Special AK or AKL programs?

[csievert]

We've been to Disney many times but never have we stayed at AKL or spent alot of time at the AK (my apologies if this should be in the resort forum). Well our 6yr old daughter LOVES animals and we want to make this as special a trip as we can and I'm wondering if there are any special animal-oriented programs that we can do.

I saw that there is an AK program (I'm forgetting the name) if you are a concierge-level guest but we are not staying at that level (savannah).

I see that there is the story-telling and that will definately be cool.

I see also that there is the Conservation Station/Raffiki area in AK and that will also be very cool.

But are there any programs like a backstage tour or a tour like they have at the Land in Epcot where you can get a behind the scene tour either in AK or AKL?

Thank you all veddy much! THis is an incredible board and we've discovered many great ideas since googling upon it a few days ago!

 

[bobcat]

AK does offer backstage programs but the youngest you can be is 14 for the Wild by Design tour and 16 for the Backstage Safari tour. Now the AKL does have great childrens activities to check out during your stay. Besides the storytelling there are also cookie decorating, animal trivia, watching the animals with night vision goggles, games by the pool and for adults there are resort tours you can take such as art of AKL and a cullinary tour. All of these are free to resort guests. I highly recomend the cullinary tour and you get to sample food from both Jiko and Boma and meet with the chefs. There is also a craft scheduled a couple of times a week that will cost about $10 per child and I think the craft varies. I almost forgot the hidden mickey hunt at AKL. My kids and I did it one rainy day and had a blast. Some of them are hard but the cast members will help.

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[johnsonet]

The best thing for your daughter in terms of animals would probably be the "Games with Safari Guides" held, I believe, every day in the Sunset Overlook. We walked into the Sunset Overlook while this was taking place and it looked reaLLy fun and informative. There were 6 or 7 kids and they were answering questions their guide was asking them and they looked like they were having a lot of fun! It was in the evening. There are also "Flamingo Feedings" on the Uzima Savanna, "Animal Tracking" out on Arusha Rock and something called "Junior Researcher" by the Flamingo Pond. There is a lot that they offer - the only problem is fitting it in! (You will get a current list of activities when you check in. For times, you just check the information boards in the Lobby and in the Boma waiting area. Enjoy!

 

[csievert]

Thanks for these ideas. Bummer about her age but if all goes well than we'll do it another time when she's older

Now to sign up for all these resort ideas, where do we go? Is there a sign up place? Johnsonet you mentioned the information board in the lobby, are all these options listed on that board? Whether its the night-vision goggles (sounds fun to me...lol), or the Flamingo feedings or the Junior Researcher or whichever?

 

[bobcat]

You will get a list of all your available options printed on the back of your resort map when you check in. No need to sign up you just show up.

 

[csievert]

Thank you, Thank you!