Disney is truly the most magical place on Earth. I never had the opportunity to visit as a young child, but finally had the chance during my senior year of high school. I wanted to make sure my children had the opportunity to experience the magic as young children, so we’ve been a couple of times over the past few years. This past week I was at Disney sans kids for the Monkey Kingdom Event and I had the opportunity to do one of their fun programs, Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom.
Experiences and travel provided by Disneynature & Disney Parks. As always, all opinions stated in Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom are all my own.
Because I want to fit in as much as possible during our Disney vacations, after spending three days without kids roaming the parks, I realized that we’ve actually missed so much. Disney offers so many different programs at each of the parks, but in my crazed haste to get it all done, we hadn’t done as much as I thought we had.
Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom
In addition to the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom, the Wilderness Explorers program offers a fun, educational experience around the park. The program encourages families and children to experience the park in a new, exciting way. As Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom, guests are invited to participate in a variety of activities around the park and interact with Cultural Cast Members representing different countries in Africa and Asia to earn a badge.
As you are making your way through the park, look for Cultural Cast members who have a bright orange pack either on them or near them. When you complete each activity, Cultural Cast Members will put a sticker in your Wilderness Explorers handbook. Wilderness Explorers can earn up to 31 badges! While it is possible to earn all 31 badges in one visit, I’d recommend taking your time and enjoy learning more about the different cultures around the world. When you complete all tasks and earn all 31 badges, you will earn the honorary title of Senior Wilderness Explorer.
The goal of the Wilderness Explorers program is to connect guests of the park with the animals, conservation and culture, while spending time together as a family during their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Wilderness Explorers program. What’s exceptionally great about Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom is that it is an absolutely free program. Each member of your family can participate at no additional cost. Once you’ve paid for your admission into the park, the program is absolutely free for all guests.
Now that Monkey Kingdom is in theaters nationwide, you can explore the jungles of Africa while watching these monkeys while they’re up to no good. I’ve seen the movie twice, but just took my children last night. They loved it! Read my Monkey Kingdom film review — I promise, no spoilers.
Pam says
This looks like a lot of fun! I love Animal Kingdom at Disney.
Dawn says
I’ll definitely be at Animal Kingdom as soon as possible. It sounds like a great place to visit.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love Wilderness Explorers. It’s a great way to make an already informative and fun trip even more educational.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
So. Much. FUN! I will be looking into the Wilderness Explorers for our next visit!
Michele says
I’m so glad you all enjoyed yourselves. If I lived closer would definitely be going there!!
Jeanine says
How fun! This is something I would really enjoy! I wish I could get there myself!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
When we get to AK, we’ll certainly be using wilderness explorers. I hope it’s all branded like Rusell’s pack in UP!
Alicia says
This looks like so much fun! I love Disney World so much
Jaime says
I want to take my daughter there soon. Before she gets too grown 🙁
Looks like y’all had an AWESOME time!
christina aliperti says
This looks like such a fun experience. I would love to take my nieces. I think my teenage son would also have fun because animals are involved.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
That sounds like such a neat program. It would be fun for any age!
Michelle F. says
That looks like an amazing experience. Looks like you get to do a lot.
Liz Mays says
What a great way to up the educational factor of a theme park visit. I like this program!
Meagan says
I’ve always wanted to go to Animal Kingdom! What cute little explorers you have!
Natalie says
Oh my 8yr old and 5yr old would love that. Heck, *I* would love that!!!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Rosey says
I love the effort they make with this to really connect with the guest. Such a fun thing to do too!
Debbie Denny says
So much fun. Awesome adventure.
Harriet says
That really looks like a lot of fun. I bet the kids enjoyed it.
Caitlin says
What a fun trip! Looks like a great day for sure!
Andrea Kruse says
I love this! We are talking about making the cross-country trek to Disney World as a family and this is exactly the type of thing I want to do with my family. They love zoos, but this is even better !
Scott says
We’ve done this before and our girls loved it! I think they’re a little too old this time, but we’ll still be checking out all the animals!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I cant wait to see Disney’s Monkey Kingdom. I hope it comes to a theater around here. Sometimes those types of movies don’t make their way to my rural town.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
My daughter loved doing this at our last visit. I love that Disney gets the kids learning while having fun too.
Silvia Martinez says
I really need to spend a few days in the Animal Kingdom, last time we were there wasn’t enough. My kids would love the program since they are so outdoorsy and animal lovers.
Ashley says
It seems impossible to fit it all in, but we try too! Animal Kingdom is far and away our favorite park but we havent experienced even a fraction of it im sure.
Penelope says
What a magical experience! It sounds like you had a blast, but it would also be a lot of fun with the whole family. I can’t wait until I bring my family to Disney World.
JanetGoingCrazy says
We just got back from Disney and loved Animal Kingdom but we didn’t do anything with the Wilderness Explorers. Looks like we need to go back! 🙂
Christie says
Glad you guys had fun exploring Animal Kingdom! I had no idea that the Wilderness Explorers Guide existed!
Raijean says
How cool, this is going on my must visit list. I know the boychld would have a blast.
Amy Desrosiers says
I have never been to Disney! I hope to bring my family soon to explore together.
Little Miss Kate says
As much as I would love to take the kids to Disney, I would LOVE to go myself and just explore as well. I have heard so many great things about Animal Kingdom. Hopefully one day soon we will be planning a trip.
Ronni says
It looks so fun!! We’re heading to visit my mom who lives nearby over the summer. Hoping to work this in while we’re there.
Tracey says
I love that they are adding some educational aspects along with all the fun stuff in the park! This looks like a must see attraction.
Angela says
This looks like such a fun, educational program! My daughter would especially love it, she has such a love for wildlife!
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
How fun! We’ve never visited Animal Kingdom at Disney. I’m sure my kids would love.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My kids love the Animal Kingdom. They would love this.