We are also visiting for the first time next month. Our 11 year old isn't much of a thrill rider, but she's excited about the all of the animal exhibits and interactions. She'll also like to see Iceploration. How do you suggest we start our day off? Taking the BG bus transportation from Sea World as we're actually staying at a WDW resort. Thank you!
The bus usually arrives between 10 and 11 depending on traffic. First thing I would do is check to see what is going on at Cheetah Run (they have a presentation normally at 10:30 and 11:30 and again twice in the afternoon). They usually run one of the cheetahs at least once a day - the time varies from day to day. It's over in a just a few seconds, but it's something very cool to see if you're into animals.
There are also regular animal trainer talks/interactions in the Edge of Africa - look for signs posted when you enter near Cheetah Hunt (just over the railroad tracks). Also, check out Jambo Junction in the early afternoon (around 1 or so) as they often open the inside housing part and/or have an interaction with one of the "animal ambassadors." If you're visiting on a weekday, also try to stop by the Animal Care Center in Nairobi early in the day (before noon). They often do animal check ups or other procedures. Occasionally they do them on the weekends, but it's more rare.
Around 1:30 or 2, they elephants go off habitat and they set up a daily enrichment activity for the elephants to enjoy. They normally come back on habitat between 2:15 and 2:45 depending one what gets set up.
I also suggest stopping in Lory Landing where you can feed the birds (fee) and in Kangaloom where you can pet and feed the kangaroos (fee). Either location you can also go in without buying the food cup, but you'll usually get less attention from the animals.
The big thing is to always ask animal care or guest relations staff on the day of your visit - times often change to keep it interesting for the animals and based on conditions and staffing that day. If they don't know ask them to radio the appropriate department/area to get the answer, they usually can do that and it only takes a minute.
The Skyride is a neat way to see some of the Serengeti. If the train is open during your visit, put your family's "photographer" on the left side of the train - that generally provides better views of the plains as you head across the open Serengeti. There is also the upcharge Serengeti Safari that takes groups out for about 30 minutes to see some of the animals a little closer, including an opportunity to feed a giraffe. It's definitely worth considering, and I think it's a neat experience, but if it isn't in the budget, there are lots of other opportunities to get up close with the wildlife throughout the park with the way the habitats are built for viewing.
Iceploration is great - stay after the show and head to the left side of the stage to meet one of the show's animal performers. The newest show is Opening Night Critters up in Pantopia - yes, it's a bit cheesy, but it shows a number of rescued pets (including cats, dogs, birds and a few others) doing a variety of tricks. After the show here too they bring out several animals for up close interaction.
Hope that helps - BGT is a great park to go to for animal interactions. You can spend an entire day doing just that and feel you've had a worthwhile experience.
