Big Kilimanjaro Safaris Changes on the Horizons?

[Captain Hank]

*never mind, nothing to see...these aren't the droids your'e looking for...move along*

 

[ChrisM]

I would guess they will increase the length of the attraction considerably as a precursor to taking down Everest for its much needed refurb/Yeti solution.

It's the only way to handle the outcry and capacity problems for when Everest is down. Granted they will have capacity problems when taking KS down, but presumably the refurb/reconfigure will be shorter and the outcry won't be as extreme as with EE being down.

 

[JustInTime]

If they can close this down, they can close Everest. Perhaps that is what they are building on? A longer ride to suffice the crowds so they can close EE?

 

[CarlFredricksen]

They must have a story to make the ride entertaining. If it was just a tour, think how bored the guides would get, and after a few rounds, the guides would have zero motivation or energey. I can see it now...

"On your left, Lions, and on your right, Zebras. Moving along, Elephants and Monkeys. etc, etc."

I'm not suggesting it would be that bare, but the current story gives the guides a role to take and something to be apart of.

It's funny how no one has ever bashed this ride on these boards, and all of a sudden when the thought of making an unknown change occurs, everyone is quick to say how cheesy and unconvincing the story is.

Bottom line, this is probally the only thing at AK that doesn't need to be looked at under a miccroscope.

 

[_Scar]

They must have a story to make the ride entertaining. If it was just a tour, think how bored the guides would get, and after a few rounds, the guides would have zero motivation or energey. I can see it now...

"On your left, Lions, and on your right, Zebras. Moving along, Elephants and Monkeys. etc, etc."

I'm not suggesting it would be that bare, but the current story gives the guides a role to take and something to be apart of.

It's funny how no one has ever bashed this ride on these boards, and all of a sudden when the thought of making an unknown change occurs, everyone is quick to say how cheesy and unconvincing the story is.

Bottom line, this is probally the only thing at AK that doesn't need to be looked at under a miccroscope.

I wish the Safari Drivers would say this.

 

[SeaCastle]

Whatever happens, I hope they keep some sort of storyline. Any zoo can have a drive-thru safari, even my local Six Flags has one. But the story, for me, is what makes Disney, well... Disney.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I've heard some rumors of Hyenas being added towards the end of the ride. Obviously, they would be in their own exhibit; I would assume it would be moated. It will be interesting to see what this refurbishment will entail.

Hyenas were originally planned for the attraction, as were African Wild dogs, and Gemsboks but were all cut for different reasons (required space, budget, too agressive towards other animals, etc).

I wouldn't be surpised to see an isolated section for the zebras. They typically only reside in the savannah that isn't visible from the ride vehicles due to their agression towards baby animals and animals that are perceived as "weak". If secluded they could appear on the Savannah again.

jt, I'm not sure what your insight is, but if you want to send me a PM I can reach out with that information.

As for the storyline: Visiting the Harambe Wildlife reserve is a substantial enough storyline given the scope of the attraction. It's an experience, it doesn't need a linear story. I've said time and time again that I'd love to see more animals added, but my understanding is that the ending portions of the ride are somewhat inaccessible in terms of the backstage areas. Some serious re-working would have to take place in order to add an animal like a hyena in that locale.

Having said all that, I'm intrigued - I'd love to see some new animal species added to the park. I'm also confused as to how the park could justify closing Kilimanjaro Safaris for a lengthy refurbishment while not closing Expedition Everest for a lengthy refurbishment.

 

[jakeman]

Well it probably feels rushed now because they've changed it about 3 times I think since when it first opened. I think they keep removing parts of the story.

No, they don't keep removing they story. They just move parts of the story to locations where there are animals so hopefully people will pay attention.

I wish the Safari Drivers would say this.

they should be saying this. I guess I don't understand. :shrug:

Hyenas were originally planned for the attraction, as were African Wild dogs, and Gemsboks but were all cut for different reasons (required space, budget, too agressive towards other animals, etc).

I wouldn't be surpised to see an isolated section for the zebras. They typically only reside in the savannah that isn't visible from the ride vehicles due to their agression towards baby animals and animals that are perceived as "weak". If secluded they could appear on the Savannah again.

jt, I'm not sure what your insight is, but if you want to send me a PM I can reach out with that information.

As for the storyline: Visiting the Harambe Wildlife reserve is a substantial enough storyline given the scope of the attraction. It's an experience, it doesn't need a linear story. I've said time and time again that I'd love to see more animals added, but my understanding is that the ending portions of the ride are somewhat inaccessible in terms of the backstage areas. Some serious re-working would have to take place in order to add an animal like a hyena in that locale.

Having said all that, I'm intrigued - I'd love to see some new animal species added to the park. I'm also confused as to how the park could justify closing Kilimanjaro Safaris for a lengthy refurbishment while not closing Expedition Everest for a lengthy refurbishment.

The end isn't very accessible at all. I'm not sure how they would not only fit a habitat back there but also all the necessary animal care facilities and seal it from the trucks. If there wasn't so much foliage back there you would see how close the poacher scene is to unload.

Also regarding the automated spiel not sure what the point would be. You would still need a driver.

 

[Captain Hank]

Also regarding the automated spiel not sure what the point would be. You would still need a driver.

Agreed. In addition, there would be complaints about the driver not being able to identify specific species and/or point out the harder-to-see animals.

I'll just add that I'm a fan of the poacher storyline. I wish it was communicated more clearly to the Guests, though.

 

[Tom]

Just great! We're taking my brother and his new wife (her first time ever) to WDW on Jan 30, and 'ol Stitch is saying they might be closing one of two reasons we even go to AK. Sheesh. I just hope Splash Mountain has re-opened by then from it's inevitable annual refurb.

As for their theory, I hope they're wrong. I like the live narration, but I agree that the poaching storyline has lost a lot of its emphasis over the years. My wife asked me 2 years ago on our honeymoon what the guy on the radio was even talking about, and why it was important to the ride. I tried to explain how it used to be, but gave up and said, "yeah, it's pretty much pointless now".

 

[imagineer boy]

I think the poacher story simply needs to be reworked. Like someone else said, without the story the ride just feels like a heavily themed drive through safari.

 

[jumblue]

"After crash landing his spaceship in the wild continent of Africa, Stitch learns the value of the circle of life..."
:lookaroun

 

[Captain Neo]

I would prefer if they remove the cheesy story and just play it straight. In the 90s/00s there was a mandate that every Disney attraction must have a story but thats not how it was back in the Walt Days. You can have rides that are just about nature or something without fictional "something goes horribly wrong" storylines.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

They must have a story to make the ride entertaining. If it was just a tour, think how bored the guides would get, and after a few rounds, the guides would have zero motivation or energey. I can see it now...

"On your left, Lions, and on your right, Zebras. Moving along, Elephants and Monkeys. etc, etc."

I'm not suggesting it would be that bare, but the current story gives the guides a role to take and something to be apart of.

It's funny how no one has ever bashed this ride on these boards, and all of a sudden when the thought of making an unknown change occurs, everyone is quick to say how cheesy and unconvincing the story is.

Bottom line, this is probally the only thing at AK that doesn't need to be looked at under a miccroscope.

Not sure if you've missed them or what, but there have been a lot of threads over the years where people have discussed (at great length) the "story" in Kiliminjaro Safaris. Most feel it's unnecessary.

As to your point about the guides getting bored, I actually think the story stifles them. Most of them are very knowledgeable about the animals, and I'd much rather listen and learn from them then have to watch them "act" out a poacher story. They only seem to look bored when they have to muster the fake enthusiasm to say "You guys want to help the Warden catch some poachers?"

Not everything needs to have an elaborate backstory. Can't the safari just be about seeing animals? If not, then it's frightening that people don't have the requisite attention spans to sit and enjoy something without the visual stimulation of a poacher chase.

 

[BigThunderMatt]

Just great! We're taking my brother and his new wife (her first time ever) to WDW on Jan 30, and 'ol Stitch is saying they might be closing one of two reasons we even go to AK. Sheesh. I just hope Splash Mountain has re-opened by then from it's inevitable annual refurb.

Can we please get one thread where multiple people aren't complaining about an attraction being down for someone's 'first ever' trip?

Seriously. If you're planning a vacation around someone's first visit, why on Earth would you book it for a time that, historically, numerous large attractions have been down in the past.

Splash Mountain has been a HUGE point of contention with me. They close it at the same time EVERY YEAR. And people complain about it every year but insist on going at that same time. If you want to ride it that badly, book your vacation for a different time of year. It's that simple.

 

[bork]

As to your point about the guides getting bored, I actually think the story stifles them. Most of them are very knowledgeable about the animals, and I'd much rather listen and learn from them then have to watch them "act" out a poacher story. They only seem to look bored when they have to muster the fake enthusiasm to say "You guys want to help the Warden catch some poachers?"

That has certainly been my experience over the years. The drivers really enjoy pointing out the animals. Then you can tell they grudgingly go through the motions during the poacher portion.

 

[jt04]

Can we please get one thread where multiple people aren't complaining about an attraction being down for someone's 'first ever' trip?

Seriously. If you're planning a vacation around someone's first visit, why on Earth would you book it for a time that, historically, numerous large attractions have been down in the past.

Splash Mountain has been a HUGE point of contention with me. They close it at the same time EVERY YEAR. And people complain about it every year but insist on going at that same time. If you want to ride it that badly, book your vacation for a different time of year. It's that simple.

:sohappy:

That has certainly been my experience over the years. The drivers really enjoy pointing out the animals. Then you can tell they grudgingly go through the motions during the poacher portion.

I would think it gets very old for them. And most do seem to enjoy talking about the animals much more.

I do hope they get rid of the poacher stuff and perhaps lighten up on the message at Kali and instead make it more of an adventure would be nice.

Hearing the message once is OK but it does not exactly encourage repeat rides. Bit of a downer.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Hyenas were originally planned for the attraction, as were African Wild dogs, and Gemsboks but were all cut for different reasons (required space, budget, too agressive towards other animals, etc).

I wouldn't be surpised to see an isolated section for the zebras. They typically only reside in the savannah that isn't visible from the ride vehicles due to their agression towards baby animals and animals that are perceived as "weak". If secluded they could appear on the Savannah again.

jt, I'm not sure what your insight is, but if you want to send me a PM I can reach out with that information.

As for the storyline: Visiting the Harambe Wildlife reserve is a substantial enough storyline given the scope of the attraction. It's an experience, it doesn't need a linear story. I've said time and time again that I'd love to see more animals added, but my understanding is that the ending portions of the ride are somewhat inaccessible in terms of the backstage areas. Some serious re-working would have to take place in order to add an animal like a hyena in that locale.

Having said all that, I'm intrigued - I'd love to see some new animal species added to the park. I'm also confused as to how the park could justify closing Kilimanjaro Safaris for a lengthy refurbishment while not closing Expedition Everest for a lengthy refurbishment.

Bolded for agreeance.

Going on an African safari should definitely be enough story when you're visiting a park in central Florida. I mean, does Space Mountain have a storyline? If so, it's not conveyed very well to the guests. It's a simulated ride through "space". Just like KS is a simulated safari in Africa.

Does anyone know comparisons of guests/hour on KS vs. E:E? I wonder, if it is being lengthened, if this will be to increase capacity at one ride to take down another. Or does E:E substantially beat KS in guests/hour? Thanks in advance! :wave:

 

[NX2I85]

Can we please get one thread where multiple people aren't complaining about an attraction being down for someone's 'first ever' trip?

Seriously. If you're planning a vacation around someone's first visit, why on Earth would you book it for a time that, historically, numerous large attractions have been down in the past.

Splash Mountain has been a HUGE point of contention with me. They close it at the same time EVERY YEAR. And people complain about it every year but insist on going at that same time. If you want to ride it that badly, book your vacation for a different time of year. It's that simple.

Dude, try decaf! If posts don't interest me a I just try and scroll on down.

As for KS, I am one who enjoys the conceit of being on safari at the Harambe Reserve. They could keep that part of the story and do away with the whole poacher plot. I would NOT want this ride to simply have a prerecorded spiel installed, and just have the drivers silently schlep guests around the animal reserve.

 

[Atomicmickey]

Can we please get one thread where multiple people aren't complaining about an attraction being down for someone's 'first ever' trip?

Seriously. If you're planning a vacation around someone's first visit, why on Earth would you book it for a time that, historically, numerous large attractions have been down in the past.

Splash Mountain has been a HUGE point of contention with me. They close it at the same time EVERY YEAR. And people complain about it every year but insist on going at that same time. If you want to ride it that badly, book your vacation for a different time of year. It's that simple.

Because we're trying to accommodate 13 people's schedules and that
was the only time that we could do it?
Because we're already booked and changing it would be massively difficult, we've been working on it for 8 months?

And what is wrong with reading some news that makes you go "oh oh" and then writing a little note about it? What's wrong with asking if anyone has a little more information?

Hey, I know that time of year is a roll of the dice. BUT as other people have pointed out, KS is one of the anchor attractions at AK--with that down, wow. If they can't take EE offline, they certainly shouldn't be able to take this offline. In my opinion, KS, "is" AK. Never thought in a million years that they'd take the animals offline.

Anyway, thanks for your indignance and feigned superiority. It hasn't helped a whit.