A few AKL questions

[Nlihte]

We are very excited to be going on our third trip to the world! This time we are staying at AKL savannah veiw! I have a few questions to help me look forward to this even more. (Although not much time, Only a few days!!!)
On the maps of WDW, AKL seems to be located very close to the outside world. I like the the feeling of being completely isolated by Disney, as I would be with the Poly, would this be a problem?
I also like the the feeling of Disney's deluxes (though we loved CBR). I've read reports of AKL not being as elegant and luxurious a the others. Is this true? (This doesn't really matter, just curious).
How is the pool area?
My whole family is very excited about going here. I am sure we will enjoy it no matter what. Thanks alot.

 

[lazarru]

We stayed last Dec and I don't think it's really that far out there. As many others have said the transportation is only to there so in alot of cases it's faster to get here than to other areas. Even though that's the case I think you still feel out there because of the surroundings.

We havn't stayed in any of the other deluxes but from seeing them I don't think the AKL is any worse off than them, it's just different.

I thought the pool was really great and the couple of times we went basically empty. not sure if that's always the case but it was great and the zero entry made things very easy for out 18 mn and 3 yr old.

 

[NTDIANE]

AKL IS A GREAT RESORT, ONCE YOU GET TO THE RESORT YOU WILL FEEL LIKE YOUR IN A DIFFERENT WORLD, LIKE ALL DISNEY RESORTS
ALL YOU SEE IS TREES, BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND AT THE AKL YOU WILL SEE PLENTY OF ANIMALS.

I HAVE BEEN TO OTHER DELUXE RESORTS AND AKL IS JUST AS GOOD.

FOR THE POOL, IS IT VERY NICE, I USUALLY GO IN JULY, ALWAYS LOTS OF PEOPLE. THE POOL IS A LITTLE OVER 5 FT, ON THE DEEPEST END,
WHICH IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME SINCE I CAN'T SWIM.

YOU WILL LOVE THIS RESORT. HAVE A GREAT TIME.

DIANE

 

[dgaston]

I'm reading AKL posts because we're staying there for 2 nights in October. When AP rates come out, I hope to upgrade to a savanna room.

I eaten at Boma twice--walked around the pool area, and talked a bit with guides. I think you will like the hotel.

In order to get a countdown, scroll down the disboards page until you see technical board, and follow the instructions posted there. It's pretty easy.

 

[MinnieGi]

AKL is just awesome, in our opinion! We found the service and cm's to be very accomadating and friendly. I cannot say enough good things about his resort! We just loved our week long stay here in Feb. We still felt very immersed in the Disney theme magic even though the resort is not close to MK. The bus ride to MK is probably about the same time as from CBR & AS. You are of course very close to AK and not far from MGM and Epcot. Its also very nice not sharing the buses with any other resorts or stops.

AKL has a wonderful pool area. They have a zero-entry side that is great for little ones. They also have two spas and a toddler pool. Its landscaped very nicely with soft African music playing in the background. It was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

Have an awesome stay!!

 

[Disney Doll]

We stayed there for 3 nights in January 2002, and found it to be nice. It is on the same par with the deluxes in terms of amenities, IMHO. It's an African, jungle theme resort, which doesn't lend itself to very ostentatious decorating (not a lot of cyrstal in Africa!)...lots of African masks, bamboo etc, but still very well-themed.

Boma was interesting in terms of the menu...I was glad to have the opportunity to try stuff and it was well-made and fresh, but I have determined that I don't care for African food.

The pool area is beautiful, and there are many lookouts all around the pool to watch the animals from.

I want to stay we were in a room on the Zebra side, and we could see soem LBV signs and billvorads form our balcony(we were on the 3rd floor I believe). If you are on the lower floors and on the grounds though, there is nothing visible.

I guess I am not a big overall fan of the whole African themeing thing, because while I was glad I was able to stay there for 3 nights and see the hotel, and watch the animals,I was glad to not have to spend my entire vacation there. After the 3 nights, we moved to Old Key West.

 

[Taurus]

We were at AKL in January (1st trip to Disney) and really loved it. It was quiet and remote feeling but the bus transport got us to all of the parks quickly with minimal waits at the bus stop. We never had to stop at other resorts to pick up other guests. The whole resort is peaceful with nice touches, like the employees all being from Africa, evening stories and activites for the kids, tours of the african art in the building etc. The pool area is extremely nice. the savannah view is great - ask for Arushu savannah view since it is the nicest. We are going to AsMO in October since two trips to AKL in one year is out of the budget but plan to be sure to visit for dinner and animal watching. AKL was a really memorable experience. I hope you have a great trip.

 

[BethA]

We never expected to like AKL, but we LOVE it. My son and his friend used the buses and never complained-seemed better than WL. the cm and the atmosphere are wonderful.

 

[BrenVB]

Since many of you have stayed at AKL , can you suggest a room that is close to the front near the food courts and bus trans? We will be traveling with three little ones under 10. After having stayed at POFQ several times, we know that we like being close to the front when we get off the buses at night. Please, can someone help me out?

Brenda

 

[DisneyFreaks]

We were at AKL the first week of May. Our first rooms were up on the 5th floor. We had standard view and faced the front of the building. At night you could barely see a bit of the lit up highway but very very little. You could not hear any traffic whatsoever. The transportation was wonderful. It was pretty full there that week but we never waited very long for a bus to anywhere. It didn't seem like the bus rides were any longer than any other resorts were. AKL doesn't share their busses with any other resort so it is really nice. You most always get a seat except for when it is really crowded like when the parks close or after fireworks shows.

 

[mrsltg]

Brenda-

Understand that "close" is a relative term at AKL! The quick service restaurant is the Mara and it's located right near the pool, Boma, and Jiko. The only rooms close to the bus stop are the standard view rooms, but you still would have to walk through the lobby to get outside to the bus area. I would suggest you request the Zebra Trail and either savannah on it (if you are staying savannah). This will have you closer to the pool and restaurants, but the bus stop will still be a fairly quick walk.

Enjoy your trip!

Erin

 

[H&Hmommy]

please delete

 

[H&Hmommy]

Brenda
I'm in the same boat as you. We had ressie. at POFQ so that we would be close to everything, then they closed for rehab. So now we will be staying at AKL in 9 days and I requested Zebra trail facing Arusha savannah in the 2400's.
Kim

 

[disneyag]

We returned 48 hours ago from a fabulous trip to AKL. It seems so remote from the outside world. From our Savannah view room #5521 all we could see were trees and animals. It is a gorgeous hotel. Beds were comfy. Rooms were well cleaned. Food at Boma was exquisite. The decor is African, so it is not "luxurious" in the same way that the GF is, however, it is obviously a Deluxe hotel. It is now our favorite hotel!

 

[Nlihte]

Thanks alot! I've found information on AKL to be rather scarce. This info has helped a whole lot!

 

[LindaR]

Just wanted to say "hi" from the southern part of the Land of Enchantment!!!!

We just returned Tuesday from an 8 night stay at AKL.

Enjoy yourself!

 

[BrenVB]

I requested Zebra trail facing Arusha savannah in the 2400's.
Kim


Kim

Is there a certain reason for requesting on the 2nd floor instead of the 3rd or 4th? I know higher up you are up further from the animals but I would think you could see out and over better? Any suggestion from you all on this. I have a 10 year old that when she grows up, wants to be a marine biologist, so animals are just amazing to her. I would like to get her the best view.

Brenda

 

[dennis99ss]

IMHO, AKL is the best resort at WDW. I like the laid back attitude of the cm's, as opposed to the stuffy attitude of the cm's at the GF. No less service at AKL though. Also, although some may disagree, I like the lower savannah rooms, rather than the ones on 4 and 5. On 2, it seems as if you can see through the trees, where on 5 you can't. Of course, on 5 you can get a larger overall view though. enjoy.

 

[Nlihte]

Thank You so much our flight leaves in a couple of hours so I have to go! Thanks again!

 

[H&Hmommy]

Brenda
I have read every bit of info that I could get my hands on concerning the different room locations. From what I have gathered you can see alot of animals from the 4th and 5th floors,(and some hotel signs, people pens, and sometimes just trees) but with smaller children mine being 3 &6 they can really see the animals up close on the lower floors. I did not choose the 3rd floor due to the noise level. Everyone will tell you something different. Some like the higher floors, some like the lower floors and some really like the lobby floor. For us Zebra trail facing Arusha savannah in the 2400's sounded like the best bet. Now if we just get it.
Kim