Backstage AK tour--has anyone done this?

[Disney Fool]

Please tell me about it.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Disney Fool
Please tell me about it.

The "Backstage Safari"? We did this back in September.

We met Paul (one of the best guides) just inside the front gate and went backstage right next to the Rainforest Cafe...we got in a van and it took us to the barns in the back.

You get to see alot of animals up close, we got to touch a rino, and you get to see all the facilities back there - where the food is prepared/stored, how the animals are cared for, etc.

at one point you stop for snack and a quick film strip near Rafikis planet watch, and then you're off again.

you also take the Safari ride - but w/o the "disney speak" over it...he'll point out the REAL stuff and the not so real stuff.

totally worth it - must be 16 year or older to take this tour. If you are naturally a 'how does this work?" person - you'll love it.

 

[bigtinkfun]

I did the Backstage Safari last year and it was a highlight of my trip! You get to go behind the scenes and see where the animals are housed. The elephant house is impressive! Although they don't guarantee animal interaction, we also got to pet the rhino, and we got a really up-close and personal look at a charming giraffe. We got to check out where the animals' food is prepared and see what the various animals eat, and we also got a good look at the animal hospital facilities. Then we went indoors and had a snack and visit from a herpetologist (he had a great sense of humor). He gave us a really funny lesson in Gator 101 and we got to touch a baby alligator. Then we went on our own private version of the Safari ride with the Big Red/Little Red story turned off. The guide pointed out all the hidden parts of the ride that make things work. It was great. And we got a collectible pin.

The cast members who took us on the tour were delightful and very knowledgable.

I highly recommend this, it was worth every cent. In fact, this year, I'm going back and taking my mother. If you like animals, this is a unforgettable experience.

 

[maggie1]

Hi - does anyone know why you have to be 16 to do this - my family would love it and my son is absolutely animal nuts!!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by maggie1
Hi - does anyone know why you have to be 16 to do this - my family would love it and my son is absolutely animal nuts!!

yes, because it is "backstage" you must be 16 or older (also - no photography is allowed backstage)

there is another AK tour called "Wild by Design" that is for 14 years olds and older

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm#wbd

 

[kwdietrich1]

Is this something that my MIL in a ECV could do, or would this be too much for her? She can walk, but has terrible arthritis in her knees.

Thanks

 

[MrsToad]

Just a note on the no photography rule...we left our camera behind the day we took the tour because we were told by the CM who made our reservation that cameras were not allowed on the tour and should be left in lockers with any backpacks. We were a bit perturbed when we got to the safari part of the tour and the guide told everyone they could take pictures (which makes sense because the safari is "on stage"). Next time, we'll tuck the camera into a waist pack. Otherwise, the tour was great.

 

[Disney Fool]

Thank you all for your responses. I have a friend who is coming to Disney for the very first time (can you imagine!) and she is a real lover of animals. We will be doing the sunrise safari at AKL and I have schedule this tour for her also so that she can see the care of the animals also. She would be more than thrilled to take part in any of the things you've described. Thanks again.

 

[miste76]

Please excuse my ignorance... what is the sunrise safari?

 

[Disney Fool]

The Sunrise as well as the Sunset Safari are offered to AKL concierge guests. The Sunrise Safari takes guests on an early, early morning trip to AK to see the animals before the park opens when they are the most active, ending with breakfast at the Tusker House. The evening safari takes place on the Savannah of the Animal Kingdom Lodge ending with dinner at Jiko.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Disney Fool
The Sunrise as well as the Sunset Safari are offered to AKL concierge guests. The Sunrise Safari takes guests on an early, early morning trip to AK to see the animals before the park opens when they are the most active, ending with breakfast at the Tusker House. The evening safari takes place on the Savannah of the Animal Kingdom Lodge ending with dinner at Jiko.

We have done both and they are both WELL WORTH the costs of staying concierge and paying for the tour. (We actually have both already booked for our December stay! yeah!)

Here are some pictures from our Wanyama (Sunset) Safari.

http://users.adelphia.net/~jareddewey/sunsetsafari.html

 

[maggie1]

Thanks, stinkerbelle!

p.s your i/d, 'stinkerbelle' makes me laugh every time I see it! Love the puppy picture!!!

 

[fran99999]

OK so if you had to choose between the Backstage and the Sunrise. Which would you do? I thought the Sunrise was similar in that you go behind the scenes at AK. I booked the Sunrise. Maybe I really want the Backstage. My DD wants to see the animals she is thinking of going for Vet Medicine.


I was going to do the Sunset but both DD's are very picky eaters. NO MEAT. LOL