AKL Suites - Help!

[MJS]

We are thinking about staying at the AKL on our next trip, and we are thinking about trying a one bedroom suite. I read that there are 17 of these suites (I do not know how accurate that info. is). Does anyone know where these rooms are located? Are they on the concierge floor? Do they have views of the savannah? Thanks!

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The suites are located on the second to fifth floors, and I think all are on the ends of the wings with savanna views. The 1 BR Suites have a bedroom with two queens, a parlor with queen sleeper, a wet bar, 1 1/2 baths, and a large balcony. They all have access to the concierge level as well.

:)

[MJS]

Thanks Cali!

What floor is concierge? Also, are there any one bedroom suites with a king bed?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

MJS, the concierge lounge is on the 6th floor. There are 10-15 rooms up on that floor, and the rest of the concierge rooms are on the 5th floor (along with the other Deluxe Pool/Savanna View Rooms).

The description of the 1BR suite I have just says 2 queen beds. The 2BR suite says 1 king in the master. :) I'm sure if you called the AKL they could tell you about a king in a 1BR.

[Janet2k]

MJS, I was told that there are one-bedroom suites with king-sized beds. I don't know how many of them there are, but that was what I was told. When I reserved my one-bedroom suite last Christmas, I specifically had to request one with two queen-sized beds since my parents do not like to share the same bed after a gazillion years of wedded bliss! (I know, that's WAY TOO much information for you, hee hee.) The AKL was able to give me a suite that suited my needs perfectly (I gave the bedroom to my parents and my daughter & I shared the queen-sized sofa sleeper in the parlor room -- it was very comfortable).

Here's Janet2k's On-Line Photo Albums Link (http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/rlst?.dir=/&.src=ph&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/janettwokay/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=ph%26.view=t). Just look towards the bottom of that main page for my WDW suite albums. I have photos of the AKL two-bedroom and one-bedroom suites that I have stayed in so far. I love the AKL and they have my favorite suites. For some reason I find them romantic. I guess they just bring out the animal in me.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for that info, Janet. I think I *might* be able to get a trip to WDW next year with my parents (or else Jan04), and they'll want to do AKL and I'm sure they'll want a king bed in the bedroom (I, of course, would get the sleeper sofa!). We'll have to see what the travel plans are (I might take a friend along, and we'd have to go the 2 room route - let's just hope I can part with the MK Resorts to make a reservation at AKL! LOL).

[MJS]

Janet2k - Thanks for the link. What a great album! The suite looked great!

Cali - Thanks again for the info.

[Janet2k]

MJS, as far as suite locations go at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the two largest suites are located right off the lobby on the 5th floor (one on each side of the lobby). I was told that the other suites are found on the "fingers" of the resort, on just about every floor. My two-bedroom suite was on the 5th floor of Zebra Trail, right on the end of one of the resort's "fingers." My one-bedroom suite was on the 3rd floor of Kudu Trail, also on the end of one of the resort's "fingers." To see the "fingers" that I'm talking about, click on the Animal Kingdom Lodge Map (http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/AKLodge/aklmap.jpg) that is found on the Dreams Unlimited Travel website. Also, to read more about the Animal Kingdom Lodge, click here on the Dreams Unlimited Travel's "Animal Kingdom Lodge" Webpage. (http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/AKLodge/index.htm)

CaliforniaDreaming, I don't think you'll ever leave the MK Resort Area! But if you do make it over to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, who is this "friend" that you "might" be bringing along on your trip? A GIRLfriend?? (hee hee)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Janet2k

CaliforniaDreaming, I don't think you'll ever leave the MK Resort Area! But if you do make it over to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, who is this "friend" that you "might" be bringing along on your trip? A GIRLfriend?? (hee hee)

LOL, Janet. ;) Not with mom & dad along! :D It would be a male friend.

I'm thinking the GF, Poly, or AKL right now. Wanna take any bets on which I'll actually choose?

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, I love SURE BETS (hee hee). I think you should EXPAND your horizons and really think about a few days at the AKL. Be more like MJS and experience the newer things that the World has to offer (hee hee).

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Janet, but it is so hard to do! I have a trip planned to WDW later on this summer, and we'll be back to the Grand Floridian! :rolleyes: I was going to try something new, but when they told me that I could get a discount at the GF, I just had to take it!!! Those darn Disney CM's, they know my weakness! (I guess I should have never inquired about the GF!).

Anyways, I know my parents want to try the AKL, and if I want to go to WDW on their dime (or, I guess thousands of dollars!), then I'll have to "give in" and stay where they are staying! ;)

But, we all know, if there is a discount at one resort and not another, you take the discounted room (always another trip to stay at that favorite resort - if I'm told GF is sold out w/ the discount I guess it is just meant to be!).

[MJS]

Thanks again!:)

Cali, what you need to do is what Janet2K and I have done. Spend a few nights at the GF/RPC and then you will be searching for a new resort! ;) I am just kidding! The GF is a great resort!

I like to try different resorts, and the AKL seems like a great choice. We are thinking about splitting a stay between there and the BWI. We'll see...:)

[CaliforniaDreaming]

MJS, one of these times I *WILL* stay in the RPC! (keep getting great rates on regular rooms, preventing me from staying in an undiscounted RPC room!).

I sorta miss the Poly, so I might have to go get another stay there! Actually, how about I just plan 2 trips? One at the Poly, one at the AKL. BUT, I'd love to stay at the Yacht Club, too! Choices, choices! (one night at each! LOL). :D

[MJS]

Janet2K - I am looking at the map (thanks for the link). The "fingers" I am assuming are the corners in each of the sections. So does that mean that some of the suites could overlook the pool? Are the suites savannah views only? Are some savannahs "better" than others? Where would you request to stay? Where in relation to the map is the concierge lounge? Thanks so much!

Cali, Disney does make it tough on us...there are so many great choices. I think that you would LOVE the YC.

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, you are HOPELESS! Hang it up! Don't even think about staying anywhere but your beloved GF! You & my husband have a lot in common when it comes to that resort. You both have blinders on (hee hee). But as Auntie Mame said in the movie, "The World is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" So true. WDW has many, many resorts to try. Truly something for everyone. Then again, there is always the GF for those who are in a rut (hee hee). :D

MJS, you had me pee'ing my pants over your RPC comment, hee hee! Please refresh my memory about your upcoming trip. How many of you will be vacationing at WDW this time? Just you & your spouse? Or children, too?

[MJS]

It is a family trip with our little one. I wish for our trip the folks at Disney would move the AKL and the BWI over to the MK, just to make transportation easy for us. Transportation to the MK is a concern, although it sounds like more of a challenge from the BWI (especially sharing a route with the BC/YC, BCV, etc.)

I also wonder how many nights to stay at the AKL? We like to go for about 2 weeks, and I am thinking about spending most of the trip at the BWI because there are so many dining/entertainment offerings. Then at the end go to the AKL to relax and enjoy. Any thoughts on length of stay? Thanks!

I laughed at your response. I think Cali needs to experience the "royal" treatment at the RPC. ;)

Thanks!

[Janet2k]

MJS, the “fingers” are all those little sections that jut out into the savannahs. From what I was told, all the suites have a savannah view (very that with the concierge, though, since my memory is getting a little fuzzy).

Which savannah is better than the other? That’s a hard thing to say since we all know that the animals have minds of their own and do whatever it is that they want to do at their own pace. When I stayed on the Zebra Trail, I had a glorious view of the animals most of the time. When I stayed on the Kudu Trail, I had a glorious view of the animals most of the time. For both of those areas, however, there were times when I couldn’t see any animals. Those might have been the times when they were inside the animal building receiving their care for the day? Or maybe those were the times when they were “slumming” around on a different part of the savannah? I just can’t answer for certain. However, I did see the animals quite a bit and never let it upset me that sometimes they just weren’t below my balcony when I wanted them to be. The AKL resort is such a great place that if I truly wanted to find some animals, I could get out of my room, walk over to the pool area or the Arusha Rock area and find them there, have no fear!

Where is the concierge lounge located on the map? Since it’s not “stated” on the map, it would probably be located where that blue box is that lists “Rooms 5101 – 5106.” The lounge is on the sixth floor and it overlooks the gorgeous lobby. You get to the lounge via the elevator and your concierge room key.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, MJS, I experienced the "royal" treatment from the Polynesian Concierge - can't be any worse, can it? :D Not sure what those Tiki Gods were thinking when they created a concierge staff like that. :rolleyes: Not sure what everyone sees in that place! (I'm sure I'd be more than happy in a standard third floor Lagoon View room in the Tahiti Longhouse next time).

Okay, so should I (next trip after this upcoming one at the Grand Floridian) stay at the Yacht Club in Water View, Polynesian in Lagoon View, or the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Deluxe Savanna View? Two adults, two (late) teens? (in TWO rooms!)

[Janet2k]

Oh, yes, CaliforniaDreaming DEFINITELY needs the “R” portion of the Royal Palm Club. Yessirreeeeeeeee! (Ouch!)

MJS, from what you’re staying, I would definitely split my stay between the BWI and the AKL. I would put the BWI at the beginning of the trip and the AKL at the end. The AKL is a perfect way to unwind before you head back to the reality of your everyday life. (Well, at least that’s what I like to do!)

When are you vacationing? If it is during the warmer months, then I would say that two or three nights would be the minimum amount of time that I would stay at the AKL. The pool area is wonderful, so if you want to stay longer, then by all means do so. If you’re going during the cooler months, two nights would be perfect (the outdoor fire pit is a great place to hang out at during the evening hours). Of course if you want to truly relax, then consider tacking on another night or two.

[Minybear]

Cali

I have been reading this post and I am on the floor laughing :). Cali if you ever go to YC or AKL or anywhere else but the MK resorts I will fall over. You and your family love the GF. You keep on making resv's for other resorts (if my memory servces me right) and then later on changing back to GF :). Now if the DVC offered the GF as one of their resort homes you and your family will grab that in an instant and will become members very quick. You and your family love the GF and one of these days you will go to the RPC (discount or no discount).

:D :D :D :D :D ;) ;)

[Janet2k]

Minbear, your post was TOO FUNNY! So right you are. ALL of us here on the DIS would fall over if Cali ever stayed anywhere else but his beloved GF!!!!

CaliforniaDreaming, I think that trip should be split amongst all three resorts. A few days at the YC. A few days at the Poly. And a few days at the AKL.

[Janet2k]

But Cali, you should do all PARKING LOT view rooms. I forgot to mention that. All parking lot view rooms for you if you are NOT staying at the GF.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

But, Janet, I did stay at the All-Star Music (quite interesting) and the Contemporary (which I loved!) last year!!! ;)

Minybear! Yes, for January I was booked at the Grand Floridian then the BoardWalk then the Polynesian then Coronado Springs then the Yacht Club then the Grand Floridian! As you can see, I did change that reservation MANY times! ;)

Parking lot view? Excuse me, Janet, but I have NEVER done parking lot view! (except MK view at the Contemporary Tower Club - does that count?!?!?! :D)

[Minybear]

Cali
You were also considering going on a cruise for January. Don't forget about that one.:D :D :D

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Minybear, the cruise has been postponed to July, 2004! :D ;) AND, NO, I WILL NOT BE STAYING AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN FOR THE LAND PORTION!!!

[Minybear]

WOOOOOOOW that is amazing not the Gf for the LAND PORTION. I am falling over in my chair again. Just wait you will change that to. Especially when you can get discounts on the GF. You will then separate your land and sea portion and do them separately. We will wait and see.:D :D :D

[MJS]

Minybear - He still has LOTS of time to switch to the GF.

Cali - You must try the YC. No Tiki gods, no "royal" palm treatment, just a fun resort with a great pool.

Janet2K - Thanks for all of the help! I will keep you posted!

[Janet2k]

Minybear & CaliforniaDreaming, you folks are too funny! And I really needed a laugh today -- thanks!! :D

MJS, I never got a chance to mention this but when I stayed at the AKL last, there was a “floater” bus. You see, one evening after 6 PM, we had the Bell Services folks call us a taxicab since three of us wanted to head over to the BoardWalk area. After waiting 40 minutes, the taxicab never arrived. However, in that same amount of time, we saw WDW bus after bus arrive and depart from the AKL’s bus stop. It was insane. We had never seen so many buses before in our lifetimes. At least one every other minute (I think this was right around closing time for the MK and AK) . It was a zoo out there at the bus stop (but very organized, don’t get me wrong). Well, we eventually told the Bell Services folks that our taxicab never arrived and we were going to take one of the WDW buses since we were tired of waiting. Of course by the time we made it to the bus stop, there weren’t any buses there (it figures!). But suddenly one appeared and it didn’t have any “name” lit up in its marquee. My husband asked the bus driver where his bus was heading and he said, “Where are you going?” My husband said, “Where are you going?” And the bus driver said, “Where are you going?” My husband looked at him with a blank look on his face and then the bus driver said, “I’m going wherever you want to go.” My husband asked, “The BoardWalk?” and the driver told us to hop on. There were only three of us in my party and we had the entire bus to ourselves. Our very own WDW bus. It was a nonstop ride from the AKL to the BoardWalk just for us. We told the bus driver our frustrating taxicab story and he listened. He told us that he was basically a “floating” bus for the evening – wherever he was needed, he would be. He said that after he dropped us off at the BoardWalk, he would probably head over to the Magic Kingdom to work his magic there for any frustrated guests. Out of gratitude my husband attempted to give the bus driver the money that we would have had to pay the taxicab driver, but the bus driver refused. He said it was part of his job and that we should enjoy our evening. Disney magic at its finest.

[Minybear]

MJS
If you decide to book the AKL or even the AKL suites. You will definately love it there. I also have been to the resort and its a fantastic resort and I wish I was back there now. I have never stayed at the AKL suites but its worth booking. Janet2K is an expert on the AKL and she has lots of info for you.

MJS I agree with you Cali has LOTS of time to change and I will bet you he will change to the GF (if he doesn't cancel the cruise).

[Janet2k]

Minybear & MJS, I think you're on to something... Cali WILL cancel his DCL cruise and book the Walt Disney Suite at the GF. And then he will invite the three of us to join him. We'll get to experience the ROYAL treatment right along with him. Won't that be fun?!!!

[Minybear]

Janet2K
You are so funny. I would love to see that.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

You all think you are SO funny!!! With the cruise cost, I will not be spending the extra for the GF! I'm thinking more of the Caribbean Beach or the Beach Club! Next year I'll probably do Cornado Springs if I can get down there (or, maybe the Contemporary-Wing), Jan04 will be good for the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Polynesian (or Yacht Club). Then again, if I can get a good discount, wouldn't it make sense to spend a few dollars a night more for the Grand Floridian?

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[CaliforniaDreaming]

And, Janet, that Walt Disney Suite @ the GF is too expensive for what you get. How about a nice one bedroom lodge attic suite?

[Janet2k]

MJS, I'm afraid this thread has taken on a new life thanks to Cali! I'm so sorry!! :D

Cali, forget the attic suite. I have heard of folks who have bumped their heads on the funky ceiling arrangements, and that has turned me off to them. I would stick with the Walt or Roy suite if you want the main building. However, if you want my favorite building, then either the Wekiwa or Cypress suites are lovely (I'm going for the ?Everglades? one next time).

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Oh, no Janet! Don't blame the off topicness on me!!! YOU are the one that caused it!

And, yeah, you request that Everglades Suite. You know what? I hope they give you the Cape Coral!!!

:D ;)

[Janet2k]

Okay, CaliforniaDreaming, I'm crying UNCLE! (You have me laughing way too hard today!! :D :D )

MJS, to bring the topic back around again, I know you're looking for just a one-bedroom suite, but would you consider one of the two largest suites at the AKL instead? Check out these photos of the JUMBO suties at the AKL here on the OurLaughingPlace.com website (http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/rescc/costcalc.asp?pageFunction=researcher&resId=AKL&submit1=go%21) (the links to the photos will be found on the right-hand side of that webpage). My mouth just waters when I see how beautiful those two suites are. Wow. They put the GF to shame, I am afraid (take that, CaliforniaDreaming!!).

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Janet, just remember that the Grand Floridian does offer a two thousand two hundred square foot two bedroom Presidential Suite with great Magic Kingdom Views!!! And, Princess Diana (& the boys) were once a registered guest of that suite (on a summer holiday). Bet AKL can't claim that one!

[Janet2k]

There was recently a USA Today article (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/vacations/great/millionaire.htm) that mentioned the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The article was entitled "10 Great Places To Meet A Millionaire." Septuagenarian socialite Marylou Whitney shared with the article's author "choice spots for rubbing shoulders with the monetarily endowed of both sexes." Here's an excerpt:

- - - - - - -
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Suites here can run $600 to $2,000 nightly. "John and I stayed in a big one with balconies all around. Giraffes practically poked their heads in our noses. Marvelous food and service! I want to go back."
- - - - - - -

Funny, but the Grand Floridian wasn't mentioned. Hey, MJS, are you going to the AKL (I gotta bring this thread back around to the subject again so as to not upset the Moderators!!) because you read that article? (hee hee)

[Janet2k]

MJS, don't even think about staying in that GF Presidential Suite that CaliforniaDreaming was talking about. It is small in comparison to the Yacht Club's Captains Deck Suite that I stayed in -- that suite was approx. 2,400 square feet in size with a JUMBO private patio area that was 740 square feet. And the Terminator (a.k.a., Arnold Schwarzenegger) has stayed in that suite before. (Take that, Cali!)

I will do some searching and see if I can come up with the square footage of those glorious suites at the AKL. Just in case you decide that you want something a little larger than a one-bedroom. ;)

[Janet2k]

Okay, I give up. I'm taking this slightly off-topic but since it is about the AKL, I hope you forgive me, MJS!!

According to the PassPorter's First AKL Trip Report (http://www.passporter.com/trip0401dailyreports/trip0401day7.htm) from April 2001, I think you'll find the following information interesting, CaliforniaDreaming:

- - - - - - -
After our excursions, we met back in the Kilimanjaro Club (concierge lounge) on the sixth floor for some afternoon snacks. A quick check revealed that our room still wasn't ready. In fact, it wasn't until 3:30 that we got into our room -- a fifth floor deluxe with a king bed (great view!). But we enjoyed cookies and juice in the lounge while waiting. Later we would learn that the Walt Disney Co. board members were staying in the Lodge and occupying 60 rooms -- that explains why housekeeping was a bit slower to ready our room.
- - - - - - -

I remember reading about that upon my return from vacation and I thought to myself, "I wonder who slept in MY bed?" since I was in a two-bedroom suite a few days before the Disney Board of Directors checked in. I secretly hoped it was Roy Disney. Wouldn't that be a hoot -- Roy would say to his family, "Hey, I slept in the same suite that Janet2k did, imagine!" Yes, I have a very vivid imagination, hee hee.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Okay, Janet, enough of the "personal attacks". We need to keep the boards friendly.

:D

[Janet2k]

I found the following info regarding the two largest suites at the AKL on the www.ourlaughingplace.com website:

- - - - - - -
Vice Presidential - Royal Kuba - is a spacious, 2 bedroom suite with a king bed and 2 queens. The dining area has a table and chairs and there is a kitchen area with a wet bar and refrigerator. The parlor has a fireplace, desk, sofa and armoire with 27 “ television. The master bath has a large jacuzzi tub and walk-in closets. There is also a powder room. There are vaulted, thatched ceilings in the large sitting area. Sleeps 6. 1690 sq. ft.

Presidential - Royal Assante - is a very large, 2 bedroom suite with a king and 2 queens in the bedrooms. There is a large round parlor with a queen sleeper sofa, armoire with 27” television, desk, and fireplace. There is a dining area with a table and chairs, a kitchen area with a wet bar and refrigerator. The large sitting area has vaulted and thatched ceilings. The master bath has a large jacuzzi tub and walk-in closet. There is also a powder room. Sleeps 8. 2115 sq. ft.
- - - - - - -

I also found the following info regarding the one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites:

- - - - - - -
1 Bedroom - has 2 queen beds in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the parlor. There is a wet bar, refrigerator, table and chairs, a desk, armoire with a 27” television and a balcony. It has one full bath and a powder room. Sleeps 6. 777 sq. ft.

2 Bedroom - sleeps 8. The master bedroom has a king bed and the second bedroom has 2 queens. There is a queen sleeper sofa in the living area along with a table and chairs, desk, and armoire with 27” television. It also has a wet bar, refrigerator, balcony, one full bath and a powder room. 1083 sq. ft.
- - - - - - -

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, I love it when you cry UNCLE! (hee hee) :D


MJS, I was just doing some thinking (I know, it doesn't happen often, but when it does, WATCH OUT)... The two-bedroom suite that I stayed in had a king-sized bed in the master bedroom. The second bedroom of the suite could be "locked-off" from the rest of the suite, therefore, that suite in effect could be converted into a one-bedroom suite AND a deluxe savannah room. So, I guess that is your proof -- there ARE one-bedroom suites at the AKL that contain a king-sized bed in the master bedroom. And since my next AKL stay was in a one-bedroom suite and that master bedroom had two queen-sized beds, that is your other proof -- there are one-bedroom suites that contain two queen-sized beds.

I like it when a thread has a happy ending! Let me know if you have any other suite questions.

[MJS]

Good grief! We go out to dinner and look what happens! All I did was start a thread with a couple of innocent questions and ...

First of all, no I did not read anything about the AKL/meeting millionaires. I am the mother of a preschooler...all I read about is Barney, Elmo, etc. I was just looking for a different resort to stay in at WDW. Please don't tell me that some of the yahoos at the GF are now staying at the AKL. Ugh!

Cali, I do not think that I would stay in the Presidential Suite at the GF. That would involve interacting with my friends at the RPC, and I would rather have an enema!

Thanks for the great info about the AKL. I think for our little family, the one bedroom is a great choice. My DH did raise the question, "Doesn't the place stink?" He was referring to the animal smells. Any opinions there?

[Minybear]

MJS

When I was at AKL in January I did not smell anything. Right now I think you have to fear more about mosquitoes (thats what I heard from another poster).

Janet2K and Cali. You see I am on topic also :).

[MJS]

There were many, many mosquitoes at the GF in May. Are there more than average at the AKL? Are they bad on the balconies?

[Janet2k]

MJS, sure you *didn’t* read about any millionaires, wink ;) wink ;) (hee hee). I think you will like the concierge staff there much better than that *other* resort ;) . Like Minybear, I am happy to report that I didn’t smell any smells at the AKL when I was there in April, December, and January. And I didn’t have a bug problem, either (except for that BIG, pesky thing that was following me around all vacation long; oh yeah, I forgot, that was my HUSBAND, sheesh!).