Wilderness Explorers - Which "technique"?

[shm_helene]

We are headed to AK in June. We have 1 full day and 1 half day with an EMH. I had been thinking that one day we would to all of the usual "stuff" and on the other day we would do some of the Wilderness Explorer badges. My reasoning was it would be nice to have a planned day to do attractions...but to also have an unplanned day where we just enjoyed the park and didn't think too much about attractions. Now I'm wondering if this might not make as much sense as breaking up Wilderness Explorers over both days. Thoughts? TIA!

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

I would break it up over 2 days - and do the stops you run into along the way

 

[TexasKiwiPrincess]

I agree with the idea to work on Wilderness Explorers over 2 days. See what you can work into your plans on Day 1 and then use Day 2 to complete. That way you don't have to cover the entire park again on day 2 if there is something you don't care to revisit.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with the others. It took us 4 days to get all of the Wilderness Explorers stamps. I would definitely go to the stops as you pass them on both days.

 

[Iowamomof4]

Is there anywhere to see what the Wilderness Explorer stuff involves? Like, is it something we could sort of plan ahead?

 

[linzbear]

Is there anywhere to see what the Wilderness Explorer stuff involves? Like, is it something we could sort of plan ahead?

They're everywhere, 30 badges I think? It's not hard to get each badge, 1-5 minutes at most, they're just completely spread out over the park, so if you miss one it's a trek to get back. We did it over 3 half days.

 

[shm_helene]

Thanks all

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

They'll give you a map with locations when you get your materials / take the pledge. Do look at it - some of the locations are very obvious - others are easy to walk past if you're not paying attention.

 

[shm_helene]

They'll give you a map with locations when you get your materials / take the pledge. Do look at it - some of the locations are very obvious - others are easy to walk past if you're not paying attention.

Thank you!

 

[mshanson3121]

I would break it up over 2 days - and do the stops you run into along the way

I agree with this. I mean, you can still focus on your rides and attractions the first day, but as you come across WE stops during your planned stops for that day, do them. Then you could take the second day and just focus on getting the remaining ones. Our children LOVED Wilderness Explorers.

 

[shm_helene]

My daughter will be just 6, I think she might be a bit young, but I thought it might be something to add to our things to do. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Crystal824]

My 5 year old loved WE. It took us 3 trips to AK over two visits to WDW to get all the badges.

 

[ngm]

Sorry to hijack, but do the badges change over time? We haven't been since 2014 and one of the highlights of the trip for my DD was Wilderness Explorers and I know she'll want to work on more badges.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Sorry to hijack, but do the badges change over time? We haven't been since 2014 and one of the highlights of the trip for my DD was Wilderness Explorers and I know she'll want to work on more badges.

when we did it there were only 20 badges - on a recent trip we found out they had added more - the Wilderness Explorer CMs wanted us to show them our original book but we hadn't brought it with us. Not sure which ones have been added but we're planning on finding out on our next trip.

 

[cassie58]

I would break it up over 2 days - and do the stops you run into along the way

Totally agree. As PPs mentioned it, it takes time, and you can do what is on your path rather than running around. Depending on what else you want to do, it can take even more than 2 days, but you can always bring it back next time. It's a lot more fun if you enjoy the stops rather than rushing to get to the next!

Sorry to hijack, but do the badges change over time? We haven't been since 2014 and one of the highlights of the trip for my DD was Wilderness Explorers and I know she'll want to work on more badges.

No, they are the same. My DD brought back her book from 2013 on our trip in Dec. and continued to earn badges. She still hasn't finished as we had a shorter trip this time. Have fun!

 

[shm_helene]

Thanks all, I've changed my touring plans. I know there is no way we will get it all done, planning on continuing over next couple of trips