Starlight/Sunset Safari

[jdkdorn]

We are planning a trip with minimal park visits, only going to Magic Kingdom for the Seats and Treats event and for the extra mag8c evening hours. Im really interested in trying the sunset safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I attempted to book it right at the 60-day mark, but there was no availability. Has anyone heard of them allowing extra guests on the day of the event at the resort? My husband has always wanted to experience this, and I would love to surprise him.

Thanks!

 

[Steelers0854]

Seating is limited on the safari truck so I would be surprised if they would allow “extras” onboard. However if there is a no show it’s possible they could let you on? If you’re staying there and want to show up they load right at the hotel main entrance. We did this and it was pretty cool, they give you a night vision scope and it was cool to ride around the grounds. For us it was a one and done but worth doing IMO, a pretty unique experience.

 

[CarolynFH]

Could you tell whether it was booked up, vs. just not open for reservations yet? I read on the other forums that sometimes tours etc. are posted later than 60 days. If you’re not sure whether it’s booked up, keep checking.

 

[jdkdorn]

Could you tell whether it was booked up, vs. just not open for reservations yet? I read on the other forums that sometimes tours etc. are posted later than 60 days. If you’re not sure whether it’s booked up, keep checking.

I am checking daily, we are only 19 days out

 

[CarolynFH]

I am checking daily, we are only 19 days out

Good luck - I hope openings appear for y’all!

 

[DisTravels]

We are planning a trip with minimal park visits, only going to Magic Kingdom for the Seats and Treats event and for the extra mag8c evening hours. Im really interested in trying the sunset safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I attempted to book it right at the 60-day mark, but there was no availability. Has anyone heard of them allowing extra guests on the day of the event at the resort? My husband has always wanted to experience this, and I would love to surprise him.

Thanks!

Are you staying at AKL? If so, may ask at checkin. They may have insight if there are late cancelations.

 

[Best Aunt]

We are planning a trip with minimal park visits, only going to Magic Kingdom for the Seats and Treats event and for the extra mag8c evening hours. Im really interested in trying the sunset safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I attempted to book it right at the 60-day mark, but there was no availability. Has anyone heard of them allowing extra guests on the day of the event at the resort? My husband has always wanted to experience this, and I would love to surprise him.

Thanks!

Seating is limited on the safari truck so I would be surprised if they would allow “extras” onboard. However if there is a no show it’s possible they could let you on? If you’re staying there and want to show up they load right at the hotel main entrance. We did this and it was pretty cool, they give you a night vision scope and it was cool to ride around the grounds. For us it was a one and done but worth doing IMO, a pretty unique experience.

OP asked about the "Sunset Safari." The Wanyama Safari started before sunset. The savannah ride was done while it was still light out. Night vision scopes were not needed or provided. There was a dinner at Jiko after the savannah ride. I don't think they brought this back after COVID.

The Starlight Safari lasts about an hour. It begins after dark. Guests are given a night vision device. This is still offered, so I assume OP is asking about this one. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy - guests will be charged if they cancel within one day or fail to show up. So I would keep checking for cancellations. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/night-safari/

 

[Simba's Mom]

OP asked about the "Sunset Safari." The Wanyama Safari started before sunset. The savannah ride was done while it was still light out. Night vision scopes were not needed or provided. There was a dinner at Jiko after the savannah ride. I don't think they brought this back after COVID.

The Starlight Safari lasts about an hour. It begins after dark. Guests are given a night vision device. This is still offered, so I assume OP is asking about this one. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy - guests will be charged if they cancel within one day or fail to show up. So I would keep checking for cancellations. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/night-safari/

Thanks for clarifying-I was wondering if the Sunset Safari was the one I'd done, but it was the Wanyama Safari. And I assume, since you said it WAS done while it was light, that it was discontinued, probably another COVID casualty. That's too bad-I really enjoyed it.

 

[Steelers0854]

OP asked about the "Sunset Safari." The Wanyama Safari started before sunset. The savannah ride was done while it was still light out. Night vision scopes were not needed or provided. There was a dinner at Jiko after the savannah ride. I don't think they brought this back after COVID.

The Starlight Safari lasts about an hour. It begins after dark. Guests are given a night vision device. This is still offered, so I assume OP is asking about this one. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy - guests will be charged if they cancel within one day or fail to show up. So I would keep checking for cancellations. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/night-safari/

Totally missed that and didnt even know they offered 2 different versions.

 

[babyruth]

We are going in August. I am also interested in this and I’ve just been checking random days in July. I never see open reservations. I was just wondering if you ever figured it out?

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

We are going in August. I am also interested in this and I’ve just been checking random days in July. I never see open reservations. I was just wondering if you ever figured it out?

I am in my window now. It was sold out on my first and second night, night 3 (60+2) had like 2 spaces, night 4 had 1 at one time, and night 5 was available (but also conflicts with MM)— so it’s definitely out there, but in early August you should plan for booking it several nights into your trip.

 

[LadybugsMum]

We are going in August. I am also interested in this and I’ve just been checking random days in July. I never see open reservations. I was just wondering if you ever figured it out?

The window for special tours opens at midnight; so be logged in a few min prior to midnight EDT.

 

[muppets3d]

They do not hold seats for resort guests, sadly. Yes it books solid at 60 days out. You can begin booking experiences 60 days from your check-in day for your entire stay, so up to 10 days before everyone else.

 

[keishashadow]

They do not hold seats for resort guests, sadly. Yes it books solid at 60 days out. You can begin booking experiences 60 days from your check-in day for your entire stay, so up to 10 days before everyone else.

Own here and have been shut out everytime ugh

Do think those with confirmed res should be given pre booking advantage

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Own here and have been shut out everytime ugh

Do think those with confirmed res should be given pre booking advantage

It would definitely help Disney book their deluxe resorts at higher rates if they let people staying at the resort get first dibs (or special allocation) on the activities at the resort. So safaris for AKV, Epcot fireworks cruise for BC/YC, fishing for the resorts those boats depart from, etc.

 

[Best Aunt]

Own here and have been shut out everytime ugh

Do think those with confirmed res should be given pre booking advantage

A little (incomplete) history about the tours:

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure:
In order to book this, you had to be staying Club Level at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Animal Kingdom Villas. The tour was at Animal Kingdom theme park, before the park opened for the day. It was discontinued in 2014.

Wanyama (sunset) Safari:
This is the one that included dinner at Jiko. In 2014, in order to book this, you had to be staying at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Animal Kingdom Villas. At some point, they changed the rule and anyone staying at any Disney hotel could book it. I think it was still operating up until COVID, but when Disney re-opened after COVID this one was not brought back.

Night Vision (starlight) Safari:
In 2016, in order to book this, you had to be staying at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Animal Kingdom Villas. At some point, they changed the rule. I don't know if staying at a Disney hotel is a requirement for booking this tour these days. The Disney website doesn't indicate that it is a requirement.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Night Vision (starlight) Safari:
In 2016, in order to book this, you had to be staying at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Animal Kingdom Villas. At some point, they changed the rule. I don't know if staying at a Disney hotel is a requirement for booking this tour these days. The Disney website doesn't indicate that it is a requirement.

It may not be a formal requirement, but if you can never find availability at 60 days it's an informal requirement at least... though I guess you could be lucky and find it when somebody drops their booking.

 

[DVCjj]

Own here and have been shut out everytime ugh

Do think those with confirmed res should be given pre booking advantage

I'm not staying at AK for my next several trips but I do feel those staying at either of the 2 resorts deserve first chance for this type of special activity that books up quickly.

 

[keishashadow]

This is the one that included dinner at Jiko. In 2014, in order to book this, you had to be staying at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Animal Kingdom Villas. At some point, they changed the rule and anyone staying at any Disney hotel could book it.

That one I did see infrequent availability, never booked

Have read multiple posts of people not staying @ AKV indicating they booked the night safari

The tour we really enjoyed was the sunrise safari tour

if seats were open, DVC members could inquire & book it. We got lucky as in a value studio lol

 

[DanCali]

Could you tell whether it was booked up, vs. just not open for reservations yet? I read on the other forums that sometimes tours etc. are posted later than 60 days. If you’re not sure whether it’s booked up, keep checking.

It opens at 60+10, so it is usually full 60 days in advance.

Sometimes you can see that there was availability of you search availability for 1 person and see a single spot.