Want to meet a Rhino?
Disney’s Up Close with Rhinos is the tour for you!
There are plenty of reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park — incredible attractions, beautiful theming, great food and, of course, the animals. But some of our favorite experiences at Walt Disney World are the ones that take you a little bit beyond what you normally see in the parks.
Up Close with Rhinos is one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s smaller, behind-the-scenes experiences and a great option for guests who love animals or want to do something a little different.
We’ve ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris plenty of times (and we LOVE it!) but seeing Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s rhinos from this perspective was an entirely different experience.
What Is Up Close with Rhinos?
Up Close with Rhinos is an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
- This is a small-group tour led by Disney’s animal-care professionals.
- The tour focuses specifically on Disney’s white rhinos and gives guests the opportunity to learn about rhino behavior, care and conservation.
- The tour does not necessarily guarantee touching a rhino as the animals determine how close the interaction becomes.
This tour isn’t another version of Kilimanjaro Safaris. It is much more intimate and educational.
What Happens on the Tour?
Checking In
- Check in about 15 minutes prior to your tour at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk. This is right across from the entrance to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction queue.
- When you check in you will sign a waiver and receive your name badge for the tour.
- This is also a good time to take a quick last minute rest room stop and a few sips of water.
Heading Backstage
- Your tour guide will lead the group backstage where a small air-conditioned van waits to take you on your adventure. It is about a 10 minute drive to the Rhino enclosures.
- It is really special to get a glimpse at a part of Animal Kingdom Park that regular guests don’t get to see. However, be aware that no photographs can be taken once you go backstage. Please make sure you store your cell phones and cameras in a bag while on the tour.
Meeting the Animal-Care Team
- Once you reach the rhino enclosures, you will meet the animal specialists who care for the rhinos day in and day out.
- The team goes over the different kinds of rhinos, the personalities of the individual animals, what training and veterinary care is needed and the importance of conservation.
The Rhino Encounter – The Main Event!
Being in the presence of such a massive animal is definitely awe-inspiring. They are the Earth’s second-largest land animal after all!
This experience can differ for each tour group depending on the rhino – and the rhino’s mood – that particular day. The interaction is completely up to the animal, so if they don’t feel like standing near the group, they are not forced. However, Lola – our beautiful rhino – seemed to like the attention – and the snacks that their animal caregiver doled out during the encounter time.
The rhinos are kept behind fencing for safety, but guests are still able to get a great look at the animals and stand fairly close to them.
We loved that we had the opportunity to, in smaller family groups, go up to the rhino and pet her through the fence posts. It was amazing to be able to touch such an huge, exotic animal and it is an experience that we will never forget.
What Surprised Us Most
- It is hard to imagine just how enormous the rhinos are before you get to stand right beside one. It was also very cool to get to pet the rhino and feel the texture of their skin.
- Even though personal photographs are not allowed backstage, we were so happy (and surprised!) that our tour guide took some photos of our family groups and our special rhino with a Disney camera. Those photos were added to our Memory Maker account for no extra charge.
- We were also pleasantly surprised by how much time the animal specialists took to give us information and answer questions.
Who Would Love This Tour?
We can’t imagine anyone not liking this tour, but it would be especially appreciated by:
- Animal lovers
- Kids fascinated by wildlife
- Families who have visited Walt Disney World before and want to experience something new
- Adults looking for a unique Disney experience
- Guests celebrating a birthday or special occasion
- Families interested in conservation
However, this tour does have a slower pace and a more educational vibe, so younger children may not appreciate it as much as older kids. Also, if rides are the priority for your vacation, you may not want to devote park time to a tour like this.
Things to Know Before Booking
- Guests must be 4 years of age or older to participate and anyone under 18 must participate with an adult.
- Guests must have theme park admission which is not included in the price of this tour.
- The current price of the tour is $49 per person (plus tax) but this can change at any time.
- Advance reservations are a must.
Is Up Close with Rhinos Worth the Extra Cost?
The Tour is Worth it if:
- You have an animal lover in the family, enjoy behind-the-scenes Disney experiences or are looking for a memorable add-on that doesn’t take up half your park day.
As frequent Walt Disney World guests, our family really enjoyed our time on this tour. It is a very unique animal adventure that the average park visitor won’t experience.
We learned a lot about the rhinos and have a new appreciation for these majestic animals.
Also, while talking with the animal-care specialists, our kids gained important insight into what is involved in caring for these amazing animals and what it might take to pursue a career working with with them.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always been about much more than rides and shows, good as they are. Experiences like Up Close with Rhinos are a great reminder of just how much animal care and conservation work is happening beyond what guests see during a normal day in the park. This tour was a very memorable part of our Disney vacation!
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation?
Kingdom Planners can help with everything from choosing your resort and park tickets to dining, touring plans and special experiences like Up Close with Rhinos. Contact us today to help book your next magical trip!
