I have been to Disney World at least 5 times in the past five years. The thing that I love the most about Disney is that each time I go, there is always something new to discover. This past trip I discovered the Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is a completely free experience that anyone with a park ticket can enjoy. It’s geared towards children but it’s just as fun for adults too.
What is the Wilderness Explorers
By now you may be asking your self what is the Wilderness Explorers? The Wilderness Explorers is interactive “challenge” that takes you throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s based off of the Pixar/Disney film Up and let’s you follow in the footsteps of Russell and Dug. Throughout the challenge you will complete challenges, learn interesting facts about animals and earn badges. The challenges are spread throughout the park so it gives you a chance to see and experience different parts of Animal Kingdom. In total there are 31 different badges. You will earn these badges by learning about animals, meeting people from different countries and so on.
How Long Does the Wilderness Explorers Experience Take
Since the Wilderness Explorers is a self-guided tour, the experience can take as long as you want. And you don’t have to even do it all in one day or even in the same trip if you don’t want to. If you do plan on completing the entire program I would allow at least 4-5 hours or more if you have young kids. The Wilderness Explorers isn’t a hard program, it’s just spread out throughout the park. This is what takes the most time. I would suggest incorporating this experience into your planned day. This gives you time to enjoy the rides, attractions and shows while still earning your badges along the way.
At the beginning of the exploration you will be given a book that goes over what you need to do in order to obtain your badges. It has a map guiding you on where to go as well as what you will be looking for. You will also keep the badges you earn inside the book. This turns into a really cute souvenir.
My Wilderness Explorers Experience
During the Monkey Kingdom Event last week, I had a chance to do the Wilderness Explorers with my group. Since we were in a large group, we split up into teams and made it into a friendly competition. We had a blast! It was so much fun being able to collect the badges and learn interesting facts about different animals and even people around the park.
I would highly recommend checking out the Wilderness Explorers on your next trip to Animal Kingdom. Like I mentioned above, it’s 100% free (other than your park ticket). After you visit the park, be sure to go see Monkey Kingdom which is now playing in theaters. You can read my full review of Monkey Kingdom here.