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Animal Kingdom is one of Disney’s most unique parks. The Park blends the concept of conservation, animal encounters, and theme park masterfully to create an experience unlike any other. When it first opened, it used the catchphrase “natazu” as a pseudo-African word to signify that it is, in fact, not a zoo. The phrase has fallen out of fashion, but the sentiment remains the same: it is so much more than a zoo! This does not change the fact, however, that the theme park is home to many wild animals, and that does present an element of danger, however small, to a visit.
Credit: Dr. Mark Penning
A dangerous animal escape isn’t likely, but it is possible. Despite every safeguard Disney has put into place, there could come a day when the perfect storm aligns just so, and one of its animals breaks free from its enclosure. This recently happened at the Dallas Zoo. A leopard escaped its enclosure, and its whereabouts were unknown for nearly a day. It likely wouldn’t take an entire day for Disney to locate one of its animals within Animal Kingdom. Still, it is important to know the safety procedures just in case it takes a bit longer than anticipated.
Credit: Touring Plans
Have you ever noticed the bathrooms at Animal Kingdom are different from the other three parks? We couldn’t blame you if you didn’t; it’s subtle. At Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, most bathroom entrances don’t have doors. Guests walk through an open threshold to enter the restroom facilities. Not so at Animal Kingdom. Every bathroom in the Park has a door, and every door has a lock.
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This is by design. Imagineers understood that Guests might one day need safe shelter from an escaped animal, and that shelter happens to be the bathrooms. While less than ideal and certainly not comfortable, it is an ingenious plan: unlike retail stores or restaurants, the bathrooms only have one way in or out, making it easier to guard against.
Credit: Disney
In the event of an animal escape emergency, Cast Members will direct you to the nearest bathroom, and when as many people as possible are safely inside, they will enter and lock the door from the inside. Once given the OK, the Cast Member will unlock the door, and everyone can return to their business. While it may be no fun to be trapped in a crowded public bathroom, there are the safest places in the Park in the event of an emergency. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to listen and follow all directions given to you by a Cast Member.
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In the 25 years, Animal Kingdom has been open, this system has never had to be used, and hopefully, it never will. A monkey has escaped here and there, but there has never been a dangerous animal breech. Disney takes both safety and animal care very seriously. It is nice to know, though, that safeguards are in place, just in case.
