Which Safari for AKL concierge guest?

[iluvepcot]

I am staying at the AKL concierge for the first time in August. I wanted to do the Sunset Safari with only my husband and I. We will also have our DS 6 and DD 8 with us. I am starting to think we should do the Sunrise Safari, as they will also be able to experience. My son would love this. When I e-mailed the planners at AKL they sent information on both the Sunset and Sunrise Safaris but also had information on another. Here it is:

The Wildlife Discover Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experience to the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place every day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet at Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person. You spend about an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle! (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari. You may take non concierge guests with you on this experience.

This is the same price as the Sunrise but does not include breakfast. It looks like it has more interaction with the animals and you do not have to use park hopper. Does anyone have experience with this one that they could share?

 

[TammiMcMan]

You might want to confirm this with concierge, but I'm almost positive that you do need to utilize a park hopper for the Wildlife Excursion tour also. Since they mentioned meeting at Mombasa Marketplace and that's inside the park. I think the only one where it isn't required is the sunset safari. This is such a new tour, I wonder how many people have gone on it and are able to compare the two. Just by the right ups I've seen, I would think that the sunrise safari would give you more interaction because there's no one else there besides your vehicle. Many have described a much slower paced tour with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. For the same amount of money, I would probably stick with the sunrise safari and enjoy that wonderful breakfast that everyone raves about. It will be good to see some reviews though.

Tammi

 

[VAgal76]

We just got back and did the wildlife excursion while visiting. It runs concurrent with the Kilamajaro Safari ride, but you are in your own personal safari vehicle. You do not get out of the vehicle, but you do get photo ops while on tour through the safari ride. It last about an hour and the tour guide explained to us about the holding areas, training of the animals, signficance of the unseen barriers, different savannahs that you ride through and containment areas. I've not done Sunrise Safari, but I'm guessing the kiddos would enjoy it more than this tour. FYI - they just reduced the age limit from 12 to 13 years of age. I guess they may have had an overwhelming response to allow children to do this tour and honestly I was one of them that was hoping they would lower the limit. Now that I've done it, IMO older folks would enjoy this more. I guess it depends on your children's taste as well. I would 2nd Tammi's vote of taking them on sunrise and just catch the regular safari ride afterwards. It may be more entertaining to them. Yes, you must use your ticket to get into the park since you have to meet inside.

Good luck & enjoy!

 

[eddieras]

iluvepcot- we did the sunrise safari last week-- my 9 year old son and nearly 6 year old daughter LOVED it - they really take their time, you get to take great pix and talk with the guide. it's a nice relaxed pace. plus don't discount the breakfast-not only is it wonderful, but the guides sit with the guests- we had one at our table and got to talk, interact even more.