AK Sunset and Sunrise Safaris

[kim_d]

We are leaving in 10 days and have both safaris booked. Looking for any feedback on either. Did you enjoy, worth the time and money, get good pictures, etc?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I enjoyed the Morning Safari much more than the Afternoon one. The afternoon one bumped along too much, it was not easy for me to hold on and see the animals, our vehicle broke down ( we were treated with a special trip to the animal shelter on property and that was very interesting) and I got ill that night probably from something that I ate (either the snack on the safari itself or something from Jikos).

I would do the AM one again, not the afternoon, although, I do enjoy eating a regular dinner at Jiko. We are trying the Wildlife Discovery Expedition when we have concierge in September.

Have fun. I know most of the reviews of the safaris are good and my experience is a minority one.

Bobbi

 

[TexasErin]

We just returned on the 22nd. We did the Sunrise Safari on 8/16/09. We found that we did get a lot of really great pictures and thought that our guide (Kim, I believe) was very knowledgeable and super-friendly.

We debated about whether to keep it or not as it gives you a late start to getting to the big rides as you DO NOT beat the "rope drop", and decided to keep it.

We really enjoyed the breakfast. We also ate breakfast at Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's, and DH and I actually enjoyed the safari breakfast more. It may not have had quite as big of a selection, but there was still plenty and it was delicious.

Overall, I'm glad we did it...........and we would probably do it again.

Have a great time! The AKV is so beautiful.....and our concierge room had an awesome location- closest we have ever been to the elevators!

 

[whitfamily]

You have to be Concierge to do this, right?

 

[bobbiwoz]

You have to be Concierge to do this, right?

You can do the Sunset Safari if you are staying at AKV, not necessarily concierge. It costs more if you aren't concierge.

Bobbi

 

[flyingcat2003]

Just curious, how much is the sunset safari if you are staying at AKL but not conceirge?

 

[bobbiwoz]

This was sent to me from AKV concierge in October 2008...don't know if prices went up...booking did go down to 90 days.

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and managementof the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, justlike the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you whichmay include a wine pairing. You will be meet at the Jiko Podium at 3:45 p.m. where you will be met by our animal Programs team. Safaris are offered on Monday,Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per Concierge club guests 10 and up, $210 fornon-Concierge guests 10 and up and Half price for guest 8 and 9. Tax andgratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Admission is limited to 12 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.

 

[kimberh]

I am not a early morning person, to say that, we have done the Sunrise twice. We just love it. The pictures are awesome. We saw animals much more active, the breakfast was wonderful. We did the Sunset once. We really did enjoy this, the Giraffe came right up to the vehicle. Our meal was delicious.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am not a early morning person, to say that, we have done the Sunrise twice. We just love it. The pictures are awesome. We saw animals much more active, the breakfast was wonderful. We did the Sunset once. We really did enjoy this, the Giraffe came right up to the vehicle. Our meal was delicious.

Even in spite of getting sick, I would have enjoyed it more, but our vehicle broke down before we got to the area where there were lots of giraffes. The other vehicle did go through it, and got to be up close with the giraffes, but we didn't. In the beginning, our driver bypassed an area and we were told that we would have plenty of encounters with giraffes. It turns out that we didn't.

Bobbi

 

[kimberh]

Even in spite of getting sick, I would have enjoyed it more, but our vehicle broke down before we got to the area where there were lots of giraffes. The other vehicle did go through it, and got to be up close with the giraffes, but we didn't. In the beginning, our driver bypassed an area and we were told that we would have plenty of encounters with giraffes. It turns out that we didn't.

Bobbi

That really does make that safari. I hate you missed it. We had two giraffes that actually poked their heads into the vehicle. I was snapping away! I am sorry you were sick. We even asked how much a private safari would be, I know my kids and grands would just love to see that, then to go back and have a private meal. He said, " $2000.00" So, We will put that on our BIG DREAM list!!

 

[disney4metoo]

We just returned on the 22nd. We did the Sunrise Safari on 8/16/09. We found that we did get a lot of really great pictures and thought that our guide (Kim, I believe) was very knowledgeable and super-friendly.

We debated about whether to keep it or not as it gives you a late start to getting to the big rides as you DO NOT beat the "rope drop", and decided to keep it.

We really enjoyed the breakfast. We also ate breakfast at Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's, and DH and I actually enjoyed the safari breakfast more. It may not have had quite as big of a selection, but there was still plenty and it was delicious.

Overall, I'm glad we did it...........and we would probably do it again.

Have a great time! The AKV is so beautiful.....and our concierge room had an awesome location- closest we have ever been to the elevators!

Did you have a great view too? What room number were you in?

 

[ead79]

We have done the Sunrise Safari twice (once as an AKL CL guest and once as an AKV CL guest). We loved it both times and would heartily recommend it. We got lots of great pictures and enjoyed hearing the detailed information from the animal expert in our safari vehicle. Also, the breakfast they served us at the end was delicious--certainly not your average buffet offerings. We give it two thumbs up and think it's well worth the cost.

 

[TexasErin]

Did you have a great view too? What room number were you in?

I believe the room # was 6402. Our view was a pool view (but fairly distant) and some thatched rooms. Before we got there, I was really hoping for a savanna view, but once we saw our room location and how beautiful the room was, I didn't care at all that we didn't have a savanna view. I would love to get to stay in that very same room again. We absolutely loved stepping out our door and looking down into the lobby and being right by the concierge lounge.

 

[Cyndibear]

We are leaving in 10 days and have both safaris booked.

We also leave in 10 days!!!! Soooo excited. We also have the Sunrise Safari booked. We are booked for the September 10th safari. When is yours? It would be fun to share it with a Diser!!!!

Cyndi

 

[disney4metoo]

I believe the room # was 6402. Our view was a pool view (but fairly distant) and some thatched rooms. Before we got there, I was really hoping for a savanna view, but once we saw our room location and how beautiful the room was, I didn't care at all that we didn't have a savanna view. I would love to get to stay in that very same room again. We absolutely loved stepping out our door and looking down into the lobby and being right by the concierge lounge.

Thanks!

 

[adminjedi]

The sunrise safari is at AK and is the same route as the Safari "Ride" but slower.
We were blown away by the experience at AKL on the Wanyama Safari - truly out on the savanna roaming with the animals. An unbelievable experience worth every penny - whether $210 or with the concierge discount $160. When you consider the dinner at Jiko is probably a $60 value, the safari tour is about $100. And, all of that is donated to animal conservation. It was so good, our usually not excitable 18 year old son opted to spend his own money to do it a second time this year with his friend! No better endorsement than that.

 

[Jillpie]

What time of the morning do you have to meet for the sunrise safari? Where do you meet?
And I know you can stay in AK afterward, but what do most of you do after your breakfast, are you too tired and want to go back to bed or do you tour the park?

 

[dianeschlicht]

We did both in one trip too our first timme staying CL at AKV. I liked both safaris, but the Wanyama one (sunset) was my favorite. I loved that we got up close and personal to all the animals, and the handlers even told us their names and little detailed traits of each of them. The giraffes were the best, and we were close enough to touch time, but they asked us not to. Jason was the dominant male t here at the time, and he had a very "gamey" scent to him!

 

[whitfamily]

Any clue on cost for the morning safari if you're not Concierge?

 

[kim_d]

Any clue on cost for the morning safari if you're not Concierge?

My understanding is the AM safari is only for concierge guests.