Any concierge guests can book the Safari?

[lillygator]

I was on the WDW site last night - very late and I thought I saw that you can book the sunrise safari....staying con level and I was on the Poly page....

is this correct?

 

[YCFAN]

It's not the sunrise safarai. It's another safari held in the afternoons at AKL not the theme park. There is also not a meal associated with this safari.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

I read the same thing!!! Since we stayed at Poly on our last trip I was going to inquire concierge if this was possible...but since you have to wake up very early and drive over to akl plus the fact we had a lot on our plate already, I decided to skip out on this.

I hope they do open it up to Poly guests as well, that would be k-rad.

 

[TammiMcMan]

If you notice under the listing on the website, it says Concierge-level Guests also receive these special amenities:
Ability to participate in the Wildlife Discovery Excursion — an exclusive guided tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris® at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park — offered only to a limited number of Concierge-level Guests for an additional fee.

It's not the sunrise safari. This one is called the Wildlife Discovery Excursion. Here's a brief description:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort concierge-level guests can venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney's Animal Kingdom for a unique wildlife discovery excursion. Led by a seasoned safari guide and an animal expert, the adventure takes guests beyond the safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The excursions begin Feb. 15.

Small groups (no more than 14 guests) travel in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle for the one-hour excursion, offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $45 per guest with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.

For more information and to book an excursion, concierge-level guests may contact their Walt Disney World Resort concierge or resort itinerary planning office. Advance reservations are required.

It's a little different than the AKL's sunrise safari, as it happens during regular park operating hours and does not include the buffet breakfast. Guests tour the Kilimanjaro Safari in special vehicles. From what I understand, you get a better view of the animals and more opportunity to take photos.

Tammi

 

[kaceyisme]

Has anyone taken the Wildlife Discovery Excursion yet? Was it worth the $45 per person for an hour?

 

[steveanddonna]

We did the Wildlife Excursion in May and thought it was well worth the price, especially since a good portion of the cost goes towards animal and environmental preservation. You get basically the same experience as KS, but more in depth with lots of "behind-the-scenes" info. Our guide, one of the primate managers at AK, was outstanding, and there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos.

 

[Janet2k]

Steveanddonna, do you have photos of the vehicle that is used for the tour? Another Dis'er and I will be vacationing in WDW this summer, and we were discussing this tour last night via the telephone. I'd love to hear more about the tour (and see photos of it).

 

[LvsTnk]

I am staying at AKL in conciege on our next stay, but I am considering this as well for when we switch to the BC. I just like the idea of an airconditioned vehicle during those July months unless they are using the same one for the Sunrise Safari now as well.

 

[VAgal76]

You are in an airconditioned safari style mini-bus. I have a few photos of the Wildlife Excursion (taken while on this excursion with Donna, Kerry & friends during our May Lizard Meet). Enjoy!

http://community.webshots.com/user/harlow23024

BTW, I did enjoy this safari as well. I thought our guide was top notch.

 

[steveanddonna]

Sorry, Janet2K, I didn't take photos on the safari. Sat there with my camera in hand, but I was too interested in looking around to use it! VAGal's photos will show you pretty much what I would have taken anyways - we were on the same excursion.

 

[alien]

I just booked this for our July trip. I'm sure concierge will fill us in, but being the obsessive planner, could someone who has been on it give me info such as where do we meet the vehicle and what time we need to show up (10 am excursion)? Any other info would be great. Thanks!

 

[Janet2k]

VAgal76 & Steveanddonna, thank you so much for the info. The tour sounds great. And, VAgal76, I just love the look of the vehicle (click here to see your photo of it). It looks very authentic (for a brand new vehicle!).

 

[VAgal76]

I just booked this for our July trip. I'm sure concierge will fill us in, but being the obsessive planner, could someone who has been on it give me info such as where do we meet the vehicle and what time we need to show up (10 am excursion)? Any other info would be great. Thanks!

You arrive 9:45 am and meet in Africa at Mombasa Marketplace to check-in with your guide.

Janet2K - I thought the vehicles were cool myself. I love that they are airconditioned. That's going to be a real plus for those going in the steamy season.

 

[alien]

Thank you VAgal76! It's the info I needed. DH and I are surprising our 2 DDs and 2 brothers with this excursion, so didn't want concierge to spoil the surprise by giving us info when we are checking in.
Cindy

 

[LauraLea]

Does anyone know what days it is offered?

Laura