In Part One and Part Two of this series, I presented some of the more commonly "sat-out" rides at the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Epcot, with alternative diversions for people who either can't or won't ride certain attractions with the rest of their group.

Today I continue with Part Three: Disney's Animal Kingdom.

[This list assumes the riders in your party aren't using FastPasses, and won't be re-joining you in less than half an hour. ]

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest

Towering over DAK's Asia, this coaster intimidates guests even before they are close enough to hear the screams of riders as they plunge down the ride's 80-foot drop.

Unfortunately for non-riders, the Expediton Everest mountain is relatively isolated and not within walking distance of many diversions. That said, I recommend just going ahead and walking through the queue! There you can take in some of the Imagineers' most immersive theming, as you peruse authentic artifacts, learn about previous "failed" expeditions, and explore the legend of the fearsome Yeti which guards the mountain. You can choose not to ride once you reach the loading area.

If walking through a queue just to take the chicken exit is not your thing, not to worry! The incredible theming continues outside the attraction. Ask a Cast Member the significance of some of the little design touches on the buildings, and you're sure to learn something new and interesting!

If you're in need of a cool snack, look for the brightly colored bus. The Anandapur Ice Cream bus serves up ice cream and cold drinks.

To the right of the entrance of Expedition Everest (actually the exit of the attraction) is the Serka Zong Bazaar, where you can shop for gifts themed to Asia, the Himalayas, and of course, the Yeti.

Primeval Whirl / Triceratop Spin

Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama area of Dinoland USA is compact but full of things to do, which is a good thing if you have to wait out rides on the dizzying Triceratop Spin and the Wild Mouse spinning coaster Primeval Whirl. Dino-Rama is themed to parody a gaudy roadside attraction built in a fossil-rich area of the American west, and the area has most of the trappings of a local carnival -- with a Disney twist, of course. You won't have to walk far from the rides to find something to occupy your time.

If you have a few bucks to spare, you can play one of a handful of carnival games, like Bronto-Score (basketball), Fossil Fueler (water-guns), Comet Crasher (goblet toss), Dino-Whamma (hammer strength game), and Mammoth Marathon (racing derby).

Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures is an intentionally tacky souvenir store where you can pick up toy dinosaurs for the kids, t-shirts, keychains, and postcards.

Hungry? Just past the big yellow dinosaur at the entrance of Dino-Rama is the Dino Diner, a food trailer that serves hot dogs and popcorn.

Dinosaur

Dinosaur (once called Countdown to Extinction) was for a time Animal Kingdom's only major thrill ride. The ride has been known to rattle both young kids and adults, so no one will blame you if you decide to sit it out.

You may enjoy walking the queue of the attraction, though you won't get any sense of what the attraction itself is like (until the briefing video, that is). The long queue is themed to look like a stuffy research institute and museum, complete with hammy voice-narration by Bill Nye. If nothing else, the queue is cool and rather tranquil. Take the chicken exit at the end and wait for your party to ride.

Not too far away -- and actually convenient to Dino-Rama as well -- is Restaurantosaurus, a non-descript counter-service eatery which only reveals its themed storyline upon close inspection. The concept behind the restaurant is that student paleontologists, no doubt in need of a break from Dinosaur's Dino Institute, converted their home into a burger joint. Take a look around and you'll find interesting props and even notes on the walls.

There are also a few quick snack places to eat. Dino-Bite Snacks (ice cream and drinks) and Trilo-Bites (turkey legs) can be found near the Dinoland USA side of the bridge from Discovery Island.

Kali River Rapids

Even though Disney soaks its guests in some of the cleanest water imaginable, the prospect of waking around in soggy clothes for the rest of the day causes many to skip this ride (Never mind the fact it's just as easy to bring a change of clothes and put it in a locker).

If you're one of those people, you may still want to stay with the rest of your group as they walk the queue. The line passes through several meticulously detailed buildings, and along the way guests can study "ancient" weathered sculptures and shrines. Bail out of the line when you get to the loading area.

Look for the hut at the split in the road that directs traffic to either Kali River Rapids or Expedition Everest. That's Mandala Gifts, where you can pick up Asian themed souvenirs, and tiger-printed apparel.

The Yak and Yeti is a table service restaurant, perhaps too ambitious for someone simply waiting out a ride, but nearby you can also find the counter-service Anandapur Local Food Cafes, serving sweet and sour pork, shrimp lo mein, egg rolls, and other quick bites.

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Disney's Animal Kingdom is simply too beautiful a park to waste time cooling your heels at a bench! If you find yourself having to go it alone while your friends do a ride, by all means take advantage of the free time and look around!

I hope to do more articles with tips for Disney's water parks and also Universal Studios and SeaWorld! Stay tuned!

Miss the previous entries in this series? Check out Part One: Magic Kingdom and Part Two: DIsney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot.