While I was in Florida last month for the premiere of Disneynature’s Chimpanzee, I was treated to a day at Disney World sans children, plus had the opportunity to experience the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
If you’ve never been to Disney World sans kids, you have to experience it. It’s a whole new experience and much more laid back and relaxing. Experiencing the magic that is Disney without having to wipe any runny noses, change any dirty diapers or run back to the hotel room for a nap, is priceless.
Wild Africa Trek
Photo Source: Disney
Before you can begin your journey on the Wild Africa Trek, you have to gear up complete with a harness, vest, earpiece and water bottle. You must also wear close-toed shoes and I’d recommend you not wear heels (not that I have experience with that or anything).
Photo Source: Disney
You are guided through the African Safari by two incredibly knowledgeable and hilarious tour guides. One stays at the front of the line, while the other stays near the back. The earpiece allows you to hear all communication between the two guides and most of the time, it’s really quite comical. These two guides did an amazing job and they really seemed to enjoy their jobs.
Photo Source: Disney
At the beginning of the tour, we saw some monkeys and birds as we walked our way closer to crocs and hippos. We then started the behind-the-scenes part of the tour that not everyone gets to experience, unless you do the Wild Africa Trek. Our first stop was the hungry, hungry hippos.
Photo Source: Disney
I learned more about the hippo than I ever cared to know. Did you know that they spray poop to mark their territory? I’m now glad my dog just urinates…it could be worse.
To get a closer look at the hippos, we were attached by our harnesses and allowed to walk to the edge of an overhang that overlooked the hippos. We watched as one of the trainers threw huge chunks of watermelon and watched as the hippo ate it with ease. I now know why they are quite deadly.
Photo Source: Disney
After spending some time with the hippos, we continued on our trek through very uneven ground, brush and trees to only end up at this broke up bridge…that we had to walk across.
Photo Source: Disney
I’m not really one that is scared of heights so it wasn’t such a big deal to me, but some of the others were pretty freaked out. You aren’t in any danger because not only are you secured by the harness, there is netting around the whole bridge.
While walking on the bridge, the sights that surround you are simply breathtaking. The water, waterfalls, trees, animals, it’s so much to take in and I’m so glad there are pictures to help me relive the experience over again.
Photo Source: Disney
I made it through both bridges, without tripping and falling and making a complete idiot of myself, and was only sweating just a tiny bit. I obviously did not dress for the occasion, but regardless, I had fun.
Photo Source: Disney
We also had the opportunity to get an up close look at the crocs, who pretty much did nothing. They laid there, the whole time not even giving us a wink of excitement. We did learn that each one of them were male, so I guess that’s what males do when there are no females around. Makes perfect sense why the house doesn’t get cleaned when I’m gone (Totally kidding, my hubby rocks).
Photo Source: Disney
After seeing the hippos and crocs, we hopped on board a open air vehicle and started the journey through the savanna. There were so many different species of animals throughout the savanna and being able to watch them, in the safety of the vehicle of course, was so much fun. The lovely tour guides gave us interesting information about the different species and I felt like I walked away from the tour knowing more about the animals then when I walked in.
Photo Source: Disney
During our tour of the savanna, we were treated to a wonderful array of African-inspired delicacies. The food was incredibly delicious, albeit nontraditional. Did you know you could eat flowers? Well, obviously you can. Who would of thought!
Photo Source: Disney
After our short little snack, we continued our tour of the savanna. We saw ostrich, elephants, rhinos, lions and so many other animals that I simply can’t remember the names of. It was a wonderful experience and the only thing that could have made it better would have been not to wear high heels.
Photo Source: Disney
Buy:
You can call (407)939-8687 for more information and to make reservations. The Wild Africa Trek is not included with standard admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Each tour is limited to 12 guests, age eight and over.
Nichol says
You know, we are taking the kids to Disney for the first time in 2 years, but I think I need a trip with just hubby! Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I actually knew that about Hippos. In 6th grade I did my class report on hippos as we had to choose an animal. It was interesting:)
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
It was such a cool experience, and we were SO lucky we got to do it. Loved the combination of adventure and relaxation. 🙂
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
Looks like such fun!
debra p says
Thanks for sharing this. It looks like a blast!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
That looks so amazing! I want to go!
Jenn says
I guess I don’t want a hippopotamus for Christmas if they spray poop! 😉
Melissa says
This looks like such a fun experience! I just love all of the pictures! The Safari is one of my favorite rides, so what a great behind the scenes look!
Henrietta says
This looks like such a beautiful amazing place! By the time our family gets to Disney, they all be grown up lol! Someday!
That is gross about the hippo poop, who would have thought, yuck!
Canadian Mom Blogger says
That looks amazing! It sounds like you had an incredible time.
Jenn @therebelchick says
What a fun experience!
Stefani says
This was such a neat experience. I loved getting into gear, going on the adventure and the food was pretty neat too at the end.
I totally want to go back one day with my family so share the experience with them as well.
HilLesha says
Love the pictures!
Stef says
It was a great experience!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
What an adventure! And I see some of my other fave bloggers there too!!
Toni @ A Daily Dose says
What an awesome adventure. We have been debating on whether we are going to hit Animal Kingdom when we go in fall. After reading this it would be fun we will have to see if our schedule allows.