What makes a good Safari Driver?

[Fantasmic Freak]

For me, a good safari driver is one that is very safe. Often I've been on KS where a driver whips around a turn, it makes me nervous, especially on the "rickety bridge".

Additionally, a driver that shows genuine excitement over the material is one worth listening to.

 

[lawyergirl77]

Additionally, a driver that shows genuine excitement over the material is one worth listening to.

Yup! It's not like the TGMR or the Jungle Cruise, because the animals aren't animatronics that will be doing the same thing at the same time in every. single. tour. They're real live creatures that will be doing something different! When a guide is giving the same boring spiel over and over again on the former rides, I really don't blame them as much (although I still think it's bad show). When someone does so on the safari, however, it's absolutely inexcusable!!!!!

 

[DavinDaLilAzn]

I was a former KSR Driver at DAK and it's not that easy of a job. If you're a good speaker, then it's the job for you. I know one of the past posts said knowing stuff about the plants, but in training, we're only given animal info.

In my opinion (if the driver has a good truck), it's all about the Poacher Chase and the way you drive through the end. You've gotta make the guests wanna help you catch the poachers!

That's all I really have to say...

 

[jakeman]

I was also a driver for several summers between '99 and '02 and it was very fun. It is a delicate balance between what the guest want (have you stop for pictures) and what the managers want (18.5 minute safari).

One thing I was surprised with was how little guest interaction there was while on safari. Although there are some guest who ask questions most do not. So you basically do your safari thing and they leave. Most of the time one or two families will say thank you but that is the extent of it. It wasn't bad just not what I expected.

Safari is one of my favorite rides. What makes the safari is the CM driving the safari. Here what a good driver means to me

One that slows down and allows picture almost to a stop.
A good driver doesn't rock the bus which causes blurred pictures.
knowledable of all animals and plants.
Talkative, funny and pleasent.
Does more the follow the script presented to them by Disney

Some of the things listed the driver does not have control over. We are instructed to keep moving at all times so stopping is not an option always. I have been on the safari several times and I wish we could stop. It is very difficult to take pictures while even going as slow as possible.

Additionally, after training and you drive for a while, you can do it with your eyes closed, however the road is bumpy and the driver has no control over that. You learn to make the ride as smooth as possible, but it is difficult. Some seats are bumpier than others. The back is far rougher than the front (you do get a better view in the back).

I completely agree that the driver should be knowledgable about the animals. Some drivers make it a point to learn about the plants. I didn't, there were too many, but if you wanted to know I would find out for you.

I also agree that the driver has to be talkative, pleasant, and have a good sense of humor. The driver's personality is almost as big a part of the safari as the animals (more so if the animals are hiding)

When I first started I thought the script was pretty lame. However, there is nothing a driver can do to improve it and the guest seem to enjoy it just fine. I would tweak some lines to make them flow better but that is about all one can do. It was my experience that a few jokes are good but for the most part they belong on the Jungle Cruise. I believed they have lightened up over the past few years but when I first started in '99 no jokes were allowed, lest we be confused with the Jungle Cruise (it was even frowned upon to state that it was a two week safari)

Oh and watch out for the love bug. It seems to bite on safari. I was one of the many people who met their spouse while working there. :lookaroun

 

[Computer Magic]

Some of the things listed the driver does not have control over. We are instructed to keep moving at all times so stopping is not an option always. I have been on the safari several times and I wish we could stop. It is very difficult to take pictures while even going as slow as possible.

Additionally, after training and you drive for a while, you can do it with your eyes closed, however the road is bumpy and the driver has no control over that. You learn to make the ride as smooth as possible, but it is difficult. Some seats are bumpier than others. The back is far rougher than the front (you do get a better view in the back).

I completely agree that the driver should be knowledgable about the animals. Some drivers make it a point to learn about the plants. I didn't, there were too many, but if you wanted to know I would find out for you.

I also agree that the driver has to be talkative, pleasant, and have a good sense of humor. The driver's personality is almost as big a part of the safari as the animals (more so if the animals are hiding)

When I first started I thought the script was pretty lame. However, there is nothing a driver can do to improve it and the guest seem to enjoy it just fine. I would tweak some lines to make them flow better but that is about all one can do. It was my experience that a few jokes are good but for the most part they belong on the Jungle Cruise. I believed they have lightened up over the past few years but when I first started in '99 no jokes were allowed, lest we be confused with the Jungle Cruise (it was even frowned upon to state that it was a two week safari)

Oh and watch out for the love bug. It seems to bite on safari. I was one of the many people who met their spouse while working there. :lookaroun

What I mentioned has actually occurred while riding the safari that place those drivers above the rest.

• Learning how to use the gas and brake pedal so not to jerk the bus back and forth. I understand the bumps.
• I have had drivers just drive and not be social.
• I have had drivers slow down to almost a hault for a unique picture taking moment. You can tell the CM enjoyed the moment as much as us. Isn't that what Disney is about, allowing a guest a unique moment.

I can see why the ride would not be interacting between the guest and driver. Us guest are concentrating on the surroundings while taking pictures. We are looking to you (the driver) to point out any animals in the area while explaining the surroundings. We are there to be part of the safari and nature...

I would never want a CM to risk their job for breaking the rules. You sound like a great driver. I always make it a point to thank the driver. It's not an easy job.

 

[jakeman]

What I mentioned has actually occurred while riding the safari that place those drivers above the rest.

Learning how to use the gas and brake pedal so not to jerk the bus back and forth. I understand the bumps.
I have had drivers just drive and not be social.
I have had drivers slow down to almost a hault for a unique picture taking moment. You can tell the CM enjoyed the moment as much as us. Isn't that what Disney is about, allowing a guest a unique moment.

I can see why the ride would not be interacting between the guest and driver. Us guest are concentrating on the surroundings while taking pictures. We are looking to you (the driver) to point out any animals in the area while explaining the surroundings. We are there to be part of the safari and nature...

Ah, I understand now. What you have stated here makes perfect sense. Everything you have said can be controlled by the driver, and if there is a unique opportunity, such as a animal birth, then yes the drivers are as excited as the gust and will stop, not because we are supposed to, but bcause we want to watch as well. Wow, that was a long sentence.

Anyways, thanks for the clarification! :wave:

 

[Magic Maker]

To those that have worked there, how long is the training? How often do you get to practice driving?
I am getting excited! I am taking a big risk doing this, but hey it's ok, it'll be fun!

 

[PhotoDave219]

To those that have worked there, how long is the training? How often do you get to practice driving?
I am getting excited! I am taking a big risk doing this, but hey it's ok, it'll be fun!

I can see the Headlines Now.... "Castleberry Castmember Causes Chaos, Disney Dumbfounded" :lol:

 

[Magic Maker]

Hardy har har

 

[jakeman]

The training when I was there was a week just for Safariis, not including Traditions and DAKlamation, which is your introduction to the Disney Company and Animal Kingdom, respectively.

 

[sillyspook13]

During my recent adventure guide training session, we were sent as groups to be "secet shoppers" in a way, "shopping" for good and bad guest interaction. I was in one of two groups sent to Africa. We decided to ride in two different trucks and compare drivers after.

Bad driver: One driver was not very personable. She followed the script with no emotion. She was hard to understand. She spoke so quickly that her words ran together. Her ride was okay, but it lacked that Disney magic.

Good driver: The other driver was very enthusiastic. She greeted the guests using role in the show as she first pulled up to the loading dock. She was very informative. Her jokes were funny and didn't seem out of place. Because of our driver, the group was enthusiastic about the storyline as well. This ride was a magical experience.

The following day our class went as a whole to ride Kilimanjaro Safari. This particular ride was a special treat, as our driver was also a trainer. He had the perfect opportunity to showcase a talent important to any great driver: improvisation. He offered to send us to a different truck, as his "radio" was broken, so Wilson Matua wasn't able to tell us about the animals, the rickety bridges, Big and Little red or, most important, the poachers. Our trainer opted to ride in his truck. This driver improvised the entire story. The entire show was flawless and we all agreed this was the best safari we had ever been on! It just goes to show, the driver truly makes the safari.

Hopefully these experiences help give you some ideas.

P.S. If any former safari drivers remember Hans, he's my brother-in-law! :animwink:

 

[bferrara16]

a good safari driver should take notes from this website (wait till the end... the very end)http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail104.html


(i know this thread's been dormant, but i just remembered this)

 

[Irrawaddy Erik]

Wow how did I miss this thread!.. :lookaroun

I'm really tired tonight but I'll post more tomorrow.

I think one thing that makes for a great safari is that you need to keep it new. You must look at every safari as a first time. Too many CMs look at it as they have had over 13 safaris in one day (not all that uncommon), but for the guests on your safari it's their first. You are there to create an experience. You should be knowledgeable about your animals and some plants. Another thing is to remember that safari is all about a certain message. A good driver not only makes the safari fun but is passionate about the message.

Good luck on your auditions and if you get into safari...Can't wait for you to join the team.

 

[Magic Maker]

Hi Erik.... and gang! Today was my day one. Noah is my trainer. He seemed pretty impressed. We were in the truck and did 3 rounds today. My two areas for improvement are making the turns wide enough and not saying the words "we have _______ " when describing animal sightings. But other than that Noah seemed very impressed.

Just so everyone knows, the Safari Guides really have to stick to the rules, and there are a lot of them.

 

[bsandersjr]

One time on the safari, the guide was a male from South Africa. The combintation of the wise humor, accent, and knowledge of the animals made it one of the better safaris we have been on

 

[Computer Magic]

Hi Erik.... and gang! Today was my day one. Noah is my trainer. He seemed pretty impressed. We were in the truck and did 3 rounds today. My two areas for improvement are making the turns wide enough and not saying the words "we have _______ " when describing animal sightings. But other than that Noah seemed very impressed.

Just so everyone knows, the Safari Guides really have to stick to the rules, and there are a lot of them.

See, the guest would love me, but my bosses would hate (perhaps fire me). I would do what ever to make the guest happy. Rules what rules. I follow rule number 1, guest rule :lookaroun

"we have _______ " :veryconfu Can you explain?

 

[unkadug]

"we have _______ " :veryconfu Can you explain?

I believe what he means is to avoid the following:
"Look to your right we have giraffes"
"And to your left we have elephants."
"Straight ahead we have...."

 

[Computer Magic]

I believe what he means is to avoid the following:
"Look to your right we have giraffes"
"And to your left we have elephants."
"Straight ahead we have...."

What is proper etiquette? is it for show to try and make if feel as someone don't own the animals?

 

[wdwishes2005]

You should have a good sence of humor and know a lot about the animals.

You should mix the two. If you have too much humor, the ride will become wierd.
If you just tell facts about the animals, the ride will become too boring.

Hope this helps.

exactly. and put feeling into it, don't be a zombie.

 

[Magic Maker]

What is proper etiquette? is it for show to try and make if feel as someone don't own the animals?

Example: If yo ulook past the front of the vehicle we have yellow billed storks"

It's like if you are on tour at a musuem and they say, "here we have the Mona Lisa".

Using that phrase "We have" is not appropriate. I do it al ot, I have to work on it.

I had my first Guests on my truck today, *SQUEL*, I am still training. But they loved the tilting bridge, I made that part fun.