There are a few tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Caring for Giants tour is a fantastic tour for guests ages 4+ offered through the Enchanting Extras Collection! My husband and I recently got to experience this tour together as a gift from my parents (thanks for watching the kids for us!). Here, we’ll dive into what the Caring for Giants Tour is, when it’s offered, and what you can expect to learn!
Where is the Caring for Giants Tour?
Caring for Giants is held in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Check in at the podium on the left hand side, just before the entry to Kilimanjaro Safaris. You’ll be taken backstage to board a van, and driven around to the back side of the elephant area of the savannah that you see on the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction to a special viewing area of the elephants for the tour!
What Will I Learn on the Tour?
Anything you want about elephants! Seriously! Our tour guide said she doesn’t have a spiel that she follows, besides safety protocols, and we could ask any questions we wanted! That said, she did have several facts that she shared as we drove backstage to the viewing platform, and continued to share stories and facts as we were on the viewing platform. We could ask questions at any time! She shared about elephants in general, the specific elephants at Animal Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom overall.
Do I Need Park Admission for the Tour?
Yes! Everyone in your party needs both valid park admission and a park pass reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom to go on the tour.
What Will I See on the Tour?
*Caution: Spoilers Ahead!*
First, you’ll check in at the podium where you’ll be given your lanyard with nametag, sign a waiver, and the Cast Member will direct you to the nearest bathroom if you need to go beforehand. You’ll also be given some general information about food & drink on the tour and other safety information. The Cast Member also explained to us that elephant viewing was not guaranteed – the animals kind of do their own thing and may or may not be up close for viewing.
Next, once it’s time for your tour to start, your tour guide will arrive and introduce themselves and go over what to expect as well as safety information. They will lead you backstage, behind a big gate to the left of Kilimanjaro Safaris. There isn’t anything too interesting here but I won’t spoil it for you in case you haven’t been backstage before! No pictures were allowed back here.
Then your entire tour group will board a shuttle van which travels to the elephant viewing area. Along the way, the tour guide explains some facts about elephants and Animal Kingdom. Our tour guide pointed out some of the facilities we were seeing, like where they grow some of the food for the animals at Animal Kingdom.
Finally, you’ll pass the backstage facilities for the elephants before arriving at a dirt parking area. You’ll get off the van and make your way up to a viewing area to see the elephants. If you’re familiar with Kilimanjaro Safaris, you’ll be overlooking the elephant area near the flamingos, and you can see the safari trucks go by in the background.
The tour guide advised us not to wave, make noises, or make any sudden movements, as the elephants may confuse that with gestures they have been learning with the veterinary and animal care teams.
From here, you’ll have plenty of time to view the elephants and ask your tour guide any questions you may have! They don’t have a set script that they follow, so the more questions your group asks, the more information you’ll get!
When your time is up, you’ll get back on the van and head back to your starting point.
How much does Caring for Giants Cost? How Do I Book?
Caring for Giants is a very affordable tour at only $35+tax! Discounts are available for Annual Passholders. Visit Disney’s website to book online! Reservations are available 60 days in advance of the tour date. If you’re a Disney Resort Hotel Guest, you can book 60 days in advance of your hotel check-in date. Reservations for tours open at 12am EST.
When is Caring for Giants Offered?
It’s offered multiple times per day, so it’s a fairly easy tour to book! However, if you’re interested in going, don’t wait – as it does sell out! Keep in mind that this tour happens rain or shine, and you will be walking through some non-paved areas. With the exception of your short time in the van, it’s entirely outdoors. Dress appropriately!
Final Thoughts
This is a great little tour for guests ages 4+, especially if you like elephants! I would hesitate to take my 4 year old on it, knowing that he has trouble focusing. You know your child best, so use your best judgment! My husband and I really enjoyed being on the “other side” of the Kilimanjaro Safaris route, where it was pretty quiet. For the most part we stayed several feet away from the rest of the tour group as the viewing area was quite large, so we could chat just the two of us while we watched the elephants. It was quite peaceful.
The tour is super affordable and a nice introduction to Disney tours & special experiences overall. At one hour in length, it doesn’t take up too much of your time and complements your experience at Animal Kingdom. I recommend it to frequent park visitors as well as those coming in for the day!
