Wanyama Sunset Safari w/ dinner at Jiko

[BYC]

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Thanks for any input!

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, some years ago.

I believe it is only open to guests staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas. They take about ten to twelve guests per event and children must be at least 8 years old.

That said, it was a great experience, I thought. The "safari" was fun, you learn fun facts about the Lodge's animals, and you have a group dinner (with your entire safari group) at Jiko, where you get to try a number of their specialties served family style, and wine is included. (If you are looking for a private dinner with just your party, this isn't it)

 

[Simba's Mom]

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Thanks for any input!

I did it also, and thought it was well worth it. During the tour of the savannahs the animals are so close. The giraffes are especially curious-

The dinner is served family style with everyone from the tour sharing a table. My only disappointment was that the CMs don't eat with you, so you can't continue asking questions. I would have liked that. We had 3 each of appetizer, entree, and dessert with wine being offered with each course. Be aware that if you didn't drink wine (as one pregnant woman didn't), they didn't offer her anything else to drink until she asked if she could have a soft drink. I don't remember the appetizers or desserts, but the entrees were the maize crusted halibut, beef with macaroni and cheese, and a chicken dish.

 

[LoveDals]

My husband and I did this in Septmeber of this year and had a wonderful time. The safari was great (had 2 guides who were well informed and very interesting) and the food was awesome! Wine is included and paired with the food selections.

 

[BYC]

Thanks everyone! I just booked it! It is so expensive, but All Ears had it costing $210 ( ), so when they told me it was $170, I was relieved! Still a lot of money, but this is a once in a lifetime trip for us, so I want to do so much!

 

[TDC Nala]

The price is less if you are booked at club level at AKV, but I do believe they have lowered the price for non-club level recently. AllEars just hasn't updated.

 

[Disneycouple99]

Starting today, price is 170.00 for anybody ages 8 and up staying at AKL or AKV.

 

[BYC]

Yes, that's what they told me. $170 for everyone. I am really looking forward to it!

 

[scot@dvcstore]

Sounds like a great idea. I will make a note to try this after the holidays.

 

[Maggi May]

I've not done the safari, but Jiko is one the of most outstanding restaurants in WDW. Definitely worth going to.

 

[RachaelA]

We did it in June on our honeymoon and loved it. We also did the Sunrise Safari since we were staying club level. The Wanyama Safari was definitely our favorite!!!! We had some great people on our tour (9 adults and 3 kids). We loved Jiko as well.

I want to do the safari again when we go back in May, but its a bit out of budget for our next trip. We'll definitely do it again though!

 

[BYC]

We did it in June on our honeymoon and loved it. We also did the Sunrise Safari since we were staying club level. The Wanyama Safari was definitely our favorite!!!! We had some great people on our tour (9 adults and 3 kids). We loved Jiko as well.

I want to do the safari again when we go back in May, but its a bit out of budget for our next trip. We'll definitely do it again though!

So you enjoyed the Wanyama Safari over the Sunrise?? I would have liked to book the Sunrise, but we are not staying club level, so we couldn't. I like hearing that someone liked the Wanyama better!

 

[jfinke]

We really enjoyed it. You learn a lot about the animals. You also learn a lot about the actual operation of the savannas. The people we were with were nice. You do the dinner family style at the big center table at Jiko.

 

[RachaelA]

So you enjoyed the Wanyama Safari over the Sunrise?? I would have liked to book the Sunrise, but we are not staying club level, so we couldn't. I like hearing that someone liked the Wanyama better!

Loved it 10 times as much. The Sunrise Safari is just the Safari ride but longer and without the story line. Our tour was actually small with only 40ish people, but you didn't get the one on one attention that you get on the Wanyama Safari (with only 12 people). Yes there aren't as many times of animals on the Wanyama safari but you get really close to them and the guides are awesome and full of so much more information. Plus Jiko is awesome and if you a good group that makes it even better.

We are staying club level again in May and it didn't even cross my mind to do the Sunrise Safari again though I did try to fit the Wayanama into our budget again.

 

[jfinke]

This post reminded me to go through and upload my pics from the safari. Between my wife and I, we took over 500.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eknif/sets/72157623032621652/

 

[CruznLexi]

What time 5 pm or 6pm?

 

[BYC]

What time 5 pm or 6pm?

Sorry, but who are you asking, and about what?

 

[pit303]

I just booked the Wanyama Safari today for my DH and I and we are scheduled for 4:00 PM on January 23rd. Really looking forward to this experience also will be our 1st time staying at AKL.