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Disney Guests Get Alternative Safari After Ride Break Down

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Credit: Disney

It’s always an interesting ride experience when an attraction breaks down at one of Walt Disney World’s theme parks.

At Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Parks, Guests have seen some unusual ride evacuations lately, from a ladder climb on Peter Pan’s Flight to a water evacuation on Pirates of the Caribbean. 

And this week, one group of Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom got an alternative safari after their ride vehicle broke down mid-way through the attraction’s route.

safari-animal-kingdom

Credit: Disney Tips

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened back on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and the Zoological Park at the Walt Disney World Resort is the largest theme park in the world, covering a crazy 580 acres!

The popular Lake Buena Vista Disney Park is home to a whole host of protected animals, most of which can be found at Harambe Wildlife Preserve, the fictional home of Africa’s main attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle for an expedition to see African species such as okapis, bongos, black rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, springboks, antelopes, and African bush elephants.

But what happens when the ride breaks down mid-safari? Well, one group of Disney World Guests got a different kind of safari experience this week when a tow truck had to pull their vehicle around the attraction. Emily K. shared her breakdown story from the famous Walt Disney World safari ride, writing: “Our truck broke down on the Safari! Being towed through the animals!”:

kilimanjaro-safari-tow-breakdown

Credit: Emily K.

Her photo shows the ride vehicle of Kilimanjaro Safaris being towed by a themed recovery truck after being stuck on the safari route for some time.

According to Emily, the Cast Member “driving” the vehicle still talked about the animals and finished the tour like they normally would have. We’re not sure how slow the tow truck pulled the vehicle around the safari track, but we understand this incident also caused an interruption to the queue waiting back in Africa to board the ride.

Though the truck isn’t the most magical of views on a Kilimanjaro Safari experience, it’s great to see Disney’s Animal Kingdom Cast Members have an alternative solution to getting Guests their safari ride. Let’s just hope the animals were active that day!

Kilimanjaro-safaris-giraffe

Credit: Disney Dining

Previously, we’ve seen a safari group get evacuated backstage through animal enclosures after a ride vehicle broke down during the ride.

The Animal Kingdom visitors had to walk across a cattle grid prohibiting wild animals from crossing into other enclosures. Was it a “Giraffic jam” or a rhino in the road? Well, it again was caused by a broken-down vehicle. The Guests’ Kilimanjaro Safari trek vehicle had its wheel axle completely buckle and break, leaving the Guests stranded.

We at Disney Tips enjoy seeing these unique perspectives on the Kilimanjaro Safari, especially getting to see areas that Guests do not usually get to see!

zebra-animal-kingdom-safari

Credit: Dr. Mark Penning

More on Kilimanjaro Safaris

Walt Disney World’s official description of Kilimanjaro Safaris reads:

A Truly Wild Adventure

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 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 Encounters
Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and 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.

About Melissa Cannioto

Melissa is an author, adventurer, and chatterbox, who has worked at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Adventures by Disney! A British native, she has traveled the world seeking new experiences, and now resides in Florida with her husband, an Air Force pilot. Find her children's book at @bear.hug.book