Guest Shares Jaw-Dropping Moment From One of Disney's Most Frustrating Rides

One guest had an incredible time while riding one of Disney World’s most impressive and frustrating attractions.

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Each year, millions upon millions of guests visit Walt Disney World for a variety of reasons, but the resort’s commitment to immersive experiences and breathtaking attractions remains the biggest draw.

From thrilling new roller coasters like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to classic dark rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Haunted Mansion, there’s almost no end to the magical possibilities during a day, or night, at Walt Disney World.

However, perhaps Disney World’s most impressive and immersive ride is found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a theme park all about authentic experiences and otherworldly creatures.

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At the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom lies Kilimanjaro Safaris, a ride that seeks to transport guests into the African Savannah. What makes this safari attraction so special is just how detailed it is, with Disney Imagineers going above and beyond when designing and building it.

Guests can spot over 100 different animals during their guided truck tour during their trek through an incredibly realized but still fake version of the African Savannah, ranging from small birds to large elephants.

Perhaps the most notorious part of the attraction is the lion exhibit, where guests can spot both male and female lions as they lounge on the rocks. These breathtaking creatures spend most of their day sleeping, though if guests are lucky, they may spot one other two.

This is exactly what happened to a few very lucky riders during the Christmas season, with one sharing their incredible photos online.

Reddit user Fine-Way-7364 posted a few photos from their recent excursion on Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the post quickly went viral among other Disney World fans.

On the kilimanjaro safaris today
byu/Fine-Way-7364 inWaltDisneyWorld

Not only were the pesky lions out front and center but multiple cheetahs could also be spotted.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting much, but seeing the cheetahs and three lions truly made my day,” said the guest who took the photos.

As stated earlier, Kilimanjaro Safaris is perhaps the most realistic and immersive ride at Walt Disney World or any Disney theme park for that matter. However, because these are very real animals and not just animatronics, the time of day and year play a big part in whether or not guests will be able to spot the creatures they want to see.

It can be incredibly frustrating to wait an hour or more just to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris and not see any movement, but when you do actually spot that elusive zebra or lion, it’s all worth it.

More on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Sightings
Spot a lounging hippopotamus nestled in a peaceful pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a towering giraffe grazing on the tall trees or a white rhino relaxing in the cool mud. Other amazing animals you may encounter include cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, painted dogs, zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom is on the cusp of the most exciting and transformational period since Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in 2017. Not only will the park be losing DinoLand, but Animal Kingdom will also soon be home to Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Half of DinoLand U.S.A. will close in January, with the other half remaining open through 2025. This includes DINOSAUR, meaning guests will have an entire year to enjoy one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling attractions.

Animal Kingdom isn’t the only theme park to undergo changes in 2025. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are also set to receive upgrades and overhauls. Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for its year-long refurbishment in January, and the rest of Frontierland will also receive changes.

For more information on what a big year 2025 will be for the Walt Disney World Resort, click here.

Do you enjoy riding Kilimanjaro Safaris? What is your favorite ride or attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?