Take a Hike
Walt Disney World is a large place – almost the size of San Francisco or two Manhattans – there’s a lot of area to cover between the 4 main theme parks, 2 water parks, 26+ resorts, Disney Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk area. Your family will have the opportunity to explore many different modes of transportation.
You and your scout will definitely get your steps in during your Disney vacation. Remind scouts to use the buddy system everywhere, from refilling your beverage mugs at the resort food court to navigating through a crowd from one attraction to another in the theme parks.
There are also some ‘off the beaten path’ areas which are perfect for mini-hikes. Places where you can explore the plants, animals, sounds, and sights made magical by nature and the Disney Imagineers.
Great places to take a hike at Disney
Magic Kingdom
- Tom Sawyer’s Island is the perfect place to hike around and discover caves, bridges, rocks, and nature.
- For a small 1-foot hike, explore the area between the hub area (in front of the castle) and the trail to Adventureland. Ducks, rabbits, and other small animals can usually be found in this small area.
EPCOT
- During the Behind the Seeds tour, your scout will have a chance to hike around the Living with the Land greenhouse.
- In the United Kingdom area of World Showcase, you’ll find an English Tea Garden where your scout will discover a variety of plants and some extra fun if you participate in the Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure.
- If your visit to Disney World happens during Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival, your family will find several pop-up attractions – like the butterfly garden – featuring nature, flowers, and insects.
Animal Kingdom
- Almost every trail in Animal Kingdom Park is perfect for a small hike. Around each corner your scout will find flora, fauna, and amazing creatures in natural habitats – up close and personal. Especially spend time exploring:
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- The Oasis Exhibits
- And the Discovery Island Trails where you can meander down serene paths, cross wooden foot bridges, and journey through cave-like tunnels on a self-guided trek below the Tree of Life.
Resorts
- At your resort (and in the parks) discover various plant materials and gardening techniques – and see how landscaping helps develop a theme.
- One exceptional example of resort landscape theming is found at the Art of Animation.
Meet requirements
To meet rank requirements, your scout should make a list of the different types of plants and animals they find.
