Any cool 'hands on' animal things for 6yo?

[acornell2]

We are going to Disney in December, and I would love to take DD to some kind of cool animal thing. I would LOVE to take her to a swim with the whatever deal, but they all seem to have really high age requirements. Maybe something like they offer in the Bahamas/etc where you can stand in water but have dolphins/rays/etc swim around you? Or how about at Animal Kingdom? Any cool animal things to sign up for there? It absolutely does NOT have to be a Disney sponsored thing. I am open to suggestions, and I know DIS'ers are the ULTIMATE in knowledge. I, a mere noobie am pathetically uninformed! LOL!!!

Thanks for your help!!!
Stacey

1981(?)-Epcot not even open yet!!! Only visited MK!
1999-Saw Universal & MGM only
2006-First trip ever to Epcot & Animal Kingdom! Also 10 year anniversary trip for me & DH!

 

[carolfoy]

the only things I can think of are Gatorland, the 'petting zoo' in animal kingdom, its out in the planet watch area, you catch a small train to it from near the kilimanjaro safaris, and the horse rides at wilderness lodge

 

[wifey]

If you can get a day out at Seaworld there are rays, seals and dolphins to feed,lots of photo opps.The rays are really gentle not at all scary, have not been to Discovery Cove yet but someone will be along later I'm sure to tell you about it. At AK the CMs let the kids who go to Rafiki's Planet Watch touch some of the other animals supervised of course. A couple of years ago our DS got to stroke a snake and ask the CM who was looking after it all about what it was etc he really enjoyed it There's a section where you can talk to the vets too about nutrition for the animals (and their babies) and how to help keep animals healthy

 

[KristiKelly]

It might not be what you're looking for but @ Animal Kingdom, you can take a train (forget what it's called) to a separate part of the park where there are little goats that kids can rub & brush. Although they're not exotic animals, my kids always like doing this, even my 8 y/o DS who acts like he's 15.

 

[ellenmiele]

We were in AK in April and took our kids to Rafiki's Planet Watch/Conservation Station specifically because they LOVE animals and it was really very good. It is much more than a "petting zoo". The building contains several smaller rooms with animal themes but not live animals - except for the butterly room and some reptiles & spiders. But CMs come out into the common area with animals that kids can meet/pet/etc. They had a snake when we were there. And there is an observation area where you can see medical exams and procedures that the vets do for the animals. When we were there they were examining 2 cheetahs (under anesthesia). They post the times when medical stuff is going on. And outside there is a fenced area that you can go in and have contact with goats/sheep/donkey. This is what is sometimes called the petting zoo area but it's WAY nicer than any petting zoo I've ever see. It is so clean, no flies, no smell ! And the animals are lovely. The kids can pick up brushes to brush the animals or they can just pet them and talk to the CMs, etc. There are benches around the area , too.

And while you're at AK be sure to see the bird show, Flights of Wonder.

We've also been to SeaWorld about 2 yrs ago. Younger kids can participate in one of the Behind the scenes tours that includes petting a penguin, feeding rays and dolphins, and a few other special things. That was a little pricey IMHO for what you get because if you just make a point of getting to those venues at the right times I think you can see all the same things (except the penguins). If it's a slower time of year the tour might not be worth it.

 

[3littleHalls]

My 6yr old loved Rafiki's Planet watch. I think they have had different activities everytime we went. They had a couple animals out for the kids to touch plus the petting area. If you like Seaworld they have several touching/viewing tanks. We did dine with Shamu which was fun, but you couldn't touch the whales.

 

[acornell2]

What about Marineland? I see they have dolphin encounters for about $125-150. Anyone have any experience with these? They sound pretty good, but I'd love some input if anyone has seen/done it before!

Thanks!!!

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

We took a daytrip to Seaworld last week and it was great! I remember two big pools - one had sting rays and the other had dolphins. Both encouraged you to put your hand in and touch them. My mom and I were at the dolphin pool with our hands in the water as instructed and I looked over at her and said "Do you really think that anyone ever really gets to touch a dolphin?" and at that moment one came up from under my hand and I got to pet it and several others that came by. It was very cool! They also have an area where you can buy fish (dead of course) and feed them to sea lions. My mom did that and had a blast!

 

[Silverbelle990]

I know you said you wanted hands on but in typhoon lagoon we swan with the sharks. You can't touch them but i thought it was great. No swimming required you can get a lifvest and just float!!