TR: Thingamabobs, Zebra & Giraffes, Oh My! Completed 3/25/15 - Page 18 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Today started VERY EARLY for Emily and I. We were going on the Sunrise Safari – which had recently opened for any DVC guest staying at AKL, not just concierge level! We were SUPER excited!!!
We quickly and quietly got ready (Scott had decided not to go, letting us girls have some time alone, and also he didn’t want to push himself) and headed to the entrance of Kidani to get the shuttle over to Jambo House where we met with everyone else going on safari. I was actually quite surprised at the number of people attending – I did not actually count – but there seemed to be at least 30-40 people (even a couple that apparently didn’t bother to get dressed as they were still in their pajamas! )? We were divided into 2 groups and each led to the front entrance where there was a bus waiting for us.
We rode the bus through the back gates of Animal Kingdom, and got to see where all the safari trucks are parked overnight ~ I actually thought for a minute we were going to be boarding them that way – and was wondering how in the world we were going to get up on them, as they are quite high from the ground! We also saw a large building that is used as a cafeteria for cast members – of course we were not allowed to take any photos in this area. It was very interesting to see so much of the back stage area. We were quickly being unloaded from the bus near one of the back gates (they had already checked our magic bands/tickets at Jambo House), and we were heading to Kilimanjaro Safari entrance. It was so quiet in the park – we did see a few guests arriving for breakfast, but the entrance for KS was literally ONLY us!!
Our guide for this tour was Yari. She was adorable! She is a CM at AKL who generally cares for the birds there. But of course, she was so knowledgeable of so many more of the animals. Yari took the very front seat (by herself) of the truck, while Emily & I were able to snag the seat right behind her (along with one other solo traveler). We were so excited to sit here – as Yari was so kind in answering all of Emily’s questions – Yari was even very impressed in how much both Emily and I knew about specific animal friends at AK, she was able to fill us in on a few that we mentioned – such as Frankie (if you read my TR from Em’s birthday in 2013, you may remember how there was a new rhino in town who thought he was King – well, because of his behaviors, he has gotten himself quite a few time outs and kept away from the safari a few times – he also had his horn shaved down because he was too aggressive). Also, we found out the one of the Ostrich at AKL is Mary – and she used to be on the safari, but she would constantly stop the trucks by getting in the way and refusing to move – so they moved her over to AKL. It was fun to hear these stories – but also interesting that AK does not give up on these animals when they have “issues” (such as Frankie), but rather they still care very much for them and provide them with a safe environment.
*** Note - I apologize for the clarity of some of these photos - I decided to be "brave" and put my camera on MANUAL only for the day! I am happy with the way most of them came out, and once I learn Lightroom, I can edit some to really clean them up. ***
We were finally on our way through the safari – and our first stop was at the Black Rhinos (yes, the safari truck stopped so that Yari had time to explain the animal to us and for us to take photos) – and I learned something new today – there are 2 black rhinos here!! I had ONLY ever seen only 1 at a time, and always assumed there was only one – I also learned that the knocked over tree is actually a barrier between the two!!! Very interesting!
We continued on, seeing several of the other animals along the way.
When we came upon the hippos – we were in for a treat, as they were being fed – and we got to see a few of them completely out of the water, which does not happen very often.
The Crocs were having a bit of a “fit” this am, as they (not sure if you know this, but they are ALL males here!) were all fighting for their spots in the sun.
We continued on, entering the savannah………..
I am sure if you have visited Kilimanjaro Safari before, you have all seen the big bull elephant near the entrance to “elephant country” – the big guy who is usually all by himself – well we found out that his name is Mr. Mack! I just love being able to address them by their names! We also learned that all the elephants are given baths every single day! And they very much enjoy those baths every day!
We continued on through the savannah ~ seeing wildebeest, more elephants, and white rhinos.
We saw the cheetahs – and were told that cheetahs are one of the only cats that cannot retract their claws. This was very interesting to us. And they were wide awake this morning!
Continuing on, we got to see the male lion – and he was wide awake as well – and was actually making these odd sounds – and apparently that is normal, as he is calling out to his mates!
We finished up the safari and all met up for breakfast at Pizzafari. There is a large room in the back that was set up for just us – with a beautiful spread of breakfast items.
Emily and I sat with Yari for breakfast – and she continued telling us so many stories of the animals – to say that Em and I were fascinated would be an understatement. Remember Gordon, one of the baby giraffes? Well, he is now over at the Lodge because he was another who couldn’t behave himself on the safari! He would get in the way of trucks, often licking the roof of the trucks! So he is now very safe and happy at the lodge! We also found out the youngest baby elephant name is Luna. Yari was such a doll talking to Emily, who up until today had always said she wanted to be a marine biologist, but after today is considering switching to Animal Science to broaden her horizons. Yari even discussed school options with Emily.
We made sure to get our photo with Yari – and hope to see her again someday!
After our breakfast, it was time to say good bye to Yari and meet up with Scott who was already in the park as we had fastpasses scheduled!
Up next: What an Adventure!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
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The Sunrise Safari is tied with Keys to the Kingdom as my favorite WDW tour. You got some awesome animal photos. I loved that the truck would stop and give you time to take photos without all the bumps and jerks. Yari sounds like an terrific guide.
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Love your photos of the sunrise safari! And all the little tidbits of the "naughty" animals. So cute. I love the sunrise safari - I like it that they stop the truck for long periods of time so you can get great photos - like you did. Also love all the info the give you too!
Girl time cannot be overrated! !! The sunrise safari ROCKS and I'm glad you got a chance to do it! I'm not sure why you are apologizing for the quality of your pictures. Your so-so pictures are as good as my great pictures! . It sounds like you and Emily had a wonderful time!
What an amazing experience you had as the photos justify it! WOW! I've thought about this, but I need to get myself back for a stay at the AKL to do it! Is it all guests staying at the AKL that can do this or just concierge as I think that may have been the way they originally implemented this experience? I think I'd be more willing to do the Sunset version as that's dinner rather than breakfast and experience some of Jiko's great cuisine and fine SA wines! Anyway, I think you got your money's worth!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
What a great tour! Sounds like talking to Yari would be very interesting. You got some great photos and breakfast looked yummy! I really need to do that one time when we are staying at AKL!
What a great experience! I'm sad I never got to do this tour before it was discontinued. As far as I know, the last day for the Sunrise Safari tour was December 28, 2014. Unless they reconsidered, there was an announcement about this last summer. They still offer the Sunset Safari, which is a tour of the savannas at the lodge followed by dinner at Jiko.
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at the number of people attending – I did not actually count – but there seemed to be at least 30-40 people (even a couple that apparently didn’t bother to get dressed as they were still in their pajamas! 
)? We were divided into 2 groups and each led to the front entrance where there was a bus waiting for us. 
– so they moved her over to AKL. It was fun to hear these stories – but also interesting that AK does not give up on these animals when they have “issues” (such as Frankie), but rather they still care very much for them and provide them with a safe environment. 
***
I had ONLY ever seen only 1 at a time, and always assumed there was only one – I also learned that the knocked over tree is actually a barrier between the two!!! Very interesting! 
So he is now very safe and happy at the lodge! We also found out the youngest baby elephant name is Luna. Yari was such a doll talking to Emily, who up until today had always said she wanted to be a marine biologist, but after today is considering switching to Animal Science to broaden her horizons. Yari even discussed school options with Emily. 
. It sounds like you and Emily had a wonderful time!
I think I'd be more willing to do the Sunset version as that's dinner rather than breakfast and experience some of Jiko's great cuisine and fine SA wines! 
Anyway, I think you got your money's worth! 
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