Animal Kingdom’s Caring for Giants Accessibility Tips
Caring for Giants at Animal Kingdom offers guests a unique opportunity to observe Disney’s magnificent African elephants up close. From a private backstage viewing area, visitors can watch these incredible animals while gaining insights from knowledgeable Cast Members. Three of my four immediate family members have booked and enjoyed this experience. While we all recommend Caring for Giants, you should be aware of a few accessibility considerations before booking.
Before we get to those considerations, let’s talk about why Animal Kingdom’s backstage tours are so important. Did you know the park is also an accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) zoo? One important component of that accreditation is the outreach and education programs offered by Animal Kingdom, including its paid behind-the-scene tours. 100% of those tour proceeds go to the Disney Conservation Fund.
Consideration: physical accessibility and transferring
Caring for Giants is an accessible experience. Individuals who use wheelchairs and are unable to transfer need to contact Disney at (407) 938-1373 prior to the experience to ensure that the correct transportation is available. Individuals who use ECVs must be able to transfer to and from the vehicle and in and out of courtesy wheelchairs without Cast Member assistance.
Upon arriving at the backstage tour area, guests will have to walk up a long switchback ramp. It’s not very steep, but those with limited mobility might need extra time making it to the top.
Consideration: allergens
Caring for Giants is an outdoor experience. There can be quite a bit of dust and hay, particularly if it hasn’t rained recently. There is also the potential for stinging or biting insects. Individuals who have significant allergic reactions or respiratory conditions such as asthma should bring their medications. Interestingly, bees are not typically encountered near the elephant viewing areas. Elephants have a natural aversion to bees (something we’ve all learned while riding Kilimanjaro Safaris).
Consideration: safety
I have no safety considerations for Caring for Giants. The viewing area is large and safely enclosed. Several children were on my tour, including a four-year-old birthday princess. In my opinion, typical supervision was adequate for everyone’s comfort and safety.
Consideration: experience appropriateness
This experience is not appropriate for all guests. That includes my oldest son. As a result of his autism, Noah does not understand how to modulate his volume when outdoors. Elephants are sensitive to noise, and the viewing area for the tour is fairly close to them. If guests are loud, the elephants may experience discomfort and retreat to more private areas where they cannot be seen and enjoyed.
How to book Caring for Giants
Josh posted his Caring for Giants review last year. His article has registration details, including when, where, and how to check in. He also outlines the backstage rules that all guests must follow.
Summary
Caring for Giants is a wonderful, accessible excursion that’s appropriate for most park guests. It’s also a great value for the price, particularly since all proceeds go to the Disney Conservation Fund. That alone should influence you to book regular tours. My husband, younger son, and I all had different, equally wonderful Cast Members leading our experiences. After comparing notes, we realized that we all witnessed different elephant behaviors, as well. We’d love to experience Caring for Giants again.
