A little bit sad...

[leebee]

We are staying at AKL, savanna view (DVC rental), for a 2 night stay over my birthday! I am stupidly excited about this, as it's always been my dream resort but I can't justify the $$$ as when we go to WDW, we are in the parks and just use the hotel for sleeping/showering (didn't even go to the pool when we stayed 4 nights at BWV). ANYHOW... on Friday I got the email from Disney saying I was within my fastpass window and it's time to book- but we are not going to the theme parks on this trip, just enjoying AKL. This makes me sad, a little, and even more so as it seems the Jiko wine tasting is fully booked on the day we'll be there . I also cannot find out how to book the culinary tour at Jiko/Boma. Anyone know how to do this, or do we have to wait until check-in?

Like I said, I am only a little sad about no theme park tickets. Does anyone have any suggestions about what else we can do at AKL while there? I really am psyched about our savanna-view stay! Another experience crossed off my bucket list!

 

[toodycat]

Having a Savannah room is a great thing. You may just want to order a couple of drinks and sit on your balcony and watch the animals. However, we always enjoy going to the savannah area and speaking to the cast members who are overseeing the animals. They are so knowledgeable and interesting! There is also a spa if you want to schedule a happy birthday facial or massage. The pool at AKL is one of the most relaxing on Disney property in my opinion. Sitting around the fire pit outside the lodge at night is also lovely. Remember too that if you want to leave the resort, there is plenty to do at Disney Springs. Have a great trip.

 

[mickeynut1]

Having a Savannah room is a great thing. You may just want to order a couple of drinks and sit on your balcony and watch the animals. However, we always enjoy going to the savannah area and speaking to the cast members who are overseeing the animals. They are so knowledgeable and interesting! There is also a spa if you want to schedule a happy birthday facial or massage. The pool at AKL is one of the most relaxing on Disney property in my opinion. Sitting around the fire pit outside the lodge at night is also lovely. Remember too that if you want to leave the resort, there is plenty to do at Disney Springs. Have a great trip.

I agree! AKL is a beautiful resort with a lot to do, but it also has a quiet & peaceful atmosphere, which is great (IMO) for a no parks trip. Have a great time .

 

[glocon]

When we were there many years ago, there were different speakers and lecture type things going on. You could look at the board posted in the main entrance and see who would be speaking on what and where. There were many interesting people from different pats of Africa talking about the culture and traditions they had, some with things to look at such as instruments or crafts.
Also, there are many interesting cultural artifacts hanging on the walls all over the resort with tags describing them to look at.
So not only do you get to see the animals, but you can learn about many aspects of African culture.

 

[glocon]

Can you call the resort and ask about the culinary tour?
Maybe while you're on the phone with them about the culinary tour you can ask if there are any openings for the wine tasting and there might be some pixie dust sprinkled....

 

[Shanti]

We are staying at AKL, savanna view (DVC rental), for a 2 night stay over my birthday! I am stupidly excited about this, as it's always been my dream resort but I can't justify the $$$ as when we go to WDW, we are in the parks and just use the hotel for sleeping/showering (didn't even go to the pool when we stayed 4 nights at BWV). ANYHOW... on Friday I got the email from Disney saying I was within my fastpass window and it's time to book- but we are not going to the theme parks on this trip, just enjoying AKL. This makes me sad, a little, and even more so as it seems the Jiko wine tasting is fully booked on the day we'll be there . I also cannot find out how to book the culinary tour at Jiko/Boma. Anyone know how to do this, or do we have to wait until check-in?

Like I said, I am only a little sad about no theme park tickets. Does anyone have any suggestions about what else we can do at AKL while there? I really am psyched about our savanna-view stay! Another experience crossed off my bucket list!

There are some different safaris you can do. The activities section of the AKL website should show prices & times for those.

 

[piccolopat]

If you go often enough, you might consider buying a ticket and making fast passes now. If you don't use the ticket, you can save it for another trip. If you change your mind everything is set. We spent one night at AKL savanna view at the end of one of our trips because we ended up booking our airfare a day later and opted to try AKL rather than extending our stay at YC. We loved the lodge and especially enjoyed the morning ordering breakfast in and sitting watching the animals. It was so relaxing. Whatever you decide, have a great time.