Kilimanjaro Safari

[Neverland98]

In reaction to the last show, and Pete's comments about this ride, I just wanted to relate one of our "Magical Disney Moments" on our trip Nov. of 2010. We rode Kilimanjaro Safari and had a FABULOUS castmember who was driving. I was prepared for the fast trip, the bumps, and no pictures! However, he slowed down and STOPPED - yes...actually STOPPED still - to gaze at some of the baby animals (giraffes) along the trail. It was a wonderful trip.

I really believe it is who you get and how crowded the ride line is at the time of going.

Our experience of Jungle Cruise, however, was terrible. I know it is kitchy, but went in knowing the jokes haven't changed since the last time I rode (20 years earlier!). But, our guide rambled through her speech with no inflection or "acting" that the job really requires!

So...I hope others give Kilimanjaro Safari a try, and I wish you Pixie Dust in getting a fascinating journey, like our family did!

Make memories!
Julie

 

[Justin Jett]

I have ridden the Safari hundreds of times and usually have the same experience as Pete. No stopping for pictures/video.

When I rode with my family on December 9, 2011, we got an amazing surprise!

Our driver was a fantastic case member, named Brenda. She not only stopped for pictures, but would stop in a position for good pictures.

Here is video with Brenda as our driver: http://youtu.be/POtaVhAzw7k

 

[KristEn87]

This January when we were in WDW we had TWO FANTASTIC experience on Kilimanjaro Safari! I wish that I could remember the names of both of our drivers, but both of them stopped multiple times during our "2 week trek". Our first ride was during the morning and our second was in the afternoon and the park was quite crowded.


I really hope that this continues and I'm looking forward to the changes that are coming to this attraction.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I have to say that one of my best Disney memories took place at Kilimanjero Safaris in 2008. It was when they were doing the Magical Moments celebration. We were heading into the line, and probably because of how she was dressed, a cast member selected my daughter for a moment - to be a Junior Safari Driver. We were escorted to the front of the line and our family had a vehicle all to ourselves. Carrie sat in the first seat behind the driver and he answered all of her questions about the animals. This was her must-do ride and the Minnie safari outfit was the only souvenir she asked for on the trip.

Laurie

 

[Susan R]

I went to Disney from Jan 12-22, 2011 and every time I went on the safari the driver would stop and even move the vehicle so that we can get good pictures. I wonder if they did it because it was a slow time of year? Or is it just that Pete hasn't been on the safari lately?

 

[missminniemouse]

We had the same experience in January.....slow rides with stops on the safari. I think it was because it was a slow time of year and the line wasn't very long, so they were able to slow the pace down on it.

 

[fall08CP]

Here's the dealio (may ruin magic FYI):
Until late 2009, the operating guidelines said absolutely no stopping for photos or you face a reprimand. Drivers had to be under a certain "show time" (18:30) and call in their show times as soon as they dropped off their guests. Management would listen to times and anyone above the acceptable time could face coaching/reprimand. Drivers were so worried about meeting their times that they would stay as close to the truck ahead of them as possible, which sometimes meant a less enjoyable safari.

In late 2009, the operating guidelines introduced a number of designated stop sites- 10 seconds of sitting in the best photo areas. This brought ride times up to about 20:00-22:00, which leads to less trucks getting through per hour and guests waiting longer. Slower times of the year, they're allowed even longer ride times as trucks have longer distance between each other (leaving maybe every 3 mins instead of 30 seconds).

Got it? It's not that your driver ever wants you to have a bad safari, they just have to cover their butts as well.

 

[Dian-er]

I really love this ride, every time it is different: animals in different spots, different ones seen, great & not so great drivers. I've done back to back rides in same day (when Bob was doing pics) & it's never the same. Had several times that we've stopped due to animals in road holding us hostage. That was neat. Have had rhinos so close to truck we could have touched them.