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I just got off the phone with Disney Tours to learn more about this new adventure, so I thought I would share ...
The tours just started on Sunday, but the CM I spoke to said they're already seeing a really positive response.
Right now, they're only booking the tour until April--Disney hasn't yet decided if they're going to keep the tour as a regular offering after that. The CM said that they should know around mid-February if they're going to keep the tour. She said the price will likely change at that point, too.
IF they decide to extend the offering, we'll be able to book the tour at 180 days. At the moment, there is no DVC discount for the tour, and the CM said she hadn't heard anything about any possible discounts.
No discount? Hmm . . . I'll be that changes! I'm very much looking forward to this tour, but don't quite know when I'm going to find time to fit it in!
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It sounds really cool. But after April the price is supposed to increase to $249 per person. As much as I would love for DH and I do that I just cannot fathom paying $500+ for a three hour tour. For a family of four, that would be over $1,000 for three hours.
I can see $129 but $249? When I heard that price increase sinc we'll next be there in December, I just had to laugh out loud.
A couple of people on various boards that called to book the Trek said that the CM's told them that it is intro price $129 and then sometime after February (I think) the price goes to $189 until April. Then after April the price is supposed to increase again to $249. Which is just hysterically funny.
A couple of people on various boards that called to book the Trek said that the CM's told them that it is intro price $129 and then sometime after February (I think) the price goes to $189 until April. Then after April the price is supposed to increase again to $249. Which is just hysterically funny.
Geez!! The CM definitely didn't tell me that! I would have laughed at her!
We're doing it in Feb so we are lucky enough to be paying $129 pp. DS is only 8 so he isn't old enough for the other tour. So this is to hold us over for the meantime. I don't forsee them offering a discount on it anytime in the near future. I'm interested to hear about the snack they serve. I have nut allergies and have that noted but I'm wondering if they provide something different for children.
My wife and I just did the trek yesterday, it was awesome. I was able to carry my DSLR on the trek, with the zoom lens, as long as it is either hooked to the vest or you always have the strap around your neck, it's fine. Anything else you take must be attached to the vest. One of the ladies on our tour needed a cane, it had a carrying handle that she was able to hook to her vest, and that was fine. That being said, there are places where you aren't able to use a cane, etc, and must be able to walk upright without assistance.
You definitely need the harnesses, the first stop after you get fitted and start on the hike is the hippo area, and are hooked in and go right out to the edge and look down on the hippos. They were feeding the hippos watermelon when we were there, got some great pics from that. Then over to the croc area, and a couple of suspension bridges, some really nice views from there. More walking and views, then you board a private vehicle to be driven around the savannah with stops at various locations, and a 30 minute stop about 3/4 of the way through at the private viewing area, where the snack/meal was served. It was a mixture of fruits/vegetable/meats/cheeses native to Africa, so if you have allergies, let them know ahead of time. One of the folks on our tour had requested a vegetarian plate, and was served that. They also serve water or fruit juice (a mixture of papaya/guava/something else I don't remember). Then back to claim your belongings. You get a water bottle at the start of the tour that you get to keep, as well as a coupon for a free PhotoCD, the guides are constantly taking pics and you get to order the pics.
This is definitely not a walk in the park. It's in the natural grown areas of the park, and some of the walkways are narrow and have roots and overhanging branches. You'll want some decent walking shoes (no high heels ladies). Think Boy Scout/Girl Scout hike in the woods.
At $129 it's a great value, $189 I'd probably pay, but $249 no way, not unless they add to it.
__________________
Bob Yetman
Last edited by home4us123; 02-21-2011 at 06:00 AM..
Reason: fp529
A couple of people on various boards that called to book the Trek said that the CM's told them that it is intro price $129 and then sometime after February (I think) the price goes to $189 until April. Then after April the price is supposed to increase again to $249. Which is just hysterically funny.
OMG!!!!
I could never afford for dd & I to do that tour at that price.
The only reason I'm doing it in two weeks is because the price is $129. Very affordable in my opinion.
I did read online that AK is planning on adding another viewing area near the big cats. Of course, you know how reliable rumors you read online are!
The pics online look fantastic and the food offered looks pretty appetizing. The CM did ask me if I had any dietary needs when I booked the tour. I do believe they have children's options as well.
$249? WOW! I was sad when I first read it might go away in April. But now I'm really sad, because I don't think I want to spend $249 PP even if it sticks around until the next time we make it to WDW.
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Wild Africa Trek
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, but we loved Animal Kingdom and this appeals much more than Wild by Design!
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