Wanyama Safari Now Open To Everyone - Questions

[odd man out]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip for next March for my DD and I. I was considering a special night out at V&A, but am having cold feet about spending $500 for dinner. Then I thought the Wanyama dinner might be a better value for a splurge as we are planning to eat at Jiko anyway (and want to stay at AKL). From what I read this was only open to AKL guests and the price included tax and tip. Now on the WDW dining site it says that the Wanyama Safari is open to everyone and the fare ($209) does not include tax (no mention of tip). Booking is made by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.

Is this new? How much is tax on this? Any idea if tip is still included or was I mistaken and it never was? Is there an on-line method for making reservations (It's listed with "other results through the regular ADR site)? How far in advance can reservations be made? How far in advance SHOULD reservations be made? Is $500 a reasonable estimate for dinner and one glass of wine for two at V&A (everything included)? How much water would a Waterbuck buck if a Waterbuck could buck water? Are Waterbucks seen on the savannas?

 

[Best Aunt]

Yes waterbucks are seen on the savannas.

 

[Best Aunt]

To be slightly more helpful:

We did Wanyama in 2015 when we were staying at Animal Kingdom Villas. At the time, you booked it by calling the Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level line, even if you were not staying Club Level, but that may have changed because they have changed the job responsibilities re Club Level phone lines. I called on 09/25/14 to book for 03/22/15. You had to give them a credit card number to hold the reservation, but they did not charge the credit card at that time. The cost I was quoted included safari, dinner, wine pairing, gratuity (tip) & tax. There was a 48 hour cancellation policy. They gave me a confirmation number but did not send a confirmation email. I don't think there was a way to book it online.

I believe the tax rate is 6.5% throughout Disney World, except All Star resorts are in Osceola County, which has a 7% tax rate

My friend had recently had surgery, and found the ride to be a little bumpy.

You can get great pictures of the animals, if that's something you enjoy.

The entire tour group eats dinner together, if that's a consideration. If you wanted a private dinner with someone in your traveling party, it won't happen, unless nobody else books the tour that night.

You don't get to order off the menu at Jiko, if that's a consideration. They choose the food for you and put it on the table, family style. You can tell them about food allergies, and the chef will come out to discuss what you can and can't eat.

I have never eaten at V&A. Here's what AllEars.net says about pricing at V&A:
7-course "Tasting Menu" Prix Fixe Menu $185 per Guest ($250 with wine pairings).
Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.

 

[Hopefully]

You may get better replies on the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies forum here on the DIS. This is really not totally Resort related.
Good Luck

 

[odd man out]

Thanks for the info. I can maybe ask there too. It's sort of a resort Q. Sort of an attraction. Sort of dining too.

 

[FSU Girl]

I looked into that tour, might do it in the future. I wouldn't call it a romantic night out though. I have been to Victoria and Albert's and can tell you that place is fantastic and totally worth the money in my opinion. It is pricy though, you have to dress up and can take up to three hours for dinner, all things to consider if that's right for you. In my signature I have a review on the restaurant so you can get an idea of what it's like. The 7 course you are given options, while the 10 course does not but you can make substitutes. They are great with allergies and restrictions and will cater the menu to your likings.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We did it a few years ago and really enjoyed it. We had about 12 people on our tour so it made for a nice dinner group. We had appetizers and beverages at Jiko before the tour. Then about an hour tour, then back to Jiko for dinner. They served it family style and the chef came out and discussed it all with us. We had multiple glasses of wine with the dinner (different wine for different courses). It was an adventurous meal for me and our son (my husband will eat almost anything), but all the food was delicious. We had a very nice time talking with the other guests and the chef. I'd do it again.

I remember one couple on the tour who sat next to us at dinner. She had won a stay in Cinderella Castle Suite as well as a few nights at AKL and they were heading to the MK after the dinner to get to the Castle Suite. They were such a nice couple.