Caring for Giants: An Unforgettable Elephant Encounter at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
By Allison Brown, Travel & Cruise ConsultantOctober 2026 · 6 min read
Quick takeaways
- Caring for Giants is a one-hour, behind-the-scenes elephant tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for $39 USD per person plus tax.
- You watch the herd from a backstage viewing area about 80 to 100 feet away, much closer than on the safari ride.
- Open to guests ages 4 and up. Groups are small, so book ahead.
- Florida storms can pause the tour. If that happens, Disney offers to wait it out, reschedule or refund.
When most people think of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they picture thrilling safaris, immersive lands, and incredible wildlife encounters. But tucked away behind the scenes is one of the park’s most rewarding experiences for animal lovers: the Caring for Giants tour.
As someone who loves both Disney and wildlife conservation, this one-hour guided tour quickly became one of the highlights of our visit.
Going Beyond the Safari
While Kilimanjaro Safaris offers fantastic views of the African elephant habitat, Caring for Giants takes the experience to another level. The tour gives guests a chance to learn about the park’s elephant herd from a dedicated guide while viewing the animals from a special backstage observation area.
Throughout the experience, guests can observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away—much closer than what you’ll typically experience during a safari ride.
After checking in near Kilimanjaro Safaris, our group was escorted backstage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the operations of one of Disney’s most ambitious animal programs. Even the short journey to the viewing area felt like stepping into a hidden side of Animal Kingdom that most guests never get to see.
When the Weather Had Other Plans
Our Caring for Giants experience actually didn’t go according to plan the first time around.
Shortly after arriving at the special viewing platform, our tour was interrupted by lightning in the area. Safety protocols required everyone to leave immediately, and our group was escorted backstage. We had barely made it inside one of the backstage buildings when the skies opened up and a torrential Florida downpour began.
Our guide presented us with several options: we could wait to see if the storm passed quickly, reschedule the tour for later in our vacation, or receive a refund. My daughter and I decided to wait it out and hope Mother Nature would cooperate.
As the rain continued and the lightning showed no signs of letting up, it became clear that the weather wasn’t going to improve anytime soon. Our guide checked in with us again, and this time we chose to reschedule for another day. While we were working through the logistics, Disney sprinkled a little extra magic on our disappointing situation.
In true Disney fashion, we were unexpectedly “pixie-dusted” with a backstage tour.
Our guide led us through areas that most guests never get to see, and before long we realized we were inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch. We explored behind-the-scenes spaces, including rooms and equipment used by the veterinary team to care for Animal Kingdom’s animals.
We had just missed a procedure that had taken place earlier, but it was still fascinating to see where the park’s animal care professionals work and learn about the incredible effort that goes into keeping the animals healthy.
What could have been a frustrating experience ended up becoming one of the most memorable moments of our trip. While we didn’t get to complete the Caring for Giants tour that day, we walked away with an unexpected glimpse into Disney’s animal care operations and an appreciation for how committed the Cast Members were to ensuring we still had a special experience.
When we returned later in our trip to complete the tour, it almost felt like we were getting two unique experiences for the price of one.
Meeting the Giants
The real stars of the tour, of course, are the elephants.
From the viewing area, we watched members of the herd roam, interact, and enjoy their habitat. What impressed me most wasn’t just their size—it was seeing their personalities emerge. Some were playful and curious, while others seemed perfectly content grazing or relaxing with family members nearby.
Our guide shared fascinating insights into elephant behavior, social structures, and the unique relationships within the herd. The presentation felt less like a lecture and more like a conversation, with plenty of opportunities for guests to ask questions. The guides and caretakers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals in their care.
A Lesson in Conservation
One of the most meaningful aspects of Caring for Giants is its focus on conservation.
Throughout the tour, Disney’s commitment to protecting elephants both in managed care and in the wild is woven into the experience. Guests learn about the challenges facing African elephant populations and the efforts being made to support conservation programs around the world. Disney’s animal care team uses the tour as an opportunity to educate visitors about the importance of preserving these remarkable animals for future generations.
Fun factOur guide shared countless interesting facts throughout the tour, but one that stuck with me was learning that elephants are surprisingly wary of bees. In parts of Africa, farmers use beehive fences to help keep elephants away from their crops. If an elephant bumps the fence, it disturbs the hives and the bees come out, encouraging the elephant to move on.
It’s such a simple idea, but it has helped many communities protect their farms without harming the elephants. Moments like that reminded me that Caring for Giants is about much more than seeing elephants—it’s about learning how conservation efforts are helping people and wildlife coexist.
Hearing these stories added depth to the experience. It wasn’t just about seeing elephants up close—it was about understanding why they matter and how conservation efforts can make a difference.
Planning Your Caring for Giants Experience
If you’re interested in adding Caring for Giants to your Animal Kingdom itinerary, it’s a relatively affordable way to enjoy a behind-the-scenes animal encounter, and one of Disney’s more budget-friendly premium experiences.
Tour at a glance
- Price: $39 USD per person, plus tax
- Length: about 1 hour
- Ages: 4 and older (under 18 with an adult)
- Tour times: typically 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Check-in: near Kilimanjaro Safaris
Prices and tour times can change, so check the latest details when you book.
Advisor tipBecause group sizes are limited, it’s worth booking in advance, especially during busy travel seasons. Arrive early for check-in, and remember that Florida weather can be unpredictable—as our experience proved!
Is Caring for Giants Worth It?
For me, the answer is an easy yes.
The tour is relatively affordable compared to many other premium Disney experiences, lasts about an hour, and offers a unique combination of education, conservation, and animal observation. While elephant sightings can vary depending on where the animals choose to spend their time that day, most guests leave feeling they’ve gained a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
If you’re an animal lover, photographer, conservation enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a different kind of Disney experience, Caring for Giants is well worth adding to your Animal Kingdom itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always been about more than rides and attractions. It’s a celebration of nature, wildlife, and our connection to the world around us. Caring for Giants embodies that mission perfectly.
An hour spent learning about elephants may not sound like the most exciting part of a Disney vacation—but by the end of the tour, I found myself inspired, informed, and completely captivated by these gentle giants.
Sometimes the most magical Disney moments aren’t found on a ride at all. Sometimes they’re found standing quietly, watching an elephant family roam across the savanna.
Planning a Disney vacation? Allison specializes in Disney and Universal trips and would love to help you add special experiences like this one. You can also browse our Disney travel page and read our tips on using Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World.
Caring for Giants FAQs
How much does the Caring for Giants tour cost?
The tour costs $39 USD per person, plus tax. Prices can change, so check current pricing with your travel advisor or on Disney’s website before you book.
How long is the Caring for Giants tour?
The experience lasts about one hour, including the walk backstage to the elephant viewing area.
What is the minimum age for Caring for Giants?
Guests must be at least 4 years old, and anyone under 18 needs to be with an adult.
How close do you get to the elephants?
You watch the herd from a special backstage viewing area, roughly 80 to 100 feet away, which is much closer than you’ll usually be on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
Light rain usually isn’t a problem, but lightning means everyone has to head inside for safety. When our tour was interrupted, Disney offered to wait out the storm, reschedule for another day, or give a refund.
