New Caring For Giants Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom #DisneySMMC

As you know, last week, I was at my first land + sea adventure with the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! I will be sharing several posts over the next few weeks to take you behind-the-scenes on some of our experiences.

One of these experiences I’m excited to share with you is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Caring For Giants.

Because of the fact that this exhibit is not yet open to the public, I was lucky enough to be amongst a very small group of influencers chosen to get this sneak peek while at Disney. We were not allowed to have any cameras or record any audio from this encounter, but in true Disney fashion, it was magical.

What is it?

Caring For Giants is a unique exhibit in which guests will be given 60 minutes to experience elephants in a way they never have before – about 80 to 100 feet away.

Guests will meet African cultural representatives (we got to meet two of them) to learn about Disney’s conservation fund efforts (to include elephants and the bees project). They will speak with dedicated animal care experts who care for these beautiful African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The awesome thing about meeting the African cultural representatives is that they speak to their own personal stories of their homeland.

In addition, we got to hear about their experiences working at Disney as well as why this opportunity meant so much to them. They were excited to be a part of this experience and bring a piece of their own culture to Disney World.

Who is this for?

Caring for Giants is an exhibit the whole entire family will enjoy. My kids absolutely love learning about animals and visiting the zoo.

When I told them I got to spend some time with elephants that day (including the new baby elephant, Stella), they were slightly jealous. Actually, my son was not happy. But I told him we would come back and see it when it opened.

I love that this experience gives you a close-up into the lives of these beautiful animals. Have you met baby Stella yet?

We seriously could not stop watching her with her mom and her siblings. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I had no idea beforehand what it really takes to care for these animals, so it was a great learning experience.

How to experience Caring For Giants

Registration for this new offering opened on Feb. 8th, and the first Guests (up to 140 a day) will be able to experience the tour starting March 12th. Offered 10 times a day (at select times from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Guests will meet tour guides across from the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction entrance and be guided backstage. Cost is $30, and discounts are available for Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

One of the things I loved is that these will always be done in small groups of about 14 people. So you won’t have to worry about crowding or not being able to see.

Visit DisneyAnimals.com to learn more about elephants and other animals at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Enchanted Extras collection include a number of nature experiences across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Have you visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Comment below and let us know what you think about this new experience, Caring for Giants?


This experience and day at Caring For Giants was sponsored by Disney World. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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16 Comments

  • Dee
    February 15, 2017 at 10:31 AM

    This sounds like a really cool behind the scenes Disney experience! The price is reasonable, and the groups are small…perfect. So glad that you got to experience this Christine, and thanks for the inside track on Caring for Giants!

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 15, 2017 at 3:00 PM

      Thanks so much Dee! It truly is an amazing experience to get so close to these elephants, and to see them interact live. I do really also love that it’s small groups and it’s affordable.

  • AnnMarie John
    February 15, 2017 at 10:39 AM

    It was truly an amazing experience and one that I won’t forget soon, but I plan on taking my own kids when we go back in July. Madison just LOVES the Kilimanjaro Safari ride so she’ll be excited, she’s a big animal lover.
    AnnMarie John would like you to check out…Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Caring for GiantsMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 15, 2017 at 3:03 PM

      Yes AnnMarie!!! Disney is great at giving us memories that will last a lifetime, and this experience is no different. I’m so excited for you guys going back in July, can’t wait to hear about Madison’s experience there 🙂

  • Raquel Cummings
    February 15, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    I love Disney’s Animal Kingdom and this looks like a great addition! So lucky to have experienced this. Thanks for sharing.

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 15, 2017 at 3:04 PM

      Thanks Raquel!!! I love AK as well. It’s amazing to me that as wonderful as Disney is, they continue to make it even better! 😉

  • Mimi Green
    February 15, 2017 at 12:48 PM

    This sounds so cool, animals are always a hit with kids. I’ve never been as up-close and personal with any animal but I know Disney rolls out the magic like nobody else can. Small groups will certainly increase the experience. Nice that you got to experience it before the public can in March.

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 15, 2017 at 3:01 PM

      So true Mimi, if anyone could pull out the magic, it’s Disney 🙂 I’m so glad we got to experience it as well, and now we have to plan our next trip because the kids are asking to see it. LOL

  • La Dale Johnson
    February 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM

    This is amazing and I want to go right now. When I hit the lottery I’m going back to disney and totally going to see my elephant friends!

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 16, 2017 at 11:57 AM

      LOL I feel you La Dale!!! Although we just got back, I am plotting now on when we can get back there cause…well, Disney! 🙂

  • Brittanyqqq
    February 15, 2017 at 10:23 PM

    Ohmigoodness, I can’t wait to check this out. Animal Kingdom is already one of our favorite parks and since my littles are becoming more interested in animals, I think this will be a great hit for them. What an awesome experience!

  • Jennifer
    February 16, 2017 at 10:30 AM

    What an awesome experience Christine! I’m so jealous. I love love love elephants. We loved seeing them on the safari. I just got a giggle out of that poop fibers card. haha. So awesome.

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 16, 2017 at 11:52 AM

      LOL right Jennifer! I was like…oh…ohhhhhh so I’m just holding poop in my hands LOL I love elephants so much too, and absolutely love the safari ride 🙂

  • Bernetta
    February 17, 2017 at 8:02 AM

    OK! When did you do this? It seems like it was so much fun!! I love wild life and this seems amazing!! Great cause as well

    • Christine St.Vil
      February 17, 2017 at 9:30 AM

      LOL It was Tuesday morning. And yes, it was definitely amazing!!! Definitely can’t wait to go back and take some pictures and yes, absolutely such a great cause!

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