Can giraffes come directly up to any balconies at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[David B]

So I booked the AKL for June. One queen and bunk beds with a savannah view. But thats not good enough for my family. Oh no. We have to be able to get as up close and possible to the giraffes or its not worth it lol.

Can the giraffes reach balconies on the 2nd floor rooms or are there barriers keeping them away? Any specific rooms numbers you know of? Ive taken a look on tourinplans.com but the pics aren't definitive.

TIA for your help

 

[BobNed]

There are barriers to protect all the animals from all the humans... and if you're caught trying to interfere with the animals, you'll be asked to leave the resort. Seriously, the animals cannot get too close to the balconies. It is for your safety as well as theirs. And yes, there are cameras watching all the time, so make sure you keep your drapes closed at night.

 

[NJ Goofy]

As PP said there are barriers to keep the animals about 20 feet or so from the balconies. They try to make the barriers blend in so if you don't really look for them you won't see them.

 

[Allison]

No way. I can only imagine the things guests would try to do.

 

[sticker231]

There is also nothing nears the room balconies of interest to the giraffes. Their feeding spots are in the trees, so they hang out there until the food is gone, then it's time to walk somewhere else.

 

[beesly]

As PPs mentioned, there are barriers. Here is a picture from our recent stay in 4407:


The brown line you see in the middle is a barrier of rocks, and each of the dark spots is a "fan" shape of wires. I don't know if they're live or if the animals just won't walk past them - perhaps someone else could chime in on that. In any case, that same kind of barrier surrounds the entire area that they want the animals to stay in. Watching the giraffes and other savanna animals from even this distance still left my family in awe, though!

 

[sticker231]

When we stayed, an ostrich made it through the barrier. It was our morning entertainment as they tried to corral it back. Just my opinion, I think the barrier either pokes them or startles the animals as they approach. It is the same system they have in Animal Kingdom, you can see it in some of the animal areas.

 

[maranara]

Like others have said, there's a barrier that looks fans of wires. Here are a couple of pictures of giraffes that I took from our balcony in January - one of the giraffe and a couple with my daughter so you can get a better sense of how far away they really are. I will tell you - for us, savanaa view was worth every penny. It was incredible - one of our favorite parts of our trip!

 

[BobNed]

As PPs mentioned, there are barriers. Here is a picture from our recent stay in 4407:
View attachment 226002

The brown line you see in the middle is a barrier of rocks, and each of the dark spots is a "fan" shape of wires. I don't know if they're live or if the animals just won't walk past them - perhaps someone else could chime in on that. In any case, that same kind of barrier surrounds the entire area that they want the animals to stay in. Watching the giraffes and other savanna animals from even this distance still left my family in awe, though!

Yes, those wires are live. The animals learn very quickly not to go near them. Kind of like electric fences on farms. A small jolt. It doesn't harm the animal, but they won't go back for another.

 

[WithASmile&ASong]

There are a number of zoos that offer giraffe feeding experiences. maybe you could check regional zoos near you if you are looking for a more close up experience.

 

[Nancyg56]

So I booked the AKL for June. One queen and bunk beds with a savannah view. But thats not good enough for my family. Oh no. We have to be able to get as up close and possible to the giraffes or its not worth it lol.

Can the giraffes reach balconies on the 2nd floor rooms or are there barriers keeping them away? Any specific rooms numbers you know of? Ive taken a look on tourinplans.com but the pics aren't definitive.

TIA for your help

I would explain to your family that they will be able to experience something pretty magical at AKL. The Savannah is not a zoo, nor are the animals pets, so they will see these gorgous creatures in a more natural environment. It is pretty darn awesome.

 

[poodledogs55]

One time on Kilimanjaro Safaris, a giraffe came right up to the vehicle and popped its head in. The driver fed him a little snack, if I remember correctly. I was in the front seat, so I came maybe 2 feet from the giraffe. That was an awesome experience and though not guaranteed to happen for your family, I would say riding that ride will get you much closer to giraffes.

 

[Best Aunt]

One time on Kilimanjaro Safaris, a giraffe came right up to the vehicle and popped its head in. The driver fed him a little snack, if I remember correctly. I was in the front seat, so I came maybe 2 feet from the giraffe. That was an awesome experience and though not guaranteed to happen for your family, I would say riding that ride will get you much closer to giraffes.

I wonder if that was Gordon the giraffe, who was not supposed to do that and who got evicted (along with his mother) to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Choppygirl]

These photos are amazing - thanks for sharing. Getting more excited now!

 

[Amelia :)]

We did the Serengeti safari at Busch Gardens last year and you get to feed and stroke the giraffes, it was pretty amazing

 

[Choppygirl]

There's the Sunlight Safari too from Kidani. It's for an hour from from 10pm

 

[tiggerluver12]

While not a Giraffe, look for the cottontail rabbits. They are usually in the green grassy areas by the fences in the early mornings and late in the evenings.

 

[LilyWDW]

They will not be able to approach the balcony and, honestly, they don't guarantee that you will be able to see any specific animals from your room.

 

[Harambe]

We had a one bedroom suite at AKL years ago, right across from the giraffe barn. There were three males there, that DS named Moe, Larry, and Curly. They would pretend-fight, whacking each other with their long necks. It was fascinating! I loved seeing them, especially at night. Just can't believe you can look out and see a giraffe coming out of the darkness, and sauntering by (but not any where near the balcony, to answer your question!).

 

[sticker231]

These photos are amazing - thanks for sharing. Getting more excited now!

A few more for you.[GALLERY=][/GALLERY]