I stayed at the Animal Kingdom lodge last week. Many apologies, for not posting during or right after the stay.
People seemed to think I had made a bad decision to not move, when called by Disney 3 weeks, before departure, but we were so set on the AKL.
On check in early in the morning, no issue at all. It was never brought up, and there were plenty of guests mulling about. In the afternoon, I had a small issue in that they gave us a king bed room, but they moved us without a fuss at all.
I had a standard room booked, and that is what I got. However, I'd book it again. I had a beautiful view of the entrance, guests arriving, etc. Plus the walk from the entrance was incredibly short.
Construction sights/sounds: Yes, but if you didn't already know about it you might almost forget about it. In the lobby, if you look up there are black drapes around the fifth and sixth floors. There is also sometimes some sounds, coming from those upper floors, like some sawing, but it's not very loud. Furthermore, from my room I'd sometimes hear things, but if I hadn't known it was construction I would have thought it was another guest. It would sound like paintings moving on a wall, or cords rubbing against a wall, etc. Just small little sounds, again, I've heard worst from a room next door, etc.
You'd also see construction workers/security guards sometimes with hard hats, I don't know what they were doing, but they'd say hello and wish you a good day.
The lodge was still very busy as were the restaurants and marketplace.
I fell in love with the place. I'm going to try to write a review over in that section soon, but the lodge was one of my favorite parts of my first trip to WDW. I was a little disappointed in the parks, but I loved the AKL. It really was a beautiful place to stay. I loved sitting in the rocking chairs on the overlooks, so comfortable, and my room was very comfortable and clean too. The carpet looked brand new, when it was cleaned each day it smelled clean, etc.
Oh, I also had a cake delivered on arrival day. Came 10 minutes early. Yummy!!!!
I love the AKL. I want to go back. I might never get to try another resort.
I'm quite picky about hotels too, Hyatts and whatnot often disappointment, but the AKL impressed me. It's a deluxe resort, no question.
Also note, the AKL has followed the other deluxes and they now have the more premium shampoo and conditioner, instead of the pink/red 2 in 1 that they all used to have.
Oh ,I love the walk up from the parking lot to the hotel entrance too. The path with sounds of Africa, green plants, twisting, etc. What a special moment as I arrived and walked up there.
The staff was also very friendly. Front desk staff not always super friendly, but everyone else was especially bell services, mouse-keeping, room service, etc.
Oh, there is a mean lady at the marketplace who screams at any kid who starts to play. We're both adults, so it didn't even happen to our kids our anything, but it was still offensive how mean the lady was to kids. I made sure never to get in her line to checkout.
Otherwise, what stay! Thanks AKL! You impressed me!
People seemed to think I had made a bad decision to not move, when called by Disney 3 weeks, before departure, but we were so set on the AKL.
On check in early in the morning, no issue at all. It was never brought up, and there were plenty of guests mulling about. In the afternoon, I had a small issue in that they gave us a king bed room, but they moved us without a fuss at all.
I had a standard room booked, and that is what I got. However, I'd book it again. I had a beautiful view of the entrance, guests arriving, etc. Plus the walk from the entrance was incredibly short.
Construction sights/sounds: Yes, but if you didn't already know about it you might almost forget about it. In the lobby, if you look up there are black drapes around the fifth and sixth floors. There is also sometimes some sounds, coming from those upper floors, like some sawing, but it's not very loud. Furthermore, from my room I'd sometimes hear things, but if I hadn't known it was construction I would have thought it was another guest. It would sound like paintings moving on a wall, or cords rubbing against a wall, etc. Just small little sounds, again, I've heard worst from a room next door, etc.
You'd also see construction workers/security guards sometimes with hard hats, I don't know what they were doing, but they'd say hello and wish you a good day.
The lodge was still very busy as were the restaurants and marketplace.
I fell in love with the place. I'm going to try to write a review over in that section soon, but the lodge was one of my favorite parts of my first trip to WDW. I was a little disappointed in the parks, but I loved the AKL. It really was a beautiful place to stay. I loved sitting in the rocking chairs on the overlooks, so comfortable, and my room was very comfortable and clean too. The carpet looked brand new, when it was cleaned each day it smelled clean, etc.
Oh, I also had a cake delivered on arrival day. Came 10 minutes early. Yummy!!!!
I love the AKL. I want to go back. I might never get to try another resort.
I'm quite picky about hotels too, Hyatts and whatnot often disappointment, but the AKL impressed me. It's a deluxe resort, no question.Also note, the AKL has followed the other deluxes and they now have the more premium shampoo and conditioner, instead of the pink/red 2 in 1 that they all used to have.
Oh ,I love the walk up from the parking lot to the hotel entrance too. The path with sounds of Africa, green plants, twisting, etc. What a special moment as I arrived and walked up there.
The staff was also very friendly. Front desk staff not always super friendly, but everyone else was especially bell services, mouse-keeping, room service, etc.
Oh, there is a mean lady at the marketplace who screams at any kid who starts to play. We're both adults, so it didn't even happen to our kids our anything, but it was still offensive how mean the lady was to kids. I made sure never to get in her line to checkout.
Otherwise, what stay! Thanks AKL! You impressed me!
the pool slide.
We have been debating about changing resorts. This will be our first deluxe resort stay and I think we will be fine. Construction or not, we will be at WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!
