Just Booked the Wild Afrika Trek

[ragtopday]

And I'm so excited! The introductory period just happened to coincide with a trip I already had planned and we just decided to bite the bullet and do it!

I'm so excited - just had to share!

 

[OKW Lover]

We look forward to your review!

 

[sayhello]

It sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to getting your take on it!

Sayhello

 

[newdrama12]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_hHQjizJ30 - sneak peek of the Wild Africa Trek courtesy of Amanda Tinney (disneyeveryday.com)

 

[cannp123165]

It looks brilliant! Have a great time.

 

[airman]

I am booked for February 14th, while on a solo trip before a conference I have in Orlando. I have watched a couple preview videos and I am getting excited about doing this.

 

[OKW Lover]

I am booked for February 14th, while on a solo trip before a conference I have in Orlando. I have watched a couple preview videos and I am getting excited about doing this.

We've got some friends that are also doing it that day. They have a 10:00 tour and we're looking forward to hearing how they (and you) like it.

 

[airman]

We've got some friends that are also doing it that day. They have a 10:00 tour and we're looking forward to hearing how they (and you) like it.

My trek time is at 9, I will definitely be posting on FB and on the boards about the tour.

 

[Renysmom]

Lou Mongello posted a video on his site and the WDW guys have been tweeting all weekend about how cool it was to experience this past week so I am thinking AK has a winner with this one.

I know I want to book it! Enjoy!

 

[georgemoe]

Kristen got my interest when she posted about booking. Deb really enjoys the safari's so I thought this was something nice to do for her on Valentine's Day! When I booked, both the 8am and 9am tours were sold out. We wanted 10am anyway.

To be honest, it was was the Amanda and Lou video's that clinched it for us. Good stuff!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I am very excited about this as well. I just love AKL and AK!

 

[Renysmom]

Kristen got my interest when she posted about booking. Deb really enjoys the safari's so I thought this was something nice to do for her on Valentine's Day! When I booked, both the 8am and 9am tours were sold out. We wanted 10am anyway.

To be honest, it was was the Amanda and Lou video's that clinched it for us. Good stuff!

What a great idea George, want to let John know this would make a perfect 50th birthday gift for me in October.

Wait I mean ONE of my perfect 50th gifts

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

whats the cost of these tours?

 

[GaRain]

The cost is $129 per person, I believe.
Does anyone know if they offer Disney Visa or AP discounts?

 

[beachwarmer]

The cost is $129 per person, I believe.
Does anyone know if they offer Disney Visa or AP discounts?

There are no discounts. I asked about DVC, AP etc and there were none. I booked for my DD8 and myself for next week. I had better check out the videos to see if it is really okay for an 8year old.

 

[tkldisney]

I asked about discounts and none. Guess they will wait and see how the bookings go. Our trek is March 16th, 9AM. Excited....
The cost after trial period is 189.00

 

[beachwarmer]

Here are some of the other requirement that I found out.

• Ages 8 and up
• Must be at least 48" tall
• Must be at least 45lbs and not more that 310lbs
• You have to wear closed toed shoes with a back strap(ie running shoes or hiking boots)
• You can take a camera only if it attaches to your vest.
• A disney photographer will follow the group and take photos which you get as digital copies when you are done the tour.
• The food is "African" and you need to tell them about any food allergies.

• 2 day canellation period

I am now off to weigh my 8 year old.....

 

[Kimberle]

Ricky talked about it on his podcast today (Inside the Magic). He did it a couple days ago w/ the press event. Everything you take must be attached to you, nothing loose is allowed. He talked about being sort of "teathered" and hanging down to see the Rhino's (though your feet are still on the ground).
The $129 pp is just an intro. He expects the price to rise by $60 pp in a couple months when they get the kinks worked ou.

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

Based on Ricky's review and Lou's video, I booked this for Feb 8th (my birthday!!). Looking forward to the experience.

 

[Dizney73]

Ok... so I must start by saying that YES I would definitely do this tour again (although probably not for $200! But I must also say that our tour experience was awesome because... are you ready for this????? Joe Rohde was on our 10 am tour on Sunday, January 16!!!! So will the experience EVER be the same for us??? No way!

But I MUST be fair... the tour was exceptional... especially now at $129 for the 3 hours. We started by getting geared up and then did a practice bridge crossing to be sure we could work our safety equiptment correctly and that our harnesses fit just right. Then we enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa as we introduced ourselves to eachother. Upon our return I noticed that they had "Jungle juice" out versus the hot cocoa.

We then started out through Africa and into Pangani out past the gorillas. All the while our knowledgable tour guides were telling us everything they could about the animals and setting the story for the Trek. We were allowed to take small cameras that could be tethered to our harnesses and fit in our pocket. We were not allowed to take our cell phones if they couldn't be tethered. And yes... Joe Rohde was taking pictures too!

We then snuck into the "jungle" through a gate just passed the meer cats and we were off on our trekking experience. We dangled out over the hippos (twice) making them mad... that was really cool! Then off again on our adventure towards the old bridge... since the new bridge built for the tour was destroyed (all part of the storyline). We popped out just before the crocs and crossed the two suspension bridges! That was very cool too. And I am so glad that Joe Rodhe told me to take our time crossing them, enjoy our experience and take in the spectacular views! I sure did just that! Our guides served as our photopass photographers and surely seemed to be catching the experience for everyone!

Then, after our close encounter with the crocs we were off to our truck to enjoy the safari. It was great! We kept pulling over and getting lots of info and time along the way to take photos. Just after the elephants we pulled up to the newly constructed pavillion for our lunch which was nicely presented. Lunch was nice... but it was the fact that we were sitting in the middl of the savannah watching elephants and giraffes and all else out there close up and with the provided binoculars that was spectacular!! After a half hour of enjoying this overlook area we took a group photo and were back in our tour truck and delivered safely back to base camp.

We gathered together to recollect ourselves and head over together to vote for which animal... big cats, rhinos or elephants or the general fund would get a portion of our money we paid for the tour. We voted with stones. We also received our photopass card and a prinout with a coupon for the purchase of our CD to be free.

Ths was a great experience... but I know that our tour with Joe Rodhe may never quite be matched!!! And the fact that I met him and had photos taken with him is just a dream come true!