3 Families doin' a Surf & Turf Trip! AKL CL & Dream...Good-Byes

[hstrickland]

Happy Saturday

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Looks like it might be thunderstorms again The kids are going stir crazy!!!! We need to hit the

Heather!!! I am late, but I am here!!! AKL CL looks amazing! I am loving all the pictures and info. I want to stay there!

I am here to stay now - can't wait for more!

Your tardiness is excused this time (I believe you had a valid reason...cruise??!!)Glad y'all had a safe return...can't wait to compare notes Would you believe that I'm actually considering BWV??!! Ya know I'm so not crazy about that Clown pool, but between you and Kooks reviews, my interest is now sparked.

Thank you for coming on over! And no worries....it'll be there whenever you have the time. I completely understand!

 

[elphie101]

Any update with food pictures is a good update in my book (part of the reason I love DCL TRs so much )

Can't wait for more!

 

[shan23877]

Joining in! Great reviews!

 

[hstrickland]

Any update with food pictures is a good update in my book (part of the reason I love DCL TRs so much )

Can't wait for more!

Coming up very shortly....but no food...sorry. You'll have to wait for the Sanaa review.

Joining in! Great reviews!

Glad to have you!! I peeked at your TR and will check it out....want to see your CBR thoughts.

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi Heather came over from the AKL thread. Can't wait to read about your adventure. I just did a similar trip in March, which was fabulous. Must now go back and read.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
Uzima Pool & a bit of Africa​

Did I mention that waking up with the animals is absolutely wonderful??!!! 6:30am sharp…on the balcony with camera in hand!!!! The Arusha Savannah was perfect for viewing (not that I have lots of experience at AKL and other savannah locations)


Looking to the left from our balcony…

Dad caught this shot straight out in front of the balcony….

If we looked to the sharp right, we could see the Arusha Rock viewing area….does anyone know what’s in that cone shaped room??? It’s looks really intriguing.

After a very relaxing breakfast in the lounge, we hit the pool! I knew the sun would only be out for a short time and we had lunch ressies at Sanaa….so we had to hurry. Do you think 8:45am is too early for the pool??? Y’all know I like to be early….


Here’s a map to show you the lay of the land…

Walking out of the doors downstairs, you are immediately greeted with this very tranquil view. The windows on the right are part of Jiko.

Remember…I told you we were a bit early (just wanted to make sure we got a good spot) ya never know what the crowd level might be…

This is just a picture I was playing with on Photobucket… trying out all the new enhancements…

There are several of these scattered around the pool area…great to have lifejackets readily available.

A few people decided to join me on this early morning (can you see them in the background)....bless their hearts, they probably thought they were going to have some peace and quiet while reading their books….my apologies. It’s never quiet with Jesse.

The landscaping is undeniably perfect for the theme of the Lodge. The vegetation reminds me a little of the Poly….certainly not the architecture, just the foliage.

While we were enjoying the serenity of the pool, Pop and MaHopie were busy looking for Hidden Mickeys….and maybe Stephen, too. Not exactly sure where he is at this point….



This was out by the Arusha Rock overlook…can you see the Hidden Mickey???

And do you know where this Hidden Mickey was found????...........me neither.

Speaking of beautiful foliage ….Pop captured these two pics.

Notice my children are not utilizing the waterslide…..NOT because they don’t want to. Since we were a bit early, we had to wait until 10am. The CMs do a neat little opening ceremony type deal at 10. They invite the children over, have someone playing the bongo drums, and several staff members chanting a short song…kids also take part in the chant. One child is chosen to be the first down the slide, then it is opened….kinda neat (another touch of Disney Magic)

The bar opens at 10am, also…I think. I chatted with the bartender for a while about the roof at the Lodge. The straw appears to be real; however we all know that it’s impossible for that to be true. He said when they built the AKL, the roof came in large sheets, and it’s made of a synthetic fiber.

While waiting on the slide to open, we ventured around the pool area getting more pictures (shocker, I know) This was looking towards Flamingo Pond.

Again….simply beautiful scenery. This is the walkway behind the waterslide…

Pop and MaHopie were still MIA…and Stephen, too. They were taking advantage of some ‘kid free’ time. They ventured on a self-guided safari tour….I think they visited all the savannah overlooks. If you’re a photography buff, then AKL is the perfect spot. There are ENDLESS photo options!!!

These guys are a much lighter color than the usual antelope. I’m thinking it was a different type, but don’t remember….

Throughout the resort, these signs were posted. And just some FYI... when I ordered the flowers for my mom, the florist told me that ballons cannot be delivered or brought into the AKL because of the animals….makes perfect sense.

Up next….a continuation of the safari by the pool...





​

 

[jennyjinx3]

Lovely!! I agree the foliage does look like the Poly....beautiful! Love the look of the pool too...

 

[WDWKOOK]

Day 2
Uzima Pool & a bit of Africa​

And do you know where this Hidden Mickey was found????...........me neither.

LOVE IT, Heather! Beautiful! It reminded me of everything I loved about the AKL landscaping when we were there in '10. I wonder if it's like that waaaaaay over at Kidani

Don't you just love the resorts early in the day? It's like your own private island. I love being in the lounge when it opens at 0630 and there's no one else there and you can just take in all the sights (and very few sounds). It does give you a different perspective on everything and is such a great way to start your day. Did the kids get to 'open' the pool on that day?

Your mystery Mickey appears to be in an elevator...

 

[princess_momma]

Thanks for all the info on CL stuff! I love it. And OMG...the pool at AKL looks so amazing. I've always, always wanted to stay there. Maybe one day!! Thanks for such detailed pics that make me feel as though I'm there!!

 

[LBAK]

Oh my gosh...This trip report is getting me so excited for my trip on Monday. We're staying at AKL CL for the very first time. Umm, do you think you could finish by Monday so we'll look like seasoned Animal Kingdom Lodgers?!
Definitely here for the ride.

 

[Yellowbellow]

And do you know where this Hidden Mickey was found????...........me neither.

The Hidden Mickey is in the elevator by the Fitnes Room. Standing in the elevator facing the door look down and to your RT.



Again….simply beautiful scenery. This is the walkway behind the waterslide…

Also the walkway behind the waterslid - there is another HM. I think Faith found this one.

 

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather came over from the AKL thread. Can't wait to read about your adventure. I just did a similar trip in March, which was fabulous. Must now go back and read.

Pam! Happy to have you join us. I actually was a lurker on your cruise TR You had great info about the ship!!

Lovely!! I agree the foliage does look like the Poly....beautiful! Love the look of the pool too...

Each time I walked around the pool and through the paths, it totally reminded me of the Poly...just not quite as crowded.

LOVE IT, Heather! Beautiful! It reminded me of everything I loved about the AKL landscaping when we were there in '10. I wonder if it's like that waaaaaay over at Kidani

I have a few pictures of Kidani for you in the Sanaa review

Don't you just love the resorts early in the day? It's like your own private island. I love being in the lounge when it opens at 0630 and there's no one else there and you can just take in all the sights (and very few sounds). It does give you a different perspective on everything and is such a great way to start your day. Did the kids get to 'open' the pool on that day?

They did, on two different occasions but weren't the first to go down the slide.

Early morning Disney (anywhere) is my absolute favorite time hands down! It's a completely different atmosphere.

Your mystery Mickey appears to be in an elevator...

well.....so it tis'. Guess if I had looked closely it would have been obvious

Thanks for all the info on CL stuff! I love it. And OMG...the pool at AKL looks so amazing. I've always, always wanted to stay there. Maybe one day!! Thanks for such detailed pics that make me feel as though I'm there!!

And one day you can Maybe after your cruise! The pool never felt crowded at all. I'm sure it can get that way, but the pool itself is very spacious.

Oh my gosh...This trip report is getting me so excited for my trip on Monday. We're staying at AKL CL for the very first time. Umm, do you think you could finish by Monday so we'll look like seasoned Animal Kingdom Lodgers?!
Definitely here for the ride.

No kidding!!??? Monday??!! Happy travels to you and your family!! You are in for a treat. And can I finish up the TR by Monday??......... We can compare notes when y'all return.

Have a wonderful trip!!
Heather

 

[Sue M]

Beautiful pics. We were able to enjoy the pool during our January 2009 stay, we lucked out with wonderful weather in 80's.

I think AKL has one of the prettiest pools on property. Bringing my pool noodle :good vibes

I had planned to clean out the laundry room today, then I noticed - oh yay! Another update Avoidance issues?????

 

[RGirl]

Oh my! I am loving the AKL pool pics. I just love, love, love that resort. One day, we WILL stay there!

Your tardiness is excused this time (I believe you had a valid reason...cruise??!!)Glad y'all had a safe return...can't wait to compare notes Would you believe that I'm actually considering BWV??!! Ya know I'm so not crazy about that Clown pool, but between you and Kooks reviews, my interest is now sparked.

You can't let a little pool clown scare you off! Seriously, the location cannot be beat, and the resort is just beautiful.

 

[rustytss]

Nice installment . I figure that your first installment was July 3. It is now July 14. So at this rate you will be doing this TR (like my DIS Board Lingo?) for 10 weeks . You better get a move on before school starts!!

 

[hstrickland]

Beautiful pics. We were able to enjoy the pool during our January 2009 stay, we lucked out with wonderful weather in 80's.

I think AKL has one of the prettiest pools on property. Bringing my pool noodle :good vibes

I had planned to clean out the laundry room today, then I noticed - oh yay! Another update Avoidance issues?????

80s in January?! Nice! When I lived in Orlando, I can remember laying out by the pool on Christmas Eve....kinda weird actually

So...how's the laundry room looking??

Oh my! I am loving the AKL pool pics. I just love, love, love that resort. One day, we WILL stay there!

You can't let a little pool clown scare you off! Seriously, the location cannot be beat, and the resort is just beautiful.

I know you like villas...and I think (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) that the Jambo House has studio and 1 bedrooms.

And about that ...the whole pool scene reminds me of a backdrop for a horror movie.... I've seriously been looking at the villas...2 bedroom. I keep saying we're going to try the EP resorts and we've yet to do it.

Nice installment . I figure that your first installment was July 3. It is now July 14. So at this rate you will be doing this TR (like my DIS Board Lingo?) for 10 weeks . You better get a move on before school starts!!

..............I'm thinking like maybe 16-20 weeks just to bug you. Perfection takes time, my dear sister.


I am quite impressed with your use of the DisBoard acroynms and your ability to change your avatar...."Old School Disney". And speaking of old school Disney...nothing says it better than this....




You at River Country circa 1980

 

[jennyjinx3]

Is there a little sibling teasing going on over here???

 

[rustytss]

..............I'm thinking like maybe 16-20 weeks just to bug you. Perfection takes time, my dear sister.

I am quite impressed with your use of the DisBoard acroynms and your ability to change your avatar...."Old School Disney". And speaking of old school Disney...nothing says it better than this....

You at River Country circa 1980

You got me on that one! Funny thing is, the one shoulder look is back in style. The hair on the other hand...was that ever in style?

 

[amandaw]

Love all of the pictures & the special effects. So pretty!

 

[RGirl]

I know you like villas...and I think (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) that the Jambo House has studio and 1 bedrooms.

And about that ...the whole pool scene reminds me of a backdrop for a horror movie.... I've seriously been looking at the villas...2 bedroom. I keep saying we're going to try the EP resorts and we've yet to do it.

I do love the villas! But I have discovered on our DLR and DCL trips that, when it comes to Disney trips, we don't NEED as much space because DD will fall asleep regardless of what I am doing simply because she is so exhausted. For longer than a week, however, I can't imagine not having the villa with a kitchen and everything.

Really, other than the clown, the pool area is quite nice - very boardwalk-y. And there is always the quiet pool - that is the only place we swam, actually. You can't beat being able to walk to two parks!!!