Review: Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of the most affordable “extras” at Disney World also happens to be one of the most memorable. While many tours carry a hefty price tag, the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers an incredible backstage experience for a very reasonable price ($39 per person).

Friends recently treated us to this 60-minute excursion and it was one of the highlights of their trip. While I have done taken this tour before, it is one I would take again and again and again.

The tour begins at a check-in kiosk near the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Because this is a popular experience, reservations are a must. The journey starts by heading backstage. Please note that photography is strictly prohibited in the backstage areas; however, once you arrive at the elephant observation area, you will have plenty of opportunities to snap photos.

From the kiosk, you are escorted to a van that drives you behind the scenes toward the elephant enclosure. If you’ve ever been on the safari and looked across the savanna to see people standing on a distant raised platform, that is exactly where you are heading, the private observation area at the rear of the enclosure.

An Unfiltered Look at the Herd

Because the elephants have a “mind of their own,” sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the keepers do their best to time the tour with the herd’s natural movements. As we walked up the ramp, we initially thought we might be out of luck, then, suddenly, several large pachyderms lumbered into view from the left.

The tour guide shared the fascinating history of the herd, explaining the complex relationships between the family members. The education portion covers everything from their specialized medical care to their daily habits. We even learned:

• How they walk: Interestingly, elephants actually walk on their toes, with a large pad of gristle under each heel to cushion their massive weight.
• The “Dirty” Details: We learned about the importance of tracking their health through their waste—and yes, we even got to hold and touch (sanitized!) elephant dung.

The observation area offers a stunning, elevated view. The elephants can get as close as 80 to 100 feet, but there are still barriers separating you and them. The guide pointed out various enrichment devices hidden in the landscape that encourage the elephants to stretch their trunks and stay active. Since food is their primary motivator, eating roughly 300 to 400 pounds of food a day, the keepers use these devices to keep them engaged.

We watched the herd play, frolic, and in one instance, climb onto a rocky area. It is a fantastic photo opportunity for selfies with the elephants in the background, though you should keep an eye on the sun’s position depending on your tour time.

The herd is currently made up of about nine elephants and their social dynamics are incredible to watch. Like clockwork, as our hour came to an end, the elephants began moving out of view as if they knew the tour was over.

One of the best parts of this tour is its purpose. It is part of Disney’s AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) mission of education. The cost of the tour goes directly toward animal conservation and the operation of the program, which is likely why it remains one of the most budget-friendly gems in the park. For information about the tour and ticket go here.