Kilimanjaro Safaris Tour
This morning my fellow Cast Members and I went on an adventure in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where we went on a backstage tour of the famous Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. Our tour began with some interesting background information about the ride itself. For instance, many people do not know that the entire Magic Kingdom park could fit into the space taken up by Kilimanjaro Safaris. This 110-acre attraction contains well over two million trees and plants, and houses exotic animals like lions and elephants. As of right now, there are about 34 species that can be spotted throughout this African terrain. The attraction is typically open to Guests from early in the morning until late in the afternoon, as the animals have to be back for feeding time around dusk. In late August, Disney released some information regarding new plans for Animal Kingdom in 2016. For example, Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris will be a nighttime adventure for Guests to discover the African savanna after dark. Hyenas and African wild dogs will also be joining the animal crew for this future attraction time. Specialists are already training the animals to prepare for these nighttime tours by altering their feeding and sleeping schedules, and ensuring that they receive proper breaks throughout the day. After discussing the attraction for a bit, our tour guide took us backstage to learn more about the vehicles the Cast Members drive. Most of them are custom GMC or Ford trucks amped to Disney’s specifications that include audio boxes, special tires and safety features. We were able to board the trucks from there and proceed toward the attraction entrance, where our safari adventure would begin. Throughout the tour, we learned about how Imagineer Joe Rohde envisioned the design of the various animal areas. Each area provides the animals with optional shelter if they feel the urgency to hide, while others have large moats and drops to prevent the animals from getting too close to Guests. Obviously, communication plays an important role in this attraction. Each trek is different for the Cast Members, as they simply cannot predict the actions of the animals. Cast Members may need to utilize an alternate route at the last minute to avoid certain obstacles or animal crossings, and they also must be alert and cautious at all times. Our tour guide told us that as a Cast Member, one of the most essential things to remember in fearful situations is to remain calm. If the Cast Member begins to panic, it’s safe to assume that the Guests will begin to panic as well. After going on the tour today, I can definitely see why Kilimanjaro Safaris is so successful, and I’m looking forward to the new elements this attraction will offer to Guests in the near future. This week is going to be one of the busiest weeks I’ve had so far, as it is in fact one of the busiest weeks of the year on Disney property. Not related to Disney, but I’m excited to announce that I am going to be a contributing editor and writer for Scranton’s edition of the Odyssey online! Can’t wait to work with such a great staff and write for one of the fastest growing social platforms in the nation. Soon enough, I’ll be packing and heading back to Pennsylvania but until then, stay magical!
