Anyone taken The Backstage Safari Tour?

[BYC]

It sounds like something our family would enjoy. But, I also read there is very limited animal viewing. What is it like? And, how many people are on it with you? Thanks!

 

[Daydreams]

If you think you might see a bit more of the animals behind the scenes (as I did) you could be disappointed with the tour. If you would just enjoy seeing some of the backstage areas it could be worth your while. I thought we spent MUCH too much time just watching a giraffe munch on bamboo leaves (our only look at an animal backstage). We both thought it could have been a fascinating look at the way the animals are cared for, how they manage to keep lions from helping themselves to a zebra snack, etc., but it was pretty much, hmmm, I hate to say boring - but maybe it depends on your guide. I hope others may have had a more positive experience, or that they may have improved the backstage tour since we went on one over a year ago!

 

[BYC]

If you think you might see a bit more of the animals behind the scenes (as I did) you could be disappointed with the tour. If you would just enjoy seeing some of the backstage areas it could be worth your while. I thought we spent MUCH too much time just watching a giraffe munch on bamboo leaves (our only look at an animal backstage). We both thought it could have been a fascinating look at the way the animals are cared for, how they manage to keep lions from helping themselves to a zebra snack, etc., but it was pretty much, hmmm, I hate to say boring - but maybe it depends on your guide. I hope others may have had a more positive experience, or that they may have improved the backstage tour since we went on one over a year ago!

Thanks! I am trying to decide if this is something we want to do. There are 5 of us, at $65 apiece. Anyone else have some input?

 

[dgaston]

I agree with the comments about the tour guide. I felt ours could have done a much better job in April 2004. We were in a rather large group of 16 and did learn a lot about the Species Survival Plan and hurricane preparations. We did NOT get to touch the rhino, although we met Sampson the older rhino, and also Ashanti a beautiful young giraffe. The keepers were excellent, and I was interested in the food prep areas, and vet stations. Perhaps the best backstage tour we have done is Undiscovered Future World. Tons of backstage areas, private corporation lounges, and even a special Illuminations seating area that evening. Also remember that the tours have Disney Visa, AAA, AP and DVC discounts.
HTH

PS DH loved the Segway Tour, it was the most fun

 

[BYC]

when you take this tour, are you just walking around behind the scenes, or do you get to go on one of the actual tour trucks, and go behind the scenes on (or off) the tour route? I already scheduled the Segway for hubby and sons.

 

[LoveMickey]

I took this tour a few years ago and enjoyed it. There were only about 8-12 people on the tour. We met outside the gates (you did have to have an admission ticket) and we went in and took a left turn. We then got into minnie vans and proceed over to where they keep the animals not on the safari.

We saw Rhinos, elephants, giraffes, birds.

We enjoyed the tour and the information. We did go into the hospital area and the food prep.

It was about 3 hrs long - don't remember the exact time.

There is no picture taking allowed back stage.

There were only adults on our tour, so I do not know how kids would react.

Enjoy.

 

[dgaston]

Some walking, but also transpo on vans behind the scenes out to Conservation Station. There was also a special KS ride with different commentary, info about hidden Mickeys, and showing the ways animals were kept separate from each other, etc. The KS tour route is the usual one in the regular tour vehicle.

 

[BYC]

Thanks for all your help! I think we will do it. Now I just have to figure out which day. Probably best to do it on the day we do AK?