Advice for first time stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[mizarmour]

Hello,
My husband and I are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first time in May. I was trying to do the online check in, but wasn't sure what room requests to make during the check in process. I would love to hear feedback from others who have stayed there. Are there any rooms to avoid at AKL?
Thanks!

 

[Masonmj84]

I have only stayed there once and we were in a ground level pool view room.

While some would argue that staying in a savannah view room at AKL is the only way to go, I'll just note that we loved the location of our room. We were right next to the laundry and within very easy walking distance of the pool and restaurants. We also didn't notice much pool noise at night and view from our patio of landscaping around the pool was lovely.

And while we were not able to see animals from our room, we were still able to enjoy watching them from several areas of the resort.

I wouldn't hesitate to reserve a pool view room again in a heartbeat.

 

[kasedroz]

We stayed there Spring Break 2014 in the main building (don't remember the name right off) on the second floor. We had a parking lot view from our window inside but as soon as we stepped out our doors faced the big windows overlooking the savannah so it felt like we had a savannah room without the extra cost. That being said, we we very disappointed in our stay at this resort and will not stay again. But hopefully your experience will be a better one and the buses run better times that what we had. But I will say this the resort is absolutely stunning!

 

[richmo]

We stayed there Spring Break 2014 in the main building (don't remember the name right off) on the second floor. We had a parking lot view from our window inside ...But I will say this the resort is absolutely stunning!

I think I had the same room on the third floor. The view was of the roof over where you pull up when you arrive and the parking lot. Unlike the poster I quoted, we still had an enjoyable stay, loved the lodge and would be happy to return. And don't forget Boma!

 

[mizarmour]

I have only stayed there once and we were in a ground level pool view room.

While some would argue that staying in a savannah view room at AKL is the only way to go, I'll just note that we loved the location of our room. We were right next to the laundry and within very easy walking distance of the pool and restaurants. We also didn't notice much pool noise at night and view from our patio of landscaping around the pool was lovely.

And while we were not able to see animals from our room, we were still able to enjoy watching them from several areas of the resort.

I wouldn't hesitate to reserve a pool view room again in a heartbeat.

Thanks for your input. We're really not going to be in the room much, so a savannah view is not a priority for me. I hadn't thought about the pool view.

 

[mizarmour]

Thanks to everyone. I've got just over two weeks to make up my mind, but I'm so excited about being there.

 

[Nancyg56]

I loved a Savannah view, but that is because I enjoy the balcony. My only advice is to suggest that you plan resort time if you stay at AKL. It is a gorgeous serene resort with a lot to offer, way more than animals. There are CM's all over teh lodge who are happy to discuss their homeland with you, and an art collection that is beautiful I believe a tour is still offered. You can also book a tour of the restaurants, which is pretty interesting. You meet the chefs from Jiko and Boma. I think there are still storytellers there in the evening as well. Have a great time!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

AKL is my favorite resort.
I've done pool view twice and wasn't disappointed in that choice. As a pp stated, there are many places to view the different savannahs. I recommend Boma is you want to do a buffet. Take the time to "stop and smell the roses" here. The CM's are awesome, the artifacts beautiful, the savannahs amazing.

 

[lelesansan]

Excited for our first stay in September. We selected Standard View just because we know that we wont be in the room too much but like that we will have the option to still see the animals with a good walking distances.

We are really excited for the additional Safari tour they offer.

 

[mizarmour]

I was even thinking of not selecting any requests on the online check in, and just let fate see where we end up!

 

[mizarmour]

I'm always such a chronic over-planner on previous trips, maybe I should kick back and relax on this one!

 

[Sarahbelle341]

I'm wondering the same thing. We have a pool view room booked because that was all that was available but we would love a view of the animals or even a view of the flamingos by the pool area if possible I just don't know which option to select in online check in.

 

[anjalee6]

Honestly, we like rooms close to the main lobby and on the giraffe trail which is in the front of the hotel on the right (if looking at a map). It is very close to the lobby. Pool, and restaurants. We usually ask for that is staying standard. However, not sure what you picked.

We also like 5th floor overlooking the lobby. This does mean your view outside will be overlooking the roof/front entrance, but honestly, it is extremely quiet. It didn't bother us one bit especially since it was fantastic as a location to everything.

If staying pool view, I would also recommend giraffe trail. We always ask for close to lobby, close to transportation, and have never been disappointed with our room. Good luck.

 

[kiford]

Excited for our first stay in September. We selected Standard View just because we know that we wont be in the room too much but like that we will have the option to still see the animals with a good walking distances.

While we enjoyed our Savannah view (and may stay later this year in an Arusha view) because we did spend time in our room, you can also sit out on the verandah off the lobby and watch the animals. So if you're not going to be spending a lot of time in the room, a standard view will probably work fine for you and just spend time at the various locations around the resort where you overlook the animals.

 

[greentea]

We stayed in a standard view and requested to be close to the lobby. We were the second room just off the lobby, and it was great. We loved being able to pop right outside to the buses or downstairs to the restaurants without walking down a long hallway or using elevators.

 

[Sue M]

I was even thinking of not selecting any requests on the online check in, and just let fate see where we end up!

What category did you book? Savanna, pool or standard view? This would make a difference in what room requests you can make.

 

[Sarahbelle341]

What floor is the Mara on?

 

[maryandtyson]

The Mara is adjacent to the pool. It's lower than the Lobby, but I can't recall the floor. Our family loves AKL!! It's so beautiful and the CMs from Africa are so interesting to talk to. Plan to spend some time at the resort. They have a lot of great activities! We like the storytelling, night vision, lobby floor rubbings, and, of course, watching the animals. We stayed pool view twice and enjoyed both stays.

 

[bethclayton]

you didn't say what room category you booked. people are giving you suggestions, for example, pool view, but those are categories that you book when making your reservation, not a request. if you tell us what category you booked, we may be able to help but you can't request something you haven't booked.

 

[Sarahbelle341]

What would be a good option to request for a pool view room? What are the options on online check in?