
Character “Sightings”
While traditional character meet and greets haven’t returned to the parks just yet, there are “sightings” for guests to enjoy.
You can actually have 1-on-1 time with select characters, but you must keep your distance. There is no hugging and autographs aren’t allowed.
Most of these experiences don’t have PhotoPass photographers, so you’ll need to take photos/selfies with your own camera and/or mobile device.
You should be able to check wait times for the sightings in the My Disney Experience app. Depending on the character, they can run from park open to about 30 minutes prior to park closing.
Kevin from Up
Characters: Kevin from Pixar’s Up
Where: She’s not roaming, but she is making appearances near the bridge to DinoLand U.S.A. from Discovery Island
Live Entertainment
While live entertainment at the Disney Parks isn’t back in full force just yet, there are several opportunities to see characters and enjoy a show all at the time time.
You can always check the My Disney Experience app for the daily live entertainment schedule.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (debuting in 2022)
Characters: Nemo, Dory, and more from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory (a reimagined version of original show Finding Nemo: The Musical and set during the timeline of the movie Finding Dory)
Where: Theater in the Wild in DinoLand, U.S.A.
Animal Kingdom Character Dining
Animal Kingdom has one character meal that you can find in Africa at Tusker House Restaurant.
While we haven’t visited Tusker House since it reopened in June 2021, we can tell you that you’re able to either book a reservation for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Instead of the traditional buffet, family-style is now offered here. Not only can you meet Safari Donald, Goofy, Mickey and Daisy, but you can also try African-inspired foods.
Holiday Flotillas
If you are checking out Animal Kingdom during the holiday season, be on the lookout for some festive decorations and outfits added to all of the cavalcades.
In addition, Donald’s Dino Boat Bash usually has a new friend joining Daisy and Donald. Instead of Launchpad McQuack, you should be able to find Scrooge McDuck joining them in the holiday fun.
There is also one very special guest character cruise, the Santa Claus Festive Flotilla!
You can typically find Santa cruising around the Discovery River in his sleigh themed boat through December 24th.