Sunrise Safari ?

[Debbie Goose]

The travel channel recently aired a show about disneyworld, following a number of very experienced families touring the parks etc. In the part of the show about AK the family went on a sunrise safari. This appeared to be before the park officially opened for the day to catch as many of the animals in the early am hours when they are out. Have any of you heard or joined one of these? If so how do you sign up? Cannot find mention of it in any guide book or web site? My kids love the beasts and I would be willing to get up early to have a good sighting! We are staying OFF-site but close to the parks.

 

[KathyTX]

The Sunrise Safari is a special tour that's available only to Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge guests.

It's a wonderful experience, and I HIGHLY recommend doing it if you find yourself staying at AKL in the future.

You do gather early, well before park opening. You'll be escorted by Animal Kingdom cast members who are VERY knowledgeable. After entering the Animal Kingdom through some backstage areas, you'll board the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles. You'll take a very leisurely trip through the Safari area, with many stops to observe and talk about the animals. You'll get some fantastic photo opportunities!

After the Safari, the group will be escorted to a private room to enjoy a wonderful breakfast with your guides. At the end of the breakfast, you're presented with Fast Passes for Kilimanjaro Safaris, so you can enjoy it the regular way!

And about that Travel Channel show: Three of the four "knowledgeable guests" who were featured are DISers! You'll find them right here on this board, and they've been great about sharing their Disney knowledge as well as fun insider information about filming the special with us!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The cost is about $50 per person on top of your concierge stay.

 

[Debbie Goose]

Oh well, I don't think I will be making it on that road trip...Thanks for the info....maybe when I hit the Powerball number!!!

 

[Schmeck]

My Inlaws watched the show and were all excited about going on that trip, but I had to explain to them that it's for AKL concierge guests only. Wonder how WDW is going to handle the masses of people who saw the show and want to go on the safari now, but don't know it's a limited, selected group that gets to go...

They really should have said on the show theat it ws for AKL concierge guests only. Or did they, and we missed that part?

 

[pjlla]

Actually, the little "fact" bubble on the screen did mention that it was for guests staying at the AKL concierge level. But I suppose it would be easy to miss that. I have encountered Travel Agents who have told me that it was for "any guest staying concierge level at any WDW resort", but that is false.................P

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Debbie, we went at park opening and went straight for Kilamanjaro and were able to see many animals. I am sure that they did not bring out special animals for the people on the Sunrise Safari. LOL This might be a cheaper alternative for your family. You will also be getting the tour guides before they are worn out with saying the same thing over and over and over. I admire the CM's as I know how very hard that can be. I am a mother. (grin)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[Debbie Goose]

I very well could have missed the little bubble with that tidbit of information, since my DH and DDs X2 were all yelling out at the same time, "I want to do that" "Can we see that momma?" "Let's go there" I am so glad we saw the show as a little preview of the excitement to come.