We won 2 Dreams in a Row at AK!

[Dmcuth]

We got to AK about 45 minutes before opening with our friends on their first trip to the park ever on Monday, August 20th . They have a teenage son and an 8yr. old daughter, and we have a 10 yr. old daughter. When we arrived there were about three lines about 10 people deep at three turnstiles on each end of the entrance. No one was lining up at the other turnstiles because they still had covers on them. Knowing they would open all the turnstiles we took our place behind the 3rd turnstile on the left. Even after 20 minutes no one took our lead. At about 8:35 the cast members started to fan out to their positions. One cast member (not dream squad), approached our turnstile and said hello to our girls and asked them if they would like to open the park. They gave an enthusiastic "YES!", as did we. They took our passes and let us in. They explained that the girls were official park openers and gave them certificates and a cast member shirt to wear during the opening. At about 15 minutes before opening they shouted a countdown and cheered as people were allowed in.

We then went to the rope drop holding area in the park. My wife got into a conversation with another cast member and told her what we just go to do. She asked how many were in our group and told us we were "perfect!" Just what she was looking for. She let us through the rope before the drop and escorted us to the Safari, explaining that we were getting our own personal Safari as we were the Honorary Safari Family of the day! We loaded into our own truck (the regular one) and Emily the cast member came along with us and gave us the tour (she sat with us and did the talking instead of the driver). She would stop the truck more often than the regular ride for pictures and such. We saw the Giraffes right next to us (including the child) and the new baby rhino ran right along side of us several times. It was awesome! When we exited she gave us a special fastpass that could be used as may times as we wanted that day for the Safari.

All in all a great experience to say the least!!

Just a note - these were official dreams that the cast members could hand out as they wanted (as opposed to computer generated random ones). If you want a good shot, follow what we did above and maybe you will increase your chances. Put your young kids at the front of the turnstiles!!

 

[tacomaranch]

Ok, I must say I am very envious but also very good for you! congrats!

 

[isyt]

How cool!!!!!!

 

[Jrabbit910]

Great Story... I would have loved to seen the baby rhino... I LOVE baby animals...

 

[WDW Fan]

How exciting!!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kimberly815]

How fun!! I just love the Safari- what a great experience to have a nice leisurely ride though all on your own!! Congrats!

 

[Joanna71985]

How awsome! I would love to do the Safari one. I love animals, especially baby ones.

 

[justadisneygirl]

that's great...congratulations on an awesome trip!!

 

[mmkk]

Me, Too! Isn't it awesome!!! We were the first family on the safari ride in 8/06 and it was so much fun. I think we were picked because as we were standing where they dropped the rope after the parade, my DH and I were singing to Bare Necessities and acting goofy! I think maybe that's why they picked us! So do something to make yourselves stand out! We got a fast pass to go back to the safari ride at any time that day and our DD (who was 1 1/2) got a Honorary Deputy Warden certificate! Definitely a great "magical" experience! I am envious that you got to be the first family to open the park-that seemed like a cool job to have!

 

[AStamm]

How funny...we were the Kilimanjaro Safari Family of the Day on Sunday, August 19th. We weren't at the turnstiles when we were picked, rather up at the rope waiting for the little opening they do. When the CM (Chris) asked us where we were headed to first, I said the safari. He then invited us to go on the personal safari with him.

I wonder how they decide who is going to ask and where they will ask each morning. We were chosen to "open the park" on Christmas Day, also standing at the rope. That involved DS holding the rope and walking everyone back to KS. We didn't get our own safari that time, just got the front seats on the first one leaving.

Given the choice, I'd much rather do the private safari again. It was so cool to be in the park without any other guests and have the driver keep stopping the vehicle while both she and Chris explained all about the animals.