WDW with someone who's back disabled????

[Millie12591]

I didn't realise that it filled up so much. I knew it was only for a limited audience - I was just wondering if they might waive that restriction (the concierge/suite thing). I figured the family would still have to pay the cost of the safari.

I knew it was a long shot, but WDW is so good about getting people to experience things the only way they can, that I thought it was worth a shot. I figured since none of you had mentioned it, it was probably a no go. I wouldn't expect them to make the exception when even those who are 'qualified' sometimes cannot get fit in.

Crash~

That's such a sweet idea, I'll check into it! I'm sure Disney can help me figure out something for my sweet mom.
I appreciate all the ideas people are sharing on here, it's so nice to see people who really want to help out without getting something in return.
I'm certain to check into these ideas and get back with you all so you know what happens. Thank you, and God bless.

 

[Millie12591]

This is the best idea yet! I think this is what we'll end up doing, I'll have to get my mom over there when the animals are out the most. I bet that would be in the early morning or in the evening before sun down. Hummm, does anyone know when the animals are out the most, we went there last May for dinner around 5:30 or so and we saw not one animal, it might have been to hot, but I thought since the day was coming to a close we would see them for sure, but no dice. I'm sure there's some sort schedule (if you will) with the animals. I'll probably will have to go over to the resort thread to figure this out. Many blessings and thank you again for your helpful advice y'all!

From what I have read about it, I also don't think it's that much less bumpy than the regular safari. You are still in a jeep-like vehicle and going over either bumpy dirt roads or savannah. So, even if she could get one of those safaris, I'm not sure it would be all that much more comfortable.

We do the same thing.
On our trip in April this year, we visited AKL after a day at AK. Even if you are using the bus, you can easily get to AKL by taking a bus to AKL from whatever park you are at. To get back to your resort, take a bus from AKL to Downtown Disney or one of the parks, where you will be able to get a bus back to your resort. If it gets late, keep in mind that Downtown Disney is open late and you will be able to get a bus from there.

The viewing areas at AKL are very nice. There are some that are walking paths with viewing stations along the way. There are also some nice roofed viewing 'porches' where you can sit in rocking chairs and watch the animals in the Savanna below you.
We have found some of the best CMs at the AKL. They are knowledgable about the animals in their area and very willing to talk.
The evening we were at AKL, they had storytelling by the firepit and there was a parade thru the of children who were playing drums and other percussion instruments.
We usually go there to eat in the food court area and then walk around to see the animals. It makes a very nice later afternoon/evening.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have been at AKL in the early evening and saw lots of animals.
We have also been there in the middle of the day and didn't see as many. When we asked a CM, she said that since most of the guests are gone during the day, that is when the animal caregivers do the exams and things that are done at night at the park. At the resort, most people are in their rooms and watching the animals during the early morning, late afternoon to night so they make sure as many animals as possible are on view then.
Here's a link to the map of AKL so you can see where the viewing trails are. They are marked by the little white animal footprint. The following animal pictures were taken on the different Savannas at close to where the footprint on the map is.
Looking at the information on my photos, it looks like the first ones were taken around 6pm on April 8.

Viewing area near the pool (Uzima Savanna). The area where the 'footprint' from the map is at the left top of the picture, beyond the buildings. This photo was without a zoom:

Viewing area by the firepit from the pathway (Kudo Trail) This photo is with a little zoom and you can see the edge of the wall we were behind on the right side of the picture:

close up of animals from same area with my zoom not all the way zoomed out:

Viewing porch off the lobby at AKL. This overlooks the Kudo trail. There is another viewing area the very same that overlooks the Zebra trail:

 

[Millie12591]

Sue~

Thank you so much for this information! I'm so happy to get this. I had posted a thread on the Resort board to find this information, and now I've got it!

We have been at AKL in the early evening and saw lots of animals.
We have also been there in the middle of the day and didn't see as many. When we asked a CM, she said that since most of the guests are gone during the day, that is when the animal caregivers do the exams and things that are done at night at the park. At the resort, most people are in their rooms and watching the animals during the early morning, late afternoon to night so they make sure as many animals as possible are on view then.
Here's a link to the map of AKL so you can see where the viewing trails are. They are marked by the little white animal footprint. The following animal pictures were taken on the different Savannas at close to where the footprint on the map is.
Looking at the information on my photos, it looks like the first ones were taken around 6pm on April 8.

Viewing area near the pool (Uzima Savanna). The area where the 'footprint' from the map is at the left top of the picture, beyond the buildings. This photo was without a zoom:

Viewing area by the firepit from the pathway (Kudo Trail) This photo is with a little zoom and you can see the edge of the wall we were behind on the right side of the picture:

close up of animals from same area with my zoom not all the way zoomed out:

Viewing porch off the lobby at AKL. This overlooks the Kudo trail. There is another viewing area the very same that overlooks the Zebra trail: