Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (An Attraction Guide)
Kali River Rapids is a river raft-style attraction in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This attraction offers the opportunity to rush through a raging river before plunging down a 20-foot drop toward the end. Below, we’ll discuss a few essential details you need to know before experiencing Kali River Rapids.
Make no mistake. You will get wet. How wet? It’s difficult to say. But the last time we rode Kali River Rapids, we were soaked from head to toe! So you’ll want to be prepared.
Here are a few quick references for the ride:
| Kali River Rapids | Disney’s Animal Kingdom |
|---|---|
Location: | Asia |
Height Requirement: | 38″ |
Lightning Lane: | Yes, with Multi Pass |
Early Theme Park Entry: | No |
Extended Evening Hours: | No |
Ride Type: | Water Raft Ride |
Seats Per Vehicle: | 12 per raft |
Rider Switch: | Yes |
Good For: | Anyone who likes water rides. |
Scary Factor: | Medium |
Must-Do List: | Low Priority |
Perfect For: | Tweens, Teens, and Adults |
Special Mention: | Pack your poncho. You will get wet! |
Accessibility Info: Guests must transfer from a wheelchair or ECV. A transfer device is available. Service animals are not permitted.
Ride Review
Kali River Rapids is in front of the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction has two entrances: a standby entrance and a separate Lightning Lane. The standby entrance is directly behind the Gibbons habitat area. An estimated wait time is posted above the regular queue.
A directional points guests to the Lightning Lane entrance in a separate area around the corner.
A few warnings are posted for Kalie River Rapids, including the following:
- You will get wet!
- You may get soaked!
- Kali River Rapids is an exciting high-speed white-water raft adventure with sharp turns and sudden drops.
- There is also a warning that expectant mothers and those with high blood pressure and back or neck problems should not ride.
- Motion sickness or other conditions could be aggravated by this adventure.
Additionally, guests must meet the 38″ height requirement.
Kali River Rapids closes annually for refurbishment. Typically, this happens in the colder months after the holidays, and the attraction remains closed through January and February. It usually reopens by mid-March, when temperatures start to become consistently reasonable.
Given the nature of the ride and the indefinite warning that you will get wet, you’ll want to come prepared. We always like to bring a couple of disposable ponchos or a rain jacket. Make sure to have these on before you reach the loading platform. You will also want to store any valuables or important items in lockers.
Free 2-hour locker rentals are available to the left of the attraction entrance. A restroom area sits immediately behind them. Two hours should give you plenty of time to store your belongings, experience the attraction, and then return to retrieve your items. To access your locker, you’ll need to swipe a credit card and select a PIN.
What should you store in the lockers? Anything you don’t want to get wet. But typically, you’re mobile device and all other personal items.
After you store your items, it’s time to take on the Chakranadi River. You’ll make your way through the queue, passing several Asian ruins, shrines, a temple, and a lush jungle. The backstory of Kali River Rapids is that you’re taking a raft ride through a forest ravaged by illegal logging. This ties in with the conservation theme of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This thrilling whitewater adventure was originally to be named Tiger Rapids Run!
Each of the ride vehicles is circular, seating up to 12 guests. Similar to the boats on the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, they have interesting names like Sherpa Surfer, Banyan Bay, Manaslu Slammer, and Kali Bumper Car.
After boarding the ride, you’ll ascend a 90-foot lift hill before encountering the roaring rapids. Along the way, a few areas with waterfalls help build on anticipation. However, depending on which side of the raft goes underneath them, they could leave you drenched.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Kali River Rapids
We’re giving this attraction the red light! You’re probably not going to catch me on Kali River Rapids. First, I don’t want to get wet and have to walk around through the park after the ride. Sure, it might feel like a hundred degrees outside. Sure, it might not take too long to dry out. No thanks! The last time we rode this attraction, we ended up with two new beach towels. That’s how soaked we were! Of course, that doesn’t always happen. So, I’ll let you decide whether or not it’s worth a spin!
Resorts Gal Traffic Signals
Green Light
We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.
Red Light
We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.
For more information, some of our favorites include these popular rides:
Planning a trip to Disney World? You might enjoy browsing our Disney World Resort Reviews. Some of our favorites include:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
- Disney’s Riviera Resort Review
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Review
For more on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you might also like:
- List of Animal Kingdom Attractions and Entertainment
- Our Complete Guide to Animal Kingdom Characters
- Animal Kingdom Quick Service Restaurants
Or refer back to our Disney World Parks Planning Guide.
The Road Map to Magic
Unlock the magic of a perfectly planned Disney vacation—sign up for instant access. It’s completely free!