Just back from Animal Kingdom Lodge, love it!

[Dicecatt]

Wonderful hotel. The CMs were delightful, the one checking me in worked hard to find me a great spot that was ready (9 AM). I had requested Arusha Savannah, Zebra trail on floor 3 or 4. She told me that my request could be granted but the construction noise would bother me. I told her that I trust her and find me what she thinks would be best. I was placed on Kudu, still Arusha Savannah...I thought that meant no zebras, but I was happy she tried to find me something away from construction. We walked to our room, quite a walk, but nice as passing the landings we saw Ostrich and giraffe. Our room was 3331, and was next to a landing so I only had neighbors on one side. Walk into the room...lovely! Out on the balcony...what do I see? ZEBRA! Constantly. We saw many giraffes, zebra, ankole cattle, and cranes...one laid eggs, and the other (we assumed the husband bird) would go crazy when another animal came near. Later we found out they are both female, and the eggs would never hatch as they aren't fertilized! I never saw ANY construction, never heard any construction noise, it was a wonderful stay. If you have any questions, ask away!

 

[angbuz]

When were you there? We just got back too! We stayed on the 2nd floor (room 2236). We just loved the AKL and would definitely stay there again. The kids just LOVED the pool and slide. No construction noise at all and didn't see any either! Buses were great too. Overall great experience!!!

 

[Dicecatt]

We were there Saturday and Sunday this past weekend! The pool was great. Sunday when they closed it because of lightening, the lifeguards had crafts out for the kids! When were you there? I loved the Storytelling, and the hotel in general was just wonderful. Did you have Savannah view?

 

[clownfish1452]

I am so happy to here good things about AKL, because I have been hearing so many bad things about the noise.

Sarah

 

[tiffanym5375]

Wonderful hotel. The CMs were delightful, the one checking me in worked hard to find me a great spot that was ready (9 AM). I had requested Arusha Savannah, Zebra trail on floor 3 or 4. She told me that my request could be granted but the construction noise would bother me. I told her that I trust her and find me what she thinks would be best. I was placed on Kudu, still Arusha Savannah...I thought that meant no zebras, but I was happy she tried to find me something away from construction. We walked to our room, quite a walk, but nice as passing the landings we saw Ostrich and giraffe. Our room was 3331, and was next to a landing so I only had neighbors on one side. Walk into the room...lovely! Out on the balcony...what do I see? ZEBRA! Constantly. We saw many giraffes, zebra, ankole cattle, and cranes...one laid eggs, and the other (we assumed the husband bird) would go crazy when another animal came near. Later we found out they are both female, and the eggs would never hatch as they aren't fertilized! I never saw ANY construction, never heard any construction noise, it was a wonderful stay. If you have any questions, ask away!

Excellent!! Thanks so much for reporting a great trip at AKL! I'm so happy you had such a wonderful stay! Was this your first stay at AKL? We are going in Jan for the first time. We have a savannah view as well. I hope it's worth it! We are so excitd!!!

 

[disneytraveler]

I am glad you enjoyed your stay at the AKL. I stayed there last summer and want to go back some day.

 

[disneytraveler]

Excellent!! Thanks so much for reporting a great trip at AKL! I'm so happy you had such a wonderful stay! Was this your first stay at AKL? We are going in Jan for the first time. We have a savannah view as well. I hope it's worth it! We are so excitd!!!

The savannah view is great. You will enjoy it. I felt like a young child seeing
all the animals.

 

[The Hill Family]

I'm so relieved to read your post - we leave for AKL in 7 days (WOO!HOO!) and I have been just slightly nervous due to all of the construction I've been reading about recently.

Glad you had such a great trip! Now I'm even more excited (if that is even possible).

 

[badblackpug]

Happy, happy, happy

I am staying at AK for the 1st time in Nov. I was worried until now!

Thank you!

 

[angbuz]

We were there Saturday and Sunday this past weekend! The pool was great. Sunday when they closed it because of lightening, the lifeguards had crafts out for the kids! When were you there? I loved the Storytelling, and the hotel in general was just wonderful. Did you have Savannah view?

We were there from Sat 4-28 thru Fri 5-4. We got upgraded to Savannah view when we checked in. My kids also got to do some crafts while we were there. Loved the feel of the hotel and the views were amazing. Loved Boma too!!!

 

[disneydance]

Im happy that you had great recent stay there i was worried about the noise so i called the resort since we are staying there in June and was told they were doing the best to not make it interfer with our stay and said most people are not noticing anything. What ive began to not is that the people who are saying that havent called the resort for them self. Im so happy to hear ppl lately have all good stays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nezgrrl]

Reading this I thought, "Thank God." I booked AKL without knowing about the construction, and AA Vacations can't/won't let me switch hotels. This makes me feel a million percent better as we leave in 8 days. Woot!

 

[Nezgrrl]

I'm so relieved to read your post - we leave for AKL in 7 days (WOO!HOO!) and I have been just slightly nervous due to all of the construction I've been reading about recently.

Glad you had such a great trip! Now I'm even more excited (if that is even possible).

Maybe I'll see you there! We leave in 8 days, if you hear a very loud four year old speaking with an Okie accent with two bewildered parents, that'll be my family!

 

[disneydance]

Glad to here were not the only ppl who booked akl for trips it seemed like everyone was cancelling it so we called the hotel to here whats up and they said it would not interfer with r trip happy to here some good reviews!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Vickie46]

we were there last week also.. Friday and Saturday.. we only heard the construction noise at the pool and hot tub areas the most... (in our room.. no.. but outside at the pool and hot tub areas.. we did.. and we could also see it.. but I didn't care.. I was in DISNEY!!! I miss it already.

 

[kath1210]

We spent last weekend at AKL and LOVED it! We were given an upgrade to Savannah View, but then learned that there is no smoking on the balconies at all. So we asked for a room near the pool, where smoking is allowed. (I hate smoke myself, but my Dad was joining us and he's a pretty heavy smoker).

We got room 2452 (Zebra Trail) and it seemed perfect. We were the first room to the right of the elevator and there was an observation deck immediately to the left of the elevator. We were right above the pool access and near the Mara and the Arcade. I fell in love with the place!

HOWEVER, at 9 a.m. Monday, the racket started. It sounded like they were drilling IN our room, but the CM who delivered breakfast said they were working on the 5th floor. It was hard to believe that the noise traveled that far! Thanksfully, we were leaving for the airport at 10 a.m., so the noise did not bother us too much.

We want to go back in late August for free dining. Does anyone know what the status of construction is projected to be by then?

Thanks!

 

[Dicecatt]

I'm pretty sure the construction will be an issue for the next 2 years. The CM that checked me in specifically told me I'd hear noise if I was on Zebra trail. On Kudu, I heard absolutely nothing, and we weren't at the pool during the day so heard nothing at that time either. I'd highly recommend Kudu, I saw many zebras as well as giraffes and others, the view was incredible.

Savannah is most certainly worth it, I would not stay at AKL without a Savannah view, I won't even stay concierge there because I wouldn't be guaranteed a Savannah view. It is that cool!

It was my first trip to AKL but definitely not my last! I loved Jiko, too. Boma was just okay (ducking for cover). I know everyone seems to love it, but...not so much. My favorite part was the Glowtini I had. We probably will try it again for breakfast but not dinner...just not my cup of tea. I expected to love it, but...oh well, it isn't possible to have a completely perfect stay!

Every single CM was incredibly nice...if you don't like your room, tell them! I was completely undemanding, and didn't even mention the construction, I told her I trust her to put me in a good spot, and she certainly did!

OH< AND GET THIS...the CM checking me in called me when I got in the room and asked if I found it okay! Such service.

 

[Weeziblu]

Aaaaahhhh! I'm breathing a sigh of relief! I've been watching and waiting for brand new AKL reviews for our trip next month!

I'm very happy to hear its been wonderful for so many people!

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Can you tell me more info about the storytellers? Thanks!

 

[Dicecatt]

Can you tell me more info about the storytellers? Thanks!

We had a wonderful CM from Africa, she told the story of Jablani and the Lion. It was very cool...at first, she was going to move us inside since it had been raining, but we all lightly protested, several families had already toweled off the rockers and we were all seated around the firepit, so she cheerfully agreed to do it outside. She first told a little bit about herself and her home in Africa, and then asked everyone around the circle their names and where they are from. It was interesting to hear where everyone was from! She told a story that the kids were very interested in, and she would ask them questions, like what they thought would happen next, or what animal she was talking about. It was about 15 minutes long or so, and then afterwards, she told the kids they should go to the Giftshop and pick out musical instruments, and she led a musical parade through the lobby. My kids thought it was great fun!