1st time at a Disney Resort

[disney_me]

I was just surprised last night with a 40th birthday trip to WDW!!! This will be our 8th trip to the parks but our 1st time staying onsite. We are staying at the Animal Kingdon Lodge. Just wondering what to expect and what everyone's opinion is on this resort?

Thanks Donna

 

[Sue M]

Congrats on AKL. Nice birthday surprise. We love staying on site. We stayed off site out first trip, and decided future trips would be on site. Love having the Disney park transportation. Our off site hotel had bus service, but not nearly as good. Also like the on site perks, EMH, parcel delivery, airport service and great customer service.
We enjoy taking mid day breaks back at our resort, then going back to a park late afternoon, 5ish. Easier to do staying on site.

AKL is a beautiful resort. Great food choices, the Savannah's, and resort activities.

 

[Missytara]

Good morning, fellow Delawarean. I am just a stone's throw from you.

AKL is a wonderful place to stay. There is an official thread you can check out for all the particulars.

My fav new restaurant is Sanaa, which is in Kidani Village next door. The food and the service is wonderful. I also suggest going out after dinner to the viewing area right outside and catch the animal activity after dark; you can get nightvision goggles from the CM's.

 

[Sue M]

Good morning, fellow Delawarean. I am just a stone's throw from you.

AKL is a wonderful place to stay. There is an official thread you can check out for all the particulars.

My fav new restaurant is Sanaa, which is in Kidani Village next door. The food and the service is wonderful. I also suggest going out after dinner to the viewing area right outside and catch the animal activity after dark; you can get nightvision goggles from the CM's.

Yes, the night viewing is great. The times will be posted. It is usually at the Uzima lookout and cms will be there with the night vision scopes.

 

[raven69david]

Great choice for a first-resort to visit. I love this resort and you will be blown away. Pick up a list of activities at Bell Services or the front desk. There are a ton of things to do at the resort. Have fun.

 

[Jktrush]

What a great surprise! You will love staying on site! Have a great trip!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

AKL is a great choice. It's like your own little AK!!

The savannas are beautiful and they have a really nice pool, and the internal/external architecture is just amazing.

Enjoy AKL and Happy 40th!!

 

[disney_me]

Thanks all for the great information. I'm still trying to find the AKL link on the DIS board. Can't wait to go!

 

[dansdad]

Here you go. Have fun!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2871510&highlight=akl

 

[disney_me]

Thanks for that link!

 

[mickeynut1]

What a great birthday surprise!!! AKL is a great resort.....you'll love it . It's out away from everything, but it's nice and peaceful, IMO, and although it took a little more time getting around (only like 5 extra minutes or so), we thought the bus transportation was good. We love Boma and we thought Mara was great for quick snacks or meals. Have a great trip .

 

[kanderson89]

What an awesome birthday present! We stayed at AKL last year and loved it. Ask for a Savannah view (reserve ahead of time). It doesn't really matter which "trail," although some may disagree. We loved having our morning coffee on the balcony while watching the zebras and giraffes scamper about.

Food is wonderful - a nice birthday dinner at Jiko would be enjoyable as would dinner at Boma. Even Mara, the quick service, was very tasty. There's also a nice bar/lounge to grab a quick drink and apps.

Transportation is all busses, but we never felt it was a big deal. Certainly beats trying to find your car in the parking lot.

Check out the disboards AKL thread and have fun!!

 

[Alabama Minnie]

I also recommend getting the savannah-view there.

 

[DisneyNut22]

AKL is my favorite resort!

Expect CLASSIC DISNEY SERVICE in a setting that is out of this world.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

AKL is a fantastic resort!! Have a wonderful trip!! There is sooo much to do at this resort you could spend days and not leave and have a great time! Make sure you read the resort information so you'll know about any opportunities you may want to take advantage of - so many to enjoy!

My favorite things about AKL -
the ambiance just blows me away - I love just "being" there - strolling, soaking in the vibe, the music, the smells of Boma, animal watching -
Sanaa at Kidani Village is one of my favorite restaurants -
I like chatting with the CMs - watching the animal specialists at work -

ENJOY!!!

 

[JennyDrake]

Everyone that can afford to do so should stay there at least once! You will have a great trip. Be sure to eat at Boma!!!

 

[disney_me]

Can anyone tell me about the concierge floor or service and is it worth it?......... We are going only for 4 days. We are doing 2 parks then 2 days pool side. I want to enjoy as much as I can of the lodge.

 

[Sue M]

If you're only going to 2 parks, then having 2 resort days, I think Concierge is worth it. If you stay CL, be sure to book the Sunrise Safari. I've heard it's wonderful, if one of the parks you plan on going to is AK.

 

[disney_me]

Thanks you everyone for your comments! I can't wait to finally stay in a resort at WDW!

 

[bellanotte10]

We had a blast when we went in Oct. We kinda got a little crazy though with how much we loved it, and bought the soundtrack to the Animal Kingdom parks because the same music is played on the bus back to the resort.

My parents were a bit unsure at first, as their first choice was beach club, but after my argument was perceived as valid, they changed their minds. ( we live in MA, spend summers on Cape Cod every year, so would we rather stay in a hotel based off of somewhere cool we've never been... or a place we go to ALL THE TIME).

I loved sitting on the balcony and seeing animals, and it was great for themeing. My one complaint was the bar, and how it was kinda awkwardly situated and had pretty lousy service, but the bar at the pool was much better!

I hope you have a great time! I truly love love loved this resort.