Live at AKL

[Dusted]

Any dis'sers out there? Arrived for a 4 night stay today. First time at the AKL. Took a little getting used to, actually called CRO to try to change, but am starting to feel a bit better about it. Had dinner at Boma tonight, no one other than me, really ate much besides mac and cheese. I has some awesome chicken and rice with grapes. Yummy..

DD3 and DH did the parade around the store and lobby at 8 oclock. They gave DD3 a certificate, and DH was upset he didn't get one. :rotfl:

Trying Boma for breakfast tomorrow, i'm sure it will be better, and maybe the pool for a while before Tinkerbell and her cast appear for the MNSSP. Having dinner at LTT. Should be fun! Looking very forward to Boo to you!

Any pointers for us?

[scoutsmom99]

I love Boma for breakfast. It is a must do for me each trip!! Check out the activity board in the lobby to the left of the check-in desk (or one by the bathrooms at Boma) for some great activities around the lodge. Also they have great games at the pool and usually a craft everyday at Simbas clubhouse. Also make sure to walk around the lodge and check-out all of the different animal lookouts (especially the ones on the 2nd floor that go out on to the Arusha savannah that are down Zebra and Kudu trails a ways.

[Cass]

Hi Dusted, what made you call CRO? I hope you settle in and enjoy your stay.

[Dusted]

Hi Cass. I called CRO because we were in a state of confusion and ick. No one seemed happy since we checked in, and I hate that. We put in way too much time and money to be at a hotel we aren't happy with. I was OK, and my DD3 was fine, she didn't really care one way or the other... But my DH just was dissapointed. I'm not even sure why, but the whole mood was YuK and I just can't have that. We just stayed last month at BC and had the trip of our lives.... so I think us rushing back to MNSSP may not have been the best idea, since little will compare to the dream come true trip we had last month.

I think the foreign-ness which I think is nice is a bit too much for DH especially in the food department.

I called CRO to see if we could swap, just so we knew what our choices were. They were no help, and suggested I speak with the manager. I then called front desk to see if anyone could give us a tour of CL, maybe that would put a smile on our faces, but no one was available to show us the lounge, so here we sit...
After stuggling with a lousy beer selection from the store, and a bag of Cheetos later, we seem to have made peace with the choice. I went ahead and unpacked, and everyone is asleep.

I just thought maybe WL for the same $ might be a better idea. Doesn't seem worth the move now, but still am keeping it in the back of my mind as an option...

[Cass]

Ahhh, sometimes change is overwhelming - how is your view from the balcony? Maybe after a good nights sleep you will have a whole new impression.

Funny, I felt the same thing at BC, just strange and not relaxed and happy and left there for AKL - LOL! Have a good night!!

[Dusted]

Yeah, that's mostly it. Change is exciting, yet unsettling at the same time. I hate to think we will be sad the whole trip if there is a better option for us somewhere...

The view is nice. We have pool view, and the twilight sky was beautiful. I love the balcony, which is why we are here. We upgraded from a mod a couple weeks ago because I realized I would be miserable without a balcony and real glasses and coffee mugs in the room.

Hate the fact there's no straws here. Frozen drinks are really not an option..

[i3utterfli82]

Wow I am shocked! We just toured AKL and thought it was so great and peaceful! Get out and do something! ;)

You really do not have to do anything but sleep at the resort!

[TONNIE]

OP I had the same feeling about AKL when we went for our belated honeymoon. The lodge is beautiful but it was not for me I didnt like being outside at night it was creepy to me. The food is different but we really enjoyed it. We took the tour of jikos and bomas BEFORE we ate there and the food tasted better after we knew what we were eating. The chefs dave and david were very very nice and informative. I loved sitting at the fireplace inside with my hubby and just relaxing we did more at the resort than we did at any of the parks. Check the board there is something going on almost every hour. Have fun :)

[Cass]

Hi Dusted! How are things in the early light of day? :)

[Dusted]

Hello. Yes, attitudes are better so far. I am all unpacked, and feeling a bit more comfy. I'm sure we still not the biggest fans here, but I know we will be just fine. I've got my Top 7 things on, enjoying a pot of coffee from the room, and looking forward to a late breakfast at BOMA.

Thanks for listening to my spoiled rant last night. Just a bummer when it doesn't feel right.

Thanks for all the support and ideas. Keep them coming! :surfweb:

[Cass]

Hi Dusted! I was thinking about you today at work and wondering if you were having a magical Disney day?

Hope your trip steadily improves :)

[Viki]

Yes, it really is a resort of a different color. I hope it's beginning to feel a bit more "normal."

Please keep us updated!

[Dusted]

Hi guys! We are making out just fine. We are not on cloud nine, but it's fine. I'm not unhappy with our choice, I'm glad we got a chance to experience the AKL. Also, this was a totally last minute add on trip since we just got back from our "real" trip a month ago - 6 nights at BC.

Anyway, we had an awesome breakfast at BOMA - great table next to the window. Two wonderful women were beating the heck out of some drums for some incredible ambience during. That juice is out of this world. I would serve it on ice next time, with maybe some rum??? The banana bread was yummy. I could have sufficed with a glorifed continental breakfast..cereal and those danish and I'm good!

We decorated cookies - fun. Also went for a swim... BRRRR! Couldn't beleive how cold that water was. My DD3 tried the slide, but just once. She slipped and slode and flipped around. I was at the bottom to catch her, but that little S turn when I was out of sight bothered her. She started on her hiney, and wound up face first on her tummy. Alls well.

We got dressed for MNSSP, I was peter pan, DH was captin hook, and DD3 was tinkerbell. It was so much fun having everyone appreciate our costumes.


Party was great, but rained just before and kinda during the first parade. We ate at LTT - YUM and came out to WET. I don't think the horseman rode, but the parade was great. Hallowishes was awesome as expected. I picked up today's pin and headed back. Buses were great coming and going.

Came back to a dirty room. Called housekeeping for fresh towels and glasses. I had the DND on for like an hour. Figures.

Going to have Counter service for Breakfast tomorrow, checking out DVC, and then some free time before MNSSP.

Got in to the MK at 5 - no problem with just our party tix. Saw an awesome flag ceremony. Got choked up watching this guest participate. Truly amazing.

Anyway, having a nice time. Thanks so much for the concern. I'll keep you posted.

[robinb]

Anyway, we had an awesome breakfast at BOMA

I *knew* you would love a Boma breakfast! It's the best tasting breakfast on property, AFAIC. Then again, I adore Boma for dinner, so there goes my opinion!

We decorated cookies - fun. Also went for a swim... BRRRR! Couldn't beleive how cold that water was. My DD3 tried the slide, but just once. She slipped and slode and flipped around. I was at the bottom to catch her, but that little S turn when I was out of sight bothered her. She started on her hiney, and wound up face first on her tummy. Alls well.

I love the kids actvities at AKL. My (then) 4-year old DD did the whole set of activities on the board *plus* she made an ostrich shell ornament (it was December). She also tried the slide, but at 4 she was already a strong swimmer and she loved the pool and the slide!

We got dressed for MNSSP, I was peter pan, DH was captin hook, and DD3 was tinkerbell. It was so much fun having everyone appreciate our costumes.
How cute! We need pictures when you come home!

Came back to a dirty room. Called housekeeping for fresh towels and glasses. I had the DND on for like an hour. Figures.
Bummer :(. When things go wrong, they *really* go wrong. We stayed at AKL twice (and we're buying into the new DVC there) and we never had problems. I'm sorry that you did.

[Dusted]

No biggie about the room. Strangly dissapointed because I made Mousekeeping envelopes, and I'm anxious to use them.

Also, the shower head was moldy. Weird, huh?

Again, I wouldn't sway someone from trying here. The things that are goofy are either totally off the wall, or our taste.

[Cass]

Came back to a dirty room? what time was it? how awful... that never happened to me before at any Disney property :sad2:

Your costumes sounded so cute, loved that your DH did it too!

[Viki]

Came back to a dirty room? what time was it? how awful... that never happened to me before at any Disney property :sad2:

Your costumes sounded so cute, loved that your DH did it too!

You know, I do have to say that one night of our 9-night stay AKL concierge we came back and there had been no turn down service - we were disappointed - the bed could have used a remake from our afternoon naps, and we always loved to find the cards with the African sayings and the pillows in unique arrangements as they "marched" across the bed!

Still, it was only one night and we assumed it was a natural slip.

I'm glad things for the most part are looking up!

[Cass]

Skipped turndown I could live with :) but just not cleaning the room? that's not acceptable at all.

[Viki]

Skipped turndown I could live with :) but just not cleaning the room? that's not acceptable at all.


Oh, I agree, I was just saying that I think sometimes these things happen.

What I can't figure is why she was then on the phone with them for an hour! :furious:

[Dusted]

Sorry, no I wasn't on the phone for an hour, I had my privacy sign on the door, I refered to it as a do not disturb, for an hour or so..,. sorry for the confusion :confused3


A sweetie of an old man brought up some towels and clean glasses, that was great. Then, although I said tomorrow was fine about the moldy shower head, someone came to the door close to midnight. She had a very strong african accent, but I figured out what she wanted to do. I asked her to do it tomorrow since the family was asleep.

Gatta get DD3 dressed for another adventure!

[BuzzandAriel'smom]

We loved AKL! Do you have a savannah room? DH and I would just sit out there at night and watch the animals. He looked out at 5 am and they were all sleeping right outside. My kids (2 and 4) loved the African drumming at 5 pm. My 4 yr old had a little trouble with the slide but it didn't slow her down any. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay. AKL is kind of a tranquil environment for a Disney hotel. It's not for everyone.

[Vickie46]

Hope your day is going better!!!! Wishing you lots of pixie dust too!!!! :)

[Viki]

Sorry, no I wasn't on the phone for an hour, I had my privacy sign on the door, I refered to it as a do not disturb, for an hour or so..,. sorry for the confusion :confused3


OH! LOL! That was MY confusion, not yours!!! :thumbsup2

[Dusted]

We're doing good. Back at the room for a little RnR before the MNSSP tonight. We went to DVC for their shpeal. Took a while!

Had a nice breakfast at the Mara. Kinda a depressing place to eat. So dark and the ceilings seem so low...Food was good though, and the Meal Plan worked well for us.

Have ADRs at the Poly for dinner. Might scrap them depending on naps...

[Cass]

What does DVC give you for sitting through their shpeal? Glad you are doing better :)

[Dusted]

Bubkus. I brought with me the invite I got last mo while at BC which offered $100 in Disney Bucks. They weren't able to accept it, but after seeing my dissapointment, they did give us a handful of fast passes.

Overall, very interesting. The Saratoga Springs resort was much nicer than I expected..

I got a "dream / wish granted" yesterday which was really nice. While dressed in our Family Peter Pan outfits, we went to our first ride choice of the night, strangely Peter Pan. DD3 was really excited. The CM pulled us out of about a half hour line and let us go right on!!!! We felt so special.

Have a good night everyone.

[Cass]

Awww that's sweet.... was it the ride CM or the YOAMD team?

Have a great day tomorrow!

[robinb]

Bubkus. I brought with me the invite I got last mo while at BC which offered $100 in Disney Bucks. They weren't able to accept it, but after seeing my dissapointment, they did give us a handful of fast passes.
If it makes you feel better we did't get anything when we toured OKW in 1997. We still bought there, though!
I guess that the new Animal Kingdom Villas is out for you :rotfl2:! If you are really interested in DVC, come over to the DVC boards when you come home. You can still but into the other DVC resorts (such as your beloved Beach Club) on the resale market. I believe that one should buy the DVC resort that you would really like to spend the most time at (because of the 11 month window). That's one of the reasons why we will be selling our OKW points and buying into Animal Kingdom. It's my DH's favorite resort. Of course, if he had to put up with all the crap you have I bet it wouldn't be!

[Dusted]

Just a CM. Cutie.

Funny, yeah, I doubt we'd be buying here, but there's always a chance. Still not preferred to BC, and the animals are totally wasted on my DH. But, if they allow Club Level to the DVC owner, we might CONSIDER it. The general atmosphere is very cozy here. Just very different. And foreign, in a nice way.

Couple days left. Still, better here than NJ right now!!!! :cool1:

[Dusted]

Hey- JUST UPGRADED TO MOUSEKETEER....... :thumbsup2

[Cass]

What are you up to today, Dusted? how has your weather been and the bus service?

[pigletforever]

are you on the 3rd floor with a mickey head and halloween decorations on oyour door? We are the 5th floor. we leave saturday. If that is you I wanted to knock on your door but DH woulnd't let me. He actually couldn't believe I wanted to bother someone just because they had a mickey head on their door. MEN!!!!!! :lmao:

[Cass]

Hi piglet! you should leave them a note on their door saying Hi. I think that's so cute that they decorated their door :)

[Dusted]

Hi Everyone! We're home now. YES! That was us with the decorated door. Clingy static decorations, so easy to put up, and you don't have to to worry about pulling them off. I started decorating our hotel doors or windows last year so my little one would enjoy and recognize our room.

The weather was nice, hot too. Wed and Thurs there was more sun than we had the other couple days. Bus service was really great. We didn't wait more than 10 minutes at the most. The only dissapointment was at Epcot when we had to walk to the farthest point for our stop. I was real busy telling my DH a while back that the deluxe hotel stops are the closest and easiest to get too...

I will post this info on some other threads later, but the nicest thing we did all week was the last day. My DD3 was doing some medallion rubbing in the lobby I spotted a Mgr. I asked him if we could tour the club level for perhaps next time. Don't laugh, we did warm up to the place a bit... Anyway, a Wonderful man, Bruce was at our service. He took us through the CL lobby, ,introduced us the the CMs there, and showed us several empty rooms so we would have a feel for them. He toured the 5th floor too and showed us several other rooms and views and savannas. He was so knowledgeable. We got to see the baby Giraffe too. I was finally in my glory. I guess I just like a bit of personal service. My point, he shared with me some of the 5th floor rooms are already under construcion and blocked off for DVC.!!!!! The Villas they are making will be a mile away with their own 2 pools and restaurant.

BTW- my DH did complain about the moldy and leaking shower head and moldy tiles, had a manager come down to look at the mess Mousekeeping made trying to clean it. They sprayed some cleaner or gook on the shower and all over his razor and toothbrush. :furious: They must have gotten distracted because they left it there and didn't wipe it off. Anyway, we got a $100 credit to our room, and a new shower head and personal message from him later. I didn't experience it, but my DH two mornings in a row brought his boxers in and rested them on the towel rack while showering. He came out to find them soaking wet.... :rolleyes1 \

Anyway, to sum it up, we had a nice time. It wasn't a great fit for my DH, but we could see while others love it. If there was another sit down restautant that wasn't so themed, we probably would have been much more comfy. We made ADRs for JIKO because the menu looked nice, but had to cancel because we didn't want to spend to sit down credits or buy a collared shirt for DH. Oh well.

All in all, liked it enought to try another deluxe next time. Maybe the poly.I 've learned now the restuarants are very important to my family and will have even more to research for next Sept. But, that is the fun of it! :surfweb:

[Cass]

I'm sorry but the boxers thing made me chuckle!

That is great that you had a tour of CL, did you like the lounge? I love it up there... that is why I will be sooo disappointed if it becomes the DVC lounge :(

Well I am happy to hear you warmed up a little bit to AKL and that the bus service was good. I have always been happy with it and found it MUCH MUCH better than WL or BC.

Thanks for the tip on the door decorations :)

[robinb]

I'm sorry but the boxers thing made me chuckle!

That is great that you had a tour of CL, did you like the lounge? I love it up there... that is why I will be sooo disappointed if it becomes the DVC lounge :(

You know ... there is a solution for that! Ha ha! I know that we will be buying a small add-on of 75 points there. From what I have seen of the new DVC extention it looks very nice.