Question about the changes to the Kilimanjaro Safari

[World Showcaser]

I don't think the changes are going to do anything to make the ride smoother. The ride speed might be more consistent but the terrain will be the same. So, if you had a problem taking them on before, I wouldn't now.

I am wondering if they will remove the expectant mother warning. If they don't speed up over the rocky terrain, I'm thinking it would be fine to ride pregnant.

I rode when I was pregnant because the manager of the ride basically insisted. I was at the FP machine with others in my party and was explaining to them that I would sit this out because of the warnings. He came over and insisted I ride saying that I would be fine. He then took us to the front of the line and put us near the front of the truck, which would be less bumpy. It was fine.

 

[North of Mouse]

I don't think the changes are going to do anything to make the ride smoother. The ride speed might be more consistent but the terrain will be the same. So, if you had a problem taking them on before, I wouldn't now.



I rode when I was pregnant because the manager of the ride basically insisted. I was at the FP machine with others in my party and was explaining to them that I would sit this out because of the warnings. He came over and insisted I ride saying that I would be fine. He then took us to the front of the line and put us near the front of the truck, which would be less bumpy. It was fine.

We just rode in the front seat (which I hated, couldn't see unobstructed to even begin to take pictures), but unlike you, I didn't find the bumpiness any different.

 

[DebbieB]

I was there last week, we were in the 3rd or 4th row, it was still bumpy. My one friend has back problems and she said it bothered her. We did like that it went slower and there was more info and that they dropped the "little Red" story.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was there last week, we were in the 3rd or 4th row, it was still bumpy. My one friend has back problems and she said it bothered her. We did like that it went slower and there was more info and that they dropped the "little Red" story.

When we go with DD, we are riding on the very front row because that is the only row where someone can stay in their wherlchair and ride. I have also ridden various times in other rows without DD.

The front row is still very bumpy and not significantly less bumpy than other rows in the front half to 2/3 of the tram. Those front seats are very close to the front wheels, so you feel coming up and down over bumps).
It all depends on what bumps the driver hits. We did ride it a few days ago, after the change. You are no longer going over the geyser area at high speed, but it's still very bumpy in that section (simulated ruts) and there are plenty of other places where it is bumpy (bridge, crossing other water areas).

One of the things pregnant woman have posted before is that late in pregnancy they find the seats uncomfortable because the backs are not very high and the seat is shallow. Some also posted that it felt like baby was using their bladder for a trampoline!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Well my parade is officially rained on. My husband and I are thinking that we just might be pregnant when we go this December. Knowing this, it looks like g-ma, g-pa, and I will be venturing over to Animal Kingdom lodge to see the animals rather than riding the safari. I was so hoping that it would be more pleasant. Oh well. I am also worried about how bumpy the various trails are in this park. I don't think that they will get injured, but I think it might annoy them a bit. Here's hoping for good vibes and pixie dust while we are there and that my grandfather is less crotchety than normal.

 

[minnie mum]

Well my parade is officially rained on. My husband and I are thinking that we just might be pregnant when we go this December. Knowing this, it looks like g-ma, g-pa, and I will be venturing over to Animal Kingdom lodge to see the animals rather than riding the safari. I was so hoping that it would be more pleasant. Oh well. I am also worried about how bumpy the various trails are in this park. I don't think that they will get injured, but I think it might annoy them a bit. Here's hoping for good vibes and pixie dust while we are there and that my grandfather is less crotchety than normal.[/QUOTE]

HA!!! When I read that I had an instant vision of my own dear ol' Dad. I hope you'll still have a wonderful vacation. And....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[smcabee]

Just got off the safari about an hour ago. It's still very bumpy and our driver said to expect the zebras in the fall.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Well my parade is officially rained on. My husband and I are thinking that we just might be pregnant when we go this December. Knowing this, it looks like g-ma, g-pa, and I will be venturing over to Animal Kingdom lodge to see the animals rather than riding the safari. I was so hoping that it would be more pleasant. Oh well. I am also worried about how bumpy the various trails are in this park. I don't think that they will get injured, but I think it might annoy them a bit. Here's hoping for good vibes and pixie dust while we are there and that my grandfather is less crotchety than normal.[/QUOTE]

HA!!! When I read that I had an instant vision of my own dear ol' Dad. I hope you'll still have a wonderful vacation. And....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you. No congratulations are in order just yet. We were trying up until March and will be trying again next month (didn't want to be in my third trimester in case my doctor said no to traveling). We will see. And sorry if that was tmi.

 

[DopeyDame]

I absolutely love the suggestion of a meal over at AKL. The restaurant in the AK Villas (sorry - forget the name!) is fantastic, and the whole lodge is really fun. One of the most pleasant moments in all of WDW was when DH and I got a glass of wine from the bar near Boma and walked to one of the outcroppings and just sat on the rocking chairs sipping out wine watching the animals. Your grandparents would love that!
Other than the safari (well, and EE....) I'm sure they'll have a great time in AK. My dad used an ECV last time we were there and didn't have any issues at all with the terrain in the rest of the park.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I absolutely love the suggestion of a meal over at AKL. The restaurant in the AK Villas (sorry - forget the name!) is fantastic, and the whole lodge is really fun. One of the most pleasant moments in all of WDW was when DH and I got a glass of wine from the bar near Boma and walked to one of the outcroppings and just sat on the rocking chairs sipping out wine watching the animals. Your grandparents would love that!
Other than the safari (well, and EE....) I'm sure they'll have a great time in AK. My dad used an ECV last time we were there and didn't have any issues at all with the terrain in the rest of the park.

Well they won't drink the wine (darn good southern baptists, they are), but I know that they would love to sit out in some rockers and watch the animals. And thanks for the info about the EVC. It's good to know that that is something I don't need to be concerned about.

 

[World Showcaser]

We just rode in the front seat (which I hated, couldn't see unobstructed to even begin to take pictures), but unlike you, I didn't find the bumpiness any different.

I didn't say I found the bumpiness any different. I just said that's where the CM placed us, knowing I was pregnant and hesitant to ride.

 

[caralyn817]

I just rode it this weekend and Little Red is officially gone. They have fencing up in that area getting ready for the zebras. It is still bumpy like before. You may want to consider doing the Safari tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge. They take you out with the zebras, giraffes, and other animals. I have seen the tour from our room many times and it is slow paced and the animals come to the vehicle. They may enjoy it more. Just a suggestion.

 

[SharonS]

when my Mom was living, we always went to AK and rode the safari. she had a very bad back, and was in a wheelchair. She remained in the chair for the safari, and I always held onto the chair to help prevent movement. They do go slower in the 'wheelchair' vehicles...meaning, they don't intentionally try and bounce you around.

As for AKL, yes, they do have a tour that goes out, but it is the Wayama Safari, which includes a drive in the flat bed truck, followed by dinner at Jiko. It is nice, but is pretty expensive. The animals sometimes get close to the truck, but they do not encourage the animals to do so, nor do they allow you to touch or feed them.

Sanaa at Kidani is wondeful, especially if you get a window table. The animals do tend to get pretty close. I also like the viewing area here better than at Jambo.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Do you have to stay at the AKL to do that safari?

 

[Twigs]

We just stayed at the AKV for one night and the description of that tour sounded like you need to be a guest of the hotel to take that tour. But I am not absolutely positive so it can't hurt to inquire about it. You can go over to AKL Kidani and have a meal at Sanaa though. And when you are there you can also walk out on Kidani's overlook and see the zebras and giraffes. We saw them a lot on that savannah.

 

[Twende]

Little Red is gone as is most of the poachers equipment. There was one pile of poachers stuff still sitting in one place. There is new very green grass growing getting ready for the zebras that are coming in the fall.

My well over 90, almost 100 year old parents always rode the safari. The last few years we used the wheelchiar cars because my mom would escape if we did not keep her in a wheelchair. The wheel chair trucks do give a less vigorous ride.

The newer safari seems to last a bit longer as the trucks are going slower and will stop for about 5 seconds for you to take pictures. It is a more steady progression without the speeding up and slowing down. The ricketty bridge was not working this week but I think that was only a fluke.

We also did the Wild Animal Trek and it was fantastic. We did the 2 PM trip and got back in about 5:30 PM. We saw so many animals and got to do many behind the scenes things. It is vigorous as you walk through the "jungle" and the stride needed to cross the suspension bridges is quite long. You are safe in a full body harness but it is still quite exciting to be above the Hippos and Crocs! The Boma "meal" was beyond yummy. It was well served and super delicious.

We had great guides named Kata and Emily. They were well spoken and very patient with us all. Guide Dan was well informed about the Hippos and our driver Bria (even though it was her first day) and you could tell she was nervous, was great!

All in all age should not stop anyone from enjoying all that Disney has to offer. There are ways to work around most special needs. Have a great trip!

 

[World Showcaser]

As for AKL, yes, they do have a tour that goes out, but it is the Wayama Safari, which includes a drive in the flat bed truck, followed by dinner at Jiko. It is nice, but is pretty expensive. The animals sometimes get close to the truck, but they do not encourage the animals to do so, nor do they allow you to touch or feed them.

Sanaa at Kidani is wondeful, especially if you get a window table. The animals do tend to get pretty close. I also like the viewing area here better than at Jambo.

Thank you all for the info on the tour at AKL. I didn't know about this. Sounds like something worth looking into.

I agree that if you want a milder experience with amazing views of animals, dine at Sanaa. I had never seen giraffes running full speed before that. Pretty amazing.