Sunrise Safari now available to DVC Members staying at AKV!

[moreisgood]

Hmm....we are booked and paid in full for the 10/23 safari. I wonder how this is going to work???

I bet they'll honor it, but the concierge's tone told me that they put an end to taking reservations after 10/19 for regular DVC.

 

[Bostonterrierlover]

I bet they'll honor it, but the concierge's tone told me that they put an end to taking reservations after 10/19 for regular DVC.

I booked for November 9th, and paid in full as well. I haven't heard anything from Disney about it.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I did the Sunrise Safari Sunday. It was fun, but I won't ever bother again.

First they want you there at 6:45 but don't load the buses until 7:30 So you get to spend 45 minutes wandering around the lobby

Then after the safari they take you to breakfast where the wait staff yells at you to wait to eat resulting in both buses of people hitting the buffet line at once instead of in two shifts.

Basically logistics need work!

The Safari itself was nice, but I have had just as good or better sightings on normal safaris.

 

[lucyem]

I did the Sunrise Safari Sunday. It was fun, but I won't ever bother again.

First they want you there at 6:45 but don't load the buses until 7:30 So you get to spend 45 minutes wandering around the lobby

Then after the safari they take you to breakfast where the wait staff yells at you to wait to eat resulting in both buses of people hitting the buffet line at once instead of in two shifts.

Basically logistics need work!

The Safari itself was nice, but I have had just as good or better sightings on normal safaris.

We had a whole different experience when we did it a few years ago. Not so much lobby time before the bus, a guide who was actually in charge of the animals at the lodge who talked about the various animals on the tour, then the buffet went much smoother. It was really great.

I am sad they are discontinuing the availability to DVC members. When I first called about it they said it was going to be ongoing. We were planning an AKV stay in November just so we could go on the safari. (I still have a copy of that conversation with the CM online saying I would be able to do it in Nov.) My DH was unable to go with me the first time and was really looking forward to it.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

We had a whole different experience when we did it a few years ago. Not so much lobby time before the bus, a guide who was actually in charge of the animals at the lodge who talked about the various animals on the tour, then the buffet went much smoother. It was really great.

I am sad they are discontinuing the availability to DVC members. When I first called about it they said it was going to be ongoing. We were planning an AKV stay in November just so we could go on the safari. (I still have a copy of that conversation with the CM online saying I would be able to do it in Nov.) My DH was unable to go with me the first time and was really looking forward to it.

Our Safari guide was great. He is a game keeper at the park and was really nice and informative. It's just the rest of it I was not impressed with .

 

[disneynutz]

We had a whole different experience when we did it a few years ago. Not so much lobby time before the bus, a guide who was actually in charge of the animals at the lodge who talked about the various animals on the tour, then the buffet went much smoother. It was really great.

I am sad they are discontinuing the availability to DVC members. When I first called about it they said it was going to be ongoing. We were planning an AKV stay in November just so we could go on the safari. (I still have a copy of that conversation with the CM online saying I would be able to do it in Nov.) My DH was unable to go with me the first time and was really looking forward to it.

DVC management is the middle man negotiating these deals on our behalf. If it isn't profitable enough or for reasons that we will never know about, the safari people don't continue the deal, it gets cancelled.

Bill

 

[keishashadow]

An update - the promotion is only running till Oct. 19th per Member Services. I also talked to the Itinerary planner at AKL, and after Oct. 19th, only Concierge level members will be able to book the tour, and stated that they have fully informed Member Services not to send anyone over to book past Oct. 19th.

So, unless the offer is extended, don't bother trying.

I'm hoping the dates will be extended!

eek, I'm soooo glad I have it booked on 5/29

ok experts, what time do we really need to be in the lobby @ Jambo. I had planned on 6:30 am, now thinking we should just arrive closer to 7 am.

supposed to meet a fellow DISer here in AK that am & have FP+ for later @ MK...what time does the breakfast usually start?

 

[bwvBound]

I don't recall what time breakfast started -- but I do remember we weren't quite finished by 10:10a.

I would think that the gathering time (meeting in the lobby) varies according to the park's schedule. Look for a letter slipped under your door the night before with "the final word."

 

[Anjelica]

eek, I'm soooo glad I have it booked on 5/29

ok experts, what time do we really need to be in the lobby @ Jambo. I had planned on 6:30 am, now thinking we should just arrive closer to 7 am.

supposed to meet a fellow DISer here in AK that am & have FP+ for later @ MK...what time does the breakfast usually start?

We are booked for 5/29 as we'll!!! I'm looking forward to it.

 

[helenk]

I just called MS and tried to book for Thursday 8/21 but was told there was not anything available . The CM said to try back periodically or even when we check in on 8/17, in case of cancellations. I wish I would have seen this sooner. Oh well. I think I may try back again in a day or so.
I did see where one poster was transferred to the AKL desk, I wonder if I could try that route?

 

[wdrl]

ok experts, what time do we really need to be in the lobby @ Jambo. I had planned on 6:30 am, now thinking we should just arrive closer to 7 am.

We did the Sunrise Safari this morning (5/25/2014). Last night, we received a letter in our villa that gave us all the information we needed about when and where to meet. In our case, we were told that we could sign in starting at 6:10 AM at the Sunset Lounge in the Jambo House lobby. At 6:35 AM or so we were introduced to our Guides who split us up into two groups of about 25 people each. We were transported to DAK and the Safari lasted about 1 hour and was over around 8:00 AM. We were done with breakfast before 9:00 AM.

Keep in mind that the schedule changes depending on when DAK opens. Today, DAK opened at 8:00. If DAK doesn't open until 9:00 AM, I think the Sunrise Safari starts later.

 

[JenniBugInPink]

Thought I'd resurrect this thread to say that they are still doing these bookings through mid-October. I just made a booking for Oct. 2nd. The odd thing, though, is that they told me the meeting place is at Kidani's Community Hall. Anyone else hear of the group meeting there? I haven't finished searching threads, but I always thought it met @ Jambo.

 

[Sur]

I just can't get up that early. If I were in Africa, I'd do it prior to becoming adjusted to the time zone change. Zzzzzz...

 

[JenniBugInPink]

I just can't get up that early. If I were in Africa, I'd do it prior to becoming adjusted to the time zone change. Zzzzzz...

Not my usual time of day, either. I may have to just go to sleep dressed for the next day sitting up in a chair made up for the next day so my husband can just grab me and go. It's probably the only way I'll be ready on time. Gosh, I wish I was kidding.

 

[moreisgood]

Not my usual time of day, either. I may have to just go to sleep dressed for the next day sitting up in a chair made up for the next day so my husband can just grab me and go. It's probably the only way I'll be ready on time. Gosh, I wish I was kidding.

I'm the same way. When it was announced, I was all excited to go on this excursion. Then I found out it's only till October, and we're going in November. I was disappointed, and just a little relieved...

 

[DenLo]

I'm the same way. When it was announced, I was all excited to go on this excursion. Then I found out it's only till October, and we're going in November. I was disappointed, and just a little relieved...

Two families mentioned on the DVC News that they made reservations for December and they are not staying in Club Level rooms. I am not sure it is ending in October.

 

[moreisgood]

Two families mentioned on the DVC News that they made reservations for December and they are not staying in Club Level rooms. I am not sure it is ending in October.

I tried both at Member Services, and directly at AKL. Apparently, some CMs at AKL didn't realize it ended, and took reservations. Apparently, that situation has since been rectified, unfortunately.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I wonder if those reservations are going to be honored, or if the people will be called back and told "Whoops-so sorry!" It seems to me that if it was Disney's mistake, the people shouldn't be disappointed. Just my opinion.

 

[kristenrice]

I wonder if those reservations are going to be honored, or if the people will be called back and told "Whoops-so sorry!" It seems to me that if it was Disney's mistake, the people shouldn't be disappointed. Just my opinion.[/QUOTE

This is the situation that we are in. We are one of the groups that booked for October 23, BEFORE the cutoff date was announced. I have a confirmation number and my credit card has been charged (and not refunded) so I would assume that Disney is going to honor my reservation. I booked it shortly after the announcement was released and BEFORE they announced the cutoff date so I would hope that they don't retroactively cancel my reservation.

 

[keishashadow]

eek, I'm soooo glad I have it booked on 5/29

ok experts, what time do we really need to be in the lobby @ Jambo. I had planned on 6:30 am, now thinking we should just arrive closer to 7 am.

supposed to meet a fellow DISer here in AK that am & have FP+ for later @ MK...what time does the breakfast usually start?

we were among the 1st there @ 6:45 am. Had to switch plans around & find ourselves back @ AK for 2 nights in early October. Considering calling to see if they might have any openings for one of the days we will be there in October as it was that nice of an experience highly recommend!

Saw more animals than all our other 'safaris' combined. Not usually big on breakfast when in the parks but the food was great and varied