Did you know the Up Close with Rhinos tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the most difficult experiences to book in all of Walt Disney World? This tour runs just once per day and only accommodates 14 guests, so it’s extremely tough to secure a reservation.
After about 8 years of trying, we were finally able to book Up Close with Rhinos! The trick seems to be trying to book it for as late into your trip as possible. This increases the odds of there being availability. For example, we were able to book the last two spots for the tour that was on our sixth and final day of our trip. We just made it! Every other day was already full when our booking window opened.
Rhino Tour Fast Facts:
- Approximately a 45-minute tour that goes backstage to the rhino barn at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Check-in is near the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Petting a rhino is a possibility, but not guaranteed
- Photos aren’t allowed, though cast members will take one or two for you
- You’re given a card to access your photos for free!
- It’s maybe the most difficult tour/activity to book in Walt Disney World
- The tour cost goes directly to the Disney Conservation Fund
What is the Up Close with Rhinos Tour?
Never heard of the Up Close with Rhinos Tour? Well, the name kind of explains it. Guests have a chance to go backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and, if the rhino of the day is feeling cooperative, pet a rhino!
Since we are talking about an encounter with a live animal, nothing is guaranteed. Disney makes it clear that guests have the opportunity to see and pet a rhino, but if the rhino isn’t in the mood that day, there’s nothing that can be done. While that makes the tour a bit of a gamble, we like that Disney allows their animals to choose how to spend their day.
Rhino Tour Check-In
We were told to meet at a check-in desk located just before the entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of 11am. Considering how long it took us to book this tour, we showed up at 10:45am on the dot. Disney made it clear when we booked the tour that they won’t wait for stragglers. Be on time!
Check-in was a breeze. We had to sign a liability waiver (this is common for almost every Disney tour), and were given a lanyard with our names on it (pictured above). The cast members asked us to wait nearby until everyone was assembled and it was time to go.
Heading Backstage & Traveling to the Rhino Barn
Our cast member guide led our group of 14 backstage just to the side of Kilimanjaro Safaris. We were reminded that we would be in backstage areas throughout the tour, so pictures and videos were not allowed. The backstage road we took goes behind Tusker House restaurant and the Festival of the Lion King theatre. You may even see a Festival of the Lion King performer as you walk by!
A short walk brought us to a small parking lot. Our guide told us this is where they park all of the safari vehicles from Kilimanjaro Safaris each night. Too cool! We boarded a small 14-seat van (it’s why the tour is limited to 14 guests), and began our short ride around the backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The route we took is in red above. We drove by other animal barns and a field where plants and brush are grown to feed the animals. Our guide shared some fun facts about Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and soon we were pulling into a small parking lot. This parking lot was surrounded by the rhino barn, elephant barn, and the home for the cheetahs. You can see the rhino barn marked with a yellow box above.
For reference, the rhino barn sits roughly behind the area where the cheetahs are on Kilimanjaro Safaris. The support area is completely hidden from view because it’s down a hill from the exhibit guests see on the ride.
Meeting a Rhino!
After arriving at the rhino barn, we met two keepers who work with the rhinos. We learned some fun facts about their enclosure, enrichment, diet, and more. And then, it was time to meet the star of the show – Jao!
We were told the keepers rotate which rhino is involved in the Up Close with Rhinos tour, and that the rhinos view it as a special reward. Wondering why? Food! That alone usually encourages the rhino to stand near the enclosure’s bars for guests to see.
Today’s rhino was Jao, a female white rhino who came to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2007. She is the mom of Mylo, a white rhino born in 2021 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom who has since moved to a different zoo.
Jao hung out by the edge of her enclosure. The keepers showed off a couple behaviors they’ve taught the rhinos (opening their mouth, standing in a specific spot) that helps with different examinations that keep the animals healthy. We also learned lots of fun facts about Jao, her family, and her history at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Then it was time for the big highlight of the tour – we got to pet a rhino! Both of Jao’s keepers decided her behavior was calm enough for guests to pet her on her side, so we all took turns gently petting and patting her while she ate. You have to be careful when reaching between the bars. No one wants to get squished by a rhino!
What does a rhino’s skin feel like? It’s kind of tough to describe. A rhino’s skin can be up to two inches thick. We thought Jao’s skin felt dense, sort of like a cantaloupe or a fuzzy basketball.
Each group had their pictures taken petting Jao, and then the tour sadly came to an end. Special shoutout to keeper Brice who was amazing and answered all of our questions!
Heading Back & Ending the Tour
We loaded back into the bus and began the drive back to the other side of the park. Our guide continued to answer questions we had about animals in Walt Disney World or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When we arrived back at our starting point, we left the backstage area the same way we came in.
There was one final photo opportunity for guests as they left. You could hold up a rhino cutout that said ‘Up Close with Rhinos’ to show proof of your tour. Most guests skipped this, but we took part. All of the pictures were included with the tour. They could be accessed via the code on the back of the card we received before departing (pictured above).
Overall Thoughts on Up Close with Rhinos
Was the Up Close with Rhinos tour worth it? Did it live up to the hype after years and years of trying to book it? Yes and yes!
Seeing a rhino up close was awesome. They’re incredible animals. We understand that getting to pet the rhino isn’t guaranteed, but we think simply having the chance makes this tour more than worth it. Besides, the tour price goes directly to the Disney Conservation Fund, so just going on the tour is helping animals.
All of the cast members involved were terrific. They were all friendly, informative, and clearly excited to help guests learn more about rhinos. We highly recommend booking Up Close with Rhinos if you ever see it has availability.
