“Caring for Giants” A new behind the scenes tour coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

On Saturday, February 11, 2017, One of our agents, Kenleigh Farris had the opportunity to be part of a test group to experience a brand new behind the scenes tour called Caring for Giants. See her review below.

If I had to describe this experience in one word, it would be PHENOMENAL. As a guest, you get to go backstage, interact with cultural experts, and get up close and personal with one of the most beloved animals on the safari: the African Elephant.

The meeting place for this tour is directly across from Kilimanjaro Safari Ride at a small kiosk where tour guides in green button-up polo shirts will greet you. The tour starts by being transported in a Disney vehicle backstage from the area behind Kilimanjaro Safaris to the elephant barn less than a mile away. For my particular experience, I rode in a 15-passenger van, but was told there are special bus-like vehicles coming in the next week or two. As you are riding backstage, you’ll see cast buildings like the cast cafeteria and costume trailers. You’ll also get to see the backside of a few animal barns, including hyenas, giraffes, and of course, elephants! You are not able to take pictures backstage, but I can assure you that it’s a sight you will not soon forget.

When you reach the elephant barn, which will most likely be housing one of the male elephants, you’ll turn off the road and onto a gravel path. This path leads back to a set of stairs and ramp (so yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible). When you reach the top of the stairs/ramp, you’ll be surprised to find yourself on the backside of the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. From here, you’re about 80-100 feet away from the family of African Elephants. Not only are the views amazing, but you’ll meet an interpretive keeper who is incredibly informative and relays a plethora of information all about these loving giants. At this point in the tour, you are allowed and encouraged to take pictures! (Most of my pictures included baby Stella!!)

After your interpretive keeper teaches you about the elephants, you’ll move down to meet cultural representatives. These cultural representatives will give you a unique perspective about how their areas in Africa are helping to protect elephants. They have a lot of cool information to share and even have some surprise artifacts to show you. You may even be surprised to learn that honeybees have helped protect the elephants.

Unfortunately, the tour does come to an end. You’ll retrace your steps, drive backstage, and end up back by the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. The entire tour from start to end is approximately one hour. This experience will be $30/person, and I can testify that this affordable experience is absolutely worth it! Tours will be open to the public on March 12, 2017. I would highly encourage you to make a reservation by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 or contact your travel agent.  Groups will depart throughout the day between 10AM and 4:30PM. If one of your favorite animals is the African Elephant, or you just want to experience backstage, I would highly recommend this behind the scenes tour!

To learn more or to book your next Disney Vacation! Contact Kenleigh today!

Contact Kenleigh

For more information, visit:   https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/caring-for-giants/