Wanyama Safari now open to everyone - Questions?

[odd man out]

I posted this first in the resorts forum, but it was suggested I try in this forum too. I am in the early stages of planning a trip for next Year for my wife 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 Safari 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 a new policy (open to all)? How much is tax on this? Any idea if tip is still included? 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)? Thanks for any info.

 

[smcabee]

It is a newer policy. I think it went to everyone last year. Tip is included in the price. You have to call to reserve. I think you can reserve 6 months in advance but we reserve it about 4 months in advance. No clue on VA. That said, next month will be the 4th time the wife and I have done Wanyama. We love it. Great views with the animals and a fantastic meal with wine after. We feel its well worth the cost.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

It is a newer policy. I think it went to everyone last year. Tip is included in the price. You have to call to reserve. I think you can reserve 6 months in advance but we reserve it about 4 months in advance. No clue on VA. That said, next month will be the 4th time the wife and I have done Wanyama. We love it. Great views with the animals and a fantastic meal with wine after. We feel its well worth the cost.

Have you ever seen solo trippers do this? It sounds rather romantic, but I am planning my first trip sans children and husband and have always wanted to do this. Might be better of doing Wild Africa Trek or Sense of Africa. What do you think?

 

[amberpi]

I posted this first in the resorts forum, but it was suggested I try in this forum too. I am in the early stages of planning a trip for next Year for my wife 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 Safari 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 a new policy (open to all)? How much is tax on this? Any idea if tip is still included? 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)? Thanks for any info.

Dinner with no extras and a standard tip is $444. The wine pairing is truly a reason to go. They do an amazing job and its not unreasonable for the experience. But I have no compunctions about dropping that kind of money on an evening in Nashville. You'll surely need to tip likewise on the safari, so coming within the same ballpark either way. Enjoy whatever you choose!

 

[smcabee]

I don't view it as romantic at all. There were solos. People with kids. Couples and a few moms and daughters on the trips I've been on.

 

[Best Aunt]

I did the Wanyama Safari twice. The first time I booked it solo. I ended up being REALLY solo. Nobody else on my tour. For the meal at Jiko, they seated me at the counter near the pizza ovens, where cast members prepare parts of the meals. The cast members chatted with me.

 

[Bete]

Do you need to stand for the whole Savannah experience?

 

[Best Aunt]

Do you need to stand for the whole Savannah experience?

You have a vehicle with seats. You only stand up if you want to, to take pictures.