Posted on January 20th, 2011

By Jennifer Burg, online editor

When I was invited to check out Disney’s newest attraction, I jumped at the chance. After all, I am a HUGE Disney gal, and I was thrilled with the idea of spending a few hours at Disney. Already well-versed in Disney experiences, I was blown away with this unique and up-close encounter with Animal Kingdom’s finest. It was so easy to get swept up in the story and forget that I was still in a Disney park only an hour away from home.

Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek is not your average Disney adventure. It is, in fact, as close as you can get to a true African safari without a full day of travel and a series of shots. The new excursion is the perfect experience for local Floridians with annual passes who have “done the Disney thing” and want a new experience.

Forget pre-conceived notions of Disney’s wide pathways and structured events. From the moment we walked past a gate that read, “Authorized Trek Guides Only” and embarked on a narrow dirt path, brushing branches out of our way as I tried to avoid tripping over exposed roots I realized - this was no ordinary day at Disney. I was now in Africa.

Deeply immersed in the story of an African adventure and limited to 12 travelers, our trek was lead by two experienced guides who expertly guided us through the African jungle pointing out dangers and interesting facts along the way. From encounters with giant kiboko (that’s Swahili for hippos), overlooking a steep cliff and a harrowing walk across a rickety footbridge with a float of mamba (crocs) chomping and hissing below (seriously, one hissed at me and about made me drop my camera!), I’ve never seen Disney like this. In fact, we found ourselves so deep in the jungle that the average Disney safari jeep tour guests snapped our picture as part of the wild life. (Thanks to our trek gear, we even look like official trekkers on an important adventure turning the average tourist green with envy.)

Following our jungle hike, an open-air jeep greeted us for the savannah portion of our journey. (Disney can’t have the guests walking free among the lions after all.) But unlike the typical jeep experience, our jeep driver was happy to stop for pictures - LOTS of pictures. From an ostrich who won’t move out of the road for our jeep to a baby giraffe chasing the antelope, we had the unique opportunity to sit back and let the wild experience soak in.

Throughout our adventure, a breath-taking view of Africa surrounded us. For true photogs, a camera is a must. (I took nearly 300 photos on my adventure, yes really.) However, for those who don’t want to hassle with a camera while making their way through the jungle, guides are equipped (and trained) on professional-quality cameras and happily play the role of paparazzi snapping pictures of the adventure, wild life and family.  The best part - a CD of all of these images is INCLUDED in the price of your adventure. That’s right, no extra charge for all these fantastic images. Love it!

Also included with the trek is a light meal served safari style. With African-inspired cuisine, prepared by the chefs from Jiko, the restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, even your taste buds will feel like you’ve left Disney. For those un-adventurous eaters (like kids and me) dietary restrictions and kids meals can be accommodated before you embark. (The mint melon balls are delish!) This welcome treat about mid-way through the adventure is not only tasty, but completely sustainable and green. From reusable cloth napkins, “African bento boxes” and bamboo spoons, you’ll leave your meal campsite having created no trash. Be sure to try the Jungle Juice, I was obsessed with it.

At the end of our three-hour trek, it was time to say good-bye to the African wilderness and return to Disney. A mere visit to Animal Kingdom will never be the same.

Amazingly, the introductory price for this one-of-a-kind experience is only $129 a person (through February 26, 2011), and I assure you that it is worth every penny. This brand-new adventure is sure to book up in advance, so be sure to make reservations before heading out to the parks. Adventurers must be at least 8 years old and in good physical condition. This really is a physical adventure, be ready to walk - a lot. Quick tip, Disney recommends flat, close-toed shoes - I recommend sneakers or hiking boots. Oh and don’t forget to use the facilities before you embark, there are no bathrooms in the jungle.

For more information about the Wild African Trek visit Disneyworld.com/DisneyAfricaTrek or call (407) WDW-TOUR.