sunrise safari disney

Sunrise Safari Tour Review

Recently I had the pleasure of embarking on the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure in Animal Kingdom . The Sunrise Safari is an exclusive tour offering guests an extended 45-60 minute ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris prior to park opening followed by a private breakfast buffet at Pizzafari .

Why is it so exclusive? Because this tour is available only to Concierge Level guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . Furthermore, it’s only offered two days a week: Thursdays and Sundays at 7am. (Despite its name, the Sunrise Safari operates independently of the sunrise schedule.)

Unlike most Walt Disney World tours, this one is open to all ages. Current prices, including tax, are as follows, and no discounts are available:

• Adults ages 10+: $65
• Children ages 3-9: $32.50
• Children under 3: Free

Tour guests must check in at the Kilimanjaro Club (the concierge lounge in Jambo House) between 6:30-7am the morning of the tour. Tour check in was hands down the worst part of our Sunrise Safari. Not only was it at an unholy hour, but the check in process turned into a bit of a mess.

The morning of our tour, there was a line filling the small space between the concierge desk and the elevators. The 57 people on our tour were all milling about trying to get tour wristbands and coffee and read the paper and sneak breakfast before the start of the tour. You get the picture. Since the Sunrise Safari is open to all ages, there were also plenty of parents trying to navigate double strollers through the tiny lounge.

Pro Tip: Send one member of your party to check in at 6:30am. That one person just needs to bring all the ticket media for everyone in your group, since separate park admission is required for the tour. One person can have your party’s tickets scanned and collect all the wristbands. There is no reason for everyone to go to the lounge.

What about concierge breakfast you say? Kilimanjaro Club breakfast does not start until 7am. At 7am, you should be down in the main lobby with your wristbands on. Fortunately, the Pizzafari breakfast buffet is worth the wait, I promise.

Once everyone was wristbanded and in the lobby, the guides led us out to a pair of resort transportation buses waiting to whisk us away to Animal Kingdom.

Our guides were the curator and a keeper from the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Erich, the keeper, was on our bus and kept us entertained on the quick trip backstage. We learned all about the four savannas shared between Jambo House and Kidani Village. The animals at the resort keep a different schedule than those in the park. Animals in the park are called to their pens at sundown and let out again in the morning in time for park opening. On the other hand, animals at the resort aren’t rounded up until 5:30am. They are fed and then released around noon, so guests can see savannas full of animals from check-in until well past bedtime.

As we drove backstage at Animal Kingdom, Erich pointed out various areas and shared fun facts about park operations. I’ve already been backstage at Animal Kingdom on both the Backstage Safari and Backstage Magic tours, but everything we heard on the Sunrise Safari was new information.

Even though we drove backstage, the Sunrise Safari is not really a backstage tour. Those tours are usually limited to guests ages 16+ and involve stops backstage. As soon as we disembarked the buses, we walked out onstage to the standard Kilimanjaro Safari entrance.

We stayed in our two bus groups and boarded the 2nd and 3rd safari vehicles of the day. Cast Members ran one vehicle through to check the path earlier that morning, but we were the first guests.

The draw of the Sunrise Safari is that there is no rush. A normal ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris takes about 20 minutes. On the Sunrise Safari, we took a good 45 minutes to slowly work our way through the savannas. Our driver turned off the normal Warden Wilson spiel and let the guide  do all the talking.

We made our way through the normal safari route, stopping at length wherever the animals were. While stopped, guests could stand up to get a better view and take pictures. The guide shared information about all the different species we saw, as well as answered guests’ questions. The information was more detailed than anything you could get onstage, but the guide was very mindful of his wording when talking about sensitive topics (e.g., death, reproduction) due to the little ears on our tour.

When the safari was over, we all made our way to Pizzafari for a private breakfast buffet. The chef even came out to introduce the breakfast offerings before we all dug in. By this time, the park was open to the general public, so all were free to eat and leave on their own schedules. This tour ends in the park, so guests have to use regular resort transportation to go to other parks or back to the Lodge.

The breakfast buffet had a good variety of hot and cold offerings, and we were able to take our time without feeling rushed. All the food was different from what is available on the standard Pizzafari breakfast menu, and our favorite item was the fritter-like banana french toast. Several guests had special dietary concerns and were provided turkey bacon and other offerings direct from the kitchen. We were also able to order sodas from the back instead of juice, tea, or coffee.

Was it worth it?

Definitely – if you already plan on staying Club Level at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. If I ever find myself living the good life again, I would make sure my stay was timed so I could do the Sunrise Safari. Several of the guests in our group had done the tour before. The breakfast alone was worth half the price.

What if you weren’t planning on staying Club Level?

If you’re already considering Animal Kingdom Lodge, and for some miraculous reason it doesn’t cost more than $20 per person to upgrade to Club Level  – do it! I was able to snag a Club Level room mid-January for less than a Standard Savanna View room in October using the same discount.

Otherwise, consider taking the Backstage Safari tour offered to all guests ages 16 and older. It is currently priced at $72 (without tax or discounts) and is a great alternative Animal Kingdom tour experience. The Backstage Safari takes guests to several backstage locations and also includes a private (albeit shorter) Kilimanjaro Safari ride during normal park hours.

If you do decide to try the Sunrise Safari, make sure you plan ahead. It is advisable to book early as the tour routinely fills to its capacity of 64 guests. Guests with an  existing  Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level reservation can book the Sunrise Safari up to 180 days in advance by calling the Itinerary Planning Office at (407) 938-4755 (9am-6pm ET). If you have any mobility or dietary concerns, be sure to mention them when booking and when checking in for your resort stay.

I really can’t express how pleased we both were with our tour. It was most certainly up the caliber of other Walt Disney World tour offerings and presented a good value for those already planning to stay Club Level. I truly hope I have the opportunity to take the Sunrise Safari again in the future.

Have you tried the Sunrise Safari?  Do you plan on trying it out on your next trip? Let us know what you think!

You May Also Like...

Ever since I posted my videos on Disney's Old Key West Resort, I've been itching to start hacking away on my…

Brian is back with a video tour of Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel. Have you stayed at this hotel before, or wandered…

Who wouldn't love a Caribbean vacation right about now? Okay, technically, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is still part of Florida, and…

On August 30, 2019, members of the TouringPlans staff went on a VIP Tour (we have a tour review here). We…

• Disney-Pixar’s Brave Showcase At Hollywood Studios’ Magic Of Disney Animation
• The Land – Great Epcot Pavilion or Greatest Epcot Pavilion?

Lindsay DuBose

Lindsay DuBose is the foremost self-appointed Walt Disney World tour reviewer on the interwebs and a recent Orlando transplant.

11 thoughts on “ Sunrise Safari Tour Review ”

Hi, thanks for giving us a good review on your safari tour. This really helpful especially to those planning to take safari tour adventure.

Thanks for the review which is quite helpful in deciding whether to book club level to do this or not. I’ve done the safari so many times that unless I get a real deal on club level, I’ll pick another tour. This was just the info I was looking for!

We are scheduled for this in Feb. 2013 and can’t wait! Thanks for the tips!

Great photos!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is my favorite attraction in WDW, so I have to save my pennies and do this someday. For some reason, Disney’s information about tours on their website is so sparse, so these posts are a great resource.

I love animal kingdom!

For real…7am? Guuhhhhh…

Cool – been wanting to get into AKL Concierge to try out this tour… not looking forward to the early morning though.

It’s a toss up between this and the Wild Africa Trek for me.

RT @Mark What a fantastic review! Great pictures, too! I definitely want to do this tour someday. I will use your helpful tips!

This is a great review! One of these days, maybe I’ll be able to to see this. Thanks for sharing your experience!

What a fantastic review! Great pictures, too! I definitely want to do this tour someday. I will use your helpful tips! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

• News / Resorts / Walt Disney World

Starlight Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Are Back!

by Melissa Roden · March 10, 2022

We’ve got some exciting news to share with fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .  Their beloved Starlight Safaris evening tour is BACK!

This is one of the magical add-ons you can pick to make your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge truly memorable. I mean what’s better then winding down your day with an after-dark tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife.  

During the one hour tour you’ll climb aboard an open-sides safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you travel past lush scenery looking for over 30 species of wildlife that call Animal Kingdom Lodge home! 

Worried you won’t be able to see? Don’t worry! Animal Kingdom Lodge has you covered. Guests will be provided with a night vision device.  You won’t believe everything you’re able to see including zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and antelopes!  

As you can see from the image taken from disneyworld.com , the experience is available to guests at $89.00 per person 

Right now it looks as if there will be two tours daily, one at 8:30 pm and another at 10 pm.  However, spaces are limited and spots fill up incredibly fast so making a reservation well in advance is essential! 

Credit: Disney

Aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge? No need to worry!  Guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort may also book. 

Here are a few additional details you’ll want to know: 

• Reservations can be made using the My Disney Experience app
• Guests must be 8 years or older and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• WARNING: The experience is a rugged safari ride over an open savanna.  Participants should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that might get aggravated. Expecting mothers should not participate. 
• Late arrivals will not be accommodated. 
• Check in is at the porte-cochere at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village and it is recommended you do so at least 15 minutes before the tour. 
• Valid photo ID is required at check in. 
• ECVs and other mobility devices must be left behind at the Resort. There will be a wheelchair available for guests to transfer into. 
• Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates!

Didn’t make it to Disney in 2021!? Well we’ve got some fantastic news- Disney Packages are currently available to book through the end of 2022! That gives you plenty of time to plan that magical getaway and I’m here to help. 

With new policies and procedures in place during the year ahead, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney World’s new way of doing things!  I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from finding that perfect package and getting the best deals to organizing park passes, Disney Genie+ and dining reservations.  Best of all- my services are ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Just fill out my form  HERE  to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at  [email protected]  or follow along on  Facebook

Tags: Animal Kingdom Disney World Starlight Safaris Tours

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

Get a FREE Quote!

Interested in booking a Disney Vacation? Look no further! The award winning agents at MickeyTravels are ready to help you book a truly magical vacation!

• Name * First Last
• Number of Adults *
• Number of Children *
• Ages of Children *
• Select Your Destination * *hold ctrl or shift to select more Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Disneyland Adventures by Disney Aulani Hawaii Disney Special Event Tickets Universal Orlando
• Approximate Travel Dates *

You may also like...

Mural by Everett Spruill Added to Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression

June 20, 2022

Christmas Lights Up Hollywood Studios

November 6, 2022

Jonathan Majors Denies Assault — “I Was Reckless With Her Heart, Not Her Body”

January 8, 2024

Recent Posts

Bluey Continues Its Record-Breaking Run on Streaming With ‘The Sign’

Construction Walls Go Up at Chicken Guy! As Patio Refurbishment Begins

Earth Day 2024: Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay Is Teeming With Wildlife

Sign-up for Our Newsletter

Disney+ / News

April 22, 2024

Disney Springs / News

Disney Cruise Line / News

Animal Kingdom / EPCOT / Hollywood Studios / Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Wait Times for the Third Week of April 2024

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, reviews of sunrise safari, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/","name":"all reviews"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/reviews\/category\/archives\/","name":"archives reviews"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/reviews\/sunrise-safari\/","name":"sunrise safari reviews"}}]} all reviews > archives reviews > sunrise safari reviews, recommended by, reviewed by njdznemom review date: 11/11/2013, rating: (9) recommended.

We participated in the Sunrise Safari the week of Nov 4th and really enjoyed it. I wanted a new experience for my family (DS - 12 and 15 and DH) since we've been to WDW a number of times. Although they weren't thrilled with the early wake-up call (6:45 arrival), we all agreed this was a great addition to our trip. We loved the detailed descriptions of the animals on the safari and we were able to get a lot of great pictures because the vehicle stopped with ample time for each animal (unlike the fly by on the regular safari). Our guide was very informative and friendly. The breakfast followed at Pizzafari and it was amazing. The chef greeted us and presented each of the dishes. They were all delicious and really ended the safari and started our day on a great note! I definitely recommend this for those staying Club Level at AKL and looking for a new experience.

Other topics in Archives

Have you experienced ronald's fun house (mcdonald's) -- closed 4/30/10 recently, wilderness lodge - cub's den, polynesian - never land club, have you experienced disney's california food and wine festival recently, have you experienced tempo grab and go recently, have you experienced gaylord palms resort recently, have you experienced indy racing experience recently, have you experienced nature inspired design recently, kouzzina by cat cora - breakfast, kouzzina by cat cora - dinner, cirque du soleil la nouba, have you experienced inspiration: through walt's eyes recently, garden grocer, villians tonight, animal kingdom lodge - simba's cubhouse, yacht and beach club - sandcastle club, have you experienced yamabuki lunch/dinner recently, have you experienced when mickey dreams - disney cruise line 2006 mediterrean cruises only recently, have you experienced provence & paris - flavors of france recently, have you experienced baker's field bakery recently, follow us on social, trending now.

We found your perfect Hollywood Studios tee.

There's a NEW roller coaster coming to Epic Universe in Universal Orlando, and we've got...

Don't miss out on these super low prices on Amazon for a bunch of cool...

Whatever you do, DON'T make this Disney World ride mistake!

The Margot Robbie 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie may still move forward.

Let's talk about those souvenir photos that scream “This Is My First Trip to Disney...

Here are all the attraction closures you need to be aware of in Disney World...

We've got an update for Disney's new 'Coco' restaurant!

Disney is playing with our HEARTS out here, you guys.

A Hollywood Studios attraction is closing for refurbishment in one week!

Did you know that Disney World has its own neighborhood? Today, we're breaking down everything...

Here are some Disney World essentials and household items on sale right now from Amazon!

We're SO excited to be able to board the Disney Treasure later this year --...

Get ready to sing about Bruno!

This adorable new video just reminds us how badly we want Disney to bring THIS...

Did you know there's a MASSIVE McDonald's minutes from Disney World with tons of unique...

There's an event made BY fans FOR fans of the Galactic Starcruiser happening near Disney...

The new Sunshine Churros cart opened in Disney Springs yesterday! Check out photos of all...

Shop the Disney Store | AllEars® Merchandise | Shop Amazon | Press Room | Contact Us

Read more About us or Advertise with us . We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our privacy policy and terms of use .

Copyright ©1996-2024 AllEarsNet, LLC, All Rights Reserved. AllEars.Net, AllEars® Newsletter and any other properties owned by AllEarsNet, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All Disney artwork, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc. or, its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com

An Unofficial Tribute to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Cultural Representatives Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Magic Holidays Room Offer Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Uzima Springs Pool and Pool Bar Closing for Refurbishment on September 1

Choose free dining or a room-only discount this fall at the animal kingdom lodge.

Free Dining Offer for Kids Announced for Summer 2018

Our other resort sites.

• Disney Boardwalk Inn Unofficial Tribute Page:
• Disney Hotel Fans
• Disney’s Aulani Resort Resort Unofficial Tribute
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Unofficial Tribute
• Unofficial Contemporary Resort Tribute
• Unofficial Pop Century Tribute Website:
• Unofficial Wilderness Lodge and Villas Tribute

Follow Us On Social!

Post-meta.php, sunrise safari.

NOTE: As of 2016 The Sunrise Safari is no longer offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure: Guests staying at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level and the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas have the opportunity for a most breathtaking early-morning adventure. Disney transports Sunrise Safari guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for a private ride along the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride path.

The tour takes close to two hours, as guides stop to discuss each animal in-depth, and there are lots of opportunities for photographs.

A private breakfast seating is provided after the tour at Pizzafari .

This excursion is available Sundays and Thursdays only, it departs the Lodge at 7:30am, and can be booked 90 days in advance through the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755. (cost: $75/adult, $40/child [ages 3-9]; park admission is not included, park ticket is required.)

All info subject to change.

Be back soon!

This website is under maintenance. Check back tomorrow!

*If you’re the owner of this website and have questions, reach out to Bluehost. We’re happy to help.

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure

This tour is exclusively for guests of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and Kidani Villas.  

A 90-minute safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that resembles an African afternoon game drive. Guests will be able to learn about the natural history and management of the animals and architecture of the resort. The safari begins approximately one hour prior to sunset and concludes at Jiko for a multi-course meal. This safari is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 3:45PM. The tour cost is $190.64 per person for guests 8 and older(Club Level Pricing). Price includes tour, meal, tax and gratuity. Not available for guests under the age of 8. The Wanyama Safari and Dinner can only be booked by the itinerary planning office or Concierge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. To make a reservation, please call (407) 938-4755. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Please note: A cancellation fee amounting to the full cost of the Wanyama Safari and Dinner will apply for all no shows or cancellations taking place less than 48 hours before your reserved experience. INTERCOTee Feedback: "Our guide was very informative and answered all questions. The animals had just been released back into their areas when our tour started. They were very lively and inquisitive. The vehicle stopped at each location for quite a while which gave us all great photo ops. Once our safari was over we walked to the Tusker House where they had a private Africa buffet set up in the School House room. The food was something to see, so much of it and it all looked fantastic. Fresh fruits, fruit stew with a puffed pastry topping, scrambled eggs, frittata, fried eggs with green tomatoes, five different type of sausages, bacon, ham slices, banana French toast, fried bananas, home fries, tons of assorted breads, pastries, danish and donuts. Two batches of fresh squeezed mixed fruit juices, coffee, & tea. The breakfast was delicious!! Extremely friendly African cast members took the time to explain the different dishes to all of us. It was all you could eat and a very good selection. There was plenty of 'standard' fare items and some delicious African specialties."  

Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

As the sun sets, the savanna awakens.

Witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This popular, nighttime expedition is open to all Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland).
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Related Activities

Savor the savanna, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for starlight safari at disney's animal kingdom lodge.

Special Events & Tours

• All Walt Disney World Locations
• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney Springs
• Disney Springs Resort Area
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney's BoardWalk
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Disney's Riviera Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

All Filters

Kilimanjaro Sunrise Safari Travel to Africa for your Sunrise Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. You and your guests are greeted in Harambe Village by Mickey and Minnie, where you'll enjoy a buffet breakfast beside the African Sausage Tree at Tamu Tamu. As you finish, Serena Serengeti arrives to escort you on the first safari of the day. Climb aboard your personal safari vehicle for a trip through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Sample Timelines 8:00am -- Guests arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom where they are met by event guides and escorted to Tamu Tamu courtyard. There they will enjoy a private event to include: Buffet breakfast (up to 1 hour) Entertainment (elements vary in set time and length) 8:55am -- Guests are escorted to Kilimanjaro Safari where they will enjoy the first safari of the day. 9:30am -- event concludes Capacities Buffet breakfast at Tamu Tamu courtyard with 100% existing restaurant seating -- 50 guests Sample Pricing Park venue package Tamu Tamu Courtyard -- $250+ Attraction Kilimanjaro Safari Mix-in -- $15+ per person Entertainment Streetmosphere Performer and (2) Disney Characters (1 set) -- $2,100 Food and Beverage Sunrise Safari Breakfast Menu (up to 1 hour) -- $26.95++ per person Enhancements Animal Keeper -- $450 each The resident animal keeper will also be on hand to provide guests with an up-close and personal animal encounter, which could include birds, reptiles, invertebrates, or small mammals. Royal Drums of Africa - Mor Thiam -- $535 His name is Thiam (pronounced Chom) which means historian in his native language. Mor Thiam is a descendent of the Dragon Tribe of Senegal and was born to a family of historians who use the drum to tell he story of the Wollof people in Senegal. Master Drummer, Teacher and performer, Mor Thiam has been performing since he was a child, Royal Drums of Africa - Tam Tam Congo - 5 piece -- $2,130 Tam Tam is the French word for "drum" or "gong." In Congolese Central Africa, the language has a significant role in ancient African philosophy of communication through music to cure, unify and entertain the community through vibrant, energetic song and dance. This group was brought together to expose all people to cultural awareness. Terms and Conditions Each location is subject to availability. The minimum capacity for Tamu Tamu Courtyard is 20 guests. The food and beverage minimum for a breakfast event at Tamu Tamu Courtyard is $400++. ++ indicates service charge (which is taxable) and sales tax (currently 21% and 6% respectively). Due to animal care, should your group be delayed past the proposed safari start time, attraction experience will not be guaranteed. Prices shown are subject to change without notice. Pricing may be confirmed 45 days in advance if an agreement is signed for the event. Park venue package includes: A reserved in-park venue and the services needed to ensure the venue is prepared specially for your group. Specially trained event guides to greet and escort your group to and from the event location. The event guides will remain with your group throughout the event (up to four hours) and assist with any special needs including directions and the distribution of raingear, maps and programs. Attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice. The information above is based on projected park hours of 9am - 5pm. Park hours vary and are subject to change without notice. Transportation is not included. Capacities are based on maximum seating without additional elements, such as entertainment or decor. There are limited entertainment elements available depending on the locations.  

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Night Safari

Here was another stop and learning moment. We were shown “toys” designed to keep the animals active and inquisitive.

After an hour had passed – which really seemed more like 20 minutes! – we returned to the front of Kidani . We each received a glow-in-the-dark conservation button and were told that a portion of our safari fee would be donated to the fund. A shuttle was waiting to take those of us who needed a ride back to Jambo House .

I really enjoyed this safari. It was different from anything else I’ve done at Walt Disney World. I wish that it was longer though! If you think this is something you’d like to try, here are some additional details for booking. Night Safari is available only to Guests of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Kidani Village —Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to take part; Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult participant. A valid photo ID will be required to check in. The cost of the tour is $70.00, plus tax. There are no discounts available. Full payment is due upon the creation of your reservation. (Payment is a credit card hold with a 48-hour cancellation policy.) You have to call Itinerary Planning, not the regular tour number:  407-938-4755 , press 2 (it mentions Sunrise and Waynama on the message, but not this one yet). All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice. Here is a link to Disney’s info page for the tour .

~ Barrie Brewer, Social Media Director

• Latest Posts
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disneyland Resort
• DVC Rentals
• Educational
• Entertainment
• Great Ideas!
• Guest Blogger
• Trip Reports
• Go to dvcRentals.com

• Get the Newsletter
• Blogger Resources

Guide to Disney Club Level Concierge Amenities: Is it Worth it?

If you’re looking to upgrade your Disney World Vacation then Club Level Concierge Services may be just what you’re looking for. This exclusive service costs a pretty penny but gets you special treatment like no other. Things like full access to a private lounge with food offerings, assistance with hard-to-get dining reservations, shows, and tickets, and a room on a gated floor at a Disney Deluxe Resort are all things on the menu. 

But, it’s not for everyone! If you find your Disney Vacation is more about the parks and activities than staying at the resort, then the cost of Disney World Club Level may be cumbersome! Here’s everything you need to know about Club Level at Walt Disney World and the Concierge Services that come along with it. 

• 1 Club Level at Disney World Benefits
• 2 Disney World Club Level Resorts
• 3 Club Level at Disney World Reviews
• 4 Club Level at Disney World  Costs

Club Level at Disney World Benefits

What is Club Level at Walt Disney World? This upgraded Disney service is offered for an additional cost per night at select Disney Resorts. Booking a Disney Room at the Club Level rate means you get dedicated Concierge staff at your beck and call throughout your stay. Here’s everything else you get as part of the Disney World Club Level. 

Exclusive Rooms

Exclusive access to the club lounge area.

A big perk of Club Level is the fact that you get secured key card access to a lounge area, reserved only for Club Level guests. Complete with sofas, chairs, a television, and access to the food offering stations, this area is typically open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, though some lounges do offer 24/7 access. It provides an opportunity to stay out of the busy resort lobby and have space for yourself and the kids while grabbing snacks, coffee, food, or drinks. 

Disney Concierge Assistance

Club level food offerings.

One of the main reasons guests stay at Club Level is to get access to all the food! What food do you ask? Well along with basics like prepackaged drinks, ice cream bars, and snacks, is also access to an espresso machine for crafting your coffee as needed. 

• Continental breakfast: Offered daily, you can typically grab eggs, meats, yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee.
• Light afternoon snacks: Small plates can be crafted during the afternoon hours, with things like cookies, fruit, chips, and more. 
• Appetizers at dinner time: More elaborate food offerings arrive at dinnertime with things like meat and cheese, veggies, and fruit. 
• Evening wine and beer selections: Champagne, wines, and beers are available throughout the day. 
• Desserts and cordials: In the evening you can pop back to the club for desserts like cake, brownies, and cordials. 

How Much Food Do You Get at Disney Club Level?

If you’re hoping to grab all your meals at Club Level and save some money on dining at Walt Disney World, you may be able to! Breakfast offers a robust menu and there is no need to grab breakfast elsewhere unless you want to. Lunch offerings are minimal, and definitely more like snacks than meal items. That said, you can easily supplement these light snacks with a budget-friendly meal at the resort quick-serve restaurant. Light appetizers served at dinnertime could easily be combined to create a meal, depending on how much you hope to eat! 

Disney World Club Level Resorts

If you’re looking to stay Club Level at Disney World Resorts you’re limited to Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Gran Destino Tower. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club

The Kilimanjaro Club at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is easy to love. It’s homey, overlooks the lobby, and is situated on the top floor for privacy. It’s also one of the CHEAPEST Disney World Club Level options available at the Deluxe Level. 

• 55 Club Level Rooms, 19 Suites.
• Located on the 6th Floor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  

Kilimanjaro Club Sunrise Safari

An additional perk of Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level is access to special activities ONLY available to Club guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge.The Sunrise Safari  is a 45- 60 minute extended savanna tour on Kilimanjaro Safari and a private breakfast buffet at Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari. Offered Thursday and Sunday at 7 am. 

• Adults ages 10+: $65
• Children ages 3-9: $32.50
• Children under 3: Free

Kilimanjaro Club Sunset Safari

And the Sunset Safari ( Wanyama Safari) is a 3- 1/2 hour experience that includes dinner at Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

• Adults ages 10+: $160
• Children ages 3-9: $80

Beach Club Stone Harbor Club

Disney’s Beach Club is a mainstay for many due to its easy access location on the Disney BoardWalk keeping it within walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It’s of note that Disney’s Beach Club Concierge Level rooms don’t all have balconies.  

• 73 Club Level Rooms, 22 Suites.
• Located on the 5th Floor of Disney’s Beach Club

Boardwalk Inn Innkeepers Club

One of our favorite resorts, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is home to the Innkeepers Lounge, featuring an expansive balcony along with favorite amenities as part of this Club Level Lounge. The smaller number of Club Level rooms means fewer people to contend with for lobby space. That said, this resort has been undergoing refurbishment so we may see this change.  

• 37 Club Level Rooms, 20 Suites.
• Located on the 4th Floor of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort

Coronado Springs Resort Gran Destino Tower Chronos Club

The only Disney Moderate Resort offering Club Level Concierge Services is Disney’s Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower. By far one of the most elegant Disney Club Level Lounges, the Chronos Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs features sweeping views and upscale everything. Coronado Springs Resort offers the cheapest Club Level at Walt Disney World. 

• Located on the 15th Floor of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Contemporary Resort Club Level Lounges

Home to two lounges, Disney’s Contemporary has the Atrium Club and the Tower Club. The Atrium Club offers rooms and a lounge with views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom and has three balconies. The Tower Club also offers views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom. 

• 53 Club Level Rooms, 27 Suites, Total. 
• Atrium Club is located on the 12th Floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Tower Club is located on the 14th Floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Grand Floridian Resort Club Level Lounges

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort also has two Club level lounges. The main building houses the Royal Palm Club and a variety of room experiences. Most notably, club guests can hear the band and piano player, as the lounge overlooks the lobby. The other Club Level Lounge location is the Sugar Loaf Club. This club is located in the Sugar Loaf Building and offers views of the courtyards, gardens, and Seven Seas Lagoon. 

• 156 Club Level Rooms, 25 Suites.
• Royal Palm Club is located on the 4th Floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Main Building
• Sugar Loaf Club is located on the 1st Floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Sugar Loaf Building.

Polynesian Village Resort King Kamehameha

At the Polynesian, Club Level rooms and suites are separated. With the club-level rooms situated in the Hawaii building and suites in the Tonga building. The Hawaii building offers three views including a garden view, lagoon view, or theme park view. The theme park view is over the lagoon, and you can see Cinderella’s Castle. Note, these are more expensive rooms, but second-floor rooms don’t have balconies. The main King Kamehameha Club Lounge at Polynesian Village Resort is located in the Hawaii building and is open 7:00 am- 10:00 pm. The Club Level Lounge in the Tonga building is only open 7:00 am- 3:00 pm. 

• 102 Club Level Rooms, 6 Suites.
• King Kamehameha Lounge is located in the Hawaii building and spans the 1st and 2nd floors. 
• The Club Level Lounge for Suites is located in the Tonga Building behind the marina. 

Wilderness Lodge Old Faithful Club

The Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the best. Overlooking the Wilderness Lodge lobby, the club-level rooms are located on the top floor of the resort with views of the courtyard or woods. The Lounge space has a separate food area and deep seating spaces, complete with a few couches, lounge chairs, and tables. Only accessible via keycard, and through a gate, this floor feels truly separate from the rest of the resort. 

• 67 Club Level Rooms, 11 Suites.
• The Old Faithful Club Lounge is located on the 7th Floor of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.  

Yacht Club Regatta Club

The  Yacht Club Club Level Rooms are located on a club-exclusive floor but are the same as the regular rooms at the resort. This Club Level experience is also on the pricier end of the upgrade, at an additional 300-400 per night. Much like the Beach Club, you’re paying for the location on the Disney BoardWalk and proximity to the parks. The Chronos Club at Coronado Springs is nicer than this one. and unlike Wilderness Lodge, the space here is primarily just filled with tables and minimal lounge furniture. 

• 67 Club Level Rooms, 22 Suites.
• Located on the 5th Floor of Disney’s Yacht Club

What Hours Are Disney Club Level Lounges Open?

Disney Club Level Lounges at Walt Disney World typically run from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm daily . With the exception of the Polynesian Village Resort’s Suite Rooms, which are located in the Tonga building and only operate from 7:00 am- 3:00 pm. Some lounges are open 24/7.

What Hours Are Club Level Services and Food Offered?

Disney Club Level Lounges at Walt Disney World typically run from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. Fresh fruit and beverages, as well as access to the espresso machine, are typically available All Day. 

• 6:30 a.m.: Coffee, Espresso, and refrigerated beverages
• 7:00 – 10:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast including juice, coffee, tea, cereals, fruit, breakfast pastries, and breads. Sometimes eggs, hash, and waffles. 
• 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Light afternoon snacks, including cookies, crackers, veggies and fruits, cheese, and sometimes dips. Beverages include tea, coffee, juice, etc. 
• 5:00 – 7:00 p.m:  Small plate appetizers with charcuterie, bread, some prepared food, wine, and beer.
• 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Desserts and cordials 

Club Level at Disney World Reviews

While we’re not necessarily on a mission to tackle all the Club Level Lounges at Walt Disney World, we have been able to visit a few, giving us a good idea of the offerings. And the chance to see the pros and cons of the experience as a whole. Be sure to read the reviews of the ones we’ve visited so far for an inside look at this upgraded Disney World experience.

Kilimanjaro Club | Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level

Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly one of our favorite resorts at Walt Disney World. So, we were already biased. This was also the first Club Level experience we had at Disney, so the wow factor was definitely there. The key card-only space accessible via the elevator felt exclusive, even though our club-level room was on a lower floor with the Savanna View. That said, the space was nice, and we enjoyed the view of the lobby. Unlike other club lounges, the serving counters for the food service were just lined against the wall, instead of in a separate kitchen area. Which ended up allowing nice access to everything. Read our full review of the Kilimanjaro Club at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The Old Faithful Club | Wilderness Club Lodge Club Level

Another favorite resort at Walt Disney World is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. As such we were thrilled to get a Club Level Room here merely by chance at hotels.com. This space overlooks the lobby of the resort, has a separate kitchen space, and has Geyser Grog on tap ( Yum!). Much like the rest of the resort this lounge felt cozy, with dark furniture, and gave a reason to hang out at the resort more than we typically would. Read our full review of the Old Faithful Club at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Chronos Club | Coronado Springs Club Level

By far the most elegant Club Level Lounge at Walt Disney World, we chalk that off to being, because it’s the newest. Located in Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower , this space offers sweeping views and had an extensive food lineup. Enough for full meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in fact. As the cheapest Club Level upgrade at Disney, we thought the Chronos Club was completely worth it. Read our full review of the Chronos Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower. 

What is the Best Club Level Resort at Walt Disney World?

The Best Club Level Resort at Walt Disney World may be different for everyone. We tend to be snobs when it comes to a variety of things; food selection, views, updates, etc. As we haven’t stayed at all the resorts at club level we could hardly make a claim at this point. That said, in our personal experience the Chronos Club was by far the most bang for your buck, with the best food options, views, and a modern look and feel. So if you were looking for a budget-friendly Club Level at Disney World we’d recommend Coronado Springs .

Of course, if you were looking for a unique experience, we’d say Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , as all club-level rooms come with a savanna view, which you simply can’t get anywhere else. And Wilderness Lodge as a whole offered a great experience with all the other lovely perks of the resort, like easy transportation to Magic Kingdom and incredible views. Though we haven’t stayed there yet, the Best Club Level Lounge at Walt Disney World is typically considered by many to be the King Kamehameha Club at The Polynesian Resort. Due to its sprawling 2 story lounge, incredible views of the lagoon and the castle, as well as amazing food. 

Club Level at Disney World  Costs

The BIGGEST hindrance for just about everyone when considering Club Level at Walt Disney World is value. Does the cost justify the perk? Will you be at the resort enough to make the most of it? And really cost of Club Level at Disney World is all about which resort you choose, and which time of year you visit. 

How Much Does Disney World Club Level Concierge Cost?

Disney World Club Level Rooms typically cost an extra $100-500 per night. Of course, this varies since it’s typically based on the price of a similar room, without club level, at the resort you’ve chosen. As such, if you’re choosing to stay at the Yacht Club, where rooms are already about $1000 a night, the Club Level upcharge may sting a bit. That said, choosing a room at Coronado Springs may be closer to $250 a night, meaning you could get Club Level for around  $400 per night. So, it really just all depends on what you’re looking for in a Disney Resort, and if Club Level access makes sense for you. Because while Disney Resort Prices have a part in it, things like transportation, concierge services if you’re looking for something tough to get and food access may all be factors you’re willing to pay for.

Is Disney World Club Level Worth It?

What are you actually getting for the extra hundreds of dollars per night you are spending? In a nutshell, we’d say it’s the champagne. Among other things Club Level access offers you mimosas in the mornings, food access all day long, a place to go to get away from the chaos, and “free” drinks in the evenings. For many, this can be priceless. Especially if you’re planning on dropping your pretty pennies on drinks at Disney Lounges throughout your stay. 

What’s more, while you wouldn’t think that larger families would be part of the Club Level crowd, it can often make the most sense for them financially. Especially when you consider that a Disney Dining Budget typically runs about $100 per person per day at Walt Disney World. If you can hedge most of those costs by grabbing food at the Club Level Lounge instead, that upcharge per night begins to look fantastic. The same goes for people who are incorporating drinking into their vacation, which can be very expensive. The wines, cordials, beer, and champagne are all included at Club Level. Making a Club Level option perfect for a Disney Girls Trip or a Disney Adult Vacation .

We’ve seen families with small children, older adults, and all people of all kinds use the Club Level Lounge, so they must be getting the perks they need somehow, right? Something else to consider is that since Concierge Services are offered as part of Club Level, mountains can often be moved for guests staying at this level. And that’s sometimes a service worth paying for. 

Disney World Club Level Review

There you have it, all the Club Level at Disney World info we’ve rounded up so far. If you’re thinking of adding a Club Level experience to your Walt Disney World Vacation experience, be sure to build in time to enjoy it. On vacations that may include a lot of activities in the parks and little time at the resort, a Club Level room may not be worth the cost for you. That said if you’re settling in for a longer Disney Vacation and want to get the experience without breaking the bank, consider Resort Hopping . You can easily adjust your trip so that you stay at a cheaper resort on days when you’re in the parks. Then tack on a few nights at Club Level at another resort, for your non-park days. Hopefully, this guide has helped you get a handle on where to stay for Club Level rooms at Disney World, and what you get for the pricetag. Happy travels!

Rochelle Mariah

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.

• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ The Complete Walt Disney World Events Calendar for 2025
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ What Makes the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge Special?
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Summer House on the Lake Disney Springs Restaurant Review
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ Earth Month at Animal Kingdom Earth Day 2024

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Serious Stuff

Affiliate Links are sometimes used in many of our posts. As an Amazon Associate, and affiliate publisher for several companies we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the links. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosures page for more information. Unless otherwise noted, all photos, designs and graphics are original to Polka Dots & Pixie Dust.

This site is not affiliated in any way with the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. This site and the information contained therein represent the opinion of the webmaster. For official information on Walt Disney World, Click Here

• Built using Kale Pro by LyraThemes .

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

Dining in Disneyland: Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast

By Heather 9 Comments

When I first heard about the new Disneyland Resort Premium Experiences, I thought, “Hmmmm… These could be very interesting and VERY fun!”  So far there have been two offerings, The Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou Dinner and The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast .

My friend and I recently treated ourselves to the Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast and it was an amazing experience.  My visit took place during the Disney Holidays Season, so the Jungle Cruise was transformed into the Jingle Cruise. Hence, my festive outfit, which you’ll see later.

Jingle Cruise Entrance

When you attend the Sunrise Safari Breakfast, you must actually arrive at the resort BEFORE sunrise.  Our morning started off with a “feels like it’s still the middle of the night” 5:30am meet up time at the Grand Californian Hotel. (Valet parking is included with your experience.) I’m normally not a fan of waking up at 4:00am, but it was definitely interesting to see what was going on at the hotel during these wee hours of the morning.  It was pretty fun to witness the lobby’s Christmas Tree getting installed…

After check in, you are lead to Disneyland via lantern and escorted to the African Veldt of the Jungle Cruise.  The entrance is through a “hidden” door inside the Indiana Jones attraction.  Entering backstage through a secret door?!?  This is already a good time!

When you step foot on the African Veldt, you are immediately welcomed by cast members serving up a refreshing juice concoction called “Skipper’s Choice.”   It’s a combination of pineapple, orange and guava juice — YEP, POG juice !

Skipper’s Choice Anyone?

You then notice the old timey music playing.  And guess what? It’s playing on an actual record player.  The 1940’s swing tunes really set the mood.  We walked over to check it out and this was the view…

We’re IN the Jungle Cruise!

Upon check in, you are given a table number.  Guests are seated at tables of 4 complete with white linens and camp style chairs.

Table Setting

Remember it’s early, so coffee drinkers rejoice, the French Press is offered up immediately for that morning wake up if you need it!

French Press Coffee

While drinks are being served, you can take a moment to realize exactly where you are!  The dining area is set just behind the African Veldt.

“Frozen Falls” for the Holidays

You’ve got these guys just behind you…

Look out behind you, Rudolf!

And you’ve got a lovely pair of zebras in front of you…

The Backside of Zebras

During our greeting, we were warned that we had a very important duty to achieve membership into the Fraternal League of Secret Skippers:  we must memorize our “lines” for the after-breakfast cruise! Each guest is given a card with a classic Jungle Cruise spiel on it.  You have the option to stick to the script or freestyle on your own.  I’m a stick to the script type of gal myself.

Table 3 Lines

Our hostess, Edith, was FULL of energy as she cracked jokes while introducing herself to each table.  She posed for me and let me know that this was her “good” side.  She played the part perfectly!

Out Hostess, Edith

After greetings from Edith and looking over our cards, our first item was brought to the table.  The Exotic Fruit Chia Parfait was not only gorgeous, it was delicious as well.  This non dairy delight was topped with Fresh Fruit including Pineapple , Papaya , Starfruit , and Dragon Fruit .

In the center of the chia seed and coconut milk “pudding” there was a perfectly tart layer of Raspberry Compote .  It was garnished with an Edible Orchid .  I loved the presentation and the flavors of the Exotic Fruit Chia Parfait, so much so that I think I’ll try to recreate this one at home!

Exotic Fruit Chia Parfait

Next up? A glorious basket of baked goods including Butter Croissants , Guava & Cream Cheese Empanadas , and Pineapple Coconut Cake .

Fresh Baked Goods

Since I am quite familiar with croissants, I went ahead and skipped them.  I opted for the Pineapple Coconut Cake and the Guava & Cream Cheese Empanadas, both of which were amazing.  The Pineapple Coconut Cake was moist, sweet and speckled with tiny fresh pineapple chunks.  The coconut flakes on top added some great texture.

Pineapple Coconut Cake

My favorite item in the basket was by far the Guava & Cream Cheese Empanada .

Guava & Cream Cheese Emapnada

The flaky pastry was served warm and had a center filled with Sweet Guava Jelly & Cream Cheese .  Really a perfect pastry, I wish it was available at Jolly Holiday Bakery so I could have it again!

Guava & Cream Cheese Empanada Filling

After we indulged in pastries, breakfast was served.  The meal consisted of Scrambled Eggs with Spices , Potato & Onion Hash , Duck Seared Sausage , and Honey Glazed Pork Belly with a Snap Pea Garnish .  The entire meal was top notch, again with the gorgeous presentation. How great is the little cast iron pot that the eggs are served in?  It was like eating at a 5 star restaurant, while sitting in the jungle.

I was impressed that the meal was served at the perfect temperature because A) it was a freezing morning and B) the food came from the Disneyland Hotel.  The event planners have perfected the dining logistics just right.  I’m happy to report that I enjoyed each item on my plate.  I’m not a fan of duck, though, so I was a bit nervous about the sausage.  I was quite surprised that the meat was not gamey tasting at all.  It was my least favorite item of the morning, but that’s just because I’m not normally a duck eater! Everything else, I devoured.

Breakfast is Served!

Something that I loved about the Sunrise Safari Breakfast portion of the experience was that not once did we feel rushed to hurry up and finish.  We had plenty of time to enjoy our meal, look around the area, and pose for photos as well.  Disney Photopass Photographers were there to document the morning and we were given access to the digital downloads as part of the package.

I do wish we were able to get a little closer to the Veldt residents, but you know Disney and their darn safety rules!!!  Here’s a fun photo of my pal and me with the locals.

That guy on the bottom is Ahontis.  And look!  That rhino is trying to poke Ahontis!

Once breakfast was finished, the group of soon to be Skippers was escorted to the docks to board our boats.  Two different boats were used to accommodate the group.  Cards in hand, we boarded the “Kissimmee Under the Mistletoe” and prepared for our first round of Skipper training.  Before starting though, each of us posed with our adorable skipper, Mariana.  I wish I knew that the photo was being used for the take away gift, because I wouldn’t have made this stupid face… Oh well.

Thumbs Up if You’re a Dork…

The way it worked was that Mariana drove us around and stopped at each “spiel” spot.  The mic was passed to the person who had the corresponding card.  You could read from the card or make up your own joke.  I’m pretty sure most of us read from the cards!  We did the cruise loop twice, each time with different lines.  I got the hippo pool on my second run and nailed it!

“Oh no!!!!! It looks like these hippos might want to charge the boat!!! Good thing we only take cash!”

Here are some fun scenes from the Jingle Cruise:

You know, just a tiger casually getting into the holiday spirit…

I loved this years addition of “Banana Bread Scent” to the holiday bakers scene.

Who wants banana bread????

And how cute are these guys?  Santa’s mustache on the left is a great touch!

Santa’s Little Helpers!

Also, this Ugly Christmas Sweater Party looks amazing. I’d love to join them.  Props to the guy wearing a Christmas Tree Skirt as an actual skirt!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Native Style.

When we were finished with the second round, we were sworn in as members of the Fraternal League of Secret Skippers.  I can’t tell you how that went or what our secret greeting is because I don’t want to lose my membership!  Upon stepping foot back on land, we were gifted a very special take away.  A gorgeous crate with our skipper photo in sepia tone on the front.  There’s that dumb photo of me from earlier! Thankfully it looks not as crazy in sepia tone.

Happy Skipper & Their Loot

You might be wondering…what’s in the box????? Well, let me show you!  The box transforms into a super cool Jungle Cruise mask/statue type of situation.  It’s heavy and made very well too.  The “crystal” looking piece in the back is a spearhead.  Each honorary skipper gets to take one home.

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Custom Take Away Gift

So now that I’ve taken you on this fun adventure, let’s talk about the cost of the Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast.  It was not cheap; in fact at $300 a person it is quite expensive.  You may think this is ridiculous, however, I look at this as an experience, not just “breakfast at the Jungle Cruise.”  You’re paying to do something that’s really a once in a lifetime event.  How often can you go “backstage” at Disneyland and explore one of your favorite attractions so intimately?

The morning’s group consisted of a family celebrating a birthday, a college professor with a love for the Jungle Cruise living out his skipper dream, a few cast members treating themselves to a special day, some annual passholders, people on vacation… In general, regular people who share a love for the Jungle Cruise & wanted a premium experience.

All in all I think that the guests in attendance enjoyed themselves and felt the experience was worth it.  I know I did.  But that’s me speaking, and you know what a Disney geek I am.  The whole morning was well executed: great food, great fun, incredible Cast Members, and a really cool souvenir to remind me of this awesome day.

From start to finish, the event lasts approximately 3 hours, the official end time was 8:30, but we were exiting the main gate pretty close to 9:00 at park opening.  On a side note, the $300 does not include your park admission for the day; you are escorted out of the park when the experience is over. If you have tickets or an annual pass & want to stay in the park, you must exit and re-enter through the main gates.

The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast is currently not booking, but keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog .  The event was so successful that there are talks to open up more dates in the near future.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store as far as more premium experiences go.  I’d like to put in a request for “Candy Maker for a Day.”  How do I make that happen?????

Would you like to become a member of the Fraternal League of Secret Skippers? What do you think about the new “Premium Experience” events?  Would you pay for one if it were held at YOUR favorite attraction? Let us know in the comments below.

Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here !

TRENDING NOW

This NEW bus route can take you straight to Disney Springs from the Orlando Airport...

Another attraction is closing for refurbishment in Disney World.

ALERT! There's a NEW Annual Passholder discount coming SOON!

Find out how the "real" Tiana is officially linked to Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Disney...

Heads up! These are the biggest changes coming to Disney World in May!

Two major television shows have been canceled. Get the details here!

You are going to want to go to Gideon's Bakehouse's Original location located outside of...

A series has been renewed at ABC following a prior cancelation on a different network.

Visiting Disney World in May? Be forewarned is forearmed.

NEW Disney restaurants are opening soon and we've got the proof right here! Check it...

Are you looking for new ways of keeping your kiddos engaged while they're attending school...

Score two D23 deals right now!

Some new and unique desserts are now available at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Looking for a spot to relax for a second on your busy Magic Kingdom day?...

Disney has dropped a look at a few MORE critters coming to the ride!

These 10 snacks are new since the last time you could buy the Disney Dining...

We think Disney is going to announce the opening date for Tiana's Bayou Adventure SOON!

Get ready to sink your teeth into the best snacks in Magic Kingdom

Can you shop online for Disney Character Warehouse deals? Read on to find out tips...

Does the shorter EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival affect your 2024Disney World plans?

December 23, 2015 at 12:27 pm

Well, it looks like Heather had a blast!

Overtime we try to get in the day we want is already full!

December 23, 2015 at 1:54 pm

It looks like a ton of fun and the food looks good! I’m glad you thought it was worth the cost. I don’t think I could justify that price – I’d have to have all that and get to do the entire skipper boat shpiel myself for that price 😉

December 23, 2015 at 4:44 pm

This looks like so much fun!!!!!

December 23, 2015 at 10:11 pm

If you have had “gamey” duck…then you have had some really bad duck

December 25, 2015 at 3:21 am

The food did look good, but for $300 is it “all-you-care-to-enjoy” or just 1 serving of each food item? Thank you for the review. It does sound like the person that would enjoy this experience would have to definitely be a hardcore JC fan. I’ve enjoyed other premium experiences but this one might not be for me.

December 28, 2015 at 11:52 am

Richard – It was a blast!

Becky – So much fun and the food was fabulous.

Lynn – It was really fun!

Keith – I have had gamey duck before which is why I never usually try it… I guess my first experience turned me off.

SynA – It was not an all you care to eat breakfast, but the portions were very generous and I’m sure if you were still hungry they would bring you something else. And I agree, these premium experiences are only worth it you love the attraction. I would not pay this amount for let’s say…. A Goofy’s Sky School event! ; )

August 22, 2016 at 12:26 pm

We will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary in September next year 2017 and would love to do this! How do you sign up? Gary

August 22, 2016 at 4:32 pm

Gary – The event is seasonal, but it has been back a few times. I’d say keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for special events or call Disney Dining to see if they have any news. When available, the event is booked through Disney Dining.

May 11, 2018 at 10:59 am

They should bring this to WDW!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

The Top 3 Cities in Ukraine for First Timers

• Posted on July 7, 2018 August 4, 2019

You May Also Like

• Uncategorized

The Best Expat Blogs for Moscow

• Posted on May 31, 2020 June 1, 2020

Finding a Russian Bride: How and Where to Meet Her

• Posted on August 9, 2019 August 9, 2019

Meeting Women in Moscow: Dating Perspectives on the World’s Most Beautiful Women

• Posted on August 5, 2019 August 9, 2019

Meeting Russian Women: Top 5 Locations

• Posted on August 3, 2019 June 1, 2020

Moscow vs St. Petersburg – Which One to Visit?

• Posted on July 31, 2019 August 3, 2019

Hot Russian Girls – Where to Find & Date Them

• Posted on March 30, 2019 March 30, 2019

A Guide to Teaching English in Russia

• Posted on August 11, 2018 October 9, 2019

How to Attract Russian Girls

• Posted on July 15, 2018 August 4, 2019

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Moscow, Russia — Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylength, April 2024

05:04 – 19:52 14 hours, 48 minutes

• Rise/Set Times
• Day/Night Length

2024 Sun Graph for Moscow

April 2024 — sun in moscow.

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Sun and Moon times today for Moscow Moonrise and moonset times for Moscow Phases of the Moon for Moscow

What is twilight, dawn, and dusk? What is solar noon? Directions based on true north

Astronomy API

Query the position of Sun & Moon, get the times for events like sunrise and sunset.

Need some help?