Listen, Disney Adults (including me) know what we want when we go to Disney World.
Animal Kingdom
That’s true just about anything. For example, we know the best spot for our favorite Disney World noms, where we’re going to lay our heads down at night, and what ride we want to get on and when we want to get on it. Speaking of rides, there’s this one ride at Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and you won’t catch us in any other row than this one and we’ll keep asking for it. Let’s talk about it!
As we were saying, when it comes to us Disney Adults, we know what we want. When we’re talking about Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris, we want that front row. But why, you ask, are we so adamant about it? Well, sit back and relax as I break down exactly why Row 1 is a hot commodity for all us Disney Adults.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Prime Access to the Driver
Let’s be real. Disney Cast Members are just as much a part of the magic as the attractions themselves. On Kilimanjaro Safaris, the driver is not just someone getting you from point A to point B. They’re your guide through the breathtaking, simulated African savanna.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Their knowledge about the animals and conservation efforts, mixed with some quirky Disney humor, is what makes the experience next-level.
Zebra on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Now, unfortunately, if you’re sitting way in the back, you might feel like you’re catching every third word they say. It’s like being at a concert but stuck behind someone who’s live streaming the whole thing. It’s just not the same.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Sitting in Row 1 solves that. You’re right up front, so you can hear every fun fact, animal tidbit, and sometimes even a few little extra details they only mention to the lucky few who are closest.
A giraffe on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Plus, if you have a burning question about how tall a giraffe is or why flamingos stand on one leg, you can just ask!
It Feels More Personal
Being up close and personal with the driver adds a touch of magic that makes the ride feel more intimate. In Row 1, it’s almost like you’re having a private tour. The guide often makes more eye contact through the rear view mirror with the front row and might even give a little nod or smile when they see you’re fully engaged.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Driver
For those of us Disney Adults who live for these small, magical moments, this can make a huge difference. You’re not just passively riding through. It’s like you’re actively part of the experience.
The View
At the end of the day, we all came to see the animals, didn’t we? Sure, all seats on the safari offer a decent view, but the front row lets you feel like you’re really immersed in the action.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Whether it’s a giraffe strolling by or a rhino chilling in the mud, you’ve basically got the same sightline as the driver to soak it all in without having to crane your neck around the rows of other guests or hold your camera awkwardly high for that perfect shot.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
So, next time you’re on Kilimanjaro Safaris and you hear someone (probably me) asking for Row 1, you’ll know why. Until then, keep following DFB for all the latest Disney news!
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For myself and another blogger–we like the back row. Last ones to see what everyone is OOOhhh and AHHHHing about up front with no one in our line of sight.
Our best experience was in the very last row as we had an extremely close encounter with some curious ostriches when our vehicle was stopped for a bit.
I agree. My wife and I were there in June and just happened to get seated in the front row directly behind the driver. The view was great, and we had plenty of questions he answered, including why we had to stop so long (a rhinoceros was blocking the vehicle ahead of us!).
I was riding in the first car with my Grandsons, the second trip of the day, we went first thing and almost last thing of the day to see the different animals. On the second trip of the day the giraffe’s came walking by but a young male had started to answer the call of nature and as he ran to catch up to the group my middle grandson said in the “inside voice” only a 5 year old can have Grandma look at the giraffe’s (correct name for the organ) it’s huge!! I think the tours behind us hear him. Our driver not to laugh, and ended up saying that he finds young children refreshing and lets look over to the left where the antelope are grazing. It’s a fantastic “ride” the information given out is understandable.
I got some great pictures of a rhino from the back row once. He had been standing next to the road when the vehicle passed, but then he started walking down the road right behind us. It was amazing, and we never would have seen it from the front row.
The first row view is blocked by the driver and front of the truck. I never want to be in the 1st row!