Tell me about AKL Concierge and Sunrise Safari

[lisareniff]

Can I just say that this is the reason I have the user name "Lollipop Mom?"

When my oldest was about 2 I had lollipops in the diaper bag ALL the time. We would go out to lunch with other Moms and toddlers after Gymboree every week. I would give the kids a lollipop to suck on after they ate their food so the Moms could talk. One of the little boys started calling me "the Lollipop Mommy" and it stuck.

So for anyone on the 12/11 sunrise safari...I'll be the one with 2 little boys who are bribed with lollipops as a last resort.

How funny!! They must have loved you!!

 

[DutchsMommy]

You know your little one best, but I think you should go for it. We went in Feb '05 and DS was just shy of his 3rd b'day. He LOVED the Sunrise Safari!!! There is SO much to look at. He sent the ride on our laps - switching btwn Mommy and Daddy for the best view. I think your DD will be so busy looking around that she won't think about trying to get down/get out. We didn't find the ride very bumpy at all - nothing that DS couldn't handle. The SS was probably one of the highlights of our trip.

As for the cereal, they definately had froot loops. As for the rest, if memory serves I believe it was Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes. I seem to recall the same cereal in both the AKL and Poly (we did a split stay) so I am pretty sure I have it covered. Also, IPO could probably help you with that - they are used to all kinds of questions LOL. I found contact with them via e-mail for all my questions was great - very quick and accurate.

Hope you have a fabulous trip.

 

[DJmommy]

DutchsMommy,

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. My dd loves animals, and I am certainly leaning towards bringing her. We already reserved seats for the time we will be there and I know I can cancel 48 hours prior if I have 2nd thoughts later on.

Fruit loops will work for us. Yippee.

 

[Nancyg56]

I wish you were the mom that went on the safari with us! LOL! This couple brought two chilldren (one about 18months and one about 3). The three-year-old was petrified and screamed for the first twenty minutes of the safari. Then I had to listen for the next thirty miinutes to the mom telling this kid if he didn't stop crying, she was going to make him lie face down on the floor of the vehicle.


This family also sat at our table during the breakfast at Tuskers, with the little one throwing cheerios at everyone. By this time, we just tried to see the humor in it. I know these folks paid the same amount as we did, so what could we do? But for us to spend $175 to hear all that, was a little upseting!

OMG!!! Children terrified of animals is sad, but to add terrifying parents is obscene! Talk about we will have fun even if it kills us.

 

[Harambe]

Yes - it was quite a show!

But the safari was so absolutley wonderful that I only have good memories of it!

 

[Nancyg56]

The Safari was the reason that we booked Conciere in the first place. All of the perks were frosting on the cake. I cannot wait to experience it myself. I do hope that we are not the next family from Hell as my DGD will be just 4. ( We wont stick her on the floor if she cries...will take Lollipop Mom's trick and bring plenty.)

 

[#1hockeymom]

I've been on the safari twice and both times any children on the safari were angels! I think it is really luck of the draw. I will say the adults on our first safari weren't as nice/friendly as on our second safari. I guess I should be glad they didn't bring kids, eh? LOL

 

[Amyv]

Hello, I am a big fan of these boards and have found tons of information before each of our Disney trips.

I've been stressed out all day after reading this thread, and finally decided I need to respond. I am fairly sure that I am the ''terrifying parent" that Harambe is talking about, based on my sons' ages, the timing of our trip, and our 3 year old's behaviour on the Sunrise Safari.

I wanted to take a moment to apologize/explain the situation if it is in fact our family you are talking about. We've taken our older son to Disney 3 times in the past, and the Safari ride has been his absolute favorite. It was the main reason we stayed at AKL concierge this time and booked the Sunrise Safari. When he began screaming on the ride, I could not have been more suprised and at a loss as to what to do.(this was our first ride we went on this trip; we subsequently realized that he was basically afraid of any ride with a water, dark, motion or noise component...if someone can let me know this is just a phase I'd appreciate it...it made for quite a lot of walking and no rides this time. )

If I had any idea he would react that way, we absolutely would not have gone on the Safari; I was mortified that all the other passengers that had paid so much money were being disburbed by his outburst. Once he did 'calm down', he was still on the verge of screaming yet again...in my defense, I was only telling him if he screamed again he would have to sit next to me (he was on my lap)...I certainly did not threaten to put him face down on the floor. My husband later told me I was talking much too loud, and I absolutely apologize for disturbing anyone. If there had been any way to disappear with my son at that point I would have.

I also don't recall my younger son thowing Cheerios at breakfast either, but at that point I was so frazzled I suppose anything is possible.

Again, I apologize if we ruined the Safari for anyone and please understand it was not intentional in any way.

Amy

 

[Harambe]

Hello, I am a big fan of these boards and have found tons of information before each of our Disney trips.

I've been stressed out all day after reading this thread, and finally decided I need to respond. I am fairly sure that I am the ''terrifying parent" that Harambe is talking about, based on my sons' ages, the timing of our trip, and our 3 year old's behaviour on the Sunrise Safari.

I wanted to take a moment to apologize/explain the situation if it is in fact our family you are talking about. We've taken our older son to Disney 3 times in the past, and the Safari ride has been his absolute favorite. It was the main reason we stayed at AKL concierge this time and booked the Sunrise Safari. When he began screaming on the ride, I could not have been more suprised and at a loss as to what to do.(this was our first ride we went on this trip; we subsequently realized that he was basically afraid of any ride with a water, dark, motion or noise component...if someone can let me know this is just a phase I'd appreciate it...it made for quite a lot of walking and no rides this time. )

If I had any idea he would react that way, we absolutely would not have gone on the Safari; I was mortified that all the other passengers that had paid so much money were being disburbed by his outburst. Once he did 'calm down', he was still on the verge of screaming yet again...in my defense, I was only telling him if he screamed again he would have to sit next to me (he was on my lap)...I certainly did not threaten to put him face down on the floor. My husband later told me I was talking much too loud, and I absolutely apologize for disturbing anyone. If there had been any way to disappear with my son at that point I would have.

I also don't recall my younger son thowing Cheerios at breakfast either, but at that point I was so frazzled I suppose anything is possible.

Again, I apologize if we ruined the Safari for anyone and please understand it was not intentional in any way.

Amy

Amy - please don't stress at all. Believe me, we've all been there, and I should have thought about that before I posted! If it was you - and what are the odds! - then I apologize for bringing this whole thing up - and as I said, we did see the humor in it, and to put it into perspective, it was still an awesome experience!

And by the way - yes, that was me having a screaming match with my daughter walking down the AKL corridor, much to everyone's horror. So I guess I shouldn't "throw stones".

Sorry to upset you! I hope you enjoyed your stay at AKL.

 

[Amyv]

Harambe...
We actually really loved AKL and concierge especially, it was a special 5th anniversary gift from my husband to splurge for the sixth floor key...we've stayed there (non-concierge) a few times before.

I think this hit a nerve with me since I was so embarassed on the Safari (and then to have my husband tell me I looked awful as well).. then when I read your post I was right back in the situation. Luckily we learned our lesson and didn't 'force' our son on any other rides this time. It's disappointing when it's so neat to see kids having fun at Disney and suddenly I have one that would rather be home!

No worries here...just hoping we can go back and have him enjoy it at some point!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Does anyone have info on Concierge's or Kilamanjaro Club?

What special things can you do with their assistance?

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Wiggling, changing position, sitting-standing-sitting, etc. would be fine.

For everyone's safety, please do not allow your child to stand while the vehicle is moving, regardless of their position in the row. The sunrise safari does stop at several points, and while the vehicle is stopped, it is safe to stand.

The animals on the safari are free-roaming. When I've driven Safaris (both sunrise and regular), I've had occasions where I had to nearly slam on the brakes to avoid hitting an animal that decided it wanted to run into my path.

 

[Harambe]

Amy - our son did that just last year, for some reason, at age 9, he didn't want to do any of the rollercoasters with DH and DD. Prior to that he loved all the rides.

But this year, he jumped on Space Mountain first thing, then he did Rockin' Rollercoaster, and every other crazy ride! I think, as you said, it is probably a phase, and your boy will be a ride-junkie in a year or two!

 

[lisareniff]

For everyone's safety, please do not allow your child to stand while the vehicle is moving, regardless of their position in the row. The sunrise safari does stop at several points, and while the vehicle is stopped, it is safe to stand.

The animals on the safari are free-roaming. When I've driven Safaris (both sunrise and regular), I've had occasions where I had to nearly slam on the brakes to avoid hitting an animal that decided it wanted to run into my path.

Point taken. I'm sure it must be safer but I wonder with 2-3 year olds with no seatbelt if sitting or standing would make a big difference? Sitting their feet don't touch the ground, nothing to hold them in place and they would fly into the seat in front. Standing they are not taller then the seat back so they wouldn't go forward very much... Of course I would always follow the safari guides advice.

 

[SamR]

When can you book the Sunrise Sarari? 90-days from the date of the safari?

How difficult is it to get? That is, do I need to be on the phone at 7:00 AM exactly 90 days out (as with the Cinderella Breakfast), or is it generally available if you call within a few days of the 90-day mark?

 

[ducklite]

Considering doing a split stay adding AKL Concierge primarily to do the Sunrise Safari which I think I would love. Please tell me what you can about this. Are children of all ages allowed? Is it now Sunday and Thursday?

Yes, although IMHO it's not suitable for most children under four or so. You all get on one of the "Jeep Trucks" and tour through the savannah's. The kids can't get down, and have to sit still and quietly. If your kid needs to use the bathroom or has a meltdown, there's no escape. The first tiem we took it it was RUINED by a terror behind us who screamed and flailed through the entire thing.

Anne

 

[John's Mom]

SamR,

The sunrise safari is only for concierge guests at the AKL. If you are staying in a concierge room, just call or email the lounge staff and tell them when you want to sign up for the safari. They will handle everything.

Kathy