Staying off property but want to visit AKL for lunch

[HarMinnie]

We are staying off property for this quick trip but plan to have an early lunch at AKL and walk around in hopes of getting to see a few animals.

Can you recommend places to view animals that are accessible to the general public?

Recommendations for a quick lunch?

Thanks.

 

[minnie mum]

You have 2 choices for a lunch at AKL. The Mara is the counter service place at Jambo House. While you can't see the animals from the restaurant, if you go out the back of the lobby (take the stairs down) there are marked viewing places there. Just ask a CM for directions if you need to.

At Kidani Village (the DVC sister) is Sanna TS restaurant. One of our very favourite places to go. I would recommend that you get an ADR. It has views of one of the savannahs so you should be able to see animals (you can request a window table, but may or may not be able to get one). I think there are also outside viewing areas. Again, just ask a CM for directions.

 

[HarMinnie]

You have 2 choices for a lunch at AKL. The Mara is the counter service place at Jambo House. While you can't see the animals from the restaurant, if you go out the back of the lobby (take the stairs down) there are marked viewing places there. Just ask a CM for directions if you need to.

At Kidani Village (the DVC sister) is Sanna TS restaurant. One of our very favourite places to go. I would recommend that you get an ADR. It has views of one of the savannahs so you should be able to see animals (you can request a window table, but may or may not be able to get one). I think there are also outside viewing areas. Again, just ask a CM for directions.

I can always count on friendly help quickly! thank you

 

[stargazertechie]

I agree if you want a good meal to go to Sanaa! The CMs on the grounds are always incredibly helpful when it comes to spotting animals.

 

[bethclayton]

it would be hard to explain exactly where the overlooks are, but if you google akl map you will see them marked on there. two are right off the lobby- one is straight back and the other is to the left of it. there is another one off of the pool area near one of the hot tubs. there are other overlooks from within the building that i do not see marked on a map. the cm's will definitely help direct you.

i have never eaten at sanaa but have heard great things about it. for a quick counter service meal, we love mara and ate there almost every day of our stay there.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I would definitely recommend Sanaa and visit the two overlook areas at both Kidani Village and Jambo House. Plus if you want to relax in a rocking chair there are lots of other overlooks throughout the Lodge. Also there are some flamingos in an area near the pool at Jambo House.

 

[cleophus12]

I haven't eaten at Sanaa for lunch, but our dinner there was outstanding. We did get a window table and sat there through a thunderstorm. The animals began running for cover and ran right by us! It was fabulous! And so was the food. AKL is one of our favorite places for passing free time whether we eat there or not. There are a number of places where you can view the animals easily, and as PPs have said, CMs are more than willing to talk to you about the animals. And staying there is paradise! Our favorite WDW resort. Feels like a world away.

 

[HarMinnie]

Thanks for the suggestion. I found this map http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm. I am sure the CMs will also help direct us. I think we will try The Mara since we only have a short time.

 

[bethclayton]

Thanks for the suggestion. I found this map http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm. I am sure the CMs will also help direct us. I think we will try The Mara since we only have a short time.

yep, that's the one. i think if you don't have a ton of time, you will probably be satisfied with just the ones on the map plus the flamingoes near the pool. if you will really be short on time, you might want to look at the mara's menu ahead of time since some of their food is not the usual, familiar stuff (although they have some of that, too).

 

[shelbikans]

I would recommend going to Sanaa at Kidani Village. If you go here you must get the bread sampler with the accompiaments. It's delicious! In this resturant if you get the right seat you have a view of the savannah. Once you're done eating there are many overlooks outside of the lobby you can view the animals all having comfortable rocking chairs.