The new Wildlife Discovery Excursion at AK

[Bracho]

I just received an email from the Yacht Club Planning Office about this new tour being offered called the Wildlife Discovery Excursion. Our contact is Alana.. what a wonderful young lady this is, she is really taking care of us, has answered every question we have asked and has been a huge help in getting things set up. If you ever stay on the concierge level at the Yacht Club and use the planning office, I hope you are lucky enough to get Alana. (sorry, I can't say enough good things about her)... well she took this tour the other day and this is what she had to say about it....

"I actually just went on the Wildlife Discovery Excursion just yesterday. It was very similar to the Sunrise Safari the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers to it's Concierge Guests. The main differences being that this takes place during regular park hours, and there is no meal included. We went out in a vehicle which can accommodate a maximum of 14 people, and the vehicle is great because you are able to stand up and walk around in it. On the vehicle with you is one of the Animal Program Cast Members, so they are there talking to you about the animals, savannahs, and answering any questions you might have. We were out on the savannahs for about an hour. Because it is during park hours, the regular safari vehicles for the Kilimanjaro Safaris are driving through, however the vehicle will pull off to the side in different areas of the savannah so you can watch the various animals and get a lot of great pictures. I would definitely recommend it! The tour is offered twice daily at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The cost is $45 per person, a portion of which is donated to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the tour begins on February 15th."

I have scheduled one of these tours for our trip in May, I can't wait.

Have a good one folks!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Bracho, I totally agree with your assessment of Alana. I had the pleasure of working with her in early December through the YC. I have to say that in addition to herself, the other ladies in the office are just as amazing (Amy & Angie). They not only handle the YC, but also the BC and BW concierge.

Please let us know your thoughts on the tour. I'd love to look into this for a future visit.

Tammi

 

[InstImpres]

Just FYI for anyone considering it, there is a backstage "spoiler portion" so the tour is limited to age 12 and up

(I was going to book for my DD10 and I but can't)

 

[Bracho]

TammiMcMan, I'm glad to hear you had a good experience with them as well. I have put together a little website for our trip which I will update everyday during my vacation. On the tour, I'll take some pictures to put on the page with the tour report.

 

[Fridye]

Besides the minimum age requirement, you also must be a concierge guest at any of the resort hotels. I can do concierge, but I can't make my 2 DD's older!

 

[Janet2k]

Bracho, my good friend! I am thrilled that you will be taking the tour on your upcoming vacation. I can't wait to see your photos of it (and make sure to get some of the new ride vehicle too).

Janet

 

[Bracho]

Got you covered Janet

 

[PandyPaws]

Glad to hear you'll be experiencing the new Wildlife Discovery Excursion....would love to hear feedback from you afterwards. We are all excited about the new vehicle (it's very cool!) and program. Maybe I can get a photo of the vehicle to post

 

[Janet2k]

...We are all excited about the new vehicle (it's very cool!) and program. Maybe I can get a photo of the vehicle to post

PandyPaws, if you can post a photo, that would be wonderful.

Has anyone experienced the tour yet?

 

[edjbiologist]

Is there anyway to go on this tour without staying at concierge?

Thanks

 

[TammiMcMan]

There is something called a Safari Celebration Dinner through Magical Gatherings. You need to have a group of 8 or more (ages 3 and up) and be staying at a Disney resort. This is the description from the Disney website,

Safari Celebration Dinner
Set off on safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Enjoy a spectacular VIP journey across the rolling savanna. Then dine family-style on an African influenced cuisine at the Tusker House Restaurant with a side of live entertainment, characters and up close animal encounters. Theme park admission is required.

Price:
Adults and Juniors - $59.99, Children (ages 3-9) - $19.99 (available 90 days prior)

Schedule:
Please call (407) WDW-MAGIC† for dates and times

Otherwise, there is the Backstage Safari which is offered as a behind the scenes tour. Here's a link to Deb Willis's site http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm. She has prices, descriptions and minimum age requirements.

Tammi

 

[PandyPaws]

PandyPaws, if you can post a photo, that would be wonderful.

I've asked again for a photo. The ones we currently have were all taken backstage and unfortunately I can't post those. While the vehicle is on Safari I'm unable to take a picture of it (Doh!) obviously, because I'm driving past it with a regular Safari truck, LOL....so, I'm working on getting permission to use one of the photos and editing out the background to a solid color

Is there anyway to go on this tour without staying at concierge?

Thanks

Sorry, but the answer is no. This is offered only to guests staying at the concierge level of Disney Resorts (except AKL).