Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Launch "Wilderness Explorers" 6/1/13

5/28/13

The Walt Disney World resort has announced that the Wilderness Explorers interactive game will debut June 1, 2013 at Disney's Animal Kingdom park.


1/15/13

More details are expected to be announced, but here is the official announcement:

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Wilderness Explorers Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Spring

by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
The Official Disney Parks Blog

January 15th, 2013

Have you seen the Disney•Pixar film “Up”?

If you recall, young Russell from the film is a dedicated Wilderness Explorer who can’t wait to earn badges by having all kinds of adventures while learning about the world.

We’re happy to announce that the Wilderness Explorers adventure organization is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with a planned opening this spring. Soon, guests can become Wilderness Explorers and experience the entire park using their field guides, completing challenges and earning badges as they go. With more than 30 badges available, Wilderness Explorers is fun for the whole family and helps guests experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom and its themes in a new and exciting way

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I think this is kinda neat, and a good fit for AK. It has never been my favourite park, so this will give us something to entertain us while DH enjoys the rides.

This sounds really cute! I'm excited for it! :blush: This will obviously make people spend a little more time in that park which is badly needed.

I believe they did something similar in 2011 at AK but was only for Africa section. Sounds better playing throughout whole park. Now I might have a reason to stay longer than 2 hrs.

This is done on a small scale at California Adventure, in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. You basically get a booklet upon entering, and then you have to follow the map to locate the "challenges" which consist of answering a multiple choice (rather ridiculous) question about nature. There really are no badges to speak of, although they call it "earning a badge" when you go to a checkpoint and answer the question that is posted.

It's not interactive or anything like that. Not sure if this one at AK will be more interesting, but the way it is done at DCA, it's rather lame and has a VERY narrow age focus (like 5-8 years old, tops).

This sounds pretty neat.

If it is interactive it may be pretty cool. I still haven't played Sorcerers over at MK:(
I like the idea of the games. I think they alleviate ride lines a bit (if they are interesting enough!) and it gives AP's something different to do.
AK really needs something to get people to spend more time in the park and want to come back more often. I realized this past summer that it is the park I spend the least amount of time in and it seems that a lot of people say that.
I am going to add this game to my list and maybe it will help me build a love of AK like I have for the other parks.:thumbsup:

I wonder if this is an expansion of the Kid's Discovery Clubs? My children really love them. There are 6 spots through out the park with cast members. The kids get a stamp for each activity they complete and a bonus if they complete the whole book.

I think anything that gets people to explore AK is a good thing. It really is a beautiful park.

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Originally Posted by AgentC

I think anything that gets people to explore AK is a good thing. It really is a beautiful park.

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I couldn't agree more! I hope this turns out cool, I'd love to do it! I loved UP and love AK its a win win for me!

We love animal kingdom and we SO LOVE this idea!!!! Cannot wait for it!

Russell and Doug have a meet and greet near the Tree of Life (kids got pics in August) so I can see the connection.
The original Kid's Club I remember was en route from the train station to Conservation station where different spots were set up with information on animals, habitats, etc. and the kids got stamps in their books for going to each spot.

DAK needed this... Not because there is nothing to do in the park, this doesn't suddenly make DAK a full day park (only more attractions will do that)... But because most people do not explore DAK the way it should be explored.. They miss so much... Once you walk through ALL of DAK, you will notice how beautiful it really is and in my opinion, Disney's best themed park in WDW... Hopefully this game wakes people up to how DAK tops DHS, MK, and Epcot in theme.. Just don't rest on this Burbank, we want more ATTRACTIONS!!!!


***I'll wait for the Star Wars game in DHS before I try one of them out :)

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Originally Posted by DizneyFreak2002

DAK needed this... Not because there is nothing to do in the park, this doesn't suddenly make DAK a full day park (only more attractions will do that)... But because most people do not explore DAK the way it should be explored.. They miss so much... Once you walk through ALL of DAK, you will notice how beautiful it really is and in my opinion, Disney's best themed park in WDW... Hopefully this game wakes people up to how DAK tops DHS, MK, and Epcot in theme..

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I agree..the theming of DAK is the best in WDW. I hope this will get people to discover the beauty of the park. We don't spend a lot of time in the park, but it is our favorite. I can't wait to try it out!!

Sounds like a great idea.

To get my son to appreciate the beauty of Animal Kingdom when he was younger I gave him a camera. He took photos of details he would have otherwise missed. It's now his favorite park in WDW.

Disney has announced the game will launch June 1, 2013.