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6) An abundance of animals The use of actual animals for this attraction is a direct nod to Walt Disney’s original intention of incorporating real animals into his famed Jungle Cruise ride. Though impossible to do so at the time, Imagineers saw the establishment of Kilimanjaro Safaris as an opportunity for finally bringing the dream to life. As you venture ...

7) A change in backstory Changes are inevitable, and Kilimanjaro Safaris has seen its fair share of changes along the way. But perhaps one of the most prominent changes (and what many animal lovers consider the most welcome change) was the decision to alter the original storyline. In the first scripted plot, the safari truck would be notified by a ...

8) Establishing a wild trek Not only is Animal Kingdom by far the largest of all four Disney World Parks, but Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest of all its attractions. In fact, the entire Magic Kingdom could fit inside the 110 acres making up the premises. Mirroring all the authenticities of a natural African savanna required groundbreaking work. This meant ...

9) The vehicle You won’t find one of these vehicles being sold at a dealership. Powered by propane, the specific safari trucks used for this attraction are custom built by GMC and priced at around $100,000 each. The driver’s section and the passengers’ seats are mounted together separately, delivering a more bouncy and rugged safari-style trek for riders (especially those ...

10) Landing the job Have you ever wondered what it’s like working at Kilimanjaro Safaris? Employed cast members must complete training through DAKlamation—the official mandatory class for all new hires at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In case you were wondering, the “DAK” stands for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the suffix denotes that this is park “acclamation” training. Because Disney is known ...

Kilimanjaro Safaris makes it possible for Disney World guests to conveniently share in an African wildlife safari experience while visiting Animal Kingdom Park. Spanning 580 acres, Animal Kingdom is the largest of all four parks, with Kilimanjaro Safaris making up 110 of those acres. While there are dozens of fun behind the scenes tidbits that go into making this one ...

1. Over Pack Avoid packing too much. Bring the necessities and remember that anything you need can also be found at the Disney World Resort. Chances are you won’t end up wearing or using a lot of the things you bring anyway. Minimize space, time, and stress by packing as light as possible. You’ll want to save room for souvenirs! There’s ...

2. Be Rude to Cast Members Disney employees work hard to ensure that you have a magical stay. They are there to help, so don’t get angry with them for doing their job. They have better knowledge of the parks than anyone, so listen to their instructions and advice. Your safety and happiness is their priority.

3. Take Photos or Videos on Rides It’s tempting to take photos or videos of your favorite rides and attractions, but it’s best to put your camera away. Camera flashes and noises can disrupt the ride and others around you. Sit back and enjoy the ride without any distractions. Photos are taken on various rides, so there’s no need to ...

4. Smoke in Non-Designated Smoking Areas Disney World is very eco-friendly. Smoking is permitted, but only in designated smoking areas. Not only is this a courtesy to non-smokers, but it helps keep the parks in pristine condition. Smoking is allowed outside each Disney Resort hotel in a reserved area and at certain locations in the parks. Maps at each park ...