Got AKL Concierge Studio and know I have ???

[kungaloosh]

Hi All,
I was just able to update my vacation for next April to spend the first 2 nights in an AKL concierge studio and then we will switch to the BCV for the rest of the week. The AKL was only available for the first 2 nights and it's just the 2 of us so we don't mind switching at all. The main reason I wanted it was because we've never experienced concierge level and we had seen something on the travel channel about the extra tours. So we will be checking in Sat and checking out on Mon.

So know I've searched the boards and copied a ton of info for my husband to read but I'd like some opions from folks who have done the tours only offered to AKL concierge. The one I was originally interested in was the Sunset safari that goes around the savannah at AKL but now I see the price is $160 and includes dinner at Jiko. My DH is a picky eater. Has anyone done this recently and can you tell me what kind of things they have at the dinner? Is it the Jiko regular menu or a set menu? I'm just trying to decide if it's worth the $.

The Sunrise Safari sounds awesome and worth the much lower price. Has anyone ever done both within a day of each other? I was thinking we could do the Sunset on Saturday night (if offered) and then do the Sunrise Safari Sunday AM. I did read that the Sunrise is offered on Sundays but I didn't find the days for the Sunset yet. Can someone here fill me in?

Thanks,
Cathy

 

[dgaston]

I have done both in back to back fashion. I really loved the Sunset Safari, even though it is pricy. When we went to Jiko, entrees including the famous steak and mac n cheese, a chicken dish cooked with Ethiopian spices, and something else I don't remember. We also had flatbreads and dips. There is a wine pairing included in the cost of the dinner. While I did enjoy the Sunrise Safari, and being on the regular Kilimanjaro route before the park is open, I have to say I preferred the Backstage tour at AK (about the same price, no meal included). The breakfast buffet is plentiful.

When we stay concierge next May, I know I want to repeat the Sunset Safari (when else can you be on the Savannas at the hotels?). We may end up doing the Sunrise safari too, but it's less of a priority for me.

 

[spiceycat]

the Sunset Safari is available to all AKL/V guests - only the sunrise is only for conceirge

 

[Disneycouple99]

Copied from the Concierge info thread:

AVAILABLE TO ALL AKL/AKV GUESTS: Wanyama (Sunset) Safari:
This Safari takes place on the Savannas of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is meant to be a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive and is an opportunity to spend time with members from the animal programs team learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests will have photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from the Savannas. Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you.

Hours: Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays about 1 1/2 hours before sunset at the lodge's Porte Cochere.

Age Requirement: Must be 8 years of age or older.

Cost: Club Level guests - $160 per adult (ages 10 and up), tax and gratuity included; $80 per child ages 8-9. For non-Club Level AKL guests the cost is $210.00 age 10 and up. Tax and gratuity are included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund.

UPDATED INFORMATION FROM THE AKL-IPO (thanks Don!): “Starting for December 1st 2009 and beyond the price for the Jiko-Wanyama will be $170 for all guests ages 8 and older in any type of room here at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Village.”

Reservations: This event can only be booked by contacting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office. Note that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Currently booked 90 days in advance, beginning Oct 27, 2009, the safari can be booked 180 days out from the day of the event.

 

[kungaloosh]

Thanks all! I think we will just have to force ourselves to do both!