WILDERNESS EXPLORERS
VS .
KIDCOT
Which offers the best edutainment in the parks ?
DANNY MCBRIDE SAYS : The wilderness must be explored , and Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom is the best place on earth ( and even outside earth ) to do it . Collecting badges , just like our pal Russell from Disney • Pixar ’ s UP , has never been more fun .
MEMENTOS : You can earn more than 25 different badges ( stickers ) to log in your Wilderness Explorers handbook . As you cross the bridge from the Oasis to Discovery Island , pick up your handbook at the
Wilderness Explorers headquarters .
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE : As if Animal Kingdom wasn ’ t already stocked with an abundance of entertaining experiences , the Wilderness Explorers quest adds an additional layer of excitement to your day .
EDUCATIONAL VALUE : To earn badges , little Explorers will need to do everything from spotting animals to learning important nature skills . The classic Disney Park concept of edutainment is in full force here !
CAST MEMBER INTERACTION : Serving as the educators along your journey , Cast Members — or should
I say “ Troop Leaders ”?— really bring this experience to life . From educating us on hidden gems in the park to real-world lessons , this level of interactivity perfectly showcases the magic that Cast Members add to our visits .
UNIQUE FEATURE : When earning your Ecology badge in Pandora - The World of Avatar ( very close to the Valley of Mo ’ ara ’ s floating mountains ), ask your Troop Leader what might happen ( specifically , what sounds you can expect to hear ) if you were to put your hand inside some of the branches nearby ...
FUN FACT : Wilderness Explorers has been offered at Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom since 2013 .
KAT WOLFE SAYS : A fun and engaging activity for children that perfectly aligns with an adult ’ s desire to eat , drink , shop , and explore around the World Showcase in peace . This mom thinks Disney absolutely nailed it with Kidcot Fun Stops !
MEMENTOS : At any of the 11 pavilions of EPCOT ’ s
World Showcase , kids of all ages ( even big ones ) can stop by the Kidcot Fun Stop for a Ziploc bag “ suitcase .” Visit all the Kidcot Fun Stops to add a unique coloring card , sticker , and fun fact relating to the culture of each country to the “ suitcase ” and spend time creating works of art at the provided coloring desks . Once you have collected all the cards , ask for the grand finale : a souvenir postcard available at any Kidcot location .
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE : Coloring , activities , and stickers — need I say more ?
EDUCATIONAL VALUE : Kidcot Fun Stops are an incredible example of Disney ’ s knack for creating edutainment . The educational activities presented by enthusiastic Cast Members are a brilliant way to increase retention of what is being taught .
CAST MEMBER INTERACTION : At each Kidcot Fun Stop , Cast Members hand out packets and share history while guests color in their cards . CMs may draw something on the traveler ’ s card , write something in their native language , or even sign them .
UNIQUE FEATURE : The companion Disney Kidcot Puzzle Hunt on the Play Disney Parks app adds another layer of fun and education as you hunt for a digital puzzle piece to scan to unlock more magic .
FUN FACT : There has been a version of Kidcot Fun Stops in EPCOT since 1996 !
ABOVE : Wilderness Explorers sign-up booth . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
ABOVE : The Kidcot station in Norway at EPCOT . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
ON DEBATING DISNEY TONIGHT , KAT AND DANNY GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH OPPOSING VIEWS ON A VARIETY OF MAGICAL SUBJECTS RELATING TO THE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT . TUNE IN ON SELECT THURSDAYS AT 8:00 PM ET LIVE ON WWW . FACEBOOK . COM / DEBATINGDISNEY / TO BE THOROUGHLY EDUTAINED !