Animal Kingdom Tours: Backstage Safari or Wild by Design?

[marielynn724]

On our last trip 2 years ago DH & I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour in MK and absolutely loved it! We'd really like to do another tour this time and I'm very interested in the ones at AK - has anyone taken either the Backstage Safari or Wild by Design tour? How are they different and which would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've taken both of them, but about 4 and 6 years ago. I LOVE Animal Kingdom and because I've done lots of reading, many "tips" on the Wild by Design tour were things I already knew. However, I wouldn't mind doing Backstage Safari again. At the end of the three hour tour (All together-"a three hour tour") our guide took us on the KS ride, just 12 of us on the ride, and he told us some interesting info there that I didn't know. I've thought of the other tour (can't remember the name), but it's kind of physical and I have major back and leg issues so that's out. Besides, it's kind of expensive. Given a choice of the two you mentioned, I'd go with Backstage Safari.

 

[TillyMarigold]

Wild by Design is all about the theming--the details that went into planning each land, the stories behind Africa, Asia, and DinoLand USA. No rides but you get to go through the park before it's fully open. We met two keepers (siamang keeper in Asia and a bird keeper on Pangani) but the main focus was on the theming and pointing out all the details. I have a whole new appreciation for DinoLand now that I know the backstory. If you're one of the people who likes to, for example, know that the windows on Main Street have the names of imagineers and their occupations are jokes about their past/personalities (e.g. the "Mediator" always settled arguments between Walt and Roy), then it's the tour for you.

My understanding is that Backstage Safari is more about the animals. I haven't done it.

 

[sheila14]

On our last trip 2 years ago DH & I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour in MK and absolutely loved it! We'd really like to do another tour this time and I'm very interested in the ones at AK - has anyone taken either the Backstage Safari or Wild by Design tour? How are they different and which would you recommend? Thanks!

anyone done the wild Africa trek??

 

[happy tink]

anyone done the wild Africa trek??

That is the one I am interested in, anyone?