This past week I have been covering the opening of Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom, now playing in theaters. We have learned about monkeys and their habitat, other endangered animals, and so much more! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is full of amazing animals and the best way to learn all about the animals, their habitats, conservation, and exactly what we can do to help, is to become a Wilderness Explorer.
What is the Wilderness Explorers Program?
The Wilderness Explorers Program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom encourages families and children to experience the park in a whole new way! As Wilderness Explorers, Guests participate in a variety of activities, such as hiking the trails, digging for fossils, studying gorilla behaviors, listening to animal sounds, learning how veterinarians care for animals, and interacting with Cultural Cast Members representing different countries in Africa and Asia. Completing each activity allows you to earn a sticker badge in their very own Wilderness Explorers handbook, which can be picked up from any of the nine Troop Leader locations around the park. Explorers can earn up to 31 badges, but are encouraged to earn these badges in multiple visits, since exploring is a lifelong adventure! Completing all 31 badges gives Guests the honorary title of Senior Wilderness Explorer. The program’s goal is to connect Guests with animals, conservation and culture while spending time together as a family, during and even after their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
How Did I Do?
A group of friends and I leisurely strolled Animal Kingdom learning as much as we could over approximately 2.5 hours. I ended up with 9 badges. The average number of badges a guest will earn in a day at Animal Kingdom is 12. Remember, there are rides and exhibits to see and do while at Animal Kingdom, so you will most likely not get all badges in a day or even a few days!
Any Favorites?
I wanted to point out my favorite badges that I earned because I really enjoyed the information/activity that went along with the badge.
Meet Shruti from Mumbai! It’s not everyday that I get to meet someone from India. Sure, Florida is a “melting pot” of people from all over the world, but, I don’t go up to strangers and ask them about their culture. But at Animal Kingdom, to earn your Cultural Badge, that is exactly what you’re required to do. You never know who will be at the Cultural Station, so you can meet many different people from all over the world. I met Shruti and she told us about all the different languages in India, the changes she had to make moving over to the United States, and she even wrote my name in her language.
I highly suggest checking out the Wilderness Explorers Program for kids and adults alike. I learned so much in those two hours at Animal Kingdom. I can’t wait to go back and earn more badges (and take my kids!!).
We learned a lot about Animal Conservation. That goes hand in hand with the new Disneynature Movie Monkey Kingdom.
Be sure to go see MONKEY KINGDOM in theaters NOW. If you can get to the theater by this Thursday, April 23rd, a portion of your ticket will help an endangered animal. You will love this heartwarming movie:
MONKEY KINGDOM MOVIE REVIEW
MONKEY KINGDOM is NOW IN THEATERS!!
Be sure to see Monkey Kingdom opening week (April 17 – 23)! By purchasing tickets during opening week, Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats. Projects support programs across Indonesia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
RELATED POSTS:
Exclusive Interview With Disneynature Ambassador, Dr. M Sanjayan #MonkeyKingdomEvent
MONKEY KINGDOM MOVIE REVIEW
Disneynature Monkey Kingdom Press Trip Announcement
Roam With Wild Animals on Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom
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Visit the official MONKEY KINGDOM website: http://nature.disney.com/monkey-kingdom
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