Denali National Park Tours Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture — Attraction in Alaska

Four stars only because of wildlife expectations not being met on the TWT. It's nobody's fault that the wildlife was much more limited than we expected, but I think it's important, especially when most people probably share similar high expectations. What was better than expected was the comfort of the advertised "school bus" which is definitely a nice tour bus equipped with a long range camera for the guide to post views onto the small monitors scattered throughout the bus. The park is beautiful, but unfortunately since the rock slide, you don't get full access. Views were excellent, even on a partial rainy day, but did not see the mountain while on the tour. Our tour guide was Cloyd and he is an absolute gem. He kept us entertained and informed the entire 5.5 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour. He also did a great job noticing bus tracks that suggested a sighting, then moose tracks on the road, so he spent time allowing us all to look around, which is when we spotted our only moose. This is a trip of a lifetime, so I definitely recommend it, just be aware that moose (saw 1), caribou (saw 1), and bears (saw 0) are not as accessible as you may think. This park is gigantic. It's possible some animals have moved past the rock slide, realizing it's quieter past that point. Cloyd mentioned that scientists have collared some animals to test this hypothesis. We did see some sheep way up in the rocky sections of hillside. Great tour, but just be ready for Ma' Nature to give your expectations (created by numerous photos of wildlife close to the bus) a reality...

Provided snacks and water were great and a nice touch. However, travel agent who rode on our bus was extremely rude. Guide was a very sweet older man, but with quick moving animals he was quite inefficient in assisting us in potential sightseeing. We did get to see quite a few animals on our ride back, but due to poor time management on the way in to the park, we had to breeze by some incredible sights of close animals. My biggest issue was regarding their handicap accessibility. One person in our party requires a wheelchair. We booked a handicap accessible tour, however upon arrival to our bus was told there was nowhere for our wheelchair on the bus. It did not get to come with us, and that person was stuck in their bus seat the entire six hours. They did not get to get out of their seat when we pulled over to see views. This was extremely disappointing. Also, the bus is extremely crammed. There is zero leg room and every single seat was filled. I understand this may be to limit footprint in the national park, but it was quite an uncomfortable ride. Lastly, the bus windows are so dirty that we couldn’t see a lot of the wildlife which was so close to us at some points. There was a caribou right behind the bus, but the back window was nearly black with dirt. Definitely room for...

The best part of this tour is the fact you get to see more miles into the park itself, from 15 to 43 currently. The park is fantastic. With that said, I would not take the Tundra Wilderness tour again. It's too crowded on the bus. You only stop for animals (you better hope they're on your side) or bathroom breaks. You are completely at the mercy of the driver, who talked so much he couldn't hear the passengers' requests to stop for things they saw. Many people on the bus were complaining. He almost left one couple at a bathroom stop! This was bus 13 on September 14th if you are reading Aramark. A better option would be to use the transit buses and get off and explore wherever you wanted, then catch another bus on YOUR timetable. I felt I didn't get my money's worth on this trip. It felt rushed, the driver seemed to be in a hurry. Granted, a different driver may have provided a better trip. I drove the 15 miles you're allowed in my rental car for 3 days, and it opened for 30 miles the fourth day! This was many times more rewarding than the bus tour. Unless you can't walk any, take the transit bus or drive yourself, you'll get...