Surprise for my patient BF - Can't decide, advice wanted!

[happybear025]

I have a small Disney obsession, I love the DIS Boards because I feel amongst friends who understand!
My BF is very patient and supportive of me because he is wonderful and has surprised me with a four night trip in September (17-20th, we will be there for Food and Wine). This is his thing, he has fairly serious anxiety which he deals with fine day-to-day, but he *hates* all thrill rides. He is content to enjoy the atmosphere of the parks while I ride my favorites. I actually don't mind it at all as I have started to experience Disney in a new way with him, instead of obsessive hitting the E-ticket attractions, last trip we slowed down and spent time really just taking in the atmosphere, noticing little details. Example: one small part of an afternoon we spent strolling up the River at Port Orleans, another evening we had fab cocktails and snacks on the patio at the Brown Derby. Different but SO enjoyable )

ANYWAY, since he has birthday surprised me, I want to surprise him with a special activity he would enjoy. I've come up with three things neither of us has done and I think would be cool, and would LOVE some input or alternative suggestions! I'm constantly surprised how vast DW is, in how much there is to do.

1. Horseback riding, early morning. - His favorite park is AK and his favorite thing is The Safari (likes to ride it morning and evening, both) I have heard the trail ride is picturesque and with good chances of spotting wild life (?)

2. Wild By Design at AK - He is a custom home builder and trivia buff, so I thought he might enjoy hearing the construction details. Has anyone done this? Any opinions/insights??

We are going by ourselves an staying at AKL. ANY suggestions or ideas would be MUCH appreciated ) really want to surprise him with something he will enjoy

 

[lam0037]

Never done the tour but I've done horseback riding and it was a lot of fun. It's definitely a trail ride, with you riding one horse in front of the other. The trail was beautiful, but this was several (like 8) years ago so I can't attest to the wildlife.

Does he like horses? Seeing exotic wildlife on the safari while in a vehicle and riding a horse are two totally different things in my opinion. Also if he has anxiety, riding a horse for the first time could possibly be too much (I have anxiety now and it would probably induce a panic attack if I tried riding a horse for the first time, especially if I had never been around them before)

Since you are staying at AKL and he loves the safari, have you thought about doing the sunrise or night safaris? I know they are exclusive to AKL guests, but I can't remember if they are only for club level or if all guests can do it. Hopefully someone else can clear that up.

If backstage safari tour is still being offered at the time of your trip, that is an option as well!

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

As a builder he might enjoy Lunch with an Imagineer.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I agree lunch with an Imagineer. We are doing it for the first time this trip and we can't wait.

What about the Backstage Safari tour since that is his favorite thing to do?

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/backstage-safari/

 

[Cyrano]

If Animal Kingdom and The Kilmanjaro Safari ride is BF's favourite what about the Wild Africa Trek?

Have a look here courtesy of link provided by 2Tiggies

 

[happybear025]

Never done the tour but I've done horseback riding and it was a lot of fun. It's definitely a trail ride, with you riding one horse in front of the other. The trail was beautiful, but this was several (like 8) years ago so I can't attest to the wildlife.

Does he like horses? Seeing exotic wildlife on the safari while in a vehicle and riding a horse are two totally different things in my opinion. Also if he has anxiety, riding a horse for the first time could possibly be too much (I have anxiety now and it would probably induce a panic attack if I tried riding a horse for the first time, especially if I had never been around them before)

Since you are staying at AKL and he loves the safari, have you thought about doing the sunrise or night safaris? I know they are exclusive to AKL guests, but I can't remember if they are only for club level or if all guests can do it. Hopefully someone else can clear that up.

If backstage safari tour is still being offered at the time of your trip, that is an option as well!

That's a very good point! It's something I have had to learn to consider and it's hard to do, if you're not used to it. Changing plans at the last minute is spontaneous fun for me, but for him is like torture. I know he has ridden before, but I really appreciate your insight. I will make sure to let him know a couple weeks before, whatever I eventually pick, so there is the best chance I'm not causing anxiety unaware. It's hard to anticipate and understand the anxiety perspective but I'm trying to learn as much as I can!

 

[happybear025]

Guys thank you so much for the replies! Had no idea the trek and backstage options existed, have been enthusiastically combing through reviews this afternoon. Am heavily leaning toward the Trek, it just sounds like taking his favorite and "plus"-ing it with Disney magic ) the price is steep but it seems worth it considering you get the pictures.

<now thoroughly researching imagineer luncheon>