AKL LITE unofficial FAQ thread#10 - I believe that's known as a 'Jambo Dozen'

[DisneyDmbNut]

.....most folks who have stayed at either WL or AKL like the other one also. They were designed by the same architect, and AKL [specifically Jambo House] is considered the 'baby brother' of WL.

I actually think WL is the baby brother of WL..Reason being, because it was newer, I think the Architect made changes to AKL that maybe weren't feasible with the footprint of the site (see where my 17 years of construction work come into play) or at the time it was built. Like they took the WL components and made them bigger and better (zero entry, HUGE pool).

I was a WL junkie for years..thinking AKL couldn't possibly be better..but now after many stays, I like them each for unique reasons. I love that the WL makes me feel like I am not in Florida, but the Pacific NW (with warmer temps!) and the AKL feels like an oasis in the middle of Africa!

look at me waxing all poetic this morning...better get back to my real construction work! lol

 

[princessap]

Thanks everyone! I am super excited to stay here next year!!!! leaning towards renting points though for a one bedroom! I think my kids will love it here, they loved the poly and wanted to go back there so really hoping they like AKL

 

[kimmar067]

I actually think WL is the baby brother of WL..

....ummm.....what?

 

[kimmar067]

look at me waxing all poetic this morning...better get back to my real construction work! lol

....is that anything like waxing your legs?

 

[shannon006]

Hi everyone We just returned from our couples only trip at the POP. Now getting ready for our family trip and 2nd stay at AKV! We have one day planned to stay at the resort for the entire day! Any hints on the recent activities available for our 6 & 13 year old daughters?

 

[kimmar067]

Hi everyone We just returned from our couples only trip at the POP. Now getting ready for our family trip and 2nd stay at AKV! We have one day planned to stay at the resort for the entire day! Any hints on the recent activities available for our 6 & 13 year old daughters?

...there's usually an Activity Board that posts all the daily activities - especially near the pool area.....one day they were playing giant Jenga!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

....is that anything like waxing your legs?

WAYYYYY less painful

 

[dizneekrazee]

Yes, in early May it's typically the room discount. AKL is usually included. I believe it was 25-30% off last year. We are checking into Jambo House on may 10th! Can't wait!

Awesome. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[AliceIn]

I'll be at the AKL 10/6 through 10/10. I'm going there as part of a conference. I've never stayed there, and I'm looking forward to my trip. This will be my first time solo at WDW. Think it's going to be fun anyway? I've got to work during the day, but I'll have evenings free to roam and explore.

Any suggestions that I shouldn't miss at AKL?

 

[maryandtyson]

I'll be at the AKL 10/6 through 10/10. I'm going there as part of a conference. I've never stayed there, and I'm looking forward to my trip. This will be my first time solo at WDW. Think it's going to be fun anyway? I've got to work during the day, but I'll have evenings free to roam and explore. Any suggestions that I shouldn't miss at AKL?

Check the Activity Sheet when you check in. There are many opportunities to learn from the cultural reps at AKL: storytelling, music and the animals. AKL also hosts the largest collection of African art outside Africa. Wander around and check it out. Enjoy the lobby and the bar.

 

[LJSquishy]

Has anyone that has stayed at AKL also stayed at CSR before? I'm curious how the time length of bus rides compares to CSR. We were at CSR in 2012 and it seemed like a lot of people sort of complained about how far away it was from the parks (here on the Dis) but we thought the bus rides were quick. I know AKL is close to AK, but do you think it's about an extra 5 minutes to the other parks versus CSR?

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Has anyone that has stayed at AKL also stayed at CSR before? I'm curious how the time length of bus rides compares to CSR. We were at CSR in 2012 and it seemed like a lot of people sort of complained about how far away it was from the parks (here on the Dis) but we thought the bus rides were quick. I know AKL is close to AK, but do you think it's about an extra 5 minutes to the other parks versus CSR?

CSR is about 5 minutes.. Maybe less. AKL is on a direct road and not a side road, so I think it's quicker..plus, it doesn't stop 4 times like CSR does at all stops

 

[Pinkocto]

I'll be at the AKL 10/6 through 10/10. I'm going there as part of a conference. I've never stayed there, and I'm looking forward to my trip. This will be my first time solo at WDW. Think it's going to be fun anyway? I've got to work during the day, but I'll have evenings free to roam and explore.

Any suggestions that I shouldn't miss at AKL?

I've been to WDW twice solo, it's fabulous. Do what you want, when you want, with nobody else needing to be made happy but you. Embrace it and you'll have an awesome time

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I am super excited to stay here next year...am just wondering if I should book the lodge or a villa?? any insight?? family of five with one under 3 so can do either....also if you stay at Jambo can you use pool at kidani??
thanks

I have an 18 month old and went with a point rental for a villa instead of the room. The rooms are great but it is a bit tighter to do the PNP. You have to put it up against the entry door or in the outside part of the bathroom to really get it to fit. In the villa, however, you have a much longer entry way and there was a little alcove where the connecting door was to the 1br villa next door. PNP slid nicely into this alcove so I wasn't worried about waking up DS every time someone had to use the bathroom!

But both would work - totally up to you! If you are planning cash room vs. cash villa, it may not be worth the up charge. But if renting, it's about the same as the room price so that's the route I went. Remember, no daily housekeeping unless you pay for it extra with the rental so you may want to take that into consideration as well, depending upon how long you will stay.

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

Back from my one night in a studio villa at Jambo last week before we headed over to BLT for our cushy 2br. However, I think we all were SO SAD to leave AKL..... not sure what we'll do for next year. Definitely AKL in the mix (my family - including DH which is AWESOME - just don't want to part from it) but not sure we'll do BLT again. Just not the same feeling. May be going back to a Lodge split! (and I agree WL is the baby brother of AKL.....)

 

[kimmar067]

CSR is about 5 minutes.. Maybe less. AKL is on a direct road and not a side road, so I think it's quicker..plus, it doesn't stop 4 times like CSR does at all stops

.....CSR isn't as bad as CBR.....the absolute WORST!

 

[cobralover]

Looking back on our recent trip to AKL. Cant believe we were actually considering CBR instead. Would have stayed there till I discovered that it still had double beds. Very glad though, for it got us to AKL. What a wonderful treat it was. Recommend it to all.

 

[princessap]

I have an 18 month old and went with a point rental for a villa instead of the room. The rooms are great but it is a bit tighter to do the PNP. You have to put it up against the entry door or in the outside part of the bathroom to really get it to fit. In the villa, however, you have a much longer entry way and there was a little alcove where the connecting door was to the 1br villa next door. PNP slid nicely into this alcove so I wasn't worried about waking up DS every time someone had to use the bathroom!

But both would work - totally up to you! If you are planning cash room vs. cash villa, it may not be worth the up charge. But if renting, it's about the same as the room price so that's the route I went. Remember, no daily housekeeping unless you pay for it extra with the rental so you may want to take that into consideration as well, depending upon how long you will stay.

Thank you. Were you at Jambo or kidani? I think we decided in renting points but not sure what building to request?

 

[dolphingirl47]

My planning hit a bit of a road bump today, but in a good way. We are staying offsite for the most part for our December trip as this is a bonus trip on a budget. However, I will stay onsite for one night as I will be attending DISApalooza that night and have every intention to be at Epcot for rope drop the next day. So it just made more sense to stay onsite especially as a taxi back to international Drive would have cost me a pretty Penny.

When I decided to do so, none of the DVC resorts had a studio available. So I went with the cheapest room only option with the Annual Pass Holder discount, which happened to be the All Star Sports. Now, I have never stayed at a Disney Value Resort and of those, the All Star Sports is probably the one that appeals to me the least, but I figured I just needed to have a bed to sleep in and won’t spend much time at the resort.

Fast forward to this morning. For some reason I decided to check availability for DVC studios first thing this morning. I was very surprised when a Savannah View Studio at Jambo House showed up as available. I quickly grabbed this to keep my options open. Now I am really torn as to what to do.

All Star Sports

Advantages:

Booked and paid for

Resort does not appeal to me so won’t resent not getting to spend any time there

Potentially better transport to the park the next day

Geographically closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot

Due to this, a taxi back after back to the hotel after DISApalooza would be cheaper

Disadvantages

Really don’t like the sound of this resort

For a value this was actually quite expensive

Not familiar with the resort and the fact that I will get back very late and the resort is very big worries me

Food court is currently closed. So I am either limited to Grab and Go or have to take the shuttle to All Star Movies/ All Star Music, which takes more time



Jambo House

Advantages

My favourite hotel at Walt Disney World

I have the points to use

The money that I save by going down this route almost pays for Photopass+

Very familiar with resort so no problem coming back late and then trying to find the room

As this is DVC booking, can add Disney Dining Plan. I have a character meal and a counter service meal planned so this would make sense.

Proximity to Animal Kingdom where I will go in the morning of the day of check in. So I could leave earlier, check in at Jambo House and leave my overnight bag with Bell Services and then catch the bus to Animal Kingdom

Better breakfast options with Mara

Zebra Domes – need I say more?

Seeing the Christmas decorations at Jambo House

There are a few people staying at AKL/AKV that attend DISApalooza so there may be the possibility ot get a ride or share a taxi


Disadvantages

Did I mention that I love AKL? It will be a shame to spend time at such a beautiful resort and not having time to enjoy it.

A little further to Epcot

Transportation may not be as efficient as at the value.


So what would you guys do?

Corinna

 

[maryandtyson]

My planning hit a bit of a road bump today, but in a good way. We are staying offsite for the most part for our December trip as this is a bonus trip on a budget. However, I will stay onsite for one night as I will be attending DISApalooza that night and have every intention to be at Epcot for rope drop the next day. So it just made more sense to stay onsite especially as a taxi back to international Drive would have cost me a pretty Penny. When I decided to do so, none of the DVC resorts had a studio available. So I went with the cheapest room only option with the Annual Pass Holder discount, which happened to be the All Star Sports. Now, I have never stayed at a Disney Value Resort and of those, the All Star Sports is probably the one that appeals to me the least, but I figured I just needed to have a bed to sleep in and won’t spend much time at the resort. Fast forward to this morning. For some reason I decided to check availability for DVC studios first thing this morning. I was very surprised when a Savannah View Studio at Jambo House showed up as available. I quickly grabbed this to keep my options open. Now I am really torn as to what to do. All Star Sports Advantages: Booked and paid for Resort does not appeal to me so won’t resent not getting to spend any time there Potentially better transport to the park the next day Geographically closer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot Due to this, a taxi back after back to the hotel after DISApalooza would be cheaper Disadvantages Really don’t like the sound of this resort For a value this was actually quite expensive Not familiar with the resort and the fact that I will get back very late and the resort is very big worries me Food court is currently closed. So I am either limited to Grab and Go or have to take the shuttle to All Star Movies/ All Star Music, which takes more time Jambo House Advantages My favourite hotel at Walt Disney World I have the points to use The money that I save by going down this route almost pays for Photopass+ Very familiar with resort so no problem coming back late and then trying to find the room As this is DVC booking, can add Disney Dining Plan. I have a character meal and a counter service meal planned so this would make sense. Proximity to Animal Kingdom where I will go in the morning of the day of check in. So I could leave earlier, check in at Jambo House and leave my overnight bag with Bell Services and then catch the bus to Animal Kingdom Better breakfast options with Mara Zebra Domes – need I say more? Seeing the Christmas decorations at Jambo House There are a few people staying at AKL/AKV that attend DISApalooza so there may be the possibility ot get a ride or share a taxi Disadvantages Did I mention that I love AKL? It will be a shame to spend time at such a beautiful resort and not having time to enjoy it. A little further to Epcot Transportation may not be as efficient as at the value. So what would you guys do? Corinna

Personally, I would do AKL. The All Stars just don't seem comfortable to me. The difference in the distance is relatively small but the difference in quality of experience is huge.