Animal Kingdom tours vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge tours

[TheVBs]

So we were doing a little fantasizing about the trip we're hoping to have later this year and we talked about whether we would be interested in any of the tours. We've never done any of them, but the ones that interested us most were the ones at Animal Kingdom. We do have one non-park day planned during the trip and noticed that there are also tours at AK Lodge. Has anyone done both? How do they compare? If you've done any of them, would you mind sharing what you thought of it? Thanks! :mickey:

[deedee73]

My mother and I did the behind scenes tour years ago at the park and it was interesting but not as good as I would have liked. We went to a few of the overwhelmingly large barns were they house the animals and that was neat to see but beyond that it was very similar to ones we had done here at home.

We did Giants tour in 2018 to see the elephants which was awesome. Literally it was the 3 of us and one other couple. Very personal and small. Spent tons of time on questions and items that interested our group even if they did not pertain just elephants. We chose this tour because it allowed children as young as my son at the time (5).

Due to the age restrictions we have not done any of the tours now offered at the lodge. We have stayed there and done many of the activities offered for children which you do not need to be staying there to participate in. The CMs were very informative and helpful.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[NewDVCowner]

I did the rhino tour at AK and really enjoyed it. It was an hour long and there were ten (maybe twelve) people. They took you to the rhino barn, talked about their backgrounds, the animals backgrounds, demonstrated how they train the animals and then we were able to go up in pairs and pet one of the rhinos. Really awesome! And the price was pretty reasonable, too. I would certainly recommend it, but also wouldn’t say it was really repeatable. I’d do it again if I was with someone that wanted to do it, but I don’t think I’d do it again on my own.

[mrte62]

We have done the Wild Africa Trek three times ... it is not cheap, but for a special event or celebration (which the second two were), it was worth it. We enjoyed it each time and will in a few years, do it again.

[JPPT1974]

Glad you did enjoy it. Have to be an animal lover however to enjoy it.

[TheVBs]

My mother and I did the behind scenes tour years ago at the park and it was interesting but not as good as I would have liked. We went to a few of the overwhelmingly large barns were they house the animals and that was neat to see but beyond that it was very similar to ones we had done here at home.

We did Giants tour in 2018 to see the elephants which was awesome. Literally it was the 3 of us and one other couple. Very personal and small. Spent tons of time on questions and items that interested our group even if they did not pertain just elephants. We chose this tour because it allowed children as young as my son at the time (5).

Due to the age restrictions we have not done any of the tours now offered at the lodge. We have stayed there and done many of the activities offered for children which you do not need to be staying there to participate in. The CMs were very informative and helpful.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

We were looking at the Giants tour. Did you get to touch or interact with the elephants at all?

[TheVBs]

I did the rhino tour at AK and really enjoyed it. It was an hour long and there were ten (maybe twelve) people. They took you to the rhino barn, talked about their backgrounds, the animals backgrounds, demonstrated how they train the animals and then we were able to go up in pairs and pet one of the rhinos. Really awesome! And the price was pretty reasonable, too. I would certainly recommend it, but also wouldn’t say it was really repeatable. I’d do it again if I was with someone that wanted to do it, but I don’t think I’d do it again on my own.

That is SO cool that you got to pet the rhinos!! I didn't see the rhino tour as an option in this year's guidebook. I'll have to check the WDW site.

[TheVBs]

We have done the Wild Africa Trek three times ... it is not cheap, but for a special event or celebration (which the second two were), it was worth it. We enjoyed it each time and will in a few years, do it again.

This is the one we really want to do I think. The guidebook says the costs vary. Did you pay the same amount each time?

[faline]

We did the Elephants tour last year. We did not get to touch any of the elephants. During our tour, there were three male elephants in the area we could see. The oldest was an adult and the other two were described as "teenagers". The younger two were very playful and it was fun to watch them interact with each other. The older one actually left the area - we were told he was very good with the younger ones but, sometimes, needed space for himself.

[TheVBs]

We did the Elephants tour last year. We did not get to touch any of the elephants. During our tour, there were three male elephants in the area we could see. The oldest was an adult and the other two were described as "teenagers". The younger two were very playful and it was fun to watch them interact with each other. The older one actually left the area - we were told he was very good with the younger ones but, sometimes, needed space for himself.

Sounds like it was a great tour! And yeah, I'm with the older elephant. I would love some space for myself right now!

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

We did the night safari at AKL a few years ago, and it was awesome. Although we were just on the savanna of the resort, it felt like we were in the middle of no where with tons of animals around. I would 100% recommend it, and would do it again.

[FenwayGirl]

We stayed at AKL last November and fell in love. They have tours at Sanaa everday at 4PM. You get to sample the foods. Also they have night vision binoculars that you can use on the Savannah at night.
We did the Wild African Trek at AK. I have done quite a few other tours at WDW...this was the best hands down!!

[TheVBs]

We stayed at AKL last November and fell in love. They have tours at Sanaa everday at 4PM. You get to sample the foods. Also they have night vision binoculars that you can use on the Savannah at night.
We did the Wild African Trek at AK. I have done quite a few other tours at WDW...this was the best hands down!!

We've eaten at Sanaa and walked out to use the night vision goggles. We really enjoyed it! Do you mean the Wild African Trek at AK was the best? That one sounds amazing!

[FenwayGirl]

We've eaten at Sanaa and walked out to use the night vision goggles. We really enjoyed it! Do you mean the Wild African Trek at AK was the best? That one sounds amazing!

Yes, the Wild African Trek at AK..It was outstanding!

[TheVBs]

Yes, the Wild African Trek at AK..It was outstanding!

I think that's the one we'll shoot for doing then! Thank you!

[mrte62]

I have to admit, I don't remember the price differences... I think it had to do with the time of year and/or time of day.... Our most recent visit was in November....very enjoyable and crossing the rope bridge over the crocks then breakfast on the Savanah was really cool...