AKL and Sunrise Safari

[karebear1]

I understand that only those that stay in AKL concierge can pay to go on the Sunrise Safari. Can anyone tell me how this safari differs from the one you go on at the AK??? Other then a really good BREAKFAST buffet that is- yum!!! And, how long does it take?

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi there...

Sunrise Safari concierge tour is completely different then the regular safari in which there are effects such as creaky bridges and poachers shooting elephants.

This safari utiilizes the same jeeps but is a slow paced tour without sound effects etc... with frequent stops for photos and behind the scene information about the park and animals.

As it is so early - the animals are just out after indoors for the night.. there are many animals around and you get some great photos.

The safari we went on was about 45 minutes,,,

Afterwards the breakfast is terrific with lots dishes to try.

You also recieve a fast pass to do the safari the "regular" way.

We had a wonderful time and are planning to do it again this summer...

Hope this helps..

>>^..^<<

 

[Goofyposter]

>>^..^<<

summed it up pretty well....it's worth 2x's the price ($49.99 +) {requiring park admission also}...we did it in December...it not only shows you alot of the "back stage" stuff (no photos allowed)...but the trip thur the savanaha...is as close to a 'true' safari as you'll ever have on this side of the planet! Very, very knowledge guides....they also give you a FP to ride the "public" verision of the Safari after your breakfast.

I doubt you'd regret it...offered only (I believe on Tues & Sat's)

Hope this helps!

 

[karebear1]

Thank you both for our replies. It does help me in determining whether I will be taking it or not.... and it looks as though we will! THANKS AGAIN!

 

[Rneighh]

We LOVED the Safari and will do it again on our next trip. My pictures are wonderful.

Renee

 

[GenePA]

We've done the Sunrise Safari twice and I can't wait to do it a third time. It begins with a bus ride through the 'back' of the AK park. The guide(s) points out the 'holding buildings' for the animals and show where they grow the various shrubs and trees they use for the safari (and for the savannah at the AKL). You then transfer to the safari ride vehicles and they do take you for a slow paced ride through the safari.....there are many stops for good photo opportunities. You may not see as many animals as compared to the regular safari since in many instances, they are just bringing the animals out for the day. But again, you may have the chance for better pictures of the ones you do see.

The breakfast buffet at Tusker House is fabulous and my favorite of any breakfast they have at WDW. I think it is well worth the money and I'm sure you won't be sorry. Heck, the second time we went, we stayed solely at AKL for one night on our trip so we could do the safari with our kids (the first time DW and I went by ourselves)......and it was well worth the additional cost.

 

[stiej]

We just went Saturday morning and would do it again in a second. We had our own row on the safari jeep which we would not have had in the regular ride (DH, DS, and me). The naturalists did not have to stay "in character" as much and were very free with the descriptions and all of the information. You are bussed in through the service entrance, so you do get to see all of the "backstage". You also have the time to stop and take pictures of the animals without a rush. We had a giraffe come up very close to the jeep and a rhino block to road. My 2 year old loved it. And, I have to agree, the breakfast is great!!

 

[lizzie64]

Originally posted by stiej
We just went Saturday morning and would do it again in a second. We had our own row on the safari jeep which we would not have had in the regular ride (DH, DS, and me). The naturalists did not have to stay "in character" as much and were very free with the descriptions and all of the information. You are bussed in through the service entrance, so you do get to see all of the "backstage". You also have the time to stop and take pictures of the animals without a rush. We had a giraffe come up very close to the jeep and a rhino block to road. My 2 year old loved it. And, I have to agree, the breakfast is great!!

Stiej -

Nice to hear that your 2 year old loved it. We will be going with our 4 year old and 2 year old and they are so excited to see the animals.

There has been much negativity about kids and the sunrise safari so I'm glad to see you post that your son loved it.

We are going in May, and can't wait. Almost can't wait as much for the breakfast. Sounds yummy

 

[Quadman]

I just called to make reservations for our family of four on a Monday morning and was told that the Sunrise safari only takes place on Tuesday and Saturday morn.

I had never seen or heard this before..... Can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks in advance

 

[lisareniff]

Yep. From everything I've read it is Tues. and Sat. We moved our trip around to fit this one in. Would love to do the Sunset Safari but my little one is too little for Simba's Clubhouse (and a little to nervous about in room care).

 

[Winnie Pooh Fan]

This sounds like something my DS would totally flip for. Does anyone know how difficult this is to book? We are thinking about adding a couple AKL days to our 2005 trip and we might try to upgrade to CL when we register to do this.

 

[disneyholic family]

we went on a tuesday morning this past july....
my 17 and 20 year olds loved it, as did we...
there were two buses, each with its own guide (and then we moved into the jeep trucks from the kilimanjaro safari)..

our guide (on our bus and jeep) is very famous at WDW, although i can't remember his name.....everyone in WDW knew who he was when we mentioned who our guide had been....he was one of the creators of the savannahs at the AK and the AKL....
a wealth of interesting information....
i think his name is Joe, but i might not be remembering correctly...
anyway, it was very very very interesting....

 

[dancermom]

How far in advance should we book the Sunrise Safari??? We will be there in February.

 

[KathyTX]

Dancermom: If you've already got your AKL Concierge rooms booked, I'd go ahead and call the concierge now to reserve space on the safari.

Winnie Pooh Fan: My understanding is that the Sunrise Safari is usually/often sold out. I would not count on waiting until check in to try to upgrade to Concierge and to book the Safari. You *could* get lucky and find that there's availability, but I certainly would not count on it.

This outing is arranged directly through the AKL Concierge staff instead of CRO, and I don't think the normal 90/120 day wait times apply. (Does someone else know for sure?)

 

[lisareniff]

Hey Dancermom! We might be there the same time! We are planning the Sunrise Safari on Sat. Feb. 19th. Maybe we will see you there.

I made a countdown timer for the first time! Pretty cool!

 

[SuperDuperBounce]

Our Sunrise Safari last October took an hour and fifteen minutes on the savanah. We found the animals to be much closer to the road (and many more of them) on the Sunrise Safari over the regular ride. Two slow-moving ride vehicles vice a constant stream of fast-moving vehicles sure make a difference. The safari also pauses so you can take pictures of the animals vice speeding by them.

 

[Beachangel]

I've done it a couple of times and it is a great experience. The only disappointment this time around in August was that the giraffes were not out yet.

A sunset safari is now also offered, but the safari takes place on the savannahs at the Lodge, not the park. Maximum group size is eight with family style dinner following at Jiko's. There is also an age restriction - no one under 16.

 

[Mommaof3]

I have a Safari booked for 12/11. I called about 100 days out and was told that there was a 90 day thing, but they took all my info. The next day, I got an e-mail confirmation. I was happy. I too have read that it is often sold out. I would get ressies as soon as possible if this is something you really want to do. Thanks to all for the info. about the safari. I appreciate it and can't wait to do this!

Melissa