The Safari Ride

Without doubt, this is the true centerpiece of the park. So while the following photos are loading--they will take a minute or so, unless you have a superfast connection--let me tell you a bit about this ride. To begin with, I was very impressed. Park engineers did a fabulous job providing close guest interaction with live animals. With the exception of a few species, such as the lions and the crocs, most animals are free to approach the truck. Even those animals within confined enclosures appear to be free-roaming, that is, the fence is hidden. All in all, an excellent effect. Moreover, the enclosures are large, well landscaped and, in my opinion, very humane living quarters for these animals. The ride, itself, lasts about 15 minutes. If you want to take photos, take them quickly, as the truck keeps moving for the most part. I almost hesitate to mention the downside, but here goes. The ride would be fine in and of itself, that is, as a mock African safari, but the ride also has a "plot." As guests, you are "helping" reserve officials track down poachers, which of course you find, at gunpoint, near the end of the ride. That aside, I'd give this attraction a 10 out of 10. Note: that in the lion's enclosure, park engineers have designed a close replica of Pride Rock from The Lion King.

Tip #9. Use high speed film, if you can. It's a bumpy ride. Watch out for blurry photos.

Tip #10. If lines aren't too long, go on this ride more than once, as you will see animals you missed the first time. Also, this ride may close before the entire park closes. Watch your time. When we were there, they began to move some of the safari animals to their sleep quarters an hour or so before the last tour.

Tip #11. Just a reminder, really. Get to this ride early in the morning, as the early morning will provide you with your best viewing opportunities.

Note: Before you leave this site make sure to check out my final page, which lists links to other Animal Kingdom related sites, as well as other Disney World information. Also, please use the link below to check out my beau's page, recently set up by The Literary Review and WebDelSol. To return to the Park Directory, click here.

Check this link out to my favorite author, and my beau. He just got a book deal, but that's still hush-hush. Details later. The site was developed by WebDelSol and The Literary Review after he won a second national prize.