Wilderness Explorers at AK

[PrincessP]

Please describe this program at AK. What are the badges like? Stamps like at Epcot? Is this something a preteen would enjoy? Thanks!

 

[minnie mum]

You sign up and get a booklet and pencil. Then you answer questions that are in the book after exploring the different areas of AK. These areas are marked on the map in the book. CMs are stationed at each of these spots and will award a badge for each section that is completed. For the life of me, I can't remember, but I think the badges were stickers that were affixed to the book. I think this is a great activity for all ages, as long as you're interested in animals, although little ones will need parental help.

 

[peanutmomma]

We last did the Wilderness Explorers in May 2014 - the badges were stickers. The booklet had a map that had icons to show where you needed to find the CM dressed up in the WE uniform. Sometimes you look for something within a display, others had you talking to a CM to ask them about their home nation. My favorite was the CM who wrote the boy's name in Thai characters.

It's a fun way to pass the time while you are touring the parks since the CMs are spread out all over. The boy will be not quite 10 when we are there this summer and we'll probably work out way through the book again.

 

[cmph]

Hopefully they still have it! We tried to do Wilderness Explorers at Disneyland last week, and they didn't have the booklets or anything. The CM apologized and said all the booklets, etc "were sent to Shanghai." Seriously. I replied "Thanks, Shanghai" and he said "I'm hearing that a lot." LOL! I'm not sure if the reality is they didn't want to spend the money on printing the booklets, or if they didn't want to pay CMs to mark off badge-earning, or didn't want to have to staff the little award ceremony for kids who completed all the tasks or what - so who knows what they will do in AK. Such odd cutbacks in the parks, and obviously just b/c DL cut it out doesn't mean that AK did, but I did want to forewarn you. My kids were bummed. They had just watched Up in anticipation of doing it, so maybe don't bring it up until you get there and know it's still going on. (Or maybe someone went to AK in the last week or so and can confirm.)

 

[peanutmomma]

The Wilderness Explorers thing at DLR (Redwood Creek Challenge Trail) is just a pamphlet, so I can't say you missed all that much. It's a totally different setup compared to the AK program.

Although if they ever offered an overnight camping trip in there, my kid would be the first in line. He loves that area!

 

[Sevey13]

If your kids like Wilderness Explorers, they will LOVE actual Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts. If they enjoyed even one of the activities, consider looking up Scouting in your neighborhood.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We missed this last time. Where do you go to sign up in the AK.

 

[peanutmomma]

We missed this last time. Where do you go to sign up in the AK.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wilderness-explorers/

 

[jenmsmith]

Our kids all enjoyed it - ages 14, 12 and 8. Like PP said, you receive a multi-page book with a map inside and activities to do at each station. The badges are stickers. There's so many to do that you won't get it all done in one day, unless that was about the only thing you did. But you can save it and bring it back on another day or even another trip.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Thanks all for the info. Looking forward to trying this next month.