Which non-spoiler tour do you recommend?

[tommygunn]

Hey fellow nerds. I wanted to do something special for an upcoming trip and do one of the tours. I did the behind the seeds one last time and thought it was very cool. Any suggestions? I really don't want to do a "keys to the kingdom" type of thing - I like to keep most of the magic hidden. But maybe one of the Animal Kingdom ones? Does anyone have any experience? Thanks!!!!

 

[SamFaniam]

At AK, we have done both the elephants and the rhinos and enjoyed them very much. On both tours, we were accompanied by a member of the education team who was happy to answer questions.

For the elephants, you ride a van to a viewing area behind the elephant section on the safari. You pass the elephant barn on the way to the viewing area. There was both an animal care specialist and a cultural representative (Ours was Chris from Botswana) to talk to you about how Disney cares for the elephants and the importance of elephants and elephant conservation in Africa. They do not guarantee that you will see the elephants, but the viewing area is located near the place they are most likely to be. I have not seen any report of people taking this tour and not being able to see the elephants. You can take all the pictures you want while in the viewing area as the elephants are "on-stage". The tour was $30

For the rhinos, you take a van to the rhino barn where you get to talk with rhino keepers, see how they care for the animals including some animal husbandry. If the rhino is willing, you might get to touch it. This was such a thrill! There is no photography on this tour as the entire experience is backstage. The tour was $40

Both tours were about an hour, and I thought they were both a good value. The rhino tour is only offered once a day, so if you are interested in that book ahead.

 

[kiford]

Savor the Savannah and Wild Africa Trek were both really good. I'd happily do both again. Most of our other tours have taken us behind the scenes. One that doesn't break the magic (at least IMO) was the MK VIP Food Tour. We did that last week and got to see some of the kitchens and just a little bit of backstage around BOG. It was a very interesting (and filling) tour. There were some surprises for me - pleasant ones - that have changed my opinion about some of the food at MK.

 

[Unvoiced_Apollo]

Wild Africa Trek is a great one. You just get a closer and more personal (but still at a distance) look at some of the animals, a more involved safari, and lunch. Would defintely do this again if I have the money.

Also did Up Close with Rhinos on this past trip. It was defintiely a fun behind the scenes look that really doesn't spoil any magic since there's no really hidden "surprises". Anything behind the scenes is pretty obvious in terms of why it's there. Our rhino was really enjoying the sun that day but finally cooperated and we got to touch it. A lot of fun and educational for just an hour.

 

[Jonfw2]

The Wild Africa Trek is absolutely fantastic. But if you want something at AK that includes rides, the Night of Thrills is my absolute favorite tour.

 

[PirateFish989]

We did the Caring for Giants tour at AK (this is the one where you see the elephants). @SamFaniam did a good job with the overview of the tour. You do go backstage but it didn't ruin any magic. It was totally affordable, too. An hour long and we only had 6 people in our group plus two guides. Worth the money and time in our opinion!

 

[tommygunn]

Thanks to all for the responses. Great ideas - very helpful!

 

[loves to dive]

Also loved the Wild Animal Trek. If you are adults and don't mind spending some money the Wyanama (sp?) Safari at AKL is pretty cool. They do a truck tour of the grounds at AKL then a meal at Jikos.

 

[Unvoiced_Apollo]

Also loved the Wild Animal Trek. If you are adults and don't mind spending some money the Wyanama (sp?) Safari at AKL is pretty cool. They do a truck tour of the grounds at AKL then a meal at Jikos.

Wanyama. That's a nice choice if you want dinner included

An alternative if you would like to do an on-Savanna tour at AKL is the Starlight Safari. No dinner but significantly cheaper at $70. However, it is at night. You do get these single scope nightvision "googles" but it does make taking pictures of the animals tricky, and sometimes hard to get a focus (you hold up your phone against the viewing part).