Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is renowned for its combination of thrilling rides, live shows, and close encounters with exotic animals. The park’s safari, Kilimanjaro Safaris, is one of the most popular attractions. But just how expansive is this safari? Let’s delve into the details.
The safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, known as Kilimanjaro Safaris, is incredibly large, covering an area of 110 acres. This makes it the largest attraction in all of the Disney parks in terms of area covered, even surpassing the entire Magic Kingdom theme park which is 107 acres. Despite its size, it is smaller than some other notable safaris worldwide.
The Size of Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest attraction in all of the Disney parks regarding the area covered. It spans a whopping 110 acres, equivalent to approximately 445,150 square meters. This makes it larger than the entire Magic Kingdom theme park, which takes up 107 acres.
Comparing Kilimanjaro Safaris to Other Notable Safaris
When compared to other notable safaris worldwide, Kilimanjaro Safaris, although impressive, is smaller in size. For instance, The Wilds Safari Park in Cumberland, Ohio, is the largest zoo in the world, covering 10,000 acres. The Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park in India is another large wildlife park, covering 5,532 acres.
The Zones within Kilimanjaro Safaris
The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction is divided into several zones, each designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals they house. This allows the animals to roam and behave as they would in the wild, providing guests with an authentic safari experience.
The Wildlife of Kilimanjaro Safaris
Home to over 30 species of animals, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers a diverse array of wildlife, including African bush elephants, African wild dogs, Ankole cattle, black rhinoceros, blue wildebeest, bongo, bontebok, cheetah, common eland, common ostrich, common warthog, greater flamingo, greater kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, hippopotamus, lion, mandrill, Masai giraffe, Nigerian dwarf goat, Nile crocodile, okapi, pink-backed pelican, sable antelope, saddle-billed stork, scimitar oryx, spotted hyena, springbok, waterbuck, and white rhinoceros.
The Impact of the Safari Size on Visitors’ Experience
The size of the safari can significantly impact the overall experience for visitors. Larger safaris can accommodate a wider range of species, offer more options for tailor-made experiences, provide a level of exclusivity and privacy, and contribute to overall sustainability and conservation efforts.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
Despite its popularity, the size of Kilimanjaro Safaris does have potential drawbacks. The unpredictability of animal sightings, the rough and bumpy terrain, the time it takes to complete the ride, the challenges of animal care and management, and the potential for closure during certain weather conditions could potentially limit its operation and visitor enjoyment.
Future Expansion Plans
As for the future, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is planning a massive expansion. While the exact details are not confirmed, rumors suggest replacement of DinoLand, U.S.A. with a new themed area based on either Zootopia or Moana.
In conclusion, the size of Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is indeed impressive, offering visitors a unique and authentic safari experience. Despite potential drawbacks, it remains one of the busiest attractions in the park, lauded for its realistic representation of an African safari and its commitment to animal care and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to go through Kilimanjaro Safaris?
The Kilimanjaro Safaris tour typically lasts about 18-22 minutes, but this can vary depending on animal activity and other factors.
What is the best time to visit Kilimanjaro Safaris?
Early morning or late evening are often the best times to visit Kilimanjaro Safaris. During these times, the animals are typically more active due to the cooler temperatures.
Is Kilimanjaro Safaris wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Kilimanjaro Safaris is wheelchair accessible. However, guests must transfer from their wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) to ride the safari vehicle.
Are there any age or height restrictions for Kilimanjaro Safaris?
There are no age or height restrictions for Kilimanjaro Safaris. It’s a family-friendly attraction suitable for all ages.
Can I feed the animals during the safari?
No, guests are not allowed to feed the animals during the safari. This is to ensure the animals’ health and safety.
Is Kilimanjaro Safaris open year-round?
Yes, Kilimanjaro Safaris is open year-round, although it may close in certain weather conditions, such as lightning storms.
