I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!! This is one of two classes we're considering for June and I was leaning towards this one due to AK having lower crowds on this particular day. Would you be so kind to give a brief overview? I think my main questions are around being in the sun or outside the entire time or were there times you went indoors and/or in shade? Going in June obviously makes it a little warm but we'd choose a morning class for sure!
It also sounds like there were three of you and I wanted to know how this worked and if you had any issues. I read that it was one chaperone per child and since we only have one child we were worried one of us would have to stay back at the resort. When I called the YES office she said it wouldn't be a problem for us all three to go but I just wanted to make sure.
Thanks in advance!
We participated in the morning class, which for us was perfect. The program began around 8:30am and ended at 11:15am. The program is 100% outside with the only shade coming from the plants and trees along the trails. It is definitely alot of walking with brief stops to look at the animals and answer questions. The instructors provide each participant with a radio and headset so you can hear them without having to walk directly beside or behind them.
Marie and Mandi really made the program fun. They told jokes and played around alot together and with the kids. Participation is really required in order for you to get the full benefit from the program. Little tip: if your leader does something, you should do the same, such as, if they drink from the water fountain, you should too. (Not to give alot away, but it has to do with the program)
Our group only included us and one other family, so it was a very small group - a total of 7 people all together not including the two instructors. The program participants are provided with the headsets. However, my husband walked with us because there really was no reason why he couldn't. (We didn't go anywhere that the rest of the vacationers couldn't go) So I would say the whole family could probably walk together, just you might not all receive a headset and radio. But because the group was so small, we could hear our instructors without really needing the radio, in fact my didn't work half of the time. A tip: don't point out to the instructors that you have an extra adult and it should be no problem. They really are not supposed to allow an additional chaperone. But I really feel this is only an issue if the group is large and you are wanting to have the additional parent participate instead of just walking with you.
I hope that helps. We loved the program and can't wait to do another one.
Heather
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I imagine with the money you save, you could book an awesome behind the scenes tours.
