Night Vision at AKL--Now A Charge?

[carlbarry]

It used to be a nightly event to use the night vision binoculars at AKL. Is this new "safari" a way to charge $70 for what used to be free?
Night Safari: This nighttime safari is only available for guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and must be booked via the concierge. Guests will use night vision goggles to search out the animals on the Sunset Savanna.

 

[MouseMomx2]

It used to be a nightly event to use the night vision binoculars at AKL. Is this new "safari" a way to charge $70 for what used to be free?
Night Safari: This nighttime safari is only available for guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and must be booked via the concierge. Guests will use night vision goggles to search out the animals on the Sunset Savanna.

This is something completely different. They still offer the night-vision animal viewing for free. You don't go in a safari vehicle though. You never did. You go out to one of the savanna viewing areas and use the goggles to view the animals.

 

[AquaDame]

So is the only difference here that you go in a vehicle then..? We are currently booked for Wanyama (ouch $$$) but I dunno that I would switch if thats all there is...

 

[dvcterry]

sometimes people like to try it for the experience, but $70. not everyone would feel it justifies the cost, others yes.

 

[carlbarry]

This is something completely different. They still offer the night-vision animal viewing for free. You don't go in a safari vehicle though. You never did. You go out to one of the savanna viewing areas and use the goggles to view the animals.

I know there is no entering the savanna with the free viewing (which I've done--and not seen a blessed animal LOL). But the description given of the $70 option doesn't really make clear that you do the viewing from a vehicle IN the savanna.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Can someone please tell me exactly where viewing with the night vision binocculars is held? I went once, about 6 years ago, and I can't remember the exact location. However, I do remember that at that time, there was a wait to use the binocculars. Then you weren't supposed to use them for too long, because others were waiting.

 

[carlbarry]

Can someone please tell me exactly where viewing with the night vision binocculars is held? I went once, about 6 years ago, and I can't remember the exact location. However, I do remember that at that time, there was a wait to use the binocculars. Then you weren't supposed to use them for too long, because others were waiting.

It's at Jambo House. The time I was there, it was too cold, so they used the "library" that's off the lobby. I believe that usually it's held at the flamingo area near the pool. But if you check at the front desk, they can tell you.

 

[magicaldisney]

Can someone please tell me exactly where viewing with the night vision binocculars is held? I went once, about 6 years ago, and I can't remember the exact location. However, I do remember that at that time, there was a wait to use the binocculars. Then you weren't supposed to use them for too long, because others were waiting.

At Kidani it is by the fire pit. We have done it each trip to AKV and have seen many animals and never waited for the binoculars. I think it's more of a hidden gem at Kidani than it is at Jambo.

 

[bumbershoot]

Can someone please tell me exactly where viewing with the night vision binocculars is held? I went once, about 6 years ago, and I can't remember the exact location. However, I do remember that at that time, there was a wait to use the binocculars. Then you weren't supposed to use them for too long, because others were waiting.

I had the same experience in December 2010. And they only gave us one pair per family, then got annoyed when each of us actually wanted to use them! And saw NO animals whatsoever. (they were likely all cold and hiding somewhere warmer)

It's at Jambo House. The time I was there, it was too cold, so they used the "library" that's off the lobby. I believe that usually it's held at the flamingo area near the pool. But if you check at the front desk, they can tell you.

Oh if only they had done it like that the time we did it! So so so so cold.

 

[vicki_c]

At one time, I thought Owners Locker was renting out the night vision goggles. That was a few years ago though, and I don't know if I'm remembering right.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Now I'm really confused. I always thought you could just go downstairs and check them out and take them back to your room. What did I miss? Did I imagine this?

 

[monorailmom]

We stayed at Kidani in August..the first time we tried to do Night Vision Goggles, the weather was un-cooperative. The next time, the animals weren't 'cooperative', so they sent us to Jambo house.

This was a night we won't forget. There was no charge. We had a fabulous CM, whose name was J.T., who took an interest in our family (because we are a large family and he wasn't used to that!) and really made a great experience for us all. He told us all about his experiences in S. Africa working on the real savanna with real lions and giraffes, and the differences between that and the experiences in FL.

We were sure to stop by the front desk the next day and write up a card explaining our fantastic experience with this CM.

I would *highly* recommend this to anyone.

 

[Hunclemarco]

At one time, I thought Owners Locker was renting out the night vision goggles. That was a few years ago though, and I don't know if I'm remembering right.

Last time i checked (about a year ago), they were not doing this.

 

[Sammie]

Is there a particular time for this.

 

[carlbarry]

Is there a particular time for this.

Night.
But seriously, it will be listed in the schedule.