Anyone do the new "Wildlife Discovery Excursion"?

[SeaSpray]

The Itinerary Planning Office from the Wilderness Lodge sent me info about this, but it only has very basic information. It's new, it's open to ALL Concierge level guests no matter which resort you're staying at, and it says it costs $45. per guest.

This is the description I received:

Exclusively for Walt Disney World® Resort Club Level Concierge Guests


Disney’s Animal Kingdom® invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique wildlife discovery excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you beyond the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve.

Excursions are conducted with small groups of no more than 14 Guests traveling in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle. All Guests must be at least 12 years old.

The one-hour excursion is offered twice daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required.

The excursion is $45.00 per Guest with a portion
of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife
Conservation Fund.


My question is, what exactly did you do during the excursion? And, did you also have to have admission to the park? I am considering doing this on a non-park day, so I wouldn't have park admission that day.

Thanks for any info!

 

[SeaSpray]

*bump*

 

[PandyPaws]

Seaspray, the Excursions begin on February 15th...there have only been test-runs so far. I haven't driven the vehicle (yet...not sure whether or not I will be..) but I've seen it out there....it stops/pulls over in various locations throughout the Safari. The Excursion lasts for 1 hour.

I am not sure whether or not park admission will be required, but I'll be happy to ask for you tomorrow

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Pandy!! Thanks so much for checking on this for me! I'd really like DH and I to do this excursion while we're there in July

 

[PandyPaws]

SeaSpray, I asked a manager this morning, and he said that yes, park admission will be required for this. As I understand it, the vehicle will be brought to the gate near the Safari attraction entrance....this is the same gate the Parade begins/ends at...and guests will be boarding the vehicle there, so you will have to come through the park to get there.

 

[SeaSpray]

Ok, thanks for that info, Donna! We'll have to plan that for a park day then. Thanks again for finding that out for me

 

[SeaSpray]

Just bumping this up, hoping to find someone who has done this, now that it's been open for a month! Anyone???

We've extended our trip to 6 days, and we're staying concierge at both resorts, so now we have a longer schedule to decide when to do this.

Pandy, do you have any recommendations on when a good time or day is? Is the 10am excursion better, worse, or the same as the 1pm? Have you heard any feedback from guests who have done this? Are you one of the drivers, and if so, could we request your vehicle?? Thanks

 

[SeaSpray]

Bumping this up again and hoping PandyPaws will see it because I have a question!

I just read on the Resorts Board that they've lowered the age to 3 and above instead of the original 12 and older. Is this true? If so, then that's ruined it for me and my family. I was going to book this for DH, DS17, DS14, and myself, but NOT if there's the chance that we'll be stuck on a bus with 3 years olds!

 

[SeaSpray]

*Bumping* again!

Has anyone found out for sure that they've lowered the age limit on this excursion?? Thanks

 

[kilee]

I've been looking for some more detailed info on this too. DS would love this (he's 12) and I'd be willing to book the appropriate level rooms for our next trip if it turns out to be worth it.

 

[Tamar]

I'm bumping this up, because we're going to be staying at GF in about 3 weeks and we're considering this. I'd love to hear from someone who's actually been on a 10am or 1pm Excursion. Anyone out there yet?