Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom

We tried out the new Wilderness Explorers game today at Animal Kingdom. This new activity is based off of the Boy Scout-esque troop Russell is a part of in the movie Up. When you arrive at the park the Wilderness Explorers headquarters is located on the bridge as you head towards the Tree of Life; it's on the right.

At Headquarters a Troop Leader will explain the game to you. It was at this point where we learned the the Wilderness Explorers Call and received our WE Handbook and very first badge (sticker)! We were then off to collect the rest of our badges.

There are 31 badges to collect, spread out throughout the park. The great thing about this new game is that you can complete it as you make your way around the park and you don't need to earn them all in one day. So there is no need to rush to the stations. We completed 10 badges during this first play and it took us about 2 hours.

We decided to complete the badges on the two main animal trails at Animal Kingdom, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek. Following our handbook we first went to the Jungle Trek where we completed activities involving the bats and tigers! Each activity station is marked with a Wilderness Explorer logo and corresponding badge picture. At the station there is usually something for you to either do, see, or fill out in your handbook. After completing the activity you will receive your badge from the Badge Guide.

Looking for our clue!

After the jungle trek we made our way to Africa and the exploration trail. On the way we stopped to earn our Music Badge!

Playing the drums!

On the exploration trail we worked on quite a few badges including our Hiking Badge! Be ready to spend a lot of time on this trail as there numerous badges to earn.

After receiving our Hiking Badge we decided to save the rest of the badges for another day so we could spread out the fun! It's also important to note, one of the badges requires you to ride the Safari; it might be a good idea to get a fast pass for this one!

We really enjoyed this new addition to Animal Kingdom. It is really a great activity for kids to learn while they explore the park! It also helps you explore areas of the park you might not normally go to. All the cast members seemed to really love the new activities as well, as they were all very excited to help us earn our badges. We cannot wait to go back and earn the rest of our badges because as any Wilderness Explorer knows "The wilderness must be explored, Caw Caw, Roar!"

Are you a Wilderness Explorer or excited to become one on your next trip? Share your experience below!

Segway Tour at Fort Wilderness

Courtney's parents and brother went on a segway tour at Fort Wilderness to "practice" for a tour they will be doing in Rome when they go on their Disney cruise this summer! Without further ado here is a post about the experience by Courtney's Mom:

Today three of us took the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure (Segway Tour).  It is offered 2 times at 8:30 and 11:30 at Fort Wilderness. We started at the Bike Barn with a group of 9. First, we had two great guides, Forrest from San Diego and Ron from Chicago. We started in an indoor room in the Barn with a 5 minute video about how to ride the segway.  We were then given helmets and electronic headsets. Then Forrest "the safety guy" gave us a demonstration of how to turn on the segway and move around on it. Once we were done we all got to take a bottle of nice cold water from the fridge and out we went to conquer the segway. 

We were greeted by Ron in a small flat area with alot of cones and our segways.  Ron took the time to help each of us get onto the segway and "balance ourselves". Once we could stand still we practiced moving forward and back and turning.  We even zigzagged through cones. Dad was going a bit fast and Ron mentioned that could get him in trouble!  Those boys!!  We then went to a hilly area and practiced riding there also. Once we were all given the OK we started our Adventure.

First we segwayed through Fort Wilderness with Ron telling us trivia about how Walt bought up the land in other peoples names and got some great prices. We drove on regular roads, street type areas and off road (grassy and forest areas). Our first stop was Bay Lake where Forrest now our "photographer" took all of our pictures with the amazing background of Bay Lake.  

 Our next stop was Pioneer Hall which is where Hoop De Doo Review is.  After a few jokes we were off to Tri-Circle Ranch, "do you know why it is named Tri-Circle Ranch?" Could it be that Mickey is made of three circles OHHH!!! Ron also talked about Walt's love of horses.  We saw the white ponies that pull Cinderella's Coach, as well as many horses including one named "Sully". These horses pull the trolley cars on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and two of them were lucky enough to be in the Not So Scary Halloween Parade. Headless Horseman anyone?

Then we were off to Wilderness Lodge. This was a lot of fun. We were on road, off road, ducking under branches, zigging and zagging.  Even though it was warm the breeze kept us cool.  We heard stories about when Wilderness Lodge came into existence and about the heart shaped foliage on many of the trees. As we approached the Lodge he pointed out the two tall chimneys and mentioned the amazing fireplace inside which everyone must visit.  Look for the Hidden Mickey! 

Before we knew it we were on our way back to Fort Wilderness. We stopped for a quick look at the lake with the Contemporary in the background.  Forrest and Ron told some jokes, asked us lots of trivia questions which we got many right much to their surprise!!! Then Forrest sang us a song. We won't tell you the song so if you take the tour you will be surprised.  He actually had a pretty good voice!  

Then it was time to head back.  A bit more on road, off road, driving some places you couldn't go on your own, and zigging and zagging under the beautiful tall trees. Before we knew it we were back at the Barn.  We were each presented with a Segway Tour Pin and a handshake from our great tour guides. This was definitely an unexpected amazing experience that everyone should try!

Photos courtesy of Mom and Dad!