Sunrise Safari???

[dianeschlicht]

Does anyone know if the DVC club level rooms at AKV will have access to Sunrise Safari?

 

[DVC Grammy]

IIRC, they will. (Or maybe it's just wishful thinking? )

 

[chalee94]

they'd better!

(or i'll )

 

[Inkmahm]

That's my plan so they'd better have access.. I'm going to try to substitute a concierge room on points for the one I have reserved for cash in December. I already have the sunset and sunrise safaris booked based on the cash room.

 

[jarestel]

I was told by my guide that this was true when i inquired a few months ago. Haven't seen it in writing anywhere though.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I was told by my guide that this was true when i inquired a few months ago. Haven't seen it in writing anywhere though.

That's my only information as well. I just wondered if anyone had heard anything more difinitive.

 

[robinb]

This is one of the reasons why I want to book a Concierge room. Does anyone have the number at AKL to see if there will be availability before I attempt to use 19 more points to upgrade to Concierge?

 

[DVC Grammy]

This is one of the reasons why I want to book a Concierge room. Does anyone have the number at AKL to see if there will be availability before I attempt to use 19 more points to upgrade to Concierge?

The # for AKL is (407)938-3000

 

[Inkmahm]

This is one of the reasons why I want to book a Concierge room. Does anyone have the number at AKL to see if there will be availability before I attempt to use 19 more points to upgrade to Concierge?

You can only book the sunrise safari 180 days in advance. If your trip is further out than that, you won't know in advance if you will get it or not. I haven't had trouble getting it in the past at the 180 day mark.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You can only book the sunrise safari 180 days in advance. If your trip is further out than that, you won't know in advance if you will get it or not. I haven't had trouble getting it in the past at the 180 day mark.

That's good information! Since I was thinking of switching an OKW room out for one night AKV club just to do SS the week after Thanksgiving. I gave up on calling this morning, because i had to leave. Maybe I'll see if anything is available tomorrow.

 

[william4192]

Can anyone give me some info about the sunset vs the sunrise? cost, enjoyable??? etc...

 

[kend58]

I am interested in both of the safari's so wanted to get on the thread.

I understand Concierge level Kilamanjaro Club Level AKL and AKV to be the 1st priority for both safaris, I think the Sunset safari is so limited that those are the only folks that ever get in (only 8 guests each night on this one cost $170 dollars per guest and includes dinner). The 2nd priority is other WDW concierge level guests. Third priority is other AKL and AKV guests. the Sunrise safari is limited to two of the safari vehicles I believe so that is araound 40 guests max this one require DAK park admission and includes breakfast cost is $50 per guest.

The concierge desk (I have a cash ressie in place now) told me they work based on Safari reservation request date and time and room reservation date and time to break ties so IMHO AKV 11 month window will help in getting the safari ressie most of teh time. I was told to expect an email asking in advance of the 180 day (said about 200 days out) window asking if I aminterested in going on either or both safaris. Everyone replying before the 180 day window is given the same safari request date and time (day 180 at midnight or whatever) and that is where the room ressie date comes into play to break ties. Inside the 180 day window the odds of two guests actually requesting at exactly the same time seem slim but they still have the room ressie date to break a tie.

Unless they change these rules the wise cash ressie customer will always have an advantage because they can book a room more than 11 months out and have the earlier request date for tie breakers.

The AKV is new and I am sure they will work it all out soon the first AKV concierge level reservations are now for 12/1/07 and later if I read right on another thread? is that right?

 

[Inkmahm]

I am interested in both of the safari's so wanted to get on the thread.

I understand Concierge level Kilamanjaro Club Level AKL and AKV to be the 1st priority for both safaris, I think the Sunset safari is so limited that those are the only folks that ever get in (only 8 guests each night on this one cost $170 dollars per guest and includes dinner). The 2nd priority is other WDW concierge level guests. Third priority is other AKL and AKV guests.

It's actually limited to 14 people according to the concierge at AKL and it is $160 or $210 if you're not a concierge guest. There was nothing about "other WDW concierge level guests, either. You have to be staying at AKL or AKV to get on the safari as far as I know.

 

[kend58]

It's actually limited to 14 people according to the concierge at AKL and it is $160 or $210 if you're not a concierge guest. There was nothing about "other WDW concierge level guests, either. You have to be staying at AKL or AKV to get on the safari as far as I know.

For the night Safari I am certain only AKL and now AKV concierge level ever get the chance becaue of the limited slots and I am glad to hear is now limited to 14 I got the 8 from a post at Allears that is a couple of years old now. Better odds 4 in 14 instead of 4 in 8. Maybe I misunderstood the concierge desk when I got my answers - I am still waiting on my first stay but I swear they indicated Concierge at the other deluxe hotels had a shot at the sunrise safari if it was under-subscribed by AKL guests. My conversation was about Jan 08 ressie and we were talking in early April 07 so at the time they were expecting only AKL to have concierge at that point AKV concierge date was either unknow or May 08 or later at that point.

 

[Inkmahm]

Here's the document I got from AKL concierge a few months ago:

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The safari starts at 6:30 A.M. if the park opens at 8 A.M. & it starts at 7:30 A.M. if the park opens at 9 A.M.. You would meet in the concierge lounge at 6:15 A.M. or 6:45 A.M., depending on park hours & will check-in at the concierge desk. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience. An animal programs cast member will be meeting our guests in the Sunset Overlook to give a run down of the morning's activities. You will then take a private bus, which will go through some of the backstage areas at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You will then walk over to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction and board the first jeep onto the savanna. You will be able to ask the animal programs cast member questions and there will be frequent stops for you to take pictures. The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards, you will head over to the Tusker House Schoolroom where there will be a delicious breakfast buffet that awaits you. While you are enjoying your breakfast, there will be cultural representatives from Africa to answer any questions you have about their country or about Disney's Animal Kingdom. Afterwards, you will be issued a FASTPASS to go back on the Kilimanjaro Safari & compare it to your previous safari. You are free to go about your day, at this point. If you would like to go back to the resort, you will take the regular bus back. The cost is $55.00 for adults and $27.50 for children 3 to 9. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. The unpaved roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass through rough and rugged terrain. For your safety you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. If you have special needs (wheelchair or ECV) or dietary needs, please let us know so that we may accommodate you.


This was also included from AKL concierge:

As of 10/01/06 Wanyama is open to all Animal Kingdom Guests **Mom,Wed,Fri and Sat…Concierge guest $160.00 *** Non Club level guest $210.00 Child 8-9 yr $80.00.

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you which may include a wine pairing. You will be greeted in the Kilimanjaro lounge around 4:00 p.m.. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per person for guests 10 and up and $80 per person 8 or 9 years old. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room but is an exclusive offering to concierge guests. Admission is limited to 14 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.

 

[LisaS]

Here's the document I got from AKL concierge a few months ago...

Thanks Inkmahm!

 

[Inkmahm]

Thanks Inkmahm!

You're welcome. I knew I had that info in my Disney travel files... it was just a matter of digging it out!

 

[dianeschlicht]

GREAT! I printed it out and stuck it in my DVC guidebook! Thanks!

 

[kend58]

Here's the document I got from AKL concierge a few months ago:

Great post thanks

 

[eva]

I've been wanting to ask about GV at AKV. I assume that there will not be any that are concierge level, since they are not listed on the point chart. We added on 150 AKV points just so we can take our whole family there. We thought that our grand kids would love it. We will need a GV, but would love to participate in these safaris. I'm guessing we're just out of luck.