BRINGING LITTLES TO MEET GIANTS You ’ ll start your tour at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk , located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance , then take a shuttle through a backstage area to a special viewing location . Your prime view is on the opposite side of the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles , allowing you to see not only the elephants but also the spot where they can enter and exit backstage .
For littles coming along on the tour , this closeup glimpse behind the scenes is exciting , but the real benefit of the tour is who accompanies you . Caring for Giants is a private tour , and that means a knowledgeable Cast Member will join your small group to share all kinds of stories . When I went , our Cast Member shared incredible facts about the elephants ( their 22-month pregnancies make me glad to be human ) and answered all our questions along the way .
Anyone who has ever been around a toddler or young child knows that they have no lack of questions , and the guides are more than happy to oblige in answering whatever curiosity comes to mind . What do they eat ? Where do they go at night ? What is their favorite thing to do ? Nothing will go unanswered , and you ’ ll come home from your 60-minute tour feeling more knowledgeable than ever about the largest living land mammal .
Our tour guide brought helpful props to enhance the tour , including a set of elephant teeth she used to explain how elephants go through six sets of teeth throughout their lifetime . Kids love this hands-on learning .
AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLORATION While 4-year-olds may be allowed , your kid ’ s tolerance may vary . At 4 , I would have found the trivia and sights of the experience fascinating . However , some younger kids may not have the patience for the hour-long tour , especially once the wonder of initially seeing the elephants has passed .
If you ’ re on the fence , you can find a happy medium by wandering down a few of the exploration trails at the park . Explore Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia or Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa , where you can get a closer glimpse of species such as tigers , gorillas , hippos , zebras , and more . Often , the paths will also have Cast Members along the way , who are more than willing to answer questions or give you more information about the care of the animals .
Whatever your kid ’ s mileage may be , there ’ s always something to learn ( and explore ) at Disney World ’ s wildest park .
SOME DAYS DESERVE AN EXTRA DOSE OF CUTE
Kidani Village
SLEEPING ON SAFARI
Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom may be the top spot to encounter wildlife while at Walt Disney World , but the park famously closes its doors early each evening . But the animal encounters happen all day long — and even after dark with the Starlight Safari — at Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom Lodge .
This Deluxe Resort has its own sprawling safari , much like Kilimanjaro Safaris inside Animal Kingdom , home to 200- plus hoofed animals and birds across more than 30 African species . And if you stay in one of the Disney Vacation Club Villas , either Kidani Village or Jambo House , you can get a balcony view of all the action . Sip your morning coffee with giraffes , wave goodnight to the zebras before bed , and spend your day wandering the trails looking for gazelles , kudu , and flamingos .
Animals right outside your room !
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Plus , Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to some of the best dining across Walt Disney World , including the buffet at Boma , elevated dining at Sanaa and Jiko , and quiet cocktails at Victoria Falls Lounge . With pools , animal viewing , multiple dining options , and daily activities , Animal Kingdom Lodge is often a top spot for a resort-only vacation — no park days needed .
You don ’ t have to be a member of Disney Vacation Club to snag a stay here , though DVC Members whose home resort is Animal Kingdom Lodge have a booking advantage . Alternatively , you can rent points through David ’ s Vacation Club Rentals , at a fraction of the actual cost , and enjoy all the amenities you would as a true DVC member .
Dreaming of your safari adventure ? We ’ ll see you at the lodge !
Sponsored content by David ’ s Vacation Club Rentals .