The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 31

[mommykds]

Jennifer,

Great pictures. The girls are precious.

 

[bear74]

okay i still feel under the weather so I am headed to bed.

 

[KristineN]

can you imagine how much an all day affair would cost??!! We were going to do the sunrise one last year...but just got too tired.

Tell me 1 more time when you are there?

I thought that was what you meant! I thought that you guys had already done the Sunrise. Or was it a behind the scenes tour? Of course things are always changing, I wanted to make sure there wasn't some sort of EXTENDED safari that left at sunrise and brought you back for dinner!

I will have to book a night or 2 of concierge one of these trips so we can do Sunrise safari, since my plan to try to worm my way in last time didn't work.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

okay i still feel under the weather so I am headed to bed.

Good night! Feel better soon!

 

[KristineN]

The AKL itinerary guys sent me this:

At first glance it seems outrageous...but if you had the 12 people, it is a decent deal.

Buy out safaris are offered with sufficient notice subject to there being no prior bookings for that date for a $2000 minimum price. There is no age restriction on buy out safaris as it is your exclusive event.

 

[tink2020]

thanks Jennifer

how are you feeling tonight?

I'm ok, not feeling too bad right this minute. I'm very SLOWLY getting a few things done around the house, so that's something I suppose!

Are all the sickies leaving your house yet?

I'm actually off to bed to read until Kyle gets home. I hope you all are doing well!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

can you imagine how much an all day affair would cost??!! We were going to do the sunrise one last year...but just got too tired.

Tell me 1 more time when you are there?

This year Dec. 12-16. Next year is still up in the air. I WANT to be there Aug. 1-17 with DS, and DH would join us for one half or the other if he can get one of those weeks. If he can't get one of those weeks I'm not sure what we will do. I won't officially have more vacation time until June 25, but I think my bosses would be flexible if DH can't get time in August. DS doesn't get out of school until June 4, though.

Oh, and has everyone seen that "holiday" pricing for food is in effect from like May 25 - JULY 5? Meaning the entire period between Memorial Day and July 4th is ALL holiday at select TS places!

 

[KristineN]

I thought maybe if you were there at the same time I could ask the IPO guy to get you on the Safari....oh well

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The AKL itinerary guys sent me this:

At first glance it seems outrageous...but if you had the 12 people, it is a decent deal.

Buy out safaris are offered with sufficient notice subject to there being no prior bookings for that date for a $2000 minimum price. There is no age restriction on buy out safaris as it is your exclusive event.

So what do you get for $167 per person? I am thinking that price is still a little steep. Isn't the Sunrise safari like $65 per person, on top of the price for the concierge room? I don't know that it would be worth an extra $100 per person just to have 12 people of my choice in my group!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I thought maybe if you were there at the same time I could ask the IPO guy to get you on the Safari....oh well

That's so sweet! Thank you!
Well, stay tuned. If DH can't get a week in August I might have him try for June right after DS gets out of school. Then I will have to decide if I want to go back with just DS for another week in August.

 

[KristineN]

I don't disagree with you...I think I have become somewhat immune to the outrageous prices at disney!

This is the info he sent to me:

Dumela Kristine,

​

Thanks for information. Below are the details on all of our Safari options. I have also attached a document with the room service turndowns. You might also want to look at www.disneyflorist.com.​

​

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The safari starts at 6:30 A.M. if the park opens at 8 A.M. & it starts at 7:30 A.M. if the park opens at 9 A.M.. You would meet in the concierge lounge at 6:15 A.M. or 6:45 A.M., depending on park hours & will check-in at the concierge desk. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience. An animal programs cast member will be meeting our guests in the Sunset Overlook to give a run down of the morning's activities. You will then take a private bus, which will go through some of the backstage areas at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You will then walk over to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction and board the first jeep onto the savanna. You will be able to ask the animal programs cast member questions and there will be frequent stops for you to take pictures. The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards you will have a delicious breakfast buffet that awaits you. While you are enjoying your breakfast, there will be cultural representatives from Africa to answer any questions you have about their country or about Disney's Animal Kingdom. You are free to go about your day, at this point. If you would like to go back to the resort, you will take the regular bus back. The cost is $55.00 for adults and $27.50 for children 3 to 9. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. The unpaved roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass through rough and rugged terrain. For your safety you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. If you have special needs (wheelchair or ECV) or dietary needs, please let us know so that we may accommodate you. ​

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. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's 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 which may include a wine pairing. You will be meet at the Jiko Podium at 3:45 p.m. where you will be met by our animal Programs team. Safaris are offered on Monday, Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per Concierge guests 10 and up, $210 for non-Concierge guests 10 and up and Half price for guest 8 and 9. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking.

The Wildlife Discover Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experience to the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet at Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person. You spend about an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari.
​

So what do you get for $167 per person? I am thinking that price is still a little steep. Isn't the Sunrise safari like $65 per person, on top of the price for the concierge room? I don't know that it would be worth an extra $100 per person just to have 12 people of my choice in my group!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Hey guys-
Just checking in before I go to bed. The viewing is done-thankfully. So many people came and you could tell my grandfather was very loved. It was rough, of course. But everyone commented on the photo collage and seemed to love it. We had to say our final goodbyes as the casket will not be opened tomorrow.
We went out to dinner and drinks and now we are home. We have to get up pretty early so im headed to bed. Just wanted to let you all know im hanging in there.

have a great night

 

[my3princes]

Hey guys-
Just checking in before I go to bed. The viewing is done-thankfully. So many people came and you could tell my grandfather was very loved. It was rough, of course. But everyone commented on the photo collage and seemed to love it. We had to say our final goodbyes as the casket will not be opened tomorrow.
We went out to dinner and drinks and now we are home. We have to get up pretty early so im headed to bed. Just wanted to let you all know im hanging in there.

have a great night

I'm glad that there was a good turnout. It must be comforting to hear all the wonderful stories. Be strong tomorrow, but remember to grieve too. No one expects you to be the rock of the family.

 

[UP Disney]

The girls with Santa

That's a great Santa! Your girls are getting so big!

 

[KristineN]

Jen,

Glad you are doing OK...

 

[UP Disney]

I am looking forward to it...we are so used to the dining plan..it will be an interesting change.

I like the DDE card a lot. We paid for it already just using it at V&A.

The DDE card was paid for with the first couple of meals during our Dec. trip. So everything we saved during our February and October trip was extra savings!

 

[UP Disney]

June 1 thru the 12th...have you set up a grand gathering yet? Does he want to do a fireworks cruise..or just rent out a boat?

We haven't setup a grand gathering yet but we will be. We want to do a fireworks cruise and he wants to rent a pontoon boat.

 

[KristineN]

If you wanted to book an Illuminations cruise for your family let me know...I could try have the IPO people do it if you want..in case you can't get one on you own.

we are doing a wishes cruise on the 4th for Kirsten's bday...then I think I will take a break from cruises for a while

We haven't setup a grand gathering yet but we will be. We want to do a fireworks cruise and he wants to rent a pontoon boat.

 

[KristineN]

gnite all...

 

[tinker1bell]

Well, my funk just lifted a bit. I have been having trouble driving my stick-shift. I love my Saturn but it was just getting harder and harder. Especially in heavy traffic. My leg goes numb and I was afraid of not being able to get home. So, I talked with Hal and he said to just get another car. So I applied for a loan, looked at two different places and finally decided to go back to my first love, Saturn.
I will pick up this week a Saturn Ion 3. It is a 2005 with only 13,000 miles. It is black with a tan to almost white leather interior. I love it. It even has a outside temp indicator and compass located on the rear view mirror. I am so excited