Backstage Safari tour--take it!!!

[Uncleromulus]

Having done several other WDW tours over the years, we thought we'd try this one out on our AK day.
Glad we did. An excellent 3 1/2 hours behind the scenes.
WE met with Chris (our guide) and about 20 other tour members at 8:15 and by 8:30 were in the vans to start the tour. Along the way, we got to meet several of the animal "caretakers" who are very knowlegeble and obviously quite caring of their charges. We got to see Willie the elephant, got to meet Sammy the White Rhino, and to "pet" Cobb the cornsnake. Each of their caretakers gave a brief presentation and answered questions. We got to see the food preparation area, the "inside" of the Hospital and several of the holding areas where animals are let into and out of the main safari area. The end of the tour featured a "private" Safari tour ride, where we boarded one of the vehicles and Chris did the narration, rather than the "standard" ride dialogue. Add to that gifts of a special pin and a guidebook no longer available to the public, and you have a most pleasant way to spend the morning at the AK.

 

[sdwrdt]

I know there's a tour for only those people. Is this the one or can all of us enjoy it?

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's different--I believe it's called Sunrise Safari, or something like that.
Backstage Safari is available to anyone.

 

[danny1649]

Also enjoyed this backstage tour a great behind the scenes look at AK.

 

[trampslady]

Uncleromulus--did you guys reserve this in advance or arrange it after you were down there? My hubby and I are wanting to do this one, but I hate to commit to a certain day until we get there.

 

[disney queen]

here is another hearty "take it" for the backstage safari. it is great! very enjoyable and worth the $$$$$.

 

[catsrule]

Thanks for the info, sounds cool.

 

[PandyPaws]

I've driven for several of the backstage safari's...and yes, it is very cool (it's also a nice break to not have to do the spiel and just drive once in awhile )

 

[Uncleromulus]

trampslady:
We reserved in advance. I'm not sure what the maximum # of people "per tour" may be, but probably not more than 2 "Vans worth" at any time. So even tho you might be able to make next-day reservations, I think I'd call in advance.
It worked great. Monday was to be our AK day anyway. The AM was the tour--rest of the day on Kali River, Bugs Life, etc.

 

[4 Princess Morganne]

I would love to do this but the Disney Website said there is an age limit of 16. Can my DD age 8 accompany us or is it an adult only tour?

Thanks,

Morganne's Mommy

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Thanks for posting! It sounds great. Perhaps this would make a good Christmas present for my DH - his favorite park is AK!

 

[ncbyrne]

I'm glad I did a search through some old threads. This post has convinced us to book this tour on our next trip. I love the Safari ride, but DH thinks it's hokey. This tour seems the best way for both of us to enjoy AK.

 

[erinch]

I'd like an answer too on whether the age limit is firm, or if they would permit a DD 9 to come along.

 

[mar2728]

Does anyone know what the cost was per person?
Thanks!

 

[Belle's Castle]

My husband and I did the Backstage Safari in October. It was WONDERFUL. At that time we paid $64.00 per person and there were about 8 people in our group. We learned about how they train the animals and I touched a Rhino named Sammy. I mean come on...WHO TOUCHES A RHINO!!! We traveled the backstage areas including the nutrition center. At the end of the backstage portion, we had a private safari ride were they turned off the narrative. The driver went much slower and the tourguide contuined to give us information about the animals and their environment. I would highly recommend this tour. When it was over, our touguide gave us a special "Backstage Safari" pin. Word of caution: WEAR COMFRONTABLE SHOES...I can't wait to do this tour again on a future trip.

 

[Lizzybee]

I'd also like to know about the age limit, my soon to be 11 yr old son is probably a future AK cast member...always happy and has sounded like Steve Irwin explaining animals at zoos since he was 7, people actually followed us to hear him explain facts about the animals (Animal Planet overload I guess). I think if I could take him on this tour he will have felt like he died and went to heaven. Thanks for the info!

 

[Synonymous]

None of the backstage tours allow guests younger than 16. Supposedly, this is to preserve the "magic." I think it's probably got more to do with not wanting little tykes running wild thru the utilidors and such.

I've done tours at MK and AK (although not this one) and, honestly, I think any younger kid would be bored stiff. They consist of adults standing around talking, for the most part. Great stuff for adult Disney fanatics, but not for kids.

 

[Aquagirl]

I'm glad that everyone enjoyed this tour. I am taking it on Wednesday. It is $65 per person and you do have to be 16 or older to go on the tour.

 

[lsutigger2]

Sounds like they have changed this tour since we took it a couple of years ago. No van involved or safari ride when we did it. Sounds like we might want to do it again sometimes.

BTW, Wild by Design is also a very good tour of MK.
Paul was our tour guide for both tours and he was fantastic!

 

[Synonymous]

I agree, Wild By Design was fantastic! I think it's about the only way to hear most of the "backstory" for the different areas of AK.