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

[RachelTori]

does anyone have a map showing where the CL are?

CL rooms are the regular resort rooms, on the 4th floor, in the 1st and 2nd room pods off the lobby - Kudu and Zebra Trails. You would be near the lobby, Arusha Savannah View.

As far as I know, there is no map specifically showing CL rooms as these are regular rooms which can be used for CL or not.

 

[kimmar067]

CL rooms are the regular resort rooms, on the 4th floor, in the 1st and 2nd room pods off the lobby - Kudu and Zebra Trails. You would be near the lobby, Arusha Savannah View.

...she. right.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this thread and AKL but I'm not new to WDW. I had asked a few questions last year when I was originally going to stay at AKL but we ended up getting a really good deal on Poly which up until now has been by far our favourite resort so we switched. I was bummed but the rest of my family wanted to go back and I do love Poly so I agreed. I'm the one who's been REALLY wanting to stay at AKL. I know everybody says book savanna view or don't book at all but I booked pool view. Being down the end of one of those hallways is not ok and would seriously impact our enjoyment of our trip and the extra $1200+ it would cost to get Arusha View wasn't worth it IMO when I'm the only one to ever use the balcony/patio on previous stays elsewhere at any other resort and it's not that important to me. We'll be spending a lot of time at the resort though those who hang out in the room never use the balcony (I'm barely in the room on resort days; pretty much only to shower/change or to lie down for a nap) so hanging out at viewing areas is perfectly fine for when we want to see the animals.

I'm really looking forward to our stay. What I'm most excited about is the restaurants of all things. We have tons of food allergies and the restaurants at AKL have such great reputations but using Disney transportation I don't like going to other resorts to dine because it's such a PITA so until now we haven't made it to any of them. I've got an ADR for every meal at every restaurant. Add in just how beautiful the resort is and all the great activities around the resort and the beautiful pools and I'm pretty sure we're going to enjoy AKL as much as we enjoy Poly (bonus: 2 hot tubs which is great for a kid who's got joint issues).

Anyway, on to my questions now that I've introduced myself.

I'm trying to put together my grocery order and I haven't been able to find what drinks are available in the soda fountain in Mara. Does anybody have a relatively recent picture or a list? I don't know if I need to order certain drinks or not. DH really likes Coke Zero, not Diet Coke. DD13 will sometimes drink Hi-C or blue PowerAide.

Busses typically go to Kidani then Jambo, right? Does it happen often that the buss is pretty full before it stops at Jambo? We have to be able to fit a wheelchair in. It can be folded and held onto like a stroller so we don't need tie down spots available but we do need room on the lower level (if there's the steps up) and DD13 really should sit as twisting while standing has the potential to mess with her knees and ankles. I don't care if the rest of us have to stand.

I think that's all my questions for the moment. Thanks!

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I have a question, just out of curiosity, that I haven't been able to find the answer to online. Maybe y'all can help. I always request a king bed (Jambo House -- both savanna and pool view, not CL or DVC) and they place me in the first wing off the Zebra Trail, 4th floor, where Uzima Savanna is on one side and the pool is on the other. Nice location, IMO. Am I getting that location because their King beds are concentrated in that area, or is it just happenstance?

 

[RachelTori]

Kimmar, I have some updated pricing info from IPO -- I apologize if this has already been posted!

Sunrise Safari used to be credit card guarantee, charged at time of Safari. I'm not sure when it became a prepay, charged at time of booking.

The Sunrise Safari Breakfast is ONLY open to Club Level guests. The Wanyama and Night Vision Safaris can be booked by anyone staying at AKL/AKV.


"SUNRISE SAFARI BREAKFAST ADVENTURE
Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience.
The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards a delicious breakfast buffet awaits you.
The cost is $79.88 for adults and $42.60 for children 3 to 9. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. This event is prepaid at time of booking.
Safaris are subject to minimum booking requirements. This experience books 180 days from date of arrival. No meal packages can be used to pay for this event.


WANYAMA SAFARI
Wanyama Safari is an approximately one-and-a-half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where our guests will experience a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. Your safari will conclude with a true Family Style African dining experience at Jiko, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you, which may include a complimentary wine pairing if you are over 21 years of age.
Safaris are offered daily. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The cost of this experience is $190.64, which includes all taxes and gratuity. A small contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is also included. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Admission is limited to 12 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.
Safaris are subject to minimum booking requirements. Jiko will present a check at the end of the meal. No meal packages or discounts can be used to pay for this event.


DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE NIGHT VISION SAFARI
Join one of our Animal Programs Cast Members on an hour long Safari Experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This experience takes place after dark and is reminiscent of a nighttime African Game Drive through the savannas. All guests will have use of night vision goggles to make the most of their viewing experience.
Safaris are offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The cost of this experience is $74.55 and a portion of this amount will be donated to Disney’s Worldwide Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply and full payment is due at time of booking. Admission is limited to 10 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival."



I believe this can be booked by anyone, whether staying on-site or not:

"Dine with an Animal Specialist. . .An “Untamed Lunch” at Sanaa
A unique and personal opportunity to interact with Disney's Animal Experts while immersed in the culture that is Africa. Enjoy a 4-course menu featuring savory African cooking with Indian flavors in our East African spice market displaying handcrafted, artisan decor.
This experience is offered on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The cost of this experience is $49.00 for Guests ages 10 and older and $29.00 for Guests ages 3-9. Children ages 3-9 will have a special kid’s menu available. Applicable tax and 18% gratuity will automatically be added to checks. The cost also includes a $5.00 contribution to Disney’s Worldwide Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply and full payment is due at time of booking. Admission is limited to 12 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival."

 

[goofy78]

I have a question, just out of curiosity, that I haven't been able to find the answer to online. Maybe y'all can help. I always request a king bed (Jambo House -- both savanna and pool view, not CL or DVC) and they place me in the first wing off the Zebra Trail, 4th floor, where Uzima Savanna is on one side and the pool is on the other. Nice location, IMO. Am I getting that location because their King beds are concentrated in that area, or is it just happenstance?

That looks like a great location. I would love to know this as well.

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this thread and AKL but I'm not new to WDW. I had asked a few questions last year when I was originally going to stay at AKL but we ended up getting a really good deal on Poly which up until now has been by far our favourite resort so we switched. I was bummed but the rest of my family wanted to go back and I do love Poly so I agreed. I'm the one who's been REALLY wanting to stay at AKL. I know everybody says book savanna view or don't book at all but I booked pool view. Being down the end of one of those hallways is not ok and would seriously impact our enjoyment of our trip and the extra $1200+ it would cost to get Arusha View wasn't worth it IMO when I'm the only one to ever use the balcony/patio on previous stays elsewhere at any other resort and it's not that important to me. We'll be spending a lot of time at the resort though those who hang out in the room never use the balcony (I'm barely in the room on resort days; pretty much only to shower/change or to lie down for a nap) so hanging out at viewing areas is perfectly fine for when we want to see the animals.

I'm really looking forward to our stay. What I'm most excited about is the restaurants of all things. We have tons of food allergies and the restaurants at AKL have such great reputations but using Disney transportation I don't like going to other resorts to dine because it's such a PITA so until now we haven't made it to any of them. I've got an ADR for every meal at every restaurant. Add in just how beautiful the resort is and all the great activities around the resort and the beautiful pools and I'm pretty sure we're going to enjoy AKL as much as we enjoy Poly (bonus: 2 hot tubs which is great for a kid who's got joint issues).

Anyway, on to my questions now that I've introduced myself.

I'm trying to put together my grocery order and I haven't been able to find what drinks are available in the soda fountain in Mara. Does anybody have a relatively recent picture or a list? I don't know if I need to order certain drinks or not. DH really likes Coke Zero, not Diet Coke. DD13 will sometimes drink Hi-C or blue PowerAide.

Busses typically go to Kidani then Jambo, right? Does it happen often that the buss is pretty full before it stops at Jambo? We have to be able to fit a wheelchair in. It can be folded and held onto like a stroller so we don't need tie down spots available but we do need room on the lower level (if there's the steps up) and DD13 really should sit as twisting while standing has the potential to mess with her knees and ankles. I don't care if the rest of us have to stand.

I think that's all my questions for the moment. Thanks!

I don't recall what sodas there were there...I thought it was traditional coke, diet coke, orange, mr. pibb. sprite...But I could be wrong.

We were there 8 nights at Jambo house, & we never had to wait for a 2nd bus. I did stand a few times, because I gave my seat up, but being that you'll have a wheelchair I'm sure you'll be fine... It's a great resort..

 

[DizDaD7]

BTW, Kim the cruise part of Jersey week is off the table.. It doesn't make sense if we are going to get AP's & only use it for 4 nights this trip, & then again for 9 or 10 next August....I'd rather use if for 18 or 19 nights , to get the full benefit.... Anyhow, It'll be wait n watch at the 9 month mark for either BCV, BWV or back to AKV..Which I hope is still available...

Stay tuned:

 

[kimmar067]

I don't recall what sodas there were there...I thought it was traditional coke, diet coke, orange, mr. pibb. sprite...But I could be wrong....

....you forgot the most important flavor - the Beverly.....

 

[kimmar067]

BTW, Kim the cruise part of Jersey week is off the table.. It doesn't make sense if we are going to get AP's & only use it for 4 nights this trip, & then again for 9 or 10 next August....I'd rather use if for 18 or 19 nights , to get the full benefit.... Anyhow, It'll be wait n watch at the 9 month mark for either BCV, BWV or back to AKV..Which I hope is still available...

Stay tuned:

....yer talkin' gibberish...






















....what??

 

[kimmar067]

Kimmar, I have some updated pricing info from IPO -- I apologize if this has already been posted! ....

...thanks for that helpful info!

[...I'll probably copy and paste it onto page one...]

 

[tarak]

Checked into Kidani today. We got a fifth floor room on the Sunset Savannah. We're about as close to Jambo as I think you can get. So it's a haul from the lobby. But there was much less complaining about the walk back from the Mara. My youngest daughter (22 months) had her first zebra dome tonight and kept saying "more, more, more." I gave her the last one, which annoyed the other kids, who were silly enough to go swimming and leave us with a fresh batch. My oldest is making the younger kids watch Stacey and they're annoyed. They think Stacey says the same thing again and again and again. I'm with the oldest kid. I like it, even though the show is pretty well recycled at this point.

 

[think-like-tink]

We will be here july 15th-26th!

 

[YCFAN]

We will be here july 15th-26th!

You check out the day we check in!!

 

[kimmar067]

Checked into Kidani today. We got a fifth floor room on the Sunset Savannah. We're about as close to Jambo as I think you can get. So it's a haul from the lobby. But there was much less complaining about the walk back from the Mara. My youngest daughter (22 months) had her first zebra dome tonight and kept saying "more, more, more." I gave her the last one, which annoyed the other kids, who were silly enough to go swimming and leave us with a fresh batch...

...you're bringing her up right....

 

[kimmar067]

You check out the day we check in!!

.........weren't you a S/D cheerleader? [ ]

 

[think-like-tink]

You check out the day we check in!!

we are staying CL.

 

[dgbg100106]

We will be here july 15th-26th!

You have been added.

July
Kanga1, 13th  25th, AKL
think-like-tink, 15th  26th, AKL CL
YCFAN, 26th  28th, Royal Assante Suite & Royal Kuba Suite
anjalee6, 29th  Aug 5th, AKL

 

[ashleyrm]

Joining in. Just switched resorts for our 2/7-2/13 stay from CSR business level to AKL one bedroom villa standard (Jambo). Good a good deal on some DVC points!

Have never stayed at AKL before. DS worked at Mara (food court) for 6 months during his college program so I've hung around the resort a lot, but never stayed. Will be with my DD (25) and her partner. Happy to have my own room and really looking forward to our visit!

 

[AliceandAriel]

Need some seasoned AKL-lovers and vets for some help please!

I received one of those magical PIN codes that, you know, makes a place like AKL suddenly very affordable. Thinking of using it for an end of September stay. But the real push behind this is- I'm going to try and take my Mom to WDW for the first time in her life. She's IN LOVE with the idea of seeing animals, so of course we'll have to have a Savana view at some point. I'm pretty sure, to keep cost in check, I'll have to book a split stay in AKL- 2/3 nights in a Standard room, 2 nights in Savana room.

My question is- should I book the Savana first, or last? Should it be only one night, or two?

...or should I book a night or two Savana, and then resort hop to a different resort for a little more magic? We've never seen Deluxes before... just the idea of staying in one has my starry-eyed.