Which special event would you recommend?

[ckelly14]

Heading down to the world in December for a special birthday celebration (I'll keep the number to myself, thanks). I have been to Disney about 20 times and only rarely stay for fireworks and wishes; Sorry, but we're an early bird family. For this trip I am making sure to hit all the night-time activities, including Wishes, Illuminations and the new nighttime stuff at AK, but looking to spring for something special. After cancelling my Poly suite for a free suite on Starpoints at the Dolphin, I have the necessary funds.

I'm considering a Wishes dessert cruise, Wishes dessert party, illuminations cruise, or some combination of these events. I was at the first night of "Harambe nights" in 2014 and would love to do something special at night in Animal Kingdom, but don't know what they are currently offering.

Any suggestions? When do these events open up for booking?

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Oh what I'd give for them to do Harambe Nights again - it was so incredibly well done.

From the availabile choices though, private wishes cruise 100%. Have some desserts delivered to the pontoon and relax! It's so magical.

 

[ckelly14]

I guess Harambe is not coming back. My wife and kids still say it was their best day ever at Disney. I was hopeful with all the new animal kingdom stuff.

When do private cruises open for booking?

It will be over Christmas- anything special during that time? Should I sign up for the candlelight processional when it's available?

 

[ckelly14]

Do these events open at 180 days exactly, or 180+10 like ADR's?

 

[McKelly]

Yes, the cruises book at 180 days. And Yes - definitely do the Candlelight Dinner Package. I love that show and it does fill almost to capacity with the dinner packages, so don't count on getting in without one. The CP packages usually are available to book in July/August if I remember correctly. If you are going in the beginning of December, also go to one of the MVMCP. LOVE the Xmas parade and all of the Xmas shows. If you are going Xmas week, then they are available to everybody, no need for a separate party to see it.

 

[ckelly14]

Thanks! Do you know if you need to call on that exact day or does it open 180 days from you check-in day?

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Wishes ferry tale cruise is not available after spring. Wishes Dessert Party isn't available after August. They may come back but as of now nada.

 

[ckelly14]

What the heck is going on...?

I assume something more "magical" and expensive!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Also no Illuminations DP or Symphony Stars DP.

"no Dessert for you! "

 

[ckelly14]

I assume we are going to see more premium night and day activities- staying tuned!

 

[scrapquitler]

If I were going to do something really special, I'd try the Wanyama Safari, which includes dinner at Jiko.

nters with exotic animals before grazing on a multi-course meal at Jiko – The Cooking Place.

Adventure Beckons
Explore the spectacular savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—home to rare and fascinating wildlife.


Available daily only to Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Kidani Village, this 90-minute tour presents a unique vantage point for observing exotic animals. Each excursion is limited to just 12 Guests—so you can truly anticipate a personalized tour with an experienced guide!

The Adventure
After a pre-safari reception with the chefs and a cultural representative from Jiko – The Cooking Place, climb aboard a safari vehicle and get ready for spectacular sights as you embark on an authentic recreation of an African afternoon game drive, spread out across 46 acres of savanna.

During your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share little-known insights on the animals around you—all while giving an inside look at the history and management of the animals, and the architecture of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort too.

The Animals
Be on the lookout for majestic mammals and exotic birds that represent a cross-section of African wildlife. More than 30 different species live on the savannas!

During your adventure, you might spot:

• Giraffes
• Okapis
• Zebras
• Red river hogs
• Antelopes
• Ostriches
• Wildebeest

Be sure to bring your camera along to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities!

 

[ckelly14]

Looks good but only if you are staying at AKL.

 

[scrapquitler]

Looks good but only if you are staying at AKL.

I missed that detail!

 

[catherines_mama]

Snuck in to get ideas. Planning DD sweet 16 next April and shocked wishes cruise is going away... what?

 

[ckelly14]

Snuck in to get ideas. Planning DD sweet 16 next April and shocked wishes cruise is going away... what?

Not sure if it's true or not, certainly the fast passes are....

So far I'm planning on:

1. For my birthday- dinner at California Grill and private wishes cruise. I may, just may, get a VIP tour for this day instead.
2. AK- Wild Animal Trek and possibly River of Lights dinner package
3. Epcot: Candlelight processional- did I read somewhere that you get a preferred area for illuminations?
4.Hollywood studios- haven't read anything about symphony with the stars dessert package (F! is not my cup of tea...)

Pretty suprised that I have never had dinner at the GF- maybe V&A on my birthday? Probably not since I want the kids there.

We'll see what's available in December. I'm thinking there will be a number of new fireworks dinner packages or VIP events up for sale!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Magic of our Steam Trains Tour. It starts early morning, so you'll like the timing. And it's something different to do.

 

[catherines_mama]

Not sure if it's true or not, certainly the fast passes are....

So far I'm planning on:

1. For my birthday- dinner at California Grill and private wishes cruise. I may, just may, get a VIP tour for this day instead.
2. AK- Wild Animal Trek and possibly River of Lights dinner package
3. Epcot: Candlelight processional- did I read somewhere that you get a preferred area for illuminations?
4.Hollywood studios- haven't read anything about symphony with the stars dessert package (F! is not my cup of tea...)

Pretty suprised that I have never had dinner at the GF- maybe V&A on my birthday? Probably not since I want the kids there.

We'll see what's available in December. I'm thinking there will be a number of new fireworks dinner packages or VIP events up for sale!

Dinner at Narcosses at GF is SO good. and if you time it they tell you and you can walk out to the wrap around porch and watch Wishes! They will give you special menu with your celebration on it. DH and I had 1st Anniv dinner there. It was really nice. I was planning dinner for DD Sweet 16 there or Citrosis. (Yeah i know.. spelling EVERYTHING wrong - multitasking ignoring work call)