*Direct info from AKL/AKV Concierge Planning*

[Maistre Gracey]

After I read the other thread about booking the Sunrise and Sunset (Won Yamna??) Safaris 11 months out, of course I had to call to book mine.
I talked with a gentleman named Don, who apparantly is in charge of the safari booking process.

Don asked me to post on this board that both Sunrise and Sunset Safaris can NOT BE BOOKED BEFORE 180+10 days prior.
He also asked that I pass along the concierge planning staff will call the guests 200 days prior to check-in, to take requests.

He did take my request for both safaris, but said they can not officially book either of them at this time.

I told him I would post these facts here on this board.

MG

 

[Inkmahm]

Is that the same 180+10 as it is for ADR's? Because Don (he signs emails "Don as in Donald Duck") had me booked at 180 days before Dec 1, but Dec 1 is also the very first night of our trip. I was able to book all my ADRs fr Dec 1 through our last night Dec 10 at 180 days back from Dec 1. That included the safaris.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Is that the same 180+10 as it is for ADR's? Because Don (he signs emails "Don as in Donald Duck") had me booked at 180 days before Dec 1, but Dec 1 is also the very first night of our trip. I was able to book all my ADRs fr Dec 1 through our last night Dec 10 at 180 days back from Dec 1. That included the safaris.

Yes, I believe that's all correct.
He actually said the Sunset is somehow booked through WDW DINE?? Not totally sure about that.

MG

 

[dianeschlicht]

Okay so the 200 days thing goes with what MS told me when I changed my booking to Concierge. MS told me then that concierge would be calling me to discuss booking the two safari's and other things specific to concierge.

 

[kend58]

I think part of the confusion is because there are three special safaris:

This one is open to all WDW Concierge level guests has capacity of 14

Exclusively for Walt Disney World®
Resort Club Level Guests

Wildlife Discovery Excursion:
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park invites you to Reserve for a unique wildlife discovery excursion. Excursions are conducted with small groups of no more than 14 Guests traveling in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle. The excursion is $45 per Guest with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. (Available Tuesday-Saturday)
Date (MM/DD/YY): ___ / ___ /______
Time: 10:00a.m. o r 1:00p.m.
# of Adults: ____ # of Children ages 3-9: ____


These are the two most often referred to that are for AKL/AKV only:

Exclusively for Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Club Level Guests
Sunrise Safari - 30 minute in-depth safari experience
at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park (park admission required) followed by a lavish breakfast buffet at Tusker House Restaurant. Guests gather in Concierge Lounge at 7:00 am, Safari starts at 7:30 am. Sunrise Safari is only offered on Sunday and Thursdays. Price: $55.00 for guests 10 and older, $27.50 for guests 3 - 9 years (price includes tax, gratuity & breakfast) Can be booked 180 days in advance/subject to availability. *Not included in the Platinum Plan Package * Would you like to discuss this with
our team? __ Yes __ No




Wanyama Safari - 3 hour safari experience at
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that resembles an African afternoon game drive and dinner. Guests will be able to learn about the natural history and management of the animals and architecture of the resort. The safari concludes at Jiko for a multi-course meal. Guests meet at 4 p.m. in the Porte Cochere. Only offered on Mon, Wed, and Fri.
Price: $160.00 per person for guests 10 + and $80.00 for guests 8 and 9 years of age. (price includes tax, gratuity & meal) Not available for guests under the age of 8. *Safaris are limited to 12 guests - can book 180 days in advance (subject to availability) *Not included in the Platinum Plan Package * Would you like to discuss this with our team?
__ Yes __ No

 

[BCV23]

Perhaps AK IPO will be receiving all the DVC club level reservation info and be able to place those calls at the 200 day mark. But I know that is not always the case with resort reservations. Many times club level guests are not contacted at all. We've had a number of club level stays at the Polynesian, GF and one at AKL. I'd say about 50% of the time, we've been contacted. The rest of our stays either I've had to make first contact (and usually well within 180 days) or there has been no contact at all. I do make most dining reservations on my own so perhaps our reservations are flagged that way.

But for anyone trying to get safari reservations, I would watch that window carefully. If you're not contacted by 199 or 200, I would call or email.

One other thing, most people have better luck with IPO emailing rather than calling.

 

[CarolA]

Well perhaps Don should tell the staff who called me WELL before the 200 day mark.....

 

[BCV23]

Well perhaps Don should tell the staff who called me WELL before the 200 day mark.....

But that is a good sign that you got the call. Perhaps all DVC reservations will come up on their system. What about those with reservations under the 200 mark...have you gotten a call.

As I said, we've only stayed AKL club level once and our only contact with Don was when I emailed requesting the Sunrise Safari. He did get it for us. But people rave about Don.

 

[kend58]

But that is a good sign that you got the call. Perhaps all DVC reservations will come up on their system. What about those with reservations under the 200 mark...have you gotten a call.

As I said, we've only stayed AKL club level once and our only contact with Don was when I emailed requesting the Sunrise Safari. He did get it for us. But people rave about Don.

Don is who I have spoken with twice and who told me when to expect the email - came at 199 day point so - far everything has happened exactly as he said it would

 

[Inkmahm]

I've had two cash reservations for club level at AKL now and neither time did I receive any email at all about making arrangements.

I contacted concierge myself to let them know I wanted to book the safaris at the 180 day mark when they were available. Last year I got it early (mid-May for a Dec 3, 2006 safari) and this year I had to wait until the 180 day mark for the Dec 1 afternoon and Dec 2 morning safaris.

I was surprised last year though when I checked in to AKL and they gave me a printed itinerary that included most of the ADRs I had booked myself for the trip. It didn't include all of them, however. I have no idea why.

 

[DVC Grammy]

BTW, when I called CL, I was told that they didn't know exactly where the Sunrise Safari breakfasts were going to be held. They haven't been given the official information yet.

During the renovation of Tusker House, it might be held at Jiko's or another place, with Boma food; he explained that Boma's current policy doesn't allow them to hold back tables in reserve.

It also hasn't been determined that Tusker House will resume SS breakfasts after the renovation. (He also said that he didn't think it would be at Yak & Yeti.)

Don't know if this matters to anyone (it doesn't to us).

 

[kimberh]

Thank you so much for posting this information! I am marking my calander for 200 days.

 

[Inkmahm]

BTW, when I called CL, I was told that they didn't know exactly where the Sunrise Safari breakfasts were going to be held. They haven't been given the official information yet.

During the renovation of Tusker House, it might be held at Jiko's or another place, with Boma food; he explained that Boma's current policy doesn't allow them to hold back tables in reserve.

It also hasn't been determined that Tusker House will resume SS breakfasts after the renovation. (He also said that he didn't think it would be at Yak & Yeti.)

Don't know if this matters to anyone (it doesn't to us).

Ack! It never crossed my mind that they'd maybe mess with the Sunrise Safari breakfast location. I figured by the time Tusker House was open again the breakfasts would still be there. Since they're changing Tusker House to a buffet restaurant, and the sunrise safari is a wonderful buffet, I didn't think there'd be a question about it. I sure hope they don't mess with the quality of the food as the breakfast was one of my DH's favorite meals at Disney last December.

 

[CarolA]

Considering how adamant they are that you have to have a ticket to the park, I am betting breakfast will still be in the park. If they were just taking you too the Safari and back to AKL for breakfast then you wouldn't have to have a ticket. But the way it works now they dump you into the park so.....

 

[Muushka]

After I read the other thread about booking the Sunrise and Sunset (Won Yamna??) Safaris 11 months out, of course I had to call to book mine.
I talked with a gentleman named Don, who apparantly is in charge of the safari booking process.

Don asked me to post on this board that both Sunrise and Sunset Safaris can NOT BE BOOKED BEFORE 180+10 days prior.
He also asked that I pass along the concierge planning staff will call the guests 200 days prior to check-in, to take requests.

He did take my request for both safaris, but said they can not officially book either of them at this time.

I told him I would post these facts here on this board.

MG

MG, I notice since you have, hmm, how do I put this?
Strayed from VWL to another resort, you have gotten very loud!

 

[DVC Grammy]

Ack! It never crossed my mind that they'd maybe mess with the Sunrise Safari breakfast location. I figured by the time Tusker House was open again the breakfasts would still be there. Since they're changing Tusker House to a buffet restaurant, and the sunrise safari is a wonderful buffet, I didn't think there'd be a question about it. I sure hope they don't mess with the quality of the food as the breakfast was one of my DH's favorite meals at Disney last December.

The quality of the food won't be any different; the only issue is that there's been no official statement to the CL staff of either the interim site (during TH rehab) or whether it will resume at TH once it's re-opened.

 

[Rambler5678]

We have a three year old princess. So youll are saying she could go on the Sunrise Safari but not the sunset one?

Thanks