Caring for Giants Elephant Tour | Animal Kingdom Special Experiences
If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that the whole family can enjoy, the Caring for Giants tour is a hidden gem you absolutely don’t want to miss.
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On one of our recent Disney trips, our family had the opportunity to take part in this behind-the-scenes tour and it was such a special way to get closer to the elephants and learn about how Disney cares for them.
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This experience is offered as an add-on to your park day and is perfect for families who love animals or want to slow things down from the usual ride-to-ride pace. Here’s everything you need to know about Caring for Giants, and what we thought about it!
What is the Caring for Giants Tour?
Caring for Giants is a 60-minute guided tour where guests get to go behind the scenes and observe the African elephants at Animal Kingdom from a special viewing area, just 80 to 100 feet away from these incredible animals. It’s much closer than you’ll get on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, and it’s perfect for anyone who’s curious about how Disney provides world-class care to its animal residents.
During the tour, the Cast Member acting as your guide will share more about the interaction between the elephants, conservation efforts that Disney participates in, and fun facts about the elephants in Disney’s care. We found it to be both fascinating and heartwarming!
At the end of the presentation you have a chance to ask questions and this is a great time for curious kids to learn more about elephants and their social structure!
Make sure that you have a valid theme park admission for the day your tour is scheduled. The tour is an additional add-on price to your regular theme park ticket. And for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, you’ll also want to make sure you have a theme park reservation (if needed on that date) for Animal Kingdom as well.
What We Loved Seeing on the Tour
Seeing the elephants up close in such a peaceful and quiet setting was absolutely magical. You can truly appreciate their size, personalities, and social behaviors without the hustle and bustle of the main park.
The Cast Members shared facts in a kid-friendly way that sparked lots of questions afterward. Plus, it’s a great chance to sneak a little learning into your Disney day.
At just an hour long, this tour fits easily into your day without taking up too much park time. It’s a nice break from walking and waiting in lines, especially during those busier afternoons.
Compared to some of the other tours available at Walt Disney World, Caring for Giants is very reasonably priced. At around $35 per person (at time of article), it’s one of the best values for a behind-the-scenes tour!
Watch our Caring for Giants tour experience on YouTube!
Behind the Scenes Tours at Animal Kingdom
In addition to Caring for Giants, Animal Kingdom offers several other incredible behind-the-scenes tours that give guests a closer look at the park’s animals and conservation efforts.
One other standout tour option for families at Animal Kingdom is Up Close with Rhinos, a 60-minute tour that takes you backstage to meet the white rhinos and learn how Disney cares for these powerful but gentle animals. It’s both fascinating and heartwarming for animal lovers.
For the more adventurous, Wild Africa Trek is an immersive three-hour journey that includes rope bridges, safari truck rides, and close-up animal encounters, all while exploring the savanna in a smaller, more intimate group setting.
If your party is mainly adults, you might always want to consider the Sip and Savor the Savanna experience. It is a premium dining experience at Animal Kingdom where guests can enjoy a selection of African-inspired tapas and beverages while overlooking the breathtaking Harambe Wildlife Reserve from a private safari overlook.
These unique experiences let you see a side of Animal Kingdom that most guests never do, and they’re perfect for animal lovers, budding zoologists, or anyone looking to add a little extra magic to their day.
What You Need to Know Before Booking a Tour
Note these tips below before booking, so you arrive prepared!
- This activity is family friendly. Guests should be at least 4 years of age or older to go on the tour.
- Reservations are required, and tours can fill up quickly. Book ahead if it’s on your must do list!
- This is an outdoor experience, so plan accordingly with personal fans, hats, sunscreen, and water.
- There’s minimal walking involved, but strollers are not allowed on the tour. Keep that in mind that if you have younger children.
- Cameras are welcome, and you’ll definitely want to snap some photos of the elephants in action!
There are accessibility ramps in the viewing area for the Caring for Giants Tour and more accessibility information can be found on the Walt Disney World website.
You can book by calling the Special Events and Tours phone number at (407) 939-8687 – or visit the website to book online.
Planning Extra Magic for Your Disney Day
Caring for Giants is one of those special Disney experiences that gives you a deeper appreciation for the magic behind the scenes. It’s a perfect add-on if you’re looking for something meaningful, relaxing, and memorable during your Animal Kingdom visit. Our family really enjoyed this tour and it is one we would return to again in the future!
We walked away with a whole new admiration for these beautiful animals, and the amazing Cast Members who care for them every day. This is a tour we would definitely do again and love recommending for families that love animals too!
If your family loves elephants, learning, or just trying something new at Disney, this tour should absolutely be on your list!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
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