Undiscovered Safari at Animal Kingdom???

[Quiltstitcher]

Hi folks, we are planning a big family trip the week of Christmas and my M-I-L saw something about a private jeep safari at Animal Kingdom. It is my task to find out information about this and I couldn't find anything on Disney's website, can any of you help me?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I remember something like this too. If memory serves me correct it is a separately priced event. You go on a safari with a small group and then come back to AKL for a meal. It is a behind the scenes type of thing. I am not sure you can just sign up for it, it may be a grand gathering thing. Don't quote me on it because I could be wrong. I was going to book it for my Dad and DH on our last trip so it must not be a grand gathering thing. You can get more info on the WDW website. I hope this helps!

 

[suezb]

We're going on the backstage safari in August. This includes a ride with just the other people on the ride. They turn off the Disney track to the Safari, and the guide himself talks instead. Maybe this is what you're looking for?
They also do other behind the scenes type of thing.

 

[First-timer]

i think you may be talking about the sunrise safari..... my family took it back in march of this year. the only think is..... you have to book your room on the concierge level..... alittle pricey but well worth it..... we met in the concierge lounge at 7:00 am. and then the small group got on a shuttle and then in the back gate of animal kingdom we got to see where all the animals go at night and the tour guide explained alot about the animals then to the kilamanjaro safari ride..... we got on our jeep and the guide stoped and we stood up to take lots of pics and she gave us alot of info about the animals habitat and it was very informative.... then after the safari we had a spectacular breakfast at Tusker House in the private room..... the food was excellent!!!! ........ all you have to do is contact the concierge level at animal kingdom lodge..... vicki

 

[Quiltstitcher]

Thanks for the info, so I guess in order to get the Sunrise Safari, you have to book a room at AKL?

Thanks!

 

[Wendi2000]

Thanks for the info, so I guess in order to get the Sunrise Safari, you have to book a room at AKL?

Thanks!

Not just a room, but a concierge room.

 

[dgaston]

The Backstage Safari is a backstage tour where you learn about the Species Survival Plan, see the dietary and vet facilities at AK and also have a tour group only on Safari. You can learn more about it on the Deb Wills site www.allearsnet.com under "Beyond the Parks."

 

[Eljay]

You can call to get tour info at 407-WDW-TOUR

Concierge level at AKL is awesome.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Actually, the one you are referring to is a grand gatherings option (groups of 8 or more). It's called the Safari Celebration Dinner. Here is the link for more information, safari.

 

[Lanie]

During the Backstage tour, does the Safari van stop for pictures or does it do the usual "no stopping"?

 

[TammiMcMan]

During the Backstage tour, does the Safari van stop for pictures or does it do the usual "no stopping"?

The Backstage tour that's open to all guests is a bit different. You ride the van behind the scenes to see where the animals are kept when they aren't on the savannah, you go into where they prepare all the food and to the back of conservation station. During this time, you do get out of the van and walk around. When the behind the scenes portion of the tour is over, you go back into the park and your group goes into the "exit" line of the Kilimanjaro Safari. You'll board a park vehicle (the same one used for the ride), only this time, the Little Red storyline will be turned off and your guide will continue to offer insight as you go through the safari. As you're now part of the ride, they can't stop.

The only safari rides that can stop, are the Sunrise (offered exclusively to guests of the AKL concierge level), Wildlife Discovery Excursion (offered to anyone staying on a Disney concierge level) and the grand gatherings safari that I mentioned in my previous thread.

I really enjoyed the regular Backstage tour. It was very interesting and even though they do not guarantee animal interraction, we got to see elephants, a white rhino, a Rothschild giraffe and an alligator. It was also fun to ride through the safari and hear about the animals that live there and how Disney makes them feel at home.