Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris Animals Are Actually Remote-Controlled (Well, Sort Of)

Ever wanted to find out the truth about Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris ride?

It’s a fan-favorite attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, allowing guests to venture into an African savanna without leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

But did you know that the animals along the safari are magically remote-controlled? Well, we’re here to reveal the secrets of the unique Disney Park ride!

With over 30 species of animals found in over 110 acres of open plains, the Disney safari is a special theme park attraction that is truly one-of-a-kind. The attraction guides guests on a safari vehicle through the fictional Harambe Wildlife Reserve, encountering giraffes, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lions, rhinos, and more.

There’s nothing that comes close to this wild Walt Disney World ride at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios – in fact, the entire Magic Kingdom Park could fit inside Kilimanjaro Safaris!

But how did Disney Imagineers ensure that the ride would be memorable for each and every Disney Park guest? Of course, there are cleverly disguised fences and boundaries to ensure guest safety, but how does Disney actually help guests see the wild animals?

Remember that moment as you turn past the baobab tree into the savanna and you suddenly catch your first glimpse of a giraffe? You may gasp, take a photo, or excitedly squeal at seeing this magnificent creature up close, just like on a real safari.

The difference, of course, is that in the wild, it truly is a surprise to see that animal. The Serengeti is a huge National Park, and the Animal Kingdom Park guides have no idea where the live animals may be.

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Cast Members driving the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicle know which animals to expect in each contained area – and Disney has a big trick to help guests see animals on their safari.

As animals are unpredictable (see The Lion King movies), Walt Disney World uses devices such as air-conditioned rocks, cool breezes, salt licks, cooling or warming waters, and food to attract the animals towards the vehicle routes. This, of course, does not happen in Africa, but truly shows the surprising Imagineering behind Kilimanjaro Safaris.

That’s right, you read that correctly: air-conditioned rocks.

Essentially, Disney “remote controls” where the animals go in the theme park attraction. These clever tricks keep the animals in view by guests at all times, ensuring a safari that always meets expectations.

We actually booked a real safari expedition through the Kilimanjaro Climbing Company this year. The Tarangire National Park really reminded us of Harambe and the vast savanna that Disney has constructed, showing us Joe Rohde did his research for the Disney theme park ride!

So, there you have it, now you know that Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris at the Animal Kingdom theme park uses sneaky methods to control where the animals will be during the ride. Look out for them on your next Disney safari or Wild Africa Trek!

Which animals are your favorite to see during Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris? Tell us in the comments below!