Number 9 is really FINE! Welcome to AKL LITE - the 'unofficial' FAQ Thread

[Koh1977]

Let's hope there are at least 2 pool view king bed rooms I think I would prefer a standard room with king bed over a pool view with 2 queens... That empty bed taking up space just bothers me

My DH and I will have 2 kids with us, but DD2 won't sleep in a pack n play, so if she does end up sleeping with us, the king is much more comfortable...and we're bringing a toddler size air mattress (size of a crib). DS6 will have the daybed. We would make do with 2 queens if necessary, but I'd rather upgrade to bunk beds at that point I think...

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[cheer25mom]

My DH and I will have 2 kids with us, but DD2 won't sleep in a pack n play, so if she does end up sleeping with us, the king is much more comfortable...and we're bringing a toddler size air mattress (size of a crib). DS6 will have the daybed. We would make do with 2 queens if necessary, but I'd rather upgrade to bunk beds at that point I think...

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When we have been I this situation before and wanted to put our DD on am air mattress they have refused to book us in a king room because of the occupancy requirements. Are the king rooms at AKL listed as accommodating 3 because of the day bed?

 

[lpizzuro123]

We are staying in AKL in November of this year. I want to make reservations at Boma (we have eaten there before and love it). Not sure what time to make the reservations. We want to use the resort and not do too much park time. I know they have different programs at AKL - like nighttime storytelling. Does anyone have a listing of different programs going on at the resort. I do not want to miss any programs if we are sitting in Boma.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[Koh1977]

When we have been I this situation before and wanted to put our DD on am air mattress they have refused to book us in a king room because of the occupancy requirements. Are the king rooms at AKL listed as accommodating 3 because of the day bed?

Yes, they are and since she's under 3 I think it should be ok?

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[lfortin16]

AKL July 13-21 pool view for our DDs 2nd birthday!! Yay!

We'll be there the same week. Maybe we'll bump into each other.
Have a magical time!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

ARe these at Kidani? Thank you sooo much - VERY!!!! helpful!!!

Nope..Jambo

 

[Bethipooh4]

So we bought into DVC 3 years ago and this is the first time we are staying at AKL using our points. We have a 2 bedroom savannah view booked at Kindai village.
We are traveling with our 2 young granddaughters (1 and 4).
Any recomendations on an area we should request that is not going to involve alot of walking to the pools.
This is our first time staying there and I am getting a bit nervous.
Also is there a place to purchase snacks there, I noticed there isn't a counter service location there. Where would we be able to fill our mugs?

 

[johnsonet]

Just booked Sanaa for dinner our first night and Boma for breakfast on our "sleep in" morning. I cannot wait to be back at AKL

 

[johnsonet]

So we bought into DVC 3 years ago and this is the first time we are staying at AKL using our points. We have a 2 bedroom savannah view booked at Kindai village.
We are traveling with our 2 young granddaughters (1 and 4).
Any recomendations on an area we should request that is not going to involve alot of walking to the pools.
This is our first time staying there and I am getting a bit nervous.
Also is there a place to purchase snacks there, I noticed there isn't a counter service location there. Where would we be able to fill our mugs?

I cannot help w/ Kidani but sounds like a really great trip. 2-bedroom with savanna views - can't beat that!

 

[dgbg100106]

So we bought into DVC 3 years ago and this is the first time we are staying at AKL using our points. We have a 2 bedroom savannah view booked at Kindai village.
We are traveling with our 2 young granddaughters (1 and 4).
Any recomendations on an area we should request that is not going to involve alot of walking to the pools.
This is our first time staying there and I am getting a bit nervous.
Also is there a place to purchase snacks there, I noticed there isn't a counter service location there. Where would we be able to fill our mugs?

I have never stayed Kidani, but I am sure it will be wonderful.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

So we bought into DVC 3 years ago and this is the first time we are staying at AKL using our points. We have a 2 bedroom savannah view booked at Kindai village.
We are traveling with our 2 young granddaughters (1 and 4).
Any recomendations on an area we should request that is not going to involve alot of walking to the pools.
This is our first time staying there and I am getting a bit nervous.
Also is there a place to purchase snacks there, I noticed there isn't a counter service location there. Where would we be able to fill our mugs?

We were at Kidani in April with DD3 and DS1. Savannah view room and I requested near the pool (1st as my priority) and low floor as secondary. I threw in "Near Rafiki elevator" since someone told me that is the elevator you take down to the pool if you want to walk outside through the garage instead of going through the lobby. And it was GREAT advice. We were on the 4th floor but near the Rafiki elevator. We had a great view of the animals with giraffe, zebra, ostrich, ankole cattle and various other things from time to time which THRILLED DD, and then an easy few doors down to the elevator and down to the pool. It wasn't CLOSE to the lobby but trust me, only I could have possibly been annoyed. My DD loved stopping at all the windows to see what animals were there and DS1 was in his stroller so he was happy. It definitely can be far but the view seems worth it to me - even if we had been down much further!!!

So that's my advice: Near Pool, Rafiki Elevator, Low Floor. Good luck - you will LOVE it. We are staying somewhere else on our next trip and I'm sad....but I rented so I can't change it now. Boo.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

Any DVC-er's awake? Wondering if ANYTHING available on 6/6 for one night only?

Invited a friend to join us on our 6/7 - 6/9 quick trip. Booked AP rate at WL for both of us. But somehow she managed to get an early flight on 6/7. I have to fly SW for the free airfare! NOTHING until 3pm...but they do have a PM flight Thurs I could take. So I might if there is a studio somewhere!!! Let me know! I checked the rates for one night at Kidani (DD3s favorite) and it is OBSCENE - even with AP rate! Jambo is expensive too.....but the lowest of the Deluxe. Might have to go Value if nothing available but would love a good pool until their plane arrives at 11ish!

Any other solutions you can think of? Maybe I should check into the Hyatt at the airport (is that what it is - a Hyatt???)...Could do a value but they seem really high since we are so close and I'm guessing the bookings are high for summer and SW weekend.... THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!!! WWYD?

 

[franandaj]

Any DVC-er's awake? Wondering if ANYTHING available on 6/6 for one night only?

Invited a friend to join us on our 6/7 - 6/9 quick trip. Booked AP rate at WL for both of us. But somehow she managed to get an early flight on 6/7. I have to fly SW for the free airfare! NOTHING until 3pm...but they do have a PM flight Thurs I could take. So I might if there is a studio somewhere!!! Let me know! I checked the rates for one night at Kidani (DD3s favorite) and it is OBSCENE - even with AP rate! Jambo is expensive too.....but the lowest of the Deluxe. Might have to go Value if nothing available but would love a good pool until their plane arrives at 11ish!

Any other solutions you can think of? Maybe I should check into the Hyatt at the airport (is that what it is - a Hyatt???)...Could do a value but they seem really high since we are so close and I'm guessing the bookings are high for summer and SW weekend.... THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!!! WWYD?

No availability in a studio anywhere. I would probably either book a value or check out the Hyatt.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

Awesome- thanks so much for checking! Think I'll look at the airport hotels for sure. Seems silly to spend $200 more on airfare when I can do an airport or value instead and have MORE vacation time! (isn't is sad how easily I can justify this....but just wait for it, pretty sure I'll be at AKL instead. Trying to figure out how to justify the increase over airport costs)! Hahahaha!

No availability in a studio anywhere. I would probably either book a value or check out the Hyatt.

 

[GeorgiaH]

Hooray! This summer (July 30-August 10) we'll be at WDW for the 3rd time. This will be our first stay at AKL. We booked pool view and requested a king bed. Anyone can give me how big the chance is to get that? And maybe have pictures of a king bed room? Thanks!

We checked in yesterday around 1pm. We did online checkin, our room was ready when we arrived. All our requests were met. We booked a pool view. King bed, room 4430 Zebra Trail, nice location close to elevator, short walk to lobby, Mara, pool and Transportation.

I will post some pictures of the room soon.

Loving it here at AKL!

 

[Koh1977]

We checked in yesterday around 1pm. We did online checkin, our room was ready when we arrived. All our requests were met. We booked a pool view. King bed, room 4430 Zebra Trail, nice location close to elevator, short walk to lobby, Mara, pool and Transportation.

I will post some pictures of the room soon.

Loving it here at AKL!

Awesome! Can't wait to see pics!!

77 more days until we leave!! 80 until we check in at AKL!

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[cheer25mom]

Just wanted to pop in to say thanks to all who are posting here. This thread has been a wealth of information for us. We are down to 19 days until check in at Kidani!!!

 

[iheartjuppy]

Just back from our stay! I will cross-post to the Club Level thread but wanted to offer some pics from the Club. Sorry a few were blurry - I was trying not to be "that girl" obviously snapping pics of everything!

I also shared a few pics of the room amenities and the view. We were in 4437 which was right by the Mara elevators. A bit of a hike to the Club level elevators. We requested a quiet room due to light-sleeping children, and this was DIRECTLY in front of the elevators as well as directly above the overlook area where people were loudly congregating several times a day, so if you're looking for a quiet room, I would not suggest 4437! When we first arrived, I was disappointed at the largely treetop view of the savannah, but over the week, more and more animals came our way, so it all worked out. We could see the highest fireworks at the treeline - I'm assuming it was Wishes.

Here's the album of CL/room stuff:
http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/iheartjuppy-DIS/library/AKL Club Level - May 2013

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

We checked in yesterday around 1pm. We did online checkin, our room was ready when we arrived. All our requests were met. We booked a pool view. King bed, room 4430 Zebra Trail, nice location close to elevator, short walk to lobby, Mara, pool and Transportation.

I will post some pictures of the room soon.

Loving it here at AKL!

Oh.. I am interested in seeing pictures off the balcony. I am afraid of a "roof" view instead of a pool view if I am too close to Mara

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

Ok - feel free to trash my last minute plans! But struggling with what to do so I have one night left to plan.

Was able to get a great rate at WL for two night which is all little Rapunzel and I were going to do. Fly in Friday evening, MK Sat and Sun AM, fly back mid-afternoon.

But then invited a pal and they are coming. They booked the crack of dawn flight to do MK Fri/Sat and Sunday.....so I figured I would switch. NO LUCK! The early isn't available except for $250 each more so that's a no go. Instead I switched us to Friday evening, landing at MCO at about 6:30ish.

So now, where to stay! WL is out because the AP rate is something scary like $300. But they have the standard view available at AKL. I REALLY wanted to make myself to value but now that I will have dinner/breakfast/pool time until they arrive available, I think I'd be disappointed at value. Do you think I'm just being crazy and should do value or do standard at AKL? They are renting a car and will pick us up at the hotel at about 11:30ish Friday..... Thoughts?