Sunrise vrs. Sunset Safari

[rstackjd]

To those who have done the Sunrise and/or Sunset Safari - which would you do if you could only do one? We are staying next summer in a Concierge Studio at AKL and are planning to do one or the other, but probably not both.

What are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks

 

[dgaston]

We did both in July--Sunset on Wed evening, and Sunrise the next day. Sunset is the only safari that takes you about the AKL. Both our keeper and the driver had chosen to work at AKL after being animal keepers at AK. There are more limited animals at AKL, hoofstock and birds (no predators). In mimicking a true African Safari, we had snacks in the truck during our safari, and learned a lot about antlers vs. horns, specific animals at the lodge, and lots of other tidbits (how animals are named, etc.) The safari returns you to Jiko where you are met by a chef who discusses the foods. We had appetizers, filet with mac and cheese, chicken with an Ethiopian spice, and halibut. It was the first time in my life creme brulee was left on the dish, we also had a chocolate cake, and another pastry too with ice cream. We were offered 3 glasses of wines with the dinner. This safari is pricey -- $160 per person. I think it was our favorite.

I have done the Backstage safari twice, and that skews my impression of the Sunrise Safari ($55 per person). We took a bus from the AKL hotel to the backstage of AK to board the safari vehicles at Kilimanjaro Safari. We were there prior to park opening so the two trucks went slowly and really let us get photos of the animals. They encouraged us to stand up! Not your regular safari. Our guide was Christopher, a keeper who volunteered for the Safari and "Guest Interaction". He had worked with birds at Central Park Zoo, then transferred to elephants, and wanted to learn more about hoofstock, so moved to the AKL for an opening. Learned some interesting things, and the Safari buffet at Pizzafari in a special room was good. We didn't finish until around 10 am. I almost think I prefer the Backstage Safari to this one.

They are both good experiences. We have done many backstage tours and really think they enhance our Disney experience. If we stay concierge again, and I have the money, I'll probably invest in the Sunset Safari again. The food is part of what makes this special, so if you don't care for Jiko, that may help you decide.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We did both in March and I'd be hard pressed to say which I liked best. The Sunset one was much more personal, and our guides were EXTREMEMLY good talking about each of the animals and telling their names and little facts about them. Then of course, the wonderful dinner at Jiko was well worth it as well.

The sunrise safari gave us lots of extra little information about the species in specific and we were lucky enough to have the animal curator from AKL as the guide on our truck. The breakfast was also pretty special. At about a third the price that could be the decider for you.

I guess my advice would be if you have young people on your trip, do the sunrise safari, and if you have just adults, do sunset. Frankly, I'd do both like we did! We loved our concierge stay, and would do both sarafis again if we are lucky enough to get concierge in the future.

 

[rstackjd]

We had appetizers, filet with mac and cheese, chicken with an Ethiopian spice, and halibut. It was the first time in my life creme brulee was left on the dish, we also had a chocolate cake, and another pastry too with ice cream.

I assume you didn't finsih the creme brulee becasue you were full - not becasue it was bad? Also, did everyone get all those entres' or did you have to select?

I have done the Backstage safari twice,

What is the Backstage safari?

 

[dianeschlicht]

At Jiko the food is served family style and they offer 3 appetizer varieties, 3 entries and 3 desserts. There is plenty for everyone.

 

[rstackjd]

One more question - is the Sunset Safari offered every night? If not, anyone know whaich nights?

Thanks again

 

[RachelTori]

One more question - is the Sunset Safari offered every night? If not, anyone know which nights?

Thanks again

4 days per week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Here's a description:
The Sunset or Wanyama Safari is exclusively offered to Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests. It is approximately 1 1/2 hours long and takes place on the savannas of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is meant to be a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive and is an opportunity to spend time with members from the animal programs team learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of 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.

 

[rstackjd]

4 days per week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Thanks! Look slike we will at AKV - CL the same time as you! We have a CL sutdio 7/25-8/1 2009 for our Tenth Anniversary. Maybe we'll bump into you!

 

[LisaS]

You can book the safaris 180 days out. The Sunrise Safari often sells out so if you decide to do one/both of these, be sure to book it well in advance. They don't charge you until the day of the safari.

Also, the $160 for the Wanyama/Sunset Safari includes the tax and tip.

 

[noahsmom]

We did both and prefer the Sunrise safari. The sunset one was fun because it's a look at the savannahs that few people get and the food at Jiko was great. The reason we didn't like it as much was the other family that was with us. It was great that we were a small group (my family of 3 and another family of 5) but the other family wanted to have no interaction with us. Made for a very long dinner since we all sat at the same table and needed to pass the food that was served family style.

We liked getting into AK before it opened and getting a FP for the safari later. Now that EE is open it's a bonus to be in the park early!

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks! Look slike we will at AKV - CL the same time as you! We have a CL sutdio 7/25-8/1 2009 for our Tenth Anniversary. Maybe we'll bump into you!

Awesome! We'll see you there! What a great place to spend your 10th Anniversary!

We did both and prefer the Sunrise safari. The sunset one was fun because it's a look at the savannahs that few people get and the food at Jiko was great. The reason we didn't like it as much was the other family that was with us. It was great that we were a small group (my family of 3 and another family of 5) but the other family wanted to have no interaction with us. Made for a very long dinner since we all sat at the same table and needed to pass the food that was served family style.

We liked getting into AK before it opened and getting a FP for the safari later. Now that EE is open it's a bonus to be in the park early!

Sorry your dinner experience was like that. I wish the guides were permitted to join the group for dinner.

Unless something has changed in the past 4 weeks, the Sunrise Safari no longer gives out FPs for the safari ride. (They stopped earlier this year and no one seems to know 'why'.)

 

[dgaston]

The Backstage Safari is a tour offered by Disney at AK. It's about 3 hours long and you spend a lot of time backstage, at the animal barns, food prep area, and take the Safari ride with your guide (not an animal keeper, a Disney tour guide). I learned a lot about the Species Survival Plan, hurricane planning and was most impressed with the food the animals eat.

Allearnets describes it here http://allears.net/btp/tours.htm#bss

Remember there are discounts with AP, DVC, AAA, and the deepest is usually Disney Visa.

As for the creme brulee -- there was just too much excellent food.

 

[Simba's Mom]

If I were eligible to do both, I think I'd do the sunrise safari. Don't misunderstand-I did the sunset safari and loved it. However, I wasn't eligible for the sunrise safari, because that's only for concierge guests, and according to the CM I talked with, concierge is VERY difficult to book unless you're an AKV owner, call at exactly 11 months, and perhaps have a little luck. So, since I'd be much less likely to have a chance to go on the sunrise safari, I'd definitely do it if I got the chance.

 

[rstackjd]

If I were eligible to do both, I think I'd do the sunrise safari. Don't misunderstand-I did the sunset safari and loved it. However, I wasn't eligible for the sunrise safari, because that's only for concierge guests, and according to the CM I talked with, concierge is VERY difficult to book unless you're an AKV owner, call at exactly 11 months, and perhaps have a little luck. So, since I'd be much less likely to have a chance to go on the sunrise safari, I'd definitely do it if I got the chance.

you know that's a good point. AKV is out home resort so we'll be there plenty often in the future to do the Sunset Safari, but the trip next summer could very well be our only Cancierge level stay. hmmmm, hadn't thought about that.

Thanks

 

[SamSam]

The Backstage Safari is a tour offered by Disney at AKL. It's about 3 hours long and you spend a lot of time backstage, at the animal barns, food prep area, and take the Safari ride with your guide (not an animal keeper, a Disney tour guide). I learned a lot about the Species Survival Plan, hurricane planning and was most impressed with the food the animals eat.

Allearnets describes it here http://allears.net/btp/tours.htm#bss

Remember there are discounts with AP, DVC, AAA, and the deepest is usually Disney Visa.

As for the creme brulee -- there was just too much excellent food.

Backstage Safari is a wonderful tour! Are the discounts you mention only for the tour or are they also available for the Sunset Safari?

 

[RachelTori]

Backstage Safari is a wonderful tour! Are the discounts you mention only for the tour or are they also available for the Sunset Safari?

No discounts for the Sunset (Wanyama) Safari: currently $160 for CL guests, $210 for AKL/AKV non-CL guests.

And I agree - the Backstage Safari is wonderful! (but only open to age 16 and over.)

 

[dgaston]

As DVC members the charge for Sunrise is $55 per person, for others, I believe it's $60.

The other discounts are for various backstage tours. 1 407 WDW TOUR if you want to book or ask some questions.