Have you ever walked by the Wilderness Explorers headquarters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and thought about participating, but had some concerns that it was only for kids? I did. Recently, I decided to give it a try and it was so much fun! I think most adults will enjoy this activity too. Here’s my Wilderness Explorers guide to help other intrepid adults get started.
What is the Wilderness Explorers activity?
Participants stop by the Wilderness Explorers headquarters located in between the Oasis and Discovery Island. There, explorers pick up their FREE field guide and a pencil. The field guide includes a map and the fact finding missions that need to be completed. Participants recite the Wilderness Explorers motto and receive their first “badge.”
“A Wilderness Explorer is friend to all, be it plants or fish or tiny mole. CAW CAW ROAR!”
The badges are stickers that explorers earn after completing tasks around Animal Kingdom. Currently, there are over 30 badges to earn. These activities are actually pretty fun and engaging. Most missions last about five minutes. Explorers can learn about animal calls, dinosaur bones, and conservation.
Once you have your field guide, look for the Wilderness Explorers markers to indicate where a badge can be earned. Cast members donning a bag with badges will be there to teach you something new about the creatures and lands around Animal Kingdom.
Who would like this activity?
I have to make a confession…There are only two rides that I must do at Animal Kingdom and three rides that I won’t do. So when I go to Animal Kingdom, I’m not there for the rides. I love the food options and visiting the animals. This activity is great for inquisitive adults like me who are just there to leisurely walk through the treks and trails and want to grab a bite to eat.
The field guide doesn’t need to be completed in a single day. It’s a nice way to explore a land or two in more depth. I love learning new information. I would not have gained some new wilderness fun facts if I didn’t pick up this field guide. The activities make me spend more time observing and learning about the animals. When the weather is pleasant, I can’t think of a better way to spend a day at Animal Kingdom than meandering around the park and pretending I am a Wilderness Explorer. It makes me feel like a kid again!
Have you earned any Wilderness Explorer badges yet? What were your favorite activities?
