Has Anyone Seen This? Sounds Interesting!

[Fridye]

Deb Wills (www.allearsnet.com) mentioned in her weekly newsletter e-mail a new one-hour wildlife discovery excursion available only to concierge guests:

"Beginning February 15, Walt Disney World Resort concierge-level guests will be able to book NEW, one-hour wildlife discovery excursions. A safari guide and an animal expert will take small groups (no more than 14 people) beyond the safari trail of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney's Animal Kingdom, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savanna. Groups will travel in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle for the excursions, which will be offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $45 per guest. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (www.disneywildlifefund.com). Advance reservations are required. For more information and to book an excursion, concierge-level guests must contact their Walt Disney World Resort concierge or resort itinerary planning office."

It sounds interesting, but I'd like to know more. Anyone else know anything about this?

 

[rascalmom]

First I've heard of it, but it sounds really interesting. May have to look in to concierge level for a future trip!

Can't wait to hear some reviews.

 

[Kimberle]

Sure does! Wonder if it'll be like the AKL safari or different.

 

[jk1]

My daughter went out on this today (the tour is in development) and from what she told me the tour sounds very interesting. They have created some drive paths beyond the normal safari route for this tour. This tour is reportedly for guests 12 and over.

 

[SeaSpray]

I just read about it in my email!!

We'll be staying concierge at the Wilderness Lodge in July. I'm thinking this would be something fun and different for DH and I to do on our last morning, but we won't have park tickets that day.

Does anyone know if you need park admission if you want to do this excursion?

 

[Janet2k]

Does anyone know if you need park admission if you want to do this excursion?

SeaSpray, when my family did a similar tour in the Fall of 2003, we needed park admission. My guess is that park admission is required for this tour, too.

I am trying to find out what the vehicle looks like (you can see the vehicle that was used for my tour in the link that I just provided -- that vehicle only seated 8 people).

The new tour sounds wonderful and I did ask my favorite CM in all of WDW about it. I will provide below what he sent me:

- - - - - - - - - -
For guests over 12 staying in concierge rooms anywhere on property.

DESCRIPTION: Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve.

CAPACITY: 14 Guests

HOURS:
10:00AM (Guests should arrive at check-in by 9:45AM)
1:00PM (Guests should arrive at check-in by 12:45PM)
Tour lasts approximately one (1) Hour.
Same day bookings not allowed.

DAYS OFFERED: Daily

BLACKOUT DATES: None

PRICE: $45.00 per person including tax

** All prices are subject to change without notice **

Capacity is set at 14 guests so it is very exclusive and personal.
- - - - - - - - - -

Because of that new tour, I am definitely considering adding a concierge stay on to my upcoming vacation. The tour truly sounds wonderful. I can't wait to hear all about it from the folks who'll get to experience it first (the lucky ducks!).

 

[jk1]

Janet, if I recall correctly, the vehicle you used is the van that is used on the Sunset Safari at AK, right? The vehicles that will be used for this new tour are different. It is a van type vehicle that seats 14. It has canvas sides that will roll up so you have open windows, similiar to the safari vehicles used at AK. Guests will remain seated throughout the tour.

 

[Banzai]

That sounds cool!

 

[ead79]

Thanks for posting this--I haven't gotten the chance to read my All Ears newsletter yet. This tour sounds very interesting. We did the Sunrise Safari and loved it, so we'll definitely look into this too.

 

[SeaSpray]

Janet, if I recall correctly, the vehicle you used is the van that is used on the Sunset Safari at AK, right? The vehicles that will be used for this new tour are different. It is a van type vehicle that seats 14. It has canvas sides that will roll up so you have open windows, similiar to the safari vehicles used at AK. Guests will remain seated throughout the tour.

Hmmm....they use the words "climate-controlled vehicles" in the description.... If that's true, and the sides/windows DO roll up, they'd better be blasting the A/C, especially in July when we will be there!

 

[jk1]

I was wondering that myself! I will have to ask my daughter more about the vehicle she rode in.

 

[Fridye]

I wonder why the minimum age is 12? I have a DD who will be 8 the next time we go, and I believe she would enjoy this. The AKL concierge safari doesn't have an age requirement, does it?

 

[Banzai]

I wonder why the age requirement?

 

[Janet2k]

Just thought I'd mention that I was told that the new excursion can be booked 90 days in advance.

 

[PandyPaws]

I've seen the vehicle, but I haven't driven it yet. It's 'theming' and appearance has to be completed....it will look similar to the safari trucks when done. I believe the side windows are the 'pop-out' type.

A rough guess as to the age requirement here (but of course I'll ask to find out for sure)...I think it has to do with a person's size and being big enough to be able to see out the windows without standing up or lap sitting. Twelve is also the minimum age requirement for the green VIP Safari van that we use (this is the same vehicle that's used for Sunset Safaris at AKL) for similar reasons....the roof pops up on that and guests have to be tall enough to be able to see out of the roof, and old enough to balance properly on their own while standing in that vehicle.

 

[PandyPaws]

I did a little investigating today....

The bottom half of the windows are glass....the top portion open, with the vinyl flap that rolls down (one big long flap that covers all windows front to back along each side of the vehicle). It will be rolled down unless it is raining.

The minimum age of 12 is standard for Animal Programs events like this...one reason is that the vehicle has to drive through backstage areas in order to access the Safari. Another is that the vehicle will be out there for an hour at a time...which is a long time for younger kids to have to sit without getting fidgety, and a long time for youngsters to be without a restroom.

 

[Talking Hands]

Pandy Paws what about accessibility for those of us using wheelchairs. I use a power wheelchair and love animals.