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

[kimmar067]

I will try to remember!!! ZDs usually get into the mouth before the camera gets out of its case!

..well then....GRAB A BUNCH.....of ZD's, that is....

 

[RachelTori]

..well then....GRAB A BUNCH.....of ZD's, that is....

I put that on my list!

See y'all real soon! (that's the "southern" version! )

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi there - I'm new to the boards. Been reading lots and learning TONS. Thank you to all of you who share your knowledge and experience with all things Disney. I consider myself a moderately experienced Disney Freak. I'm one of those crazy people that reasearches the heck out of things, so I learn a lot.

This will be our first time staying at AKL (Dec. 10-16) and I can't begin to say how excited we are. The most difficult and exciting part, is our kids think we are staying at CSR, and we are surprising them by arriving and staying at AKL. They are going to be beyond excited!!

Thanks again for all the photos and info - I look forward to learning a lot more over the coming weeks!

Denise

Congrats on the trip and the kids (the little ones and the big ones) will have a very magical time.

 

[HugeHabsFan]

Congrats on the trip and the kids (the little ones and the big ones) will have a very magical time.

Thanks!

 

[athenna]

Just dropping in to say hello...Home sick AGAIN. This time they think it's strep....Waiting for the results from the lab, but they started me on antibiotics just in case...I'm home tomorrow too.

Sorry!

 

[John's Mom]

Just dropping in to say hello...Home sick AGAIN. This time they think it's strep....Waiting for the results from the lab, but they started me on antibiotics just in case...I'm home tomorrow too.

Sorry!

Jen, hope you feel better soon.

In case you haven't found our new home:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3003371

 

[dgbg100106]

Just dropping in to say hello...Home sick AGAIN. This time they think it's strep....Waiting for the results from the lab, but they started me on antibiotics just in case...I'm home tomorrow too.

Sorry!

Be careful we got in trouble over here and we moved to another place. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[MushyMushy]

Okay, here are a few thoughts I wanted to post about my trip (9/22-9/27). My friend and I stayed at Jambo House, pool view on the 4th floor. Let me first say that AKL continues to be my favorite place in the whole world, but there were a couple of things on this trip that were a bit less than magical. It will NOT stop me from staying there and won't stop us from buying DVC when we can. However, I would think twice about pool view again.

First of all, everything is gorgeous and as wonderful as always. I don't want anybody to think because I have a couple of complaints that I'm hating on AKL.

For one thing, food at the Mara was totally not up to par. That has always been my favorite QS restaurant, but this trip was just bleh. The African Stew was pretty nasty. It almost had a gelatinous quality to it and was served over dry basmati rice -- very dry. I love basmati rice, which has a drier quality, but this had been sitting out too long. The butternut squash soup was thick and chunky. Zebra domes were all melty. Breakfast, not good at all. Boma and Sanaa? Spot on, as usual. Yummy.

The pool. This is probably a controversial complaint, but I really hated all the activities they have going on at the pool all afternoon. They stop playing the African music, which is the BEST part of sitting by the pool, IMO, and play pop music for the kids. They also had a girl screeching into a microphone organizing activities for the kids. Very popular and obviously the kids were having a blast. But it annoyed the daylights out of me. Gone were my relaxing afternoons by the poolside. Even taking a nap in the room, you could hear the girl on the microphone almost as if we were right there. Yeah, I was regretting not going standard view or savanna. I can see how this is a good activity for the kids and all, but wasn't the pool fun enough before? Weren't the quieter activities good enough? The good. Uzima Springs pool bar was fabulous, like always. Yummy drinks, friendly bartenders. What more could you want?

And this is just a minor petty gripe, but the one area off of arusha rock where you can sit on the balcony is completely blocked by trees so you can't see animals from it. That's usually my favorite shady area to sit, but didn't get to. I still saw animals from other areas, but that's such a great viewing area that it's a shame for it to be all blocked off like that.

Internet in the room was horrible. I didn't care at all, but had my husband been with us, it would have been bad because he works when he travels.

I had a small issue come up with my ME departure. They couldn't find my name in the system and therefore couldn't tell me when I had to be at the bus. The front desk told me to go to valet. Valet got on the phone and the lady on the phone wouldn't tell her my departure time. The poor girl at valet was TICKED and tried to convince her to give me a time. I finally got help at the concierge desk. Nobody gave me a hard time about it. They just couldn't help me.

I know that it sounds like I'm doing a LOT of complaining, but believe me it was the best trip and I wasn't at all unhappy. I just wanted to bring these up to discuss to see what anyone else thinks about it.

 

[Flossbolna]

The pool. This is probably a controversial complaint, but I really hated all the activities they have going on at the pool all afternoon. They stop playing the African music, which is the BEST part of sitting by the pool, IMO, and play pop music for the kids. They also had a girl screeching into a microphone organizing activities for the kids. Very popular and obviously the kids were having a blast. But it annoyed the daylights out of me. Gone were my relaxing afternoons by the poolside. Even taking a nap in the room, you could hear the girl on the microphone almost as if we were right there. Yeah, I was regretting not going standard view or savanna. I can see how this is a good activity for the kids and all, but wasn't the pool fun enough before? Weren't the quieter activities good enough?

Thanks for your review! I can absolutely understand your problem with the pool party!! What a shame that they don't play the African music, but loud talking on a microphone is really too much I think. I was afraid of the pool party at the Boardwalk pool when I stayed there last summer and was pleasantly surprised that the volume of the CMs talking into a microphone was not loud at all! They did fine and the kids seemed to have a great time, but it did not take away from the atmosphere of the pool too much. So it can be done in a way that accommodates everyone.

I would suggest you send a letter to Disney about this. If they never hear from the people who don't like this activity they will never know that some people are really disturbed by it. Especially if it was so noisy that you could hear it in your room! I never heard "normal pool noise" in my AKL pool view room.

 

[MushyMushy]

Thanks for your review! I can absolutely understand your problem with the pool party!! What a shame that they don't play the African music, but loud talking on a microphone is really too much I think. I was afraid of the pool party at the Boardwalk pool when I stayed there last summer and was pleasantly surprised that the volume of the CMs talking into a microphone was not loud at all! They did fine and the kids seemed to have a great time, but it did not take away from the atmosphere of the pool too much. So it can be done in a way that accommodates everyone.

I would suggest you send a letter to Disney about this. If they never hear from the people who don't like this activity they will never know that some people are really disturbed by it. Especially if it was so noisy that you could hear it in your room! I never heard "normal pool noise" in my AKL pool view room.

I have heard some pool noise on the lower floors, but nothing that ever kept me from napping or enjoying my room. But this was extremely loud. I shouldn't have said that the girl was screeching -- she had a nice voice. A DJ voice. But it definitely could have been taken down a few dozen notches. LOL

Again, like I said, the trip was still great. The friend I went with is now determined to bring her own family to stay at AKL because she just fell in love with the place.

 

[benniecooper]

So, I posted last week asking about pool view location information. I had planned on booking the pool view & surprising my DH because it is our 6th wedding anniversary & he thought we were staying in a standard room. Since then, I have decided to book a Savannah view room. I called & made the change while I at was at work so he wouldn't hear me. Well, last night, we're sitting on the couch and out of the blue he says 'we are staying in a savannah room aren't we?" This man can guess a Christmas present without even touching the box. Now I have no surprise. Oh well, anyways thanks again for all of the information. We fly out Saturday morning & I can't wait.

 

[kimmar067]

Okay, here are a few thoughts I wanted to post about my trip (9/22-9/27). My friend and I stayed at Jambo House, pool view on the 4th floor. Let me first say that AKL continues to be my favorite place in the whole world, but there were a couple of things on this trip that were a bit less than magical. It will NOT stop me from staying there and won't stop us from buying DVC when we can. However, I would think twice about pool view again.

First of all, everything is gorgeous and as wonderful as always. I don't want anybody to think because I have a couple of complaints that I'm hating on AKL.

For one thing, food at the Mara was totally not up to par. That has always been my favorite QS restaurant, but this trip was just bleh. The African Stew was pretty nasty. It almost had a gelatinous quality to it and was served over dry basmati rice -- very dry. I love basmati rice, which has a drier quality, but this had been sitting out too long. The butternut squash soup was thick and chunky. Zebra domes were all melty. Breakfast, not good at all. Boma and Sanaa? Spot on, as usual. Yummy.

The pool. This is probably a controversial complaint, but I really hated all the activities they have going on at the pool all afternoon. They stop playing the African music, which is the BEST part of sitting by the pool, IMO, and play pop music for the kids. They also had a girl screeching into a microphone organizing activities for the kids. Very popular and obviously the kids were having a blast. But it annoyed the daylights out of me. Gone were my relaxing afternoons by the poolside. Even taking a nap in the room, you could hear the girl on the microphone almost as if we were right there. Yeah, I was regretting not going standard view or savanna. I can see how this is a good activity for the kids and all, but wasn't the pool fun enough before? Weren't the quieter activities good enough? The good. Uzima Springs pool bar was fabulous, like always. Yummy drinks, friendly bartenders. What more could you want?

And this is just a minor petty gripe, but the one area off of arusha rock where you can sit on the balcony is completely blocked by trees so you can't see animals from it. That's usually my favorite shady area to sit, but didn't get to. I still saw animals from other areas, but that's such a great viewing area that it's a shame for it to be all blocked off like that.

Internet in the room was horrible. I didn't care at all, but had my husband been with us, it would have been bad because he works when he travels.

I had a small issue come up with my ME departure. They couldn't find my name in the system and therefore couldn't tell me when I had to be at the bus. The front desk told me to go to valet. Valet got on the phone and the lady on the phone wouldn't tell her my departure time. The poor girl at valet was TICKED and tried to convince her to give me a time. I finally got help at the concierge desk. Nobody gave me a hard time about it. They just couldn't help me.

I know that it sounds like I'm doing a LOT of complaining, but believe me it was the best trip and I wasn't at all unhappy. I just wanted to bring these up to discuss to see what anyone else thinks about it.

Thanks for your review! I can absolutely understand your problem with the pool party!! What a shame that they don't play the African music, but loud talking on a microphone is really too much I think. I was afraid of the pool party at the Boardwalk pool when I stayed there last summer and was pleasantly surprised that the volume of the CMs talking into a microphone was not loud at all! They did fine and the kids seemed to have a great time, but it did not take away from the atmosphere of the pool too much. So it can be done in a way that accommodates everyone.

I would suggest you send a letter to Disney about this. If they never hear from the people who don't like this activity they will never know that some people are really disturbed by it. Especially if it was so noisy that you could hear it in your room! I never heard "normal pool noise" in my AKL pool view room.

....that's what I so love about this thread - people can give honest evaulations of a situation that they may or may not have control over....and Flossbolna, I certainly agree with you. It should be brought to the attention of the 'powers-that-be' at WDW, that it can be looked into....

 

[kimmar067]

I have heard some pool noise on the lower floors, but nothing that ever kept me from napping or enjoying my room. But this was extremely loud. I shouldn't have said that the girl was screeching -- she had a nice voice. A DJ voice. But it definitely could have been taken down a few dozen notches.....

....greatly appreciate your take on this situation. If I was the parent of young children, I'd be concerned if they were to take a daily afternoon nap and were prevented from doing so because of the excessive noise.....

 

[kimmar067]

So, I posted last week asking about pool view location information. I had planned on booking the pool view & surprising my DH because it is our 6th wedding anniversary & he thought we were staying in a standard room. Since then, I have decided to book a Savannah view room. I called & made the change while I at was at work so he wouldn't hear me. Well, last night, we're sitting on the couch and out of the blue he says 'we are staying in a savannah room aren't we?" This man can guess a Christmas present without even touching the box . Now I have no surprise. Oh well, anyways thanks again for all of the information. We fly out Saturday morning & I can't wait.

....he must be related to MY husband! That drives me NUTS! You both are going to enjoy the savannah-view room though....

 

[PNO4TE]

MushyMushy - I agree the Disney should hear about your thoughts on the pool party. You can write an email with a link from the WDW site. It will be read and you will get a response.

benniecooper - Have a glorious time!

 

[Pinkocto]

So, I posted last week asking about pool view location information. I had planned on booking the pool view & surprising my DH because it is our 6th wedding anniversary & he thought we were staying in a standard room. Since then, I have decided to book a Savannah view room. I called & made the change while I at was at work so he wouldn't hear me. Well, last night, we're sitting on the couch and out of the blue he says 'we are staying in a savannah room aren't we?" This man can guess a Christmas present without even touching the box. Now I have no surprise. Oh well, anyways thanks again for all of the information. We fly out Saturday morning & I can't wait.

Sorry the secret is out. Hope you have a fabulous trip! Happy Anniversary

 

[miprender]

I totally get the pool thing, unfortunately it is not only AKL that has all those pool games. The WL had them too and though I understand some people like them, they do get on my nerves after a while. They just go on too long

So I'm going to try to spend my 3-day weekend reading through this thread. In the meantime, we are trying to decide between AKL and WL for our 2013 trip. My DS has voted for AKL, DD is undecided, DH likes WL and I'm still on the fence, but leaning toward AKL.

Please tell me the reasons that you guys love AKL so I can sell my hubby on it. TIA!

I totally understand. Having just stayed at the VWL I am now torn between both AKL & WL. I just love them both ♥!

 

[pixiedust2012]

Hi! Sorry if I missed this somewhere, but I was wondering where I can find a link to the Pool movie, and the activities schedule for the end of October/Early November? I thought at one point I found it, but I am not able to locate it now? Thanks!!

 

[AquaDame]

Howdy howdy howdy! I am guessing the answer is no, but figured I may as well ask anyway in case! Does anyone know anything more about the new Night Safari other than it happens, is only for guests of AKL and you use the night goggles? Thanks!

 

[kimmar067]

Howdy howdy howdy! I am guessing the answer is no, but figured I may as well ask anyway in case! Does anyone know anything more about the new Night Safari other than it happens, is only for guests of AKL and you use the night goggles? Thanks!

....I'm thinking some kind of meal is involed, but I may be wrong....lemme research it a bit and perhaps I can come back with a definitive answer!