Illuminations Cruise vs Wild Africa Trek

[jhaig]

We usually try to do one special thing on each trip (La Nouba or MVMCP for example) and this year we are debating between Wild Africa and the Illuminations cruise at Epcot. Any thoughts on which of these should be done over the other? We are flexible on our dates for now. Or is there another special experience we should consider (btw two adults and a 14yr old girl)?

 

[Sorcerer17]

My girlfriend and I did the Wild Africa Trek last year and had a blast.

If you love the Kilimanjaro Safari, then the Africa Trek is a must. You get to take things in from a totally different perspective and get very close to the hippos, crocs, and a bunch of other animals. The rope bridges and other "obstacles" add a little adventure to tour.

The lunch on the savanna was great and for a moment it feels like you are in the heart of Africa.

Don't miss a chance to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal because sadly, some of the species only exist in captivity and that number will only grow. A nice thing at the end of the trip is that the staff will take a vote and the group decides on which endangered species fund that the proceeds from the tour will benefit.

P.S. They also mail you a really cool photo DVD of the entire experience!

 

[Eoghann]

I really want to do the Wild Africa Trek one year.

While other members of the family are knocking people down to get to Everest I'm heading for Kilimanjaro Safari. It's one of my favorite things in the whole of WDW.

This is probably one of these things other people can't answer for you though because it's so much about personal taste.

 

[Debbielt]

My DH and I went on Wild Africa Trek in December and loved it. I think it is a perfect thing to do with a 14 yr. old.

 

[spicedparrot]

How do you think an 8 yr old would handle the Wild Africa Trek?

 

[wiigirl]

My DH and I went on Wild Africa Trek in December and loved it. I think it is a perfect thing to do with a 14 yr. old.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We did an Illuminations cruise for DD's 16th birthday this last Oct and it was amazing!!

It's expensive, but well worth the cost for us.

We checked in to the YC marina 20 min prior to our leave time. Had YC private dining design some Halloween themed fondant chocolate cupcakes (they were huge and beautiful).

We toured the lake, to MGM studios and then off to EPCOT to park under the bridge at IG.

The view was amazing and a new must do for our future trips. DD loved it!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

How do you think an 8 yr old would handle the Wild Africa Trek?

I've done the Trek twice. The 2nd time there was an 8 year old boy who had a blast.
The height of the bridges didn't bother him at all and he loved clipping in and getting to right to the edge of the overhangs for the hippos and alligators.

To the OP, if you aren't afraid of heights the Wild Africa Trek is cool. I'd do that before the Illuminations Cruise.

Now that I've done the Trek, I want to do the Cruise. Someday.......

 

[jhaig]

Sounds like the Africa trek is the early leader so far. Is there much of a difference in cost between the two?

 

[sethschroeder]

Did both and its not even close, Wild Africa Trek by a million miles. While the Cruise is cool you can easily go and get the same view from the bridge which the boats basically park right under (kinda disappointing your not closer).

Its really cool to go up and down the lake but ride the boat back and forth between Epcot and Hollywood and you get the same view if your outside almost.

Again the Illuminations cruise is cool but nothing comes close to the Wild Africa Trek with the tour guide/ walking over the hippos and crocs/ having a awesome meal looking over the Savannah.

In the end not even close and from my point of view if your only doing one you have to choose WAT.

 

[Hopefully]

I've done both too and I would definitley choose the Wild Africa Trek over an Illuminations Cruise. I was a bit disappointed in the cruise.
I loved the Wild Africa Trek. DH has done it twice, the first time alone and the second time with, DS, DDiL and I. We had a blast.
I would recommend the Wild Africa Trek.
Have Fun.

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I did the Africa Trek with my 8 year old son last winter and we had a BLAST! It was the best experience and well worth the money.
While him and I did that. My husband took our little girl to the Princess and Me Tea Party at the Grand Floridian.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

While the cruise is a wonderful treat, you can get a similar view in other places around the lagoon. The Wild Africa Trek is something that is so different to any other experience available elsewhere at AK. If you love AK and the Safari, you'll love the Trek. There is nothing too physically demanding, you do walk over uneven ground, over tree roots so wear closed in and comfortable shoes. The vest you wear is reasonably heavy but not uncomfortably so. If you bring a camera, it needs a strap on it. If you want to bring sunglasses, they'll put a strap on them so they can't fall off. If you have anyone with allergies, you need to advise them so they can arrange special food. It's a wonderful experience.

 

[rebeccam31]

We usually try to do one special thing on each trip (La Nouba or MVMCP for example) and this year we are debating between Wild Africa and the Illuminations cruise at Epcot. Any thoughts on which of these should be done over the other? We are flexible on our dates for now. Or is there another special experience we should consider (btw two adults and a 14yr old girl)?

I have done both in the last two months. Enjoyed both, but the trek is far and away the winner. Loved everything about it!

 

[rebeccam31]

How do you think an 8 yr old would handle the Wild Africa Trek?

My 11 year old adored it.

 

[rebeccam31]

P.S. They also mail you a really cool photo DVD of the entire experience!

This is no longer true, but they give you an email link to a photo album where you can download whatever photos you choose. So you still have access to amazing pictures!

 

[MirandaB]

DD loves giraffes. Would she have good access to giraffes on the Trek, or do you have other recommendations? Thanks!

 

[DizzDoll]

We haven't done the Illuminations Cruise but we did do the Wild Africa Trek and highly recommend it. We did the 8:00 tour, and it is pricey, but so worth it. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[rebeccam31]

DD loves giraffes. Would she have good access to giraffes on the Trek, or do you have other recommendations? Thanks!

We were SUPER close to giraffes, including a baby. It was lovely.

 

[sethschroeder]

DD loves giraffes. Would she have good access to giraffes on the Trek, or do you have other recommendations? Thanks!

Very first thing when your arrive to check in go up to the guide and say.

"My daughter LOVES giraffes, could we make sure to get real close if possible?"

They will likely go out of their way to try to get up and close. With any special experience with Disney all you need to do is ask. That is part of the reason I LOVE Disney is there is nothing they can't try to accommodate.