DAK Tours

[ghost1000]

I want to book one of the Animal Kingdom tours. Would you recommend Backstage Safari or Wild by Design, and why. Both these tours get high ratings from All Ears Net (http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=66).

Doug and I like backstage visits but not going backstage is NOT a factor if the tour is really good.

[athenna]

Ooh, great question!
I would love to know about this too. I am planning on Wild By Design for my solo trip in March:D

[Colorado Belle]

I'll be interested in finding out what those who have taken these tours say too.....
So hurry up, ok?:hypnotict

[Simba's Mom]

OK, here it is. I did Backstage Safari solo in November. Actually, I would have done either one, but they're offered only on certain days. Wild By Design is only offered on Thursday and Friday (or at least, it has been) and that hasn't worked for me. I took Backstage Safari on a Monday, but I think it's also offered on Wednesday. I loved it, but then DAK is my favorite park, so I'm sort of biased. We got to see the animal houses, the big building where CMs prepare the food for the animals (that really impressed me), the Avian house (my request since I'm really "into" birds), and went on the KS in our own jeep, without the Big Red "spiel". There was a break about 1/2 way thru where we got water and prepackaged bars, and a potty stop. Saw a short video and rested our feet a little. If I remember, on Wild by Design you get a whole breakfast buffet thing though, so if I could have, I'd have gone with that tour first just for the food. Some time I'll get to do it! Meanwhile this one was great!

[athenna]

OK, here it is. I did Backstage Safari solo in November. Actually, I would have done either one, but they're offered only on certain days. Wild By Design is only offered on Thursday and Friday (or at least, it has been) and that hasn't worked for me. I took Backstage Safari on a Monday, but I think it's also offered on Wednesday. I loved it, but then DAK is my favorite park, so I'm sort of biased. We got to see the animal houses, the big building where CMs prepare the food for the animals (that really impressed me), the Avian house (my request since I'm really "into" birds), and went on the KS in our own jeep, without the Big Red "spiel". There was a break about 1/2 way thru where we got water and prepackaged bars, and a potty stop. Saw a short video and rested our feet a little. If I remember, on Wild by Design you get a whole breakfast buffet thing though, so if I could have, I'd have gone with that tour first just for the food. Some time I'll get to do it! Meanwhile this one was great!


Oh bummer, I thought Wild By Design was Tues & Thurs. Drats this won't work for me.

ETA:The DVC members website actually saus Tues, Thurs, Fri. If that's the case, I will go on Tuesday! Yippee!

[mickeyndvcfan]

OK, here it is. I did Backstage Safari solo in November. Actually, I would have done either one, but they're offered only on certain days. Wild By Design is only offered on Thursday and Friday (or at least, it has been) and that hasn't worked for me. I took Backstage Safari on a Monday, but I think it's also offered on Wednesday. I loved it, but then DAK is my favorite park, so I'm sort of biased. We got to see the animal houses, the big building where CMs prepare the food for the animals (that really impressed me), the Avian house (my request since I'm really "into" birds), and went on the KS in our own jeep, without the Big Red "spiel". There was a break about 1/2 way thru where we got water and prepackaged bars, and a potty stop. Saw a short video and rested our feet a little. If I remember, on Wild by Design you get a whole breakfast buffet thing though, so if I could have, I'd have gone with that tour first just for the food. Some time I'll get to do it! Meanwhile this one was great!


I agree with you totally. This is a great tour. We did it about 4 yrs. ago and loved it. Some day I will go and do it again. I'm waiting until my grandson will be old enough to enjoy it. I would also like to take the Wild by Design tour some day.

[Simba's Mom]

If it's offered Thursday and Friday in 2007, I may be able to go the week before the Mousegathering. Anyone else?

[ghost1000]

If it's offered Thursday and Friday in 2007, I may be able to go the week before the Mousegathering. Anyone else?

What day are you thinking about? We're planning to be there December 2-10, 2007. If your date fits in with our schedule we'll be happy to join you.

[mickeyndvcfan]

Here is the information on the members site for both of the tours.



Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Aim for adventure when you enjoy special Member savings on these totally thrilling tours at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For reservations and more information, please call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687)† and mention that you are a Disney Vacation Club Member.



Backstage Safari

Receive a 15% discount on this three-hour in-depth program that takes place entirely "backstage." Get an insider's look at the innovative ways in which challenges in the areas of conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, and animal care and behavioral studies are being met. Theme Park admission is not included, but is required. Offered Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. for ages 16 and older.

Wild By Design

Receive a 15% discount on this three-hour on-stage walking tour that shares some of the stories behind the making of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Get insights into the design and building of the Theme Park, as well as a glimpse into the complexities of caring for animals and habitats. Theme Park admission is not included, but is required. Offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. for ages 14 and older.

[doombuggy]

Wild by Design is our Guest’s opportunity to learn some of the stories behind the making of Disney’s Animal KingdomTM Theme Park. You’ll learn how art, architecture, historical artifacts and storytelling are combined to transport you to exotic lands filled with wild animals. This 3 hour on-stage, walking tour will provide insights into the design and building of this new species of theme park as well as a glimpse into the complexities of caring for animals and habitats.

Highlights include:
Enter the land of Anandapur
Through the colorful world of Discovery Island.
To the village of Harambe in Africa to venture on the Kilimanjaro Safari

You will marvel at the efforts that go into creating and sustaining a ‘wild’ place like Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

A light continental breakfast will be served midway through the program.

-- Guests must be at least 14 years old to attend this program and Guests ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a particpating adult. This is an outdoor program including moderate walking. Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice.

Looks like this starts at 8:30am; cost is $58 for an adult, but they give discounts to AAA, DVC, AP and Disney Visa (and cast too).


Backstage Safari:
The Education Team at Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to find out what happens behind-the-scenes at Walt Disney World's incredible "New Species of Theme Park!"

During this in-depth 3-hour program you'll get an insider's look at the innovative ways that we are meeting challenges in areas such as conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, animal care and behavioral studies.

Highlights include visits to:

Backstage animal housing areas to meet some of our keepers and learn how we care for our animals on a daily basis
The Animal Nutrition Center, where all of our animal's diets are prepared
Our state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital
Animal Programs Administration to learn how we are constantly seeking new ways to ensure our animal's health and well being

This program takes place entirely behind the scenes. Animal viewing is extremely limited. No photography will be allowed backstage.

I was interested in doing this one. It is $65, but they give discounts as above.