Brand new perk (Sunset, not Sunrise Safari) for adult concierge guests at AK Lodge

[Bete]

This just started this week, I believe, and it's at the Savannah at the AK Lodge for this Sunset Safari. I'm hoping this will help those who can take advantage of it.

It's called Wanyama Safari. It's available 3 times a week on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. It starts at 4pm. The experience lasts for 3-1/2 hours but the time here includes a meal at Jiko's, a special feast for safari-goers which includes wine with each course.

There are eight adults that ride in a pop-top vehicle through the savannah at the lodge with a guide. I don't know the age limit for what's considered an adult by Disney standards to be eligible for this experience.

If you haven't guess by now this is not a free experience. The cost is $150 per adult which includes your meal.

And, I repeat, this is for adults only and you must be a concierge guest at AK Lodge to go on this tour. Also, I don't believe this takes away the sunrise Safari; it's in addition to it.

1/25/04: Sorry, if my info is old news. I thought it was new. Anyway, I hope someone can use the info.

I hope someone will share their experience about this one, soon.

 

[skiwee1]

I thought this started a couple of months ago. Didn't someone post their report on this recently?

 

[Muffy]

Janet2K did the sunset safari with her family in Oct or Nov. Her trip report is on the trip report board. She had only good things to say about it! It sounds great and I hope to try it some time!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Yes, I've read at least 3 reports about this already over the last couple of months. Maybe if the search is working try that for more info.

 

[floridafam]

I could be wrong but I think Janet2k did a private safari arranged through the concierge at GF. I think her daughter and some friends were along. The Sunset Safari is only for adults.

I believe they used the same vehicle that is used in the SS, though. Maybe Janet2k can clarify.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by floridafam
I could be wrong but I think Janet2k did a private safari arranged through the concierge at GF. I think her daughter and some friends were along. The Sunset Safari is only for adults.

I believe they used the same vehicle that is used in the SS, though. Maybe Janet2k can clarify.

Yes Janet did have a private safari but I have read other reports from people that have done this. I think I did anyway!

 

[floridafam]

Yes, I have also heard other reports from the SS.

I believe they were a few months ago. I think all of the reports have been positive.

 

[betterlatethannever]

As an FYI, starting sometime in April, it will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

And anther FYI, if there are not enough reservations for a particular safari, that particular safari will be canceled. Others have posted it happened to them.

Ed

 

[*Flower*]

We took advantage of this event when we were there in December, and if you can go- DO IT!!

It was an amazing experience, and the dinner after the safari was amazing!!!!!!!

I'd be happy to answer any questions, if you're interested.

 

[BambiTamby]

Aw, man!
Another reason to go back to AKL concierge!

Flower....please tell all!

 

[*Flower*]

I'm on my way to work........

But I'll spill the beans tonight when I get home.

 

[nutz4dzny]

skiwee1 & floridafam you are both right. We did do a Private Safari at the AK Park not the Lodge and it was using the same ride vehicle . In fact, the Sunset Safari had not started yet, Nov. 3rd was the start date. We are however going on the Sunset Safari -Wanyama- on our May trip together. I was also informed that as of April the days will be changing for the Safari. I forgot what the new days will be but when you call IPO Conciege, they will help you.

Looking forward to our Grand Gatherings Trip in May 2004!

 

[floridafam]

nutz4dzny,

Are you traveling with Janet2k in May?

The Sunrise Safari sounds wonderful. We are also going in May but have to stay at WL to be close to FW. If we weren't going to WDW for a triathlon we would be relaxing at AKL.

Have a wonderful time and please let us know how the Sunrise Safari goes.

 

[*Flower*]

BambiTamby-

Okay, so I'm one day late.....

We've been having not too wonderful weather, and I was tied up nonstop yesterday.

We checked in with the tour guide and driver at 4:15 in front of the AKL near the valet stand. We were the first to check in and our total party of tour participants totalled 7.

Into the vehicle we went, and were given some background information about the Lodge animals and the Kingdom animals, the animal care and breeding programs and vet responsibilities.

Then we drove onto the Lodge Savannahs, and the van that we were in popped it's roof so that we could see better. Almost all of us ended up standing on our seats to see better, and we got to tour each Savannah at the Lodge. We had plenty of photo opportunities, and got to see the new Ankole cattle baby. Mom was busy demanding food from us and Dad was protecting the baby. Really cute!!

We stopped for a "Sunset Safari" drink and snack on the Savannah, and had a photo opportunity with 2 giraffe. Everyone was presented with their own picture at the end of the Wanyama dinner. Anyway, we wended our way back to the front of the Lodge, and after a fond farewell to our guide and driver- we went in to dinner at Jiko. It was served family style, and we all had a chance to try just about EVERYTHING on Jiko's menu. And there was wine with dinner- I'd never tried the South African wines before, and they were really good!!!

We both that the experience was more than worth the fee, and we're hoping to be able to do it again sometime!!

If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer what I can..

 

[BambiTamby]

Oh, Flower!
Thank you for the wonderful Safari report!

Yep! It looks like DH and I will doing that one soon!
I'm looking at a "quick" (well, long weekend) May trip, for the two of us, and AKL concierge always fits the bill for the two of us to unwind!

I'm looking forward to other reports also.
I've always enjoyed Janet2k's reviews on her excursions, too!

and, considering that it's only 7-8 guests, what a deal!
$150, and that includes the meal at Jiko's!

Again, thanks for the reply, Flower!

 

[Janet2k]

Hi, gang. My time on the Dis for the past few months has been very sporadic. I apologize for that. I am going to try to spend some more time here now that I have two WDW vacations planned for this year. As Nutz4dzny has already mentioned, her family and my family will be Grand Gathering together very soon (I can’t wait!).

During my last vacation, my family, Nutz4dzny’s family, and WeFullTime’s family were able to take a special VIP Safari at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. During that safari, we rode in a special vehicle (click here for photo). We were told that same vehicle was going to be used for the new Sunset Safari that was starting within a matter of days at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is presently the only vehicle of its kind in all of Walt Disney World.

As Nutz4dzny has already stated, my husband & I will be joining her, her husband, and her parents on the Sunset Safari at the AKL during our upcoming trip. I am positive it will be the highlight of that vacation. I cannot tell you all how excited I am about going on it.

*Flower*, your write-up has me salivating. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by *Flower*

We checked in with the tour guide and driver at 4:15 in front of the AKL near the valet stand. We were the first to check in and our total party of tour participants totalled 7.

We stopped for a "Sunset Safari" drink and snack on the Savannah, and had a photo opportunity with 2 giraffe. Everyone was presented with their own picture at the end of the Wanyama dinner.

Hi,

We just did the Sunset Safari this past Monday and I think they are tweeking as they go along. Our letter was to meet out front at 4pm. The max on the safari is 8 people and we had 8 on our tour.

We had the stop also but we had four giraffe and we all took turns taking pictures of each other with our own cameras. We did not receive a photo after dinner.

We did receive a "gift" with our letter explaining the tour that we received the night before.

I am just posting this so people are aware that the staff is tweeking this tour so things might not be exactly as others.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Bete
This just started this week, I believe, and it's at the Savannah at the AK Lodge for this Sunset Safari. I'm hoping this will help those who can take advantage of it.

It's called Wanyama Safari. It's available 3 times a week on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. It starts at 4pm. The experience lasts for 3-1/2 hours but the time here includes a meal at Jiko's, a special feast for safari-goers which includes wine with each course.

There are eight adults that ride in a pop-top vehicle through the savannah at the lodge with a guide. I don't know the age limit for what's considered an adult by Disney standards to be eligible for this experience.

If you haven't guess by now this is not a free experience. The cost is $150 per adult which includes your meal.

And, I repeat, this is for adults only and you must be a concierge guest at AK Lodge to go on this tour. Also, I don't believe this takes away the sunrise Safari; it's in addition to it.

1/25/04: Sorry, if my info is old news. I thought it was new. Anyway, I hope someone can use the info.

I hope someone will share their experience about this one, soon.

Just an FYI here the tour is open to anyone 16yrs or older not just "adults".

The tour will run with a min of four people booked.

Also, if the tour is not full you can ask if people outside of AKL Concierge can attend and as long as the tour is not full and they are attending with someone staying AKL Concierge then they can also attend. We had three couples that were staying AKL Concierge on our tour and then one of the couples invited a couple from Tampa to come and they joined us.

Infact Don told me that if someone staying AKL Concierge wanted to buy out the safari for $1,200 they could do that.

Also, if you have a family gathering and want to do a special event for them you could inquire to have a private tour done and just pay $150 a head. The 16yr old and older rule still applies as you are going "back stage". Don told me that they had a party of 17 one night with two vehicles. The person paid the $150 a head so they arranged for the extra people.

Sundays have not been good so they are going to be changing that day in the future.

 

[BambiTamby]

Bumping up!

I can NOT Wait!

 

[mmausse]

Originally posted by *Flower*

I'd be happy to answer any questions, if you're interested.

Thanks for your offer Flower - I'll take you up on it.

So what should I do - go for "Sunrise" or "Sunset" (is it just me or do I sound a little bit like Tovah in Fiddler on the Roof....."

Sorry, I digress. I'm just trying to book the best experience for my 16yo niece.

Thanks for you rhelp and advice!