Become a Wilderness Explorer at Disney's Animal Kingdom

During our last trip to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom theme park, we participated in the Wilderness Explorer experience.  My son LOVED it and I loved that he learned something while having fun!

This hands on experience is based on Disney Pixar’s  Up—allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Russell as you “explore the wilderness!”

Pick up your Wilderness Explorer Handbook as you approach Discovery Island from the entrance of the park.  You must take the Wilderness Explorer’s Oath before setting off on this fun-filled adventure! You also have to show the lead Explorers that you know the saying and hand symbols of the group. Don’t worry mom and dad, it’s not too embarrassing!

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While you visit various attractions around the park you will also be able to stop along the way and visit Park Rangers to share what you have learned and earn your badges.  With more than 30 badges available to earn you will be busy with fun-filled learning activities and scavenger hunts!  Some of these badges include activities based around animals, Africa’s music culture, dinosaur fossils, and folklore surrounding the Yeti.  This attraction is ideal for adults and children alike!

With my son we took the time to learn all about radio operations in the wilderness—using secret codes to fool poachers. We also spent time having to identify various animals within one of the African treks. Another station included learning about how sick and injured animals can be cared for. But his favorite of all was where we learned all about animal prints and guerillas in the wild.

The Wilderness Explorer activities are a great way to have your child engage in fun education opportunities. They won’t even realize that they are learning so many wonderful things, they’ll think they’re just playing a fun game around another amazing park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Next time your at Disney’s Animal Kingdom be on the lookout for the Wilderness Explorers—“The Wilderness Must be Explored!”

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Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at Jenn@whitneyworldtravel.com