When guests are paying hundreds to thousands on a theme park vacation, every moment within the parks is sacred. For this reason, guests can easily become frustrated when they realize that certain hours of a park or attraction have become limited.
This week, guests were met with surprise when Disney changed the hours of one major attraction to close at 4:45 as part of an indefinite change moving forward. While surprising to some, this change was made for a reason many will understand.
Related: Hurricane Milton Wreaks Havoc on Disney Safari: Animal Area Closed Indefinitely
Closing Time Changes for Beloved Attraction
With the end of daylight saving time, Kilimanjaro Safaris at Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom Park is now closing earlier in the day. As of this week, guests looking to embark on this popular safari adventure will need to plan their visit accordingly, as the attraction now closes at 4:45 p.m. According to the attraction website, this change will continue moving forward.
This adjustment accommodates the changing sunset time, ensuring that guests can experience the safari while there’s still ample daylight to view the animals and respect their evening routines. The earlier closing time allows for optimal animal viewing, as natural daylight is essential for observing the animals in their vast habitats.
Disney prioritizes both guest experience and animal well-being, and keeping the safari open only during daylight hours is part of this commitment. With shorter daylight hours during the fall and winter months, it’s more challenging for guests to see many of the animals as dusk approaches. By closing Kilimanjaro Safaris at 4:45, Disney ensures that both animals and guests enjoy the best possible experience.
With daylight saving in effect, Kilimanjaro is closing earlyyyyyy. Makes sense tho
With daylight saving in effect, Kilimanjaro is closing earlyyyyyy. Makes sense tho pic.twitter.com/vSphjzLNYm
— Evan Patel (@EvanPatel11) November 3, 2024
Seasonal Changes at Kilimanjaro Safaris
During the spring and summer, when the days are longer and sunlight extends well into the evening, Kilimanjaro Safaris often remains open until around 6 p.m. This extended operating time allows more guests to enjoy the attraction, which sees increased popularity during the warmer months. With the additional sunlight, guests have the opportunity to catch a wider variety of animal behaviors, as many of the safari’s residents are more active during the cooler parts of the day, especially in the early evening hours.
The seasonal shifts in Kilimanjaro Safaris’ schedule are one way that Disney’s Animal Kingdom aligns its attractions with natural patterns, ensuring a respectful balance between guest entertainment and the comfort of the park’s animal inhabitants.
The History and Appeal of Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris opened alongside Disney’s Animal Kingdom in April 1998, and it quickly became one of the park’s most beloved experiences. Designed to transport guests into the heart of an African savanna, the attraction spans approximately 110 acres, making it one of the largest attractions at Walt Disney World.
This safari is more than just a ride; it’s a fully immersive experience that brings guests face-to-face with animals in realistic habitats, from towering giraffes and majestic elephants to zebras, rhinos, and even lions. The attraction has endeared itself to fans for its commitment to authenticity and conservation.
Each safari ride is unique, as the animals are free to roam, offering guests a different experience every time they board the safari vehicle. Kilimanjaro Safaris also embraces Disney’s dedication to education and environmental stewardship, giving guests the chance to learn about wildlife conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these magnificent animals in their natural habitats.
Why Fans Love Kilimanjaro Safaris
For many visitors, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a highlight of any trip to Animal Kingdom. The experience feels like stepping into a nature documentary, and guests can get remarkably close to the animals without disturbing their natural behaviors. Guided by knowledgeable Cast Members, each tour provides fascinating insights into the animals and their ecosystems, enhancing the educational aspect of the journey.
Fans often describe Kilimanjaro Safaris as one of the most authentic and heartwarming experiences in Disney’s parks, a chance to connect with nature in a way that’s both exciting and serene. The attraction’s ever-changing nature and the possibility of seeing new animals each time make it a must-do on every Animal Kingdom itinerary, especially for those who are passionate about wildlife and conservation.
As the days get shorter and the park adjusts to winter hours, fans of Kilimanjaro Safaris can look forward to spring, when the attraction will extend its hours once more, providing even more opportunities to enjoy this enchanting safari at twilight. Until then, visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom are encouraged to plan their safari rides earlier in the day to make the most of this beloved attraction’s limited hours and experience the wonders of the African savanna under the Florida sun.
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