Changes to Kilimanjaro Safaries may be on the way..

[bcampione]

Just saw this on Screamscape.com and they are pretty good with their information. If anyone has heard about this, please share!

It seems that a series of upgrades have started to appear at the Safari this month, with the promise of more upgrades to take place in the future. Now we don’t have any photos, but I’ve been told that Warden Wilson has been given a new airplane at the final scene. We’ve also been told that the bridge now moves a little more than before, and that they are testing a new wider 9th row added to the back of Safari #43. Unlike the 5-6 riders per row, this extra row is said to hold 6-7 riders, including some kind of “jumper seat” that sticks out on the drivers side. This is just a test right now, but if it works out, a 9th row could be added to all of the cars. Other future changes we can expect to see includes new “roofs”, a few script changes, leading towards a possible project big budget project (if approved) that would bring in many more changes. After all these years, it certainly would be a good thing to refresh the park’s iconic Safari ride.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/wdw_-_animal_kingdom.htm

 

[Chape19714]

Interesting, I don't know how it will work, but it's definately interesting.

Thanks!

 

[Shaman]

Sounds interesting....I just hope if there are changes that the changes are for the better! It really isn't the same ride each time...but it wouldn't hurt to add new things to it...

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I think this sounds great. It also goes along with the suggestion of "plussing" being the next wave. I think this is a great way to update, improve, and market without losing the classic sentiment for rides (although I don't know that Kilamanjaro has reached the "classic" state yet). We'll see, I guess.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I dont forsee any significant changes to the route that is used since the open areas that the animals are in are actually extensions of their cages. There would have to be significant behind the scenes changes to accomidate changes of that nature.

 

[metscool]

They have been working on this since Feb. I notice this back when I was down there then. Hey maybe they will add the person at the end of the ride like they used to do.

 

[bcampione]

I do not think they would be changing the course itself, but the animatronics and possibly effects. One thing I could see them doing is changing the Little/Big Red story and redoing the poaching part of the attraction. Another could be with part of the savannah, but then again, the new truck with the extra row and jutting-out-seat does sound interesting.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I think they could use some updating to the story, videos, sound track, etc....it would be nice.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

I don't think they were referring to any plans to change the route or the animals -- I think the post was referring to additions in themeing and some increased ridership improvements. How about they get rid of the insipid commentary about the elephant poachers and just do the ride as a safari without the need for any "story". It has never worked.

 

[imagineer99]

I don't think they were referring to any plans to change the route or the animals -- I think the post was referring to additions in themeing and some increased ridership improvements. How about they get rid of the insipid commentary about the elephant poachers and just do the ride as a safari without the need for any "story". It has never worked.

I always enjoyed the conservation/poaching storyline. I think it adds a sense of drama (and a touch of thrill) to the attraction. I guess I'm in the minority, but I really enjoy this extra layer.

 

[imagineer boy]

I always enjoyed the conservation/poaching storyline. I think it adds a sense of drama (and a touch of thrill) to the attraction. I guess I'm in the minority, but I really enjoy this extra layer.

I agree! I loved the poaching story line. It just adds so much more excitement so its not just a boring, random zoo tour.

 

[Shaman]

I do not think they would be changing the course itself, but the animatronics and possibly effects. One thing I could see them doing is changing the Little/Big Red story and redoing the poaching part of the attraction. Another could be with part of the savannah, but then again, the new truck with the extra row and jutting-out-seat does sound interesting.

If the safari truck could stop inside a show buidling that would rock...like the backlot tour....

 

[hokielutz]

Unfortunately the 'Little Red is missing' part of the story becomes confusing because as you drive after this part of the plot is revealed in the dialogue... you see live baby elephant(s) that younger kids might interpret as the missing Little Red. Maybe an upgrade to the story line might fix this little confusion that has befuddled some of the younger guests that I've overheard asking their parents about the baby elephants and little red.

 

[Shaman]

Unfortunately the 'Little Red is missing' part of the story becomes confusing because as you drive after this part of the plot is revealed in the dialogue... you see live baby elephant(s) that younger kids might interpret as the missing Little Red. Maybe an upgrade to the story line might fix this little confusion that has befuddled some of the younger guests that I've overheard asking their parents about the baby elephants and little red.

I would imagine, a simple statement by the driver during the elephants would slove that problem...something like "hmmm, thats strange I don't see little red or big red with the herd, I better let the warden know with those poachers around and all" ....etc...

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Perhaps if they totally got rid of the poacher story then they would never have to worry about the confusion about big red and little red.

 

[JeffH]

Strange new twist

I heard from a reliable source that the poacher angle was going to replaced by an alien encounter storyline, with the poachers truck replaced by a crashed UFO (shot down by the ranger's plane), with little red emerging from the wreckage unhurt (just standing among the wreckage). Flames will surround the downed spacecraft. The track where the fleeing truck (sometimes) ran will be replaced by fleeing ETs with their arms waving wildly above their heads while making cone-head like garbling sounds.

 

[metscool]

I heard from a reliable source that the poacher angle was going to replaced by an alien encounter storyline, with the poachers truck replaced by a crashed UFO (shot down by the ranger's plane), with little red emerging from the wreckage unhurt (just standing among the wreckage). Flames will surround the downed spacecraft. The track where the fleeing truck (sometimes) ran will be replaced by fleeing ETs with their arms waving wildly above their heads while making cone-head like garbling sounds.

:lol:
That it is just wrong. Why would they put Little Red on a UFO. At least we will see the face of Little Red. Compared to the truck holding him. I never saw the face of him.

 

[cloudboy]

Why the heck not just get rid of the animals all together and make it another ride like Dinosaur?

 

[PSU_Princess]

Hey...where are all the screamscape haters on this one

I like the idea of plussing some of the rides. It makes me look forward to trips even more when I know there will be something new---even if it is just something small. I am curious to know what the trucks will look like with extra seat sticking out of the side?!?!? I never minded the poacing story..I don't think it would be Disney if there wasn't some type of story to go along with it. I look forward to the changes.

 

[PSU_Princess]

I heard from a reliable source that the poacher angle was going to replaced by an alien encounter storyline, with the poachers truck replaced by a crashed UFO (shot down by the ranger's plane), with little red emerging from the wreckage unhurt (just standing among the wreckage). Flames will surround the downed spacecraft. The track where the fleeing truck (sometimes) ran will be replaced by fleeing ETs with their arms waving wildly above their heads while making cone-head like garbling sounds.

No, No....ET is at Universal.......BUT at Disney we have Stitch! Why not try to incorporate him into an attraction at every park! Wouldn't that be great!