Calling All Wilderness Explorers...

So, you want to be a Wilderness Explorer? Great!! You’ll need to go to Disney’s California Adventure and get ready to have fun and explore.

In this park within a park, you and your little ones will have a chance to learn Wilderness Explorer skills. If you’re unsure about the time schedule, you can ask the Cast Member as you enter the Wilderness Explorer area. S/He can assist you with a schedule of times when the characters will be available.

As you complete your Wilderness Explorer skills, you have a checklist to mark off. Once you’ve completed all the skills, you can go to the Camp at the designated time(s), and earn your Wilderness Explorer Badge (it’s a sticker). You’ll have the chance to learn your Totem Spirit Guide, and ride a tire zip line, as well as explore the rope cages, play areas, etc. It’s a lot of fun and a good way for your little one to burn off some energy.

Don’t be surprised if along the way, you find yourself face to face with none other than Dug (the dog from UP). He’s there for a photo op. There will be a Photo Pass Photographer present to assist in capturing those magical memories.

You meet another Camp Explorer (Cast Member) by the Campground, who asks for help in locating Kevin (remember the large bird in UP). You will also be asked to learn the Wilderness Explorer Call, in order to help lead Russell (the character from UP) to Camp. With your “Call”, he makes it to the camp successfully, and engages the other “Explorers” in dialogue. He then asks if you’ve completed your skills. After the “Yes” replies, he then asks everyone to stand and take the Wilderness Explorer Oath.

(Yes, his little paw is up and he's citing the oath)

After citing the Oath, he leads the group to a photo op with him. This is a Photo Pass opportunity. So have your cards ready, or get a new card from the photographer. Once you get your photos, you can safely leave the area, unless your little one wants to play some more (and burn off some of that excess energy).

This is one area you should definitely check out. It’s a lot of fun for the kids, and a nice respite for the adults. Also, don’t forget to take lots of pictures (Photo Pass or otherwise).

Frank grew up in South Florida, and as such, has been to WDW many times as a child.  The trips stopped when he went to college in Texas (his current residence).  He visited Disneyland in Cali while living there for a few years.  Fast forward to 2005, when he was once again living in TX, and decided that it was past time to return.  Since then he’s been to the parks approximately every 12-18 months, including Disneyland.  He has recently decided to join the Snapshot Getaways team as an affiliate agent, and enjoys assisting families plan their magical memories. He can be reached at:  frank@osomagical.com