Why Disney’s Wilderness Explorers is One Of The Animal Kingdom’s Best Kept Secrets
The Wilderness Explorers program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is, in my opinion, one of the park’s best kept secrets.
Similar to the Honorary Ranger programs at many National Parks, Wilderness Explorers offers kids a fun and educational way to learn more about animals from around the world.
Keep reading to learn more about this hidden gem, including what it is, how it works, and some of the activities included in the program.
What is Disney’s Wilderness Explorers Program
Disney’s Wilderness Explorers Program is a scavenger hunt for kids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The program, which is a nod to Russell’s character in Pixar’s “Up,” offers self-guided activities that include animal observations and wilderness skills.
Children will be given the opportunity to collect more than 25 badges and ultimately earn the right to echo the Wilderness Explorers’ call.
While children of all ages will have a blast participating in the program, kids ages 3-10 will get the most out of it.
How does it work? Let’s get into it!
How Disney’s Wilderness Explorers Program Works
To get started, begin at the Wilderness Explorers Headquarters located on the bridge on the way to Discovery Island.
Once there, a Troop Leader will hand your child a guidebook and ask them to recite the Wilderness Explorer’s Pledge:
I [name], pledge
That I will uphold the
Wilderness Explorers motto:
“A Wilderness Explorer is a friend to all,
Be it plants or fish or tiny mole”
After your child has recited the pledge, the Leader will teach them the official Wilderness Explorers’ Call, which will earn them their first badge–a sticker they can place in their guidebook.
(Pro tip for parents! Have your camera ready for this part, because it’s TOO adorable.)
The map in your child’s guidebook will show you where they can earn each Wilderness Explorers badge.
As you’re exploring Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout for the Wilderness Explorers markers.
And when you find one, look for a Troop leader who will guide your child through a short activity or lesson related to the plants, animals, and/or landscape you are passing through. They’ll even learn about some prehistoric creatures!
Examples of Wilderness Explorer Badges
Here are just a few examples of the badges your child can earn in the Wilderness Explorers program:
Flamingo Badge (Learn about this bird and try to identify a flamingo by its numeric tag.)
HAM Radio Badge (Listen-in to the Harambe Reserve’s HAM radio and complete a task related to the codes you hear.)
Signaling Badge (Learn about the use of flash as a means of communication and then decipher a message communicated by flags nearby.)
Animal Badge (Observe animals throughout the park and circle the ones you find.)
At the end of your day at the park, stop by the Headquarters and show a Troop Leader what you’ve accomplished!
Wrapping Up!
Wilderness Explorer offers kids a fun and educational way to learn more about animals from around the world.
The program, which is a nod to Russell’s character in Pixar’s “Up,” offers self-guided activities via a scavenger hunt that includes animal observations and wilderness skills.
While children of all ages will have a blast participating in the program, kids ages 3-10 will get the most out of it.
The map in your child’s guidebook will show you where they can earn each Wilderness Explorer badge.
At the end of your day at the park, stop by the Headquarters and show a Troop Leader what you’ve accomplished!
My son and I recently visited Disney World and The Animal Kingdom, and this was by far one of his favorite activities!
Are you ready to book your trip to Disney? Complete my Travel Quote Request Form to get started.