AKL-only concierge gets special safari?

[DLVisitor]

We will be staying at BWV, but we would like to go on the special animal safari at AKL. Do we need to stay at the Concierge level to do this? Those with more info, please let me know. THanks, we leave June 29 for Cocoa beach then we head over to our 1st trip to WDW!

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's my understanding that you must stay in AKL Concierge to get the sunrise safari. There is an extra fee for the safari and it is limited, so sign up early.

 

[jel0511]

You do need to stay at AKL in a concierge room to be able to go on the Sunrise Safari. As previously stated there is an extra charge for this, $40 - $50 pp. I've also heard that you need to have a 2 night minimum stay to go on the Sunrise Safari, since so many people were booking for only one night to take it. They do the safari on Tuesdays and Saturdays, so if you're interested, plan accordingly.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

This sounds interesting. Can anyone tell me what this safari consists of? How is it different from the Kilamanjaro Safari? Is it at the AKL or in the park ect...?
Thanks for the info.

 

[betterlatethannever]

The sunrise safari takes you behind the scenes. It only lasts for about 1 to 1.5 hours (not including the buffet). You see the various barns for the animals. You then do the Kilamanjaro Safari (without the story line tape going) before the park opens. Its stops to let you take pictures. The animals are very active then since they are eating. And you get to see many many many animals including animals that are rarely seen on the regular Safari. After the ride, you have a breakfast buffet at the Tusker School House in a private room set aside for the tour group.

There is a backstage Safari tour that is open to everybody. It's a little more expensive $65, but it lasts for about three hours.

Both tours require park admission. For the sunrise safari, you get picked up at the AKL. For the backstage safari, you get admitted early at the front entrance.

Ed

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Thanks betterlate. Since the Backstage Safari is 3 hours is it more in depth? Do you think it is too long?
I am definitley going to do the Backstage this Sept, and the Sunrise when I stay at the AKL next.
Great info!

 

[betterlatethannever]

I have'n taken the backstage safari. But it is something that I would plan on in the future.

Fromsome of the tour reviews, you get more up close with the animals backstage. In the sunrise safari, You just drive by the barns and don't stop.

Here is a link to some reviews of the backstage safari.

backstage safari

Ed

 

[adamak]

Yes, Sunrise Safari took us backstage (on the bus), and have a really great breakfast afterwards. The actual jeep ride is also more extensive. We saw people feeding the animals during our tour, and the animals did seem more laid back (and off duty).

I highly recommend the tour. We did AKL-conc specifically for the tour, and it worths every penny. The breakfast alone worths it. It's African theme, and have some very unique food. If you join the tour, do savor the food. The CM would really appreciate it.

You need to book as soon as you book your room. They were fully booked very quickly.