Sunset Safari Dec/08

[drag n' fly]

We are planning our first trip "home" next Christmas. Dh has a birthday on December 19th. I would like to book the Sunset Safari for him as a surprise for his birthday on that day. What can I expect for the SS in December and how far in advance can I book it? TIA

 

[CarolMN]

I believe you can only book the Sunset Safari if you are staying in one of the conceirge units. So that's the first hurdle - there are only 5 lock off 2 bedroom units that are in the conceirge class. That means if all were rented as studios & 1 bedroom units, there would be a max of 5 studios and 5 1 bedrooms available. I assume concierge units book very quickly, so you'll probably have to call day by day as soon as MS opens on the first day you're eligible to make a reservation.

AFAIK, you can book the Sunrise or Sunset Safaris 180 days in advance.

 

[drag n' fly]

I believe you can only book the Sunset Safari if you are staying in one of the conceirge units. So that's the first hurdle - there are only 5 lock off 2 bedroom units that are in the conceirge class. That means if all were rented as studios & 1 bedroom units, there would be a max of 5 studios and 5 1 bedrooms available. I assume concierge units book very quickly, so you'll probably have to call day by day as soon as MS opens on the first day you're eligible to make a reservation.

AFAIK, you can book the Sunrise or Sunset Safaris 180 days in advance.

We will be ready! We are hoping to book 1 bed concierge...emphasis on hoping Thanks very much!

 

[manning]

I believe you can only book the Sunset Safari if you are staying in one of the conceirge units. So that's the first hurdle - there are only 5 lock off 2 bedroom units that are in the conceirge class. That means if all were rented as studios & 1 bedroom units, there would be a max of 5 studios and 5 1 bedrooms available. I assume concierge units book very quickly, so you'll probably have to call day by day as soon as MS opens on the first day you're eligible to make a reservation.

AFAIK, you can book the Sunrise or Sunset Safaris 180 days in advance.

You don't have to be staying Conceirge, but it will cost you more.

 

[LisaS]

You don't have to be staying Conceirge, but it will cost you more.

I'm not completely sure about the prices but I think it is currently $210/person (ages 10 and up) if you are not a concierge guest and $160/person if you are staying concierge.

 

[drag n' fly]

Well that is great news. Concierge will be a miracle by the sounds of it but the sunset safari is still available for booking either way...if spaces are available. It would be so great for dh to do this on his actual birthday day and get his birthday button and be the special b-boy. He has done so much for our family

 

[Kurby]

i did a search to see what was involved and it does look like it's only offered to concierge level guests after all

here's what i found

"Wanyama Sunset Safari

The 3 ½-hour experience is offered to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge adult concierge-level guests on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. The safari begins about an hour prior to sunset and concludes at Jiko for a multi-course meal. The tour costs $150.00 for Guests ages 12 and older (maximum of 8 Guests per safari). Price includes tax, gratuity, tour and meal.

(Not included in Magic Your Way Packages)
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. "

 

[drag n' fly]

i did a search to see what was involved and it does look like it's only offered to concierge level guests after all

here's what i found

"Wanyama Sunset Safari

The 3 ½-hour experience is offered to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge adult concierge-level guests on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. The safari begins about an hour prior to sunset and concludes at Jiko for a multi-course meal. The tour costs $150.00 for Guests ages 12 and older (maximum of 8 Guests per safari). Price includes tax, gratuity, tour and meal.

(Not included in Magic Your Way Packages)
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. "

I also did some research and came up with this:

"The Wanyama Safari began several years ago as a unique add-on experiece for concierge guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A small group of guests ride in an open air van and explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannas. In addition to your driver, an animal keeper provides information and answers questions during the ride. This is a very unique adventure that is worth considering.

The great news is, the Wanyama Safari is now open to any guests (ages 8 and older) staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas (although expect to pay a higher price than the concierge guests). Be sure to have your cameras, extra batteries and extra memory cards with you. Upon the conclusion of the savanna portion of the safari, you then dine at Jiko, where a wonderful three-course meal (with wine pairings) is yours to enjoy. Contact the Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of your stay at 407-938-4755."

 

[Kurby]

well it's great that they now open it up to anyone staying that AKL but too bad all the sites don't change their info - some guests will miss out because they read the wrong site

 

[LisaS]

well it's great that they now open it up to anyone staying that AKL but too bad all the sites don't change their info - some guests will miss out because they read the wrong site

I agree Kurby. It's difficult to find current information about this safari. I couldn't find any info at all about it on the AKL pages of Disney's own website!

 

[drag n' fly]

kimmar067 is going to check on it also

 

[RachelTori]

i did a search to see what was involved and it does look like it's only offered to concierge level guests after all

here's what i found

"Wanyama Sunset Safari

The 3 ½-hour experience is offered to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge adult concierge-level guests on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. The safari begins about an hour prior to sunset and concludes at Jiko for a multi-course meal. The tour costs $150.00 for Guests ages 12 and older (maximum of 8 Guests per safari). Price includes tax, gratuity, tour and meal.

(Not included in Magic Your Way Packages)
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. "

That's the old info -- it changed over a year ago -- do you think they'll update it any time soon!

kimmar067 is going to check on it also

Here's the most current info I have (and this came from the AKL IPO! ):

"The 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. Guest will learn about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas. At 5:30 pm 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 includes a *wine pairing.* You will begin your Safari at the Jiko podium around 3:45 p.m. Safaris will take place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The cost is $80 per person for children 8 or 9 years old; $160.00 for Club Level Concierge guest; And $210.00 for non club level guest 10 years and up. Tax and gratuity are included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. A 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Admission is limited to 12 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival."

HTH's!