Sunset Safari?

[Ellielovesdisney]

We are heading to AKL Jan2-5. I thought I had read somewhere that any guest at AKL could attend the sunset safari now...but when I called they said it was restricted to concierge guests. Am I imainging things...or can we make reservations?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Holly

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I remember last year when we were there (November) that non CL guests were doing the sunset safari. I dont know if that was a trial thing or not. Call back and ask again see if you get a different answer. Good Luck.

 

[psu1978]

I also read something in the past few days about the Wanyama (sp?) Safari being opened for non-cl guests. Non-cl guests would pay an increased fee. I can't recall where I saw it and I can't seem to find it...but I will keep on looking because it is now driving me crazy

 

[psu1978]

This is an excerpt from a newsletter that I have emailed to me (not sure if I'm allowed to print the name of the source here):

"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."

While I can't verify the validity of the info, I can vouch for the source.

 

[raven69david]

Wow that is great news. We've always wanted to do Sunset Safari, but have never stayed CL. This would be a welcomed opportunity for our family, as well as all others that have always considered it but couldn't do it due to the type of room they booked, to enjoy the same benefits of this excursion without ponying up the extra $ for CL. Calling....

Edit:

Got an answering machine asking to leave name, number & arrival date. Provided that and am waiting for a call. The Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office is open 8am to 8pm ET 7 days a week, according to the phone message.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Just to give you a heads up on the price, it's $220 per person (ages 10 and up). For club level guests, I believe it's only $150 per person. For 3 people, that's a difference of $210. Considering an upgrade from a standard room to club level is only $110, you may want to think about upgrading for one night. It could entail changing rooms, but you'd get access to the club lounge for the entire day of your "check-in" and "check-out", and you'd be saving yourself $100 bucks. If you have a savannah view room booked, the cost to upgrade is closer to $60 per night, so you could realistically upgrade yourselves for 2 nights and still save money.

Just something you may want to factor out ahead of time.

 

[raven69david]

The Safari is $210 per person and is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 4pm. You've gotta be 8 years old or older to ride (no age limit on Sunrise Safari). The ride lasts about an hour and a half and afterwards you go to Jiko and have a 4 course dinner with wine sampling which starts at 5:30pm.

Sunrise Safari is is on Sunday and Thursdays only, according to CM.


We've got a 2 year old so we won't be able to do the Wanyama Safari.

 

[TammiMcMan]

We've got a 2 year old so we won't be able to do the Wanyama Safari.

There are a couple of options for child care listed here, http://allearsnet.com/pl/childfaq.htm . Not sure if you'd be comfortable leaving your child with someone, but at least you'd still be on the same property.

 

[raven69david]

There are a couple of options for child care listed here, http://allearsnet.com/pl/childfaq.htm . Not sure if you'd be comfortable leaving your child with someone, but at least you'd still be on the same property.

Thanks for the info Tammi, but there's no way we could leave our daughter with anyone, let alone strangers, while we're supposed to be having fun as a family together on our WDW trip.

 

[TammiMcMan]

No problem. You'll have something to look forward to then when she's older.

 

[kcromley]

is park admission required as well as the $220 fee?

 

[TammiMcMan]

No park admission for the sunset safari, as it doesn't take place in AK. It goes through the resort property.

 

[livie1205]

i just stayed at akl about 3 weeks ago and they offered me a chance to go on the sunset safari because it was not filled up and they said it was around 60.00 per person (cant remember down to the dollar) and you needed park tickets and included a buffet when done and it is done at the animal kingdom...a bus takes you there and you go in early...it is the same ride you can ride in the park but it stops and sits more...i said no thank you because i was not going to the park

 

[TammiMcMan]

i just stayed at akl about 3 weeks ago and they offered me a chance to go on the sunset safari because it was not filled up and they said it was around 60.00 per person (cant remember down to the dollar) and you needed park tickets and included a buffet when done and it is done at the animal kingdom...a bus takes you there and you go in early...it is the same ride you can ride in the park but it stops and sits more...i said no thank you because i was not going to the park

That sounds like the sunrise safari. It takes place early in the morning, includes a ride through the Kilimanjaro and then a buffet breakfast afterwards. It's exclusive to AKL club level guests, unless they have openings.