It's NEVER Too Late, for Number 8 - the most UNOFFICIAL, 'official' AKL thread yet!

[kimmar067]

Afternoon J's & K's - hope everyone is well.

Well, we're all battoned down and pretty much ready to go......... I hope Isaac fizzles, but not gonna hold my breath. My hope is that for us at least, that it doesn't move anymore to the west - that'll be BAD for us - basically we'd be on the "wrong" side - like Gustav - yeah, that's the one where we lost the roof to our house!!! I didn't sleep at all last night, for some reason, I'm worried about this storm. Anyway, I hope anyone else in it's path stays safe. I just feel horrible today, stressed and a migraine and just waiting........... lol -- and my ex mother in law passed about 15 min. ago - she was a lovely person who was always good to me. Sad day!!

.... .....oh, and BTW, stay safe, my friend!

 

[RachelTori]

Wendy,

Lots of prayers going out to you and those in the path of Isaac. I'm so sorry about your ex-MIL. Stay strong, dear friend. We are all here for you.

It rained here in WDW last night and this morning, but things have been fine since around 11am. Not the prettiest of days, but great park weather!

 

[kimmar067]

Yes, but when I explained to the tag fairy that being called "Ali" brings back painful childhood memories of being ridiculed and bullied she changes it. I gave her a couple suggestions, and that's the one she picked. ...

....fair enough....but it still doesn't answer where 'Saxi' comes from....

 

[franandaj]

....fair enough....but it still doesn't answer where 'Saxi' comes from....

My degree is in saxophone performance. So I've always considered myself a "saxy" kind of gal. Especially in college when I usually the only gal in the jazz band. I gave the TF a few choices and I guess that was the one she liked.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Afternoon J's & K's - hope everyone is well.

Well, we're all battoned down and pretty much ready to go......... I hope Isaac fizzles, but not gonna hold my breath. My hope is that for us at least, that it doesn't move anymore to the west - that'll be BAD for us - basically we'd be on the "wrong" side - like Gustav - yeah, that's the one where we lost the roof to our house!!! I didn't sleep at all last night, for some reason, I'm worried about this storm. Anyway, I hope anyone else in it's path stays safe. I just feel horrible today, stressed and a migraine and just waiting........... lol -- and my ex mother in law passed about 15 min. ago - she was a lovely person who was always good to me. Sad day!!

Sorry for your loss and prayers for your safety!

My degree is in saxophone performance. So I've always considered myself a "saxy" kind of gal. Especially in college when I usually the only gal in the jazz band. I gave the TF a few choices and I guess that was the one she liked.

It's a cute tag!

 

[franandaj]

It's a cute tag!

Thanks! I figure if we're destined to be Boo Boo's I can live with this one!

 

[Angel16]

Sorry for the losses I have been reading about in this thread! I hope everyone stays safe from Isaac too!

We just switched to AKL standard room yesterday from a moderate and I'm second guessing myself. I love, love, loved Kidani last year and this year wanted to stay somewhere new (going the Jambo House counts right??) and really felt like AKL is the only resort that truely feels like you have been transported somewhere far away. We are taking my MIL on her first and likely only trip so even though it was a stretch financially (we are heading down for 10 days in less than 3 weeks so this was an extra unplanned/unbudgeted trip this year) I really wanted her to experience AKL.

Now I'm wondering if we should switch back to a Mod since we can't afford the Savannah view. We had one at Kidani and waking up in the morning to the sounds of zebras playing was truly the highlight of our trip. If we stick with a standard, is there a certain area I should request that would be close to the Mara and close to the valet/main entrance? I found a map and it looked like unless I pay for a pool view and request Zebra trail that isn't really possible?

Thanks!

Congratulations on booking Jambo house and yes, it certainly counts as a new resort for you. How wonderful of you to bring your MIL on this trip. I am sure she will fall in love with AKL. So your trip is next month and you have booked a standard room if I am reading this correctly. Zebra trail is what I would request and see if you are pixie dusted with a great room. The problem with Giraffe & Ostrich Trail standard rooms is they face the front drive and bus stop. They would be close to valet/main entrance but not great for view or I would imagine a quite room. There are many lookouts around the resort that have wonderful views of the animals and savannahs. I am thinking you are concerned with the walking distance of things in the resort for your MIL. Is that a possible problem?
I will send you a PM in a little while, I am fixing dinner while writing this. Check you PM's later.

Ann

 

[aubriee]

We just switched to AKL standard room yesterday from a moderate and I'm second guessing myself. I love, love, loved Kidani last year and this year wanted to stay somewhere new (going the Jambo House counts right??) and really felt like AKL is the only resort that truely feels like you have been transported somewhere far away. We are taking my MIL on her first and likely only trip so even though it was a stretch financially (we are heading down for 10 days in less than 3 weeks so this was an extra unplanned/unbudgeted trip this year) I really wanted her to experience AKL.

Now I'm wondering if we should switch back to a Mod since we can't afford the Savannah view. We had one at Kidani and waking up in the morning to the sounds of zebras playing was truly the highlight of our trip. If we stick with a standard, is there a certain area I should request that would be close to the Mara and close to the valet/main entrance? I found a map and it looked like unless I pay for a pool view and request Zebra trail that isn't really possible?

Thanks!

My mom will turn 79 y/o Sept 10th. We are leaving this Saturday for AKL (Yay, just four more days). I booked us a pool view room. It is only $10.00 more a night than a standard and you are guaranteed to not be facing a parking lot. I was in a pool view room on the Giraffe trail a couple of years ago and loved how close we were to the restaurants and buses. I've had a Arusha savanna view and felt like it was a mile to the lobby.

 

[aubriee]

Just thought of something. My mom will be in an ECV. I know there are stairs that go from the lobby out to Arusha Rock. How about an elevator for people that are in ECVs? Where?

 

[RachelTori]

Good morning Js & Ks from WDW!!

I am heading to MK this morning! I think the rains from Isaac are gone. Now we're just expecting the normal Florida rains!

Weatherman on WFTV just said "it's very muggy outside...... about as muggy as it can get"

Wishing y'all a great day!

Stay safe, Wendy. Prayers that Isaac fizzles.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Good morning Js & Ks from WDW!!

I am heading to MK this morning! I think the rains from Isaac are gone. Now we're just expecting the normal Florida rains!

Weatherman on WFTV just said "it's very muggy outside...... about as muggy as it can get"

Wishing y'all a great day!

Stay safe, Wendy. Prayers that Isaac fizzles.

Have a great time!

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks! I figure if we're destined to be Boo Boo's I can live with this one!

.....well, it IS a lot shorter than, sayyyyy, 'When-are-we-ever-gonna-visit-WDW Boo-Boo'.....

 

[kimmar067]

Just thought of something. My mom will be in an ECV. I know there are stairs that go from the lobby out to Arusha Rock. How about an elevator for people that are in ECVs? Where?

....I know that there is an elevator on Zebra Trail - not sure if it goes down to the 'Arusha Rock level'; somehow I'm thinking that it does....

 

[PNO4TE]

Afternoon J's & K's - hope everyone is well.

Well, we're all battoned down and pretty much ready to go......... I hope Isaac fizzles, but not gonna hold my breath. My hope is that for us at least, that it doesn't move anymore to the west - that'll be BAD for us - basically we'd be on the "wrong" side - like Gustav - yeah, that's the one where we lost the roof to our house!!! I didn't sleep at all last night, for some reason, I'm worried about this storm. Anyway, I hope anyone else in it's path stays safe. I just feel horrible today, stressed and a migraine and just waiting........... lol -- and my ex mother in law passed about 15 min. ago - she was a lovely person who was always good to me. Sad day!!

Wendy - You and all my other NOLA DIS friends have been on my mind so much. I had trouble sleeping last night thinking about y'all so I can only imagine how worried you are. Please stay safe and we will continue to hope Isaac changes his mind or his strength.

 

[Ilivetogo]

I need any and all "pointers" you AKL folks can give me. This will be my first time staying at AKL -- we will be at Jambo House with my brother's DVC points. It will be myself and my DD18. I read about the parade in the lobby - sounds like fun to watch. What else (other than the Zebra Domes) is a must-do (or see) while there?

.

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning Js & Ks from WDW!!

I am heading to MK this morning! I think the rains from Isaac are gone. Now we're just expecting the normal Florida rains!

Weatherman on WFTV just said "it's very muggy outside...... about as muggy as it can get"

Wishing y'all a great day!

Stay safe, Wendy. Prayers that Isaac fizzles.

Have fun today! I would love more of your photo texts for the "Where in the World is Laura?" portion of your trip!

 

[PNO4TE]

Good morning, Js & Ks!

 

[kimmar067]

I need any and all "pointers" you AKL folks can give me. This will be my first time staying at AKL -- we will be at Jambo House with my brother's DVC points. It will be myself and my DD18. I read about the parade in the lobby - sounds like fun to watch. What else (other than the Zebra Domes) is a must-do (or see) while there?

.

....hmmmm, I must say that I am a bit stumped. Of all the times I've stayed/visited AKL I don't EVER remember a parade , but mebbe that's just me....there are so many nice activities on property - they are usually posted on a board. You and your DD MAY feel a bit too old to participate in the activities that enables you to win a 'bead' to make a bracelet, but two of my fave things are the flamingo feedings at the far end of the pool and the night-vision goggles....there is also African story-telling by Arusha Rock in the evenings by the fire pit....

 

[pilferk]

I need any and all "pointers" you AKL folks can give me. This will be my first time staying at AKL -- we will be at Jambo House with my brother's DVC points. It will be myself and my DD18. I read about the parade in the lobby - sounds like fun to watch. What else (other than the Zebra Domes) is a must-do (or see) while there?

They used to do (not sure if they still do) a cultural parade that starts in Zawadi and ends up outside Boma. It winds it's way through the lobby and down the stairs.

They do a similar parade, later at night, at Kidani.

When you check in, there will be a whole "menu" of activities you can get at the front desk. Some of our favorites are the bracelets, making ornaments, and the movies at the pool. But there is TONS of stuff to do around the resort.

Here's a sample newsletter...but activities change frequently:

 

[dgbg100106]

Good Morning All

Laura, have fun and try to stay dry!

Wendy, prayers and pixidust coming your way, stay safe.