Just back AKL, prob. won't do it again

[Chickenlady]

We just returned from a week's split stay at the Poly and AKL. Have never been to either, although have been to other deluxes. AKL was a beautiful resort but as DH said, unless they drastically lower rates we won't be staying there again. The biggest problem for us was the transportation...or lack there of. We rely on Disney transport so the Poly was great....we always had the choice of the launch, the monorail and sometimes the bus. With only buses running (and I use that term loosely) from the AKL it was a bit of a pain. We waited a long time for all the buses (more than the 20 min. described). We waited to leave AKL and we waited at the parks to return to AKL. We have used buses from WL, the moderates and even AllStars, so waiting for buses is normal for us but AKL was having a really hard time getting guests anywhere. We prob. could have walked to AK in much less time than waiting for the bus took. Also, AKL is so isolated that it didn't feel like we were staying at Disney.

I was also struck by several other things that contributed to my lack of enthusiasm for AKL. Bell Services was really bad....they lost our luggage! Eventually found it after 3 phone calls during the course of 3 hours....the first few calls I was told they would look into it and call me back...they never did. Then on the final phone call, they assured me that the luggage was in the room. Well, I'm standing in the room (I'd never left) and there was no luggage! They didn't quite believe me! Eventually they discovered that they had left the luggage in someone else's room!

I called the front desk to see if a late check out was possible, as our flight left late in the day. After asking sweetly, I was told "We don't do that here at Disney's AKL!". The CM spoke to me in a very snooty voice. She did say that we could have Bell services store the bags and that lockers and showers with soap and shampoo were available by the pool. Ok, have done this before, no big deal. Well, there is no soap or shampoo in the showers (no evidence that any had ever been there) and since the 3 yr old and I were in our wet bathing suits, I wasn't about to troop back to the front desk to whine.

Also was disappointed in the fast food outlet Mara....has limited hours so no late night refills with those mugs....great mugs though!

The isolation from the rest of the World along with minor inconviences did color our experience with AKL. It really did seem like a moderate with deluxe prices to us. We did have a savannah view and the animals were great but the balconeys were very noisy. If there is a next time for us, it will be with moderate expectations.

[webray]

Sorry to hear about your lousy time, we found everything to be exactly the opposite during our stay, and would stay again in a heartbeat. Nothing but professional people and outstanding service.

[princess angel]

Hi! we just split a stay between akl, poly (and the BWV also)
we loved the Polynesian! (they gave us late check out!)
the AKL didn't do it for us though! we thought the rooms were very small, and it was too dark for our taste. our view was magnificent, but other than that, we won't be rushing back either. don't get me wrong, we had no problems w/the cm's and we did think the architecture was beautiful, but other than that, it's just not our style, also, If I wanted to feel like I was in the middle of no where, I wouldn't be going to wdw!!! we didn't feel like we were in wdw, and couldn't wait to get to the BWV, and then the Poly!!!
oh, and I agree about Mara's, we were totally unimpressed, however Jiko was great! :)

Laura :)

[swankybeth]

Wow, that is very disappointing to hear!! I will be at the AKL from June 4-10, the Polynesian the 2-4. I hope they don't lose our luggage too!!:eek:
I've been hearing pretty bad stuff about Mara. Was it bad only because of the limited hours or was the food bad also? (I want to try the sugar cane chicken that I saw on the menu).
That's terrible about the buses...I hope they improve it...How long did it take to get to AK once you got on the bus??

Beth :p

Only 10 more days to go!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[CernyJ]

We will be staying at the AKL in a little over a week. We are interested in information about the Jiko food. We have seen the menu and are wondering if it is too exotic for our families taste? Any thoughts out there?

[crusnprincesses]

Wow....We just got back from the AKL, and honestly, it was the best experience we have EVER had. We ended up in concierge, and after travelling extensively in that type of environment, I have to put the AKL concierge at the top of my list. Sorry you had such a bad time of it. We even cancelled our stay at the polynesian after getting of the Magic cruise, because we wanted to return to our second "home" at the AKL. I really didn't find the busses that long, except maybe to downtown Disney. My 5 yr old DD refused to go anywhere else, and LOVED the staff at the Kilamanjaro club. They made our trip. (By the way, hi guys! if you're reading this!) Mara was great, and I'm pretty critical of food... we come from a city reknowned for good food. I found the service everywhere exceptional, and everyone tried to do their utmost to make our stay enjoyable. I will try to post a report soon, if anyone has any questions, feel free. We were there a total of 10 days, and even got to do the sunrise safari. Going back in January 2002, not soon enough!
PS - Try the brownies.....awesome!

[Janet2k]

Chickenlady, I am sorry that your AKL stay was not up to your standards. Like a few of the other posters here, I had a magical stay at the AKL. I wish yours would have been magical, too. I am glad, however, that you posted of your experience. I know how hard it is to post something like that.

[Chickenlady]

My disappointment with Mara was with the hours and the selection of food, quality of food was good. We'd just left the Poly and were really tired of chicken strips (Captain Cook's has a very limited hot menu). We walked into Mara and saw this big, impressive food court.....except it really isn't a food court. They have several stations with limited menus. In all, the food was good and Mara had more selections than Captain Cook's but much less than the food courts at the Moderates or All Stars.

Buses.....it takes only a couple of min. to get to AK from the Lodge. DH was insisting that there must be a walking path the 2 were so close.

Can't say that we disliked AKL but it's going to be very difficult to convince any of us to switch from the Poly or WL in favor of AKL. It might even be difficult to choose AKL over Allstar Movies.....remember, we have a 3 yr old.

I do find it interesting that the people who are raving the most about AKL all seem to have stayed in concierge????? Could the level of service really be that different? Also, we really didn't get to appreciate the quiet beauty of AKL as our stay was during the grand opening. The lobby was filled with stages, ropes, cables etc.

[mrbobwright]

I have to put my 2 cents in. We stayed at the AKL from 5/4 to 5/10 in 2 connecting standard Savannah rooms (and moved then to Wilderness Lodge for several days) and found it to be wonderful!! I have to say that this was the best vacation we have ever been on. THe next trip back, I cannot see us staying anywhere else then the AKL. There were 8 of us in 2 connecting rooms (my wife and I, my parents and my 4 kids ages 9,6 and 20 month old twin boys). The rooms were not huge but they were not small rooms like I have heard some people say. They were just average rooms.

Our rooms overlooked a watering hole and it was the most amazing thing. Giraffes, zebras, cattle, etc hanging out right outside the window (we were on 3rd floor). Next time I go back I will request same floor. Up higher you see out more but are not as close to the animals.

THe service their was exemplory. We loved the pool. My wife and I ate a Mara one night and had a truly fun time, and I am usually a real picky eater but loved the food I tried!


So if anyone is going and is not going concierge, don't worry. The place and service is still amazing!!

[dbcahill]

I could go on raving about AKL, but I posted a trip report. While we didn't go concierge, we did have a deluxe savannah room, so I can't address the size issue in a smaller room.

I do maintain however, that the bacon cheeseburger at Mara was the best I've ever had, Beaches and Cream included. I had them on two consecutive days.

And to the person wondering about Jiko. Don't miss it! There are beef and chicken selections if you're not feeling adventurous. Most of the more "exotic" selections are found on the appetizer, drink and dessert menus.

[glo]

The AKL sounds so cool! I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your stay. maybe it was an isolated thingMaybe next time things will be better.

[eeyore0062]

Although we have not had the opportunity to stay at AKL, we did visit last week when we ate at Boma---(fantastic restaurant). We found the resort to be beautiful, enjoyed the view of the savannah, thought the pool looked lovely, and had no problems with transportation from the TTC to the resort, or from the resort to Downtown Disney. It was a bit dark for my taste, but I tend to feel the same way about WL. The only real negative comment my DH and I had was the view from the front of the lodge. I would really hate to be staying in the front of the lodge, look out my window and see the billboards advertising the Days Inn on 192. I guess the trees in front of the lodge will have to grow taller and more dense to obscure that lovely view. Anyway, we would like to stay there with the savannah view, someday---I love the idea of being that close to the animals!

:) :bounce: :) :bounce: :) :bounce: :bounce: :) :bounce: :) :bounce: :)

[Kim Marie]

I hate to hear it when people have a bad experience on vacation--all that planning and $$!! We also have stayed at AKL but were on the Concierge level and we had no complaints. We never waited more than 10 minutes for the bus--but we did take a cab from the Contemporary(Chef Mickeys) back to the hotel, and from downtown disney. We loved the feeling of the AKL and our kids rated it #2 on their travel list(we do travel alot with them)!! Hope this helps

[RugratsMom]

Chickenlady, I can vouch for the standard rooms. DH and I were just there a little over a week ago and we had the standard savannah room view. DH has a senior position with a large computer company and also has his own company, we could choose to stay on the concierge floors but we choose not to. We were very impressed with the AKL. We had a wonderful time and loved the resort so much we changed our June ressies to AKL. I am really sorry that your trip wasn't what you had expected.

[brercalhoun]

I'm so sorry you're visit wasn't what you thought it would be. I would be so disappointed!!! But, at least you were in the World!

[Une Amie]

Chickenlady.....
My DH and I felt sorta the same way as you. While I have to admit the AKL is one of the most beautiful resorts I have ever seen, it lacked something for us.

The rooms are definately too small for the price your paying...especially after coming from the Poly which we did. Very confining eating area and I could not imagine how they get a table out on that small balcony for a room service breakfast...which by the way we could not do because on the "Kudu Trail" side the sun is overwhelming in the morning (no shade). Also, On our floor you had to walk through the lobby to the Zebra Trail side and down the hall if you wanted to fill your ice bucket or get a soda. No ice machine on 2nd floor of "Kudu Trail"....not a good thing!:(

I requested a coffee maker and they acted like no one ever ask for one before. I had to call 2x's' to finally get one. I also called 3 times to find out where I luggage was...did not receive it till close to 5pm that evening....not a good thing!:(

Orginally I had requested a room on the "Zebra Trail: side of the lodge when I called CRO to reserve and I also sent a "fax". (was aware that request are not guaranteed however), I asked for 3rd floor at the end of the wing on Zebra Trail and got the exact opposite...not a good thing:(

We saw very few animals on our side of the lodge, which made paying for a savannh view room rather worthless. We saw more animals down by the pool and walking over to the Zebra Trail lookouts.

All and all, I personally will probably never do AKL again...just did not give us that Disney magic, although I probably would make a ressie at "Boma's" (yummy food)...and that was a good thing!;)

[lisapooh]

I guess if you are expecting rooms the size of those at the Poly you would be disappointed. All the resorts have smaller rooms except the Contemp. I doubt if Disney will ever make a resort with that large of room again.
I'm looking forward to staying at AKL. We always have a car so if the buses are slow I can always resort to that but honestly I don't think Disney transportation is all that bad. it is a hassle to have to lift a wheelchair in and out of the car each place we go.
I'm especially looking forward to eating at Boma and taking the Sunrise Safari.

[jfranklyn]

My husband and I and dd (2.5) just did 3 days at AKL after 8 at ASM. We thought it was the most magical thing EVER. Mind you, we have never done a deluxe before, so we can't compare. But we loved every minute of that place - including the grand opening celebration with some cast members from "The Lion King" on Broadway. We also LOVE animals, and that was the main thing we were there for. We loved Mara, as food courts go I thought it was great; Boma was sensational; and the pool was SOOO relaxing. The people could not have been nicer to us, but we did have a little trouble getting our bags. All-in-all, it was great, and we were NOT concierge, just a regular savannah view room. Our 2nd floor view was great - my only complaint would be that when I sat in the balcony chair, the railing of the balcony was directly in my line of sight. I have ALWAYS said I wanted to be just a few inches taller.....LOL!!

[Blondie]

I just have one question if you don't mind.

What did you mean by your balcony being noisy?

[Poohbr1965]

Wow...our experience was the total opposite! All the CMs were great, we never waited more than 10 minutes for any bus, bell services was superb, and I loved Mara. We have stayed at the Poly, and for us it doesn't even come close to AKL! We were not concierge either. That's what makes the world go around though, different strokes for different folks!

[ElaineM43]

We have to agree with the OP on this one. DH and I spent 9 days at AKL and we would never do this again. Besides the CM's being extremely RUDE, I had significant problems with disability issues.:(

There is no lunch served at this resort unless you want to go to Mara and Jiko is overpriced and too exotic for us. Boma would be excellent if they could control the temperature of the food.

I have written letters to Disney and they have called to confirm receipt and stated that a rep would be back in touch with me. This was definitely NOT a magical trip for us and we are veteran Disney people.

A total disappointment.

[jfranklyn]

I'm not the one who wrote that my balcony was noisy, but ours was too, at certain times of the day. We were only there for 3 days, but the people that were to the right of us, who also had a small child, were very loud. When we went out on the balcony, we were quiet, and were watching the animals. We also encouraged our daughter (who is 2 and 1/2) to be quiet, or to talk quietly, so as not to disturb the animals or other people. The people next to us were VERY loud, and were actually encouraging their child (who was probably 3 or so) to CALL the animals by yelling "Hey Zebra, come over here" at the top of their lungs!! We did not appreciate this. Our trip was truly magical to AKL, and this was in NO way the fault of the hotel, but it was annoying that people could be so insensitive to others and to the animals.

[Chickenlady]

About the balcony noise. ...

We could hear everything that any one within a ? 20 ? room radius was saying. We were out on the balcony listening to someone's cellphone conversation! I looked throught the divider, because it was so loud I figured it had to be the next door neighbors...nope! We could hear conversations from many different directions....normal balcony conversations, not yelling and carrying on. Never noiticed this on the balcony of WL, which has similar balconies. Must be something about the accustics of the horseshoe building and the savannah.

[Une Amie]

Chickenlady... we too heard a lot of noice, but it was not all that bad as far a we could tell. I do remember that if I sat down on the chair, the top of the railing got in the way of viewing the animals...what little we saw! I was sincerely disapointed with our balcony which I thought would be a bit bigger than it was and I thought I would see more animals than I saw.
I had a completely different impression of what we actually experienced. Other than our room, the rest of the hotel is absolutely wonderful...but my room is what counts the most...and we were not happy with it. :rolleyes:

[lisapooh]

Thanks for the warning. I will remember to use ASL with my kids while we are there this weekend. Then our conversation will not disturb others.

[Sherrilatte]

Sorry to hear about the disappointment at AKL...I hope the rest of your trip at WDW compensated for this:D...We will be visiting AK in less than a week, but we will not be staying at AKL. What did you think about this park?

[Chickenlady]

We go to AK on every trip. Our little guy just loves all the shows, the safari and the playground! The only time we managed to spend more than a couple of hours there was in Feb! This park is soooooo blooming hot. We've tried everything from wet bandanas to misty fans and nothing helps. We still keep going back though, so maybe that is a good endorsement for the park.

One more comment on the balcony situation.....funny, but the railing was also directly in my line of sight. The decorator who picked the chairs should have sat in them while on the balcony.

[Tiffany]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the AKL. My husband and I just returned from the AKL on the 29th and we fell in love with the place.

The rooms are small compared to the other deluxes but I believe the same size as the WL.

We liked Mara and it was open from 6am till Midnight during our stay. The pasta primavera, fried shrimp plate and ceaser salad were all very good.

Well, sorry you did not enjoy your stay. Hope the rest of your trip was better.

[Tiggerkeeper]

Sorry you had a bad experience we just got back and LOVED this resort!! The CM's were soooooo nice and helpful. I had a car sick teenager on my hands at check-in and the CM's were so helpful getting us to our room. We had a standard view and ate breakfast on our balcony with the giraffes every morning. We had no problem filling up our mugs during our midnight swims every night. As far as the room size goes the furniture is so oversized it makes the room seem small but with three teenage females in our room not to mention me we managed just fine. I can't speak for the buses because we only used them twice(with no problem) but that is because I am a control nut and like to have my own vehicle.

I was so impressed DH and I are going next year with no kidos!!

TK

[TeresaNJ]

We just returned from AKL two weeks ago, stayed first three nights at AKL and last three nights at VWL. While WL is my very favorite resort, I have to say that AKL was wonderful. My husband absolutely loved it.

We had standard savannah view rooms overlooking the Arusha savannah. Every day there were ankole cattle, giraffe, zebra and elk outside our window. The view was unbelievable. I was not disappointed in the size or decor of the room. I didn't find it dark or dreary, in fact, quite the opposite.

We were able to get food and refills at Mara every day until midnight, so we were quite happy with their hours of operation.

We had no problems with bus transportation, except for a return from Downtown Disney. That was a way too long. Other than that, a bus was always availabe within the twenty minute posted wait, coming and going, and one was usually there within ten minutes.

The pool was awesome, the best Disney pool we've been in.

We ate at Boma's, DH loved it, I thought it was okay, not my favorite seasonings.

Resort was beautiful, but wished I had more time there to really absorb it all.

Will return again in the future.

Sorry to hear, Chickenlady, that things weren't better for you. We've had some less than magical trips too, one of them being at the BWV, so I guess that will happen sometimes.


:(