Night Time Safari at Animal Kingdom

Disney is very concerned for the animals under its care. For example, every straw is a paper straw because animals might eat a plastic straw and die. I remember when the park first opened, you couldn't even get plastic silverware - it was carved slivers of wood. Things change, especially when there are dollars associated with it. And while the straws are still paper? The forks are now plastic.

Things also change for the care of the animals. In attempt to capture the evening crowd (and combat construction complaints at Hollywood Studios), the Animal Kingdom is now open later. As part, one of their most popular attractions (the Killmanjaro Safari) runs into the dark as well.

When we boarded our truck, I wondered what the safari would be like. I assumed it would be dark and we wouldn't see anything, so I thought the safari would be a comedy show - like The Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. It wasn't.

Disney has lit up the entire area with huge flood lights. Some flood lights stream down through the trees like moon light. Others shine on rocks to provide accent lighting. But most are just out there in the Serengeti blasting away like a Walmart parking lot at night.

Does it bother the animals? I don't know - you would have to ask them. It didn't seem to bother them. I would think an animal at night would be concerned about predators and might enjoy the extra light. But then again, it would disturb natural sleep cycles.

The night time safari is very popular, and is as entertaining as the day time. The pictures you might take will not be very good because they prohibit flashes. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend the night time safari.