When I visit Walt Disney World, it is always a treat when I experience something ‘new to me’.
Last week while at the parks for the festivities celebrating Disneynature’s newest film, Monkey Kingdom, I had the opportunity to become a Wilderness Explorer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
What is the Wilderness Explorer Program?
The Wilderness Explorers is a free program that allows guests to learn about wildlife and conservation all while enjoying their day at Animal Kingdom park. As you make your way around the park and participate in activities such as digging for fossils, learn how veterinarians care for animals, learn about flamingos and music native to Africa and Asia.
After you’ve completed an activity at each station, you’ll earn a sticker badge to place in your Wilderness Explorer handbook. With 31 badges total, families are encouraged to earn badges on multiple visits – because just like the Wilderness Explorers motto – exploring is a lifelong adventure!
How Do I Start the Program?
Pick up a handbook at the front of the park or one of the nine Troop Leader headquarters around the park. Open your guide to the map and start exploring! At each station, you can earn at least one badge for your guide and have the chance to learn from the educators. And best of all – it is free!
With zero technology involved, it is 100% focused on interacting with Cast members throughout the park. Meant for ages 7-10 years old, my friends and I explored kid-free and absolutely loved it. It’s a fun way to see new things in the park that you may have missed and it’s educational too!
What Do I Win?
When you complete all 31 badges, you’ll receive a special sticker badge and the honorary title of Senior Wilderness Explorer. Plus, you win knowledge – the program’s goal is to connect guests with animals, conservation and culture – such a great learning experience.
According to the folks at the park, families earn on average about 12 badges per visit. My friends and I earned 11 badges during our visit and truly learned so much. We discovered new places within the park we hadn’t seen before and loved meeting Cast members along the way too. I’m excited to return soon and become Wilderness Explorers with my family.
Have You Done the Wilderness Explorers Program?
Don’t miss seeing Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom
If you see Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom during the opening week of April 17-23, 2015 a donation will be made in your honor to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their habitats.
