AKL complaints (long)

[Gillian]

Ah, love bugs! They are everywhere at certain times of year. May, I think, is the other time. We were in WDW sept 6-15 2002 & didn't see any.

 

[chrissy72]

i'm going in may. does this mean if i am sitting by the pool, bugs are going to be all over me???

 

[Kayeil]

Bugs? That's not good! We are going to WDW the end of May and are hoping to upgrade to AKL. I'm REALLY interested to hear what the rest of you have to say about bugs in late May. This could change my mind. Thanks!

 

[lmhall2000]

I didn't notice any of these bugs around the pool area- just on our balcony which faced the savannah so that may have contributed to it. I did notice some of the bugs around the playground area- sand type- we were there Sept. 24-Oct 2- and I didn't see the bugs anywhere else at the parks -maybe they are "safari bugs"- it just kept us from sitting out on the balcony, so I don't think it would ruin your trip as most of it is spent at the parks. Go and enjoy!!
Tara

 

[Demosthenes]

Originally posted by currycook
For the person that wanted to know some of the negatives of the AKL - here they are but with reasons why they are. Such as location and transportation.

I think this may be over-simplifying the negatives of the resort. DW and I love the AKL, but as a vacation from our vacation, not as a launching pad for the parks. We've stayed there 3 times, but we recognize some legitimate negatives to the tresort.

1.) Transportation. The busses are inconsistent. I've waited for much longer the 20 minutes that many people talk about. It's not enough to discourage us from staying, but it is a real concern for commando style vacationers.

2.) Dark rooms. The rooms are dark and somewhat small. DW always brings another light with her to do her make-up.

3.) The pool. There is no quiet pool; for people like DW and I who like to relax in the pool without a group of rowdy kids nearby, this is a major drawback. I would never stay at the AKL during the hot busy months for this reason.

4.) Food. Restaurant choices are rather limited at this resort. While this isn't unique to the AKL, its remote location makes this problem more pronounced than other deluxe resorts. If you are at the YC, you have 4 hotels and their restaurants within walking distance. WL has a short boat ride o the CR, and the other monorail resorts have a quick monorail ride to other dining venues. At the AKL, especially after the parks close, it is extremely difficult and time consuming to eat at another resort.

5.) Limited recreation options. What we love about the lodge is, obviously, the view. And the eveing and daytime viewing is fantastic. We also like the nightly stories, but there is no beach or marina, there is no bike rentals, there's not even a jogging trail (DW and I are avid runners). They do have a nice excercise room, but at the AKL, which features the beauty of the outdoors, makes you work out inside.

All of these are valid cons or negatives of the AKL. They are the kind of thing that often goes overlokked in some reviews, or are left out of the positive trip reports on the lodge. Specifically, the restaurants & quiet pool issues may not occur to people accustomed to more pools or easier access to restaurants. It obviously doesn't ruin the resort for DW and I, but I don't think the resort is a good fit for everybody (as opposed to YC/BC or BWI which, I think, are for the most part, 1 size fits all).

 

[Richyams]

I think that all the negatives are allayed with a car. Even before we lived down here and used to fly, we always got a car. Not being one of those that despise driving on vacation, none of the resturuant, bas, etc complaints ever came to my mind. Just a call downstairs and you car is at the front door to wisk you anywhere you want to go.

The rooms pretty much keep in style with the resort.

I thought that the pool was a highlight of the resort. Truly unique, very large and beautiful.

 

[Demosthenes]

Originally posted by Richyams
I think that all the negatives are allayed with a car.

Many, but not all. I agree that a car eliminates the problem (though not the hassle) of traveling to other resorts or restaurants, but you can't drive to another quiet pool, you still may need additional light in your room and (I know this isn't a big deal for most, but...) not having a jogging trail is very inconvenient for those who look for that sort of thing.

I thought that the pool was a highlight of the resort. Truly unique, very large and beautiful.

I agree completely; however, why on earth was this resort built with no quiet pool? Frankly, if I was designing this resort, there would have been only two views, a pool view or a savannah view. The area of the resort that is now the pool would be additional savannah, and the pools would be on the front side of giraffe and ostrich trail.

 

[currycook]

For the person that emailed asking about the AKL some things on this thread should help.

 

[Snoopymom]

I haven't considered this resort before, because I've always wanted to stay at the WL, but I got the Dolphin at a better rate for our next trip, so now it looks like there's two "gotta try" resorts on my list. Thanks for all the info! Sounds like a magical place to me!

 

[litlpixie]

Love the post. AKL is so far our Favorite place. I have to stick my nose in really quick about the love bugs. They ARE everywhere. As a matter of fact, we were at AKL this April...No love bugs. But we were at WL last May and they were all over the pool area. So maybe it's the time of year. Happy planning everyone!!

 

[Princess'Mom2]

Okay, while this might not be popular I have to tell you the pros and cons of our stay at AKL last week.

CONS:
(1) The lady that checked us in didn't have a clue about the hotel, buses or any amenities.
(2) The buses are S L O W. Many times we waited more than 30 minutes to catch a bus to MGM or Downtown Disney (and returning).
(3) AKL Cast Members are not friendly. Maybe I'm spoiled, but when I meet someone in a hallway, I always say "hello" or "goodmorning" -- Nothing from the cast members -- none of them broke the frozen look off their faces.
(4) Bell Services couldn't be bothered. When we were getting ready to switch to the YC, I went to the Bell Services desk the day before we were going to move to notify them. They acted like it was a big inconvenience to move our luggage (9 pieces for 4 people).
(5) Maid service -- room was clean, but we were missing things like "Do not Disturb/Make up room" card, room service menu, little things like that that we had to hunt down.
(6) Food - yuck! We had a fairly good grilled chicken sandwich from Mara one afternoon -- but the hassle to get it was unnecessary. Two days later we ordered a pizza thinking we would give Mara a second chance -- it was tasteless. Also the Cast Members working in Mara are rude.
(7) Its DARK in the rooms unless it is mid-day and you have the curtains open. The light bulb (and there is only one) in the shower is a 52 watt bulb -- I know because the cover was missing from the light and I could read the wattage.
(8) Drawer space is minimal -- there are two drawers in the chest -- for 4 people -- we lived out of our suitcases.

PROS
(1) The hotel was clean and once we called housekeeping for additional pillows and towels, each day we received extra towels.
(2) The animals -- my DD and DH loved to watch them from the balcony.
(3) The pool -- my DD loved to play on the slide and swim in the pool.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have rented a car and foregone Disney bus service. The buses to Epcot and AK seemed a little better. A few times we took a taxi because we couldn't be sure we would make it to our PS using the buses (and that is giving at least a hour to get from the AKL to our destination).

For us, once was enough. The second half of our trip was spent at the YC, and we'd go back there in a minute. But I doubt we will ever go to the AKL again.

 

[Nickunited]

WELL DONE! Well thought out - well presented and VERY TRUE!

 

[cart-mom]

I totally agree with all of your comments. My family stayed there last year and we all LOVED IT! We didn't have a SV room - so what! The resort is beautiful, the animals are great, the CM are amazing. What's not to love. I would much rather wait another 5 minutes on a bus to Mk than to wait 2 hours for a value resort bus that is SRO!! Not a fun thing with 4 kids and a stroller.

My kids (8,3,5 & 1) stayed in the pool for like 8 hours one day. The lifeguards had activities for them and they had plenty of room to swim and the resort was booked solid.

As for the food selection - my kids are PICKY eaters and we never had a problem getting them something to eat at the food court.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the facts remain - you get what you pay for.

 

[bytheblood]

Originally posted by currycook
3) Complaint: “Disney charges $6. for valet parking or I have to walk to my car”. In most cases the walk is only 50-150 yards from the valet service. If Disney hires more people so they have valet parking for everyone then the price of the room goes up. I would much rather have the choice to pay rather than to have the price of the room go up. Going to WDW means walking. If we wish instant access to our car may I humbly suggest that one goes to the Red Roof Inn. You can park your car right outside your room.

I have to apologize, but this type of comment causes me to laugh myself into hysterics. People complain about having the walk to their cars or walk around CSR to get from their room to the food, or have to walk from their room for 5 minutes to get to the bus stop.

What in the world do these people do once they hit the parks? Have their spouse or friend push them around in a stroller or do they pay the closest CM a good chunk of change so they can ride on their shoulders? I do apologize for getting on my soap box, but I am just amazed at the number of people who complain about walking while in a place like Disney World, where that is what you do all day.

I bet these are the same people that will not take their grocery carts to the designated spots in the parking lot, but will leave it 2 spaces over from the cart return.

WHEW!!!!

 

[Exp626]

To offer my 2 cents, which is probably worth less than 2 cents. We stayed at AKL last year and did our research before going. Everyone loved it, right down to the dimmer rooms to allow for better viewing and the Duck Firecrackers at Jiko. The only negative we encountered was being able to see the outside world when driving up to the front of the resort. We were all use to the total escapism of the other deluxe resorts and were a little surprised to be able to see off property highway/road signs in the distance when driving up to the front doors.

 

[DisneyBee]

I have to agree with PrincessMom on most of the AKL Pros/Cons. We were there last week and the AKL cast members leave a lot to be desired. They need a crash course in public relations! The only cm we encountered who was pleasant was our housekeeper and I'm guessing it's because I tip well and we (3 of us) don't leave our room in a horrible mess.

Bell services is pretty much non-existent. When we pulled up, I fully expected to be met by bell services and to have help unloading our luggage and putting it onto a cart/trolley (whatever they're called) to be taken into the lodge. No one even approached us from valet parking and there were plenty standing around. So, we unloaded and my husband parked the car and we then lugged all of our stuff into the lobby. We were early, and our room wasn't ready so we trudged to bell services to store our luggage.

The cm checking us in was not rude, but she was cold as ice - didn't even smile or say welcome, etc.

We ate at Mara a couple of times and the food we had was fine for what it was - fast food. We dined at Boma one evening and it was great - however, the cm's there were less than friendly.

I also had to call the front desk because three teenagers had moved furniture into the elevator by our room and were riding it up and down - they were also running up and down the corridors knocking on doors. These were older teenagers - like 17/18 years old. When I called to ask that someone check into it and resolve the situation the cm I spoke with was abrupt and cut me off. She said she would report it to the manager and he would handle it. No, thank you for calling us or I'm sorry that you've encountered this, etc.

All in all, our stay was fine and the resort is gorgeous. We knew about and expected long waits/rides for the buses. We will go back because my son loved it, but I've sent a letter to the manager regarding the lack of "Disney warmth" on the part of the cast members and I hope something changes by the time we return.

 

[wendyl]

Originally posted by Princess'Mom2

CONS:
(1) The lady that checked us in didn't have a clue about the hotel, buses or any amenities.
(2) The buses are S L O W. Many times we waited more than 30 minutes to catch a bus to MGM or Downtown Disney (and returning).
(3) AKL Cast Members are not friendly. Maybe I'm spoiled, but when I meet someone in a hallway, I always say "hello" or "goodmorning" -- Nothing from the cast members -- none of them broke the frozen look off their faces.
(4) Bell Services couldn't be bothered. When we were getting ready to switch to the YC, I went to the Bell Services desk the day before we were going to move to notify them. They acted like it was a big inconvenience to move our luggage (9 pieces for 4 people).
(5) Maid service -- room was clean, but we were missing things like "Do not Disturb/Make up room" card, room service menu, little things like that that we had to hunt down.
(6) Food - yuck! We had a fairly good grilled chicken sandwich from Mara one afternoon -- but the hassle to get it was unnecessary. Two days later we ordered a pizza thinking we would give Mara a second chance -- it was tasteless. Also the Cast Members working in Mara are rude.
(7) Its DARK in the rooms unless it is mid-day and you have the curtains open. The light bulb (and there is only one) in the shower is a 52 watt bulb -- I know because the cover was missing from the light and I could read the wattage.
(8) Drawer space is minimal -- there are two drawers in the chest -- for 4 people -- we lived out of our suitcases.

.

We were there two weeks ago--and it is funny--we experienced the exact opposite on every one of your Cons except Bell Services-they always seemed bothered by our requests. Our dresser had 4 huge deep drawers (in a pool view/standard room), we didn't find the rooms too dark, we liked Mara--especially the CM's working there, and we were ESPECIALLY impressed with the ease and efficiency of using the buses--the wait times were better than I expected--only one wait time of over 20 minutes in 5 days.

Maybe it's luck??

 

[Lewisc]

CON--It is the only deluxe that ONLY has bus transportation. All the other deluxe resorts offer boat,monorail or the ability to walk to at least one park.

AKL could have been built with some type of boat (canal) to get to AK.

 

[MinnieGi]

Originally posted by Princess'Mom2
Okay, while this might not be popular I have to tell you the pros and cons of our stay at AKL last week.

CONS:
(1) The lady that checked us in didn't have a clue about the hotel, buses or any amenities.
(2) The buses are S L O W. Many times we waited more than 30 minutes to catch a bus to MGM or Downtown Disney (and returning).
(3) AKL Cast Members are not friendly. Maybe I'm spoiled, but when I meet someone in a hallway, I always say "hello" or "goodmorning" -- Nothing from the cast members -- none of them broke the frozen look off their faces.
(4) Bell Services couldn't be bothered. When we were getting ready to switch to the YC, I went to the Bell Services desk the day before we were going to move to notify them. They acted like it was a big inconvenience to move our luggage (9 pieces for 4 people).
(5) Maid service -- room was clean, but we were missing things like "Do not Disturb/Make up room" card, room service menu, little things like that that we had to hunt down.
(6) Food - yuck! We had a fairly good grilled chicken sandwich from Mara one afternoon -- but the hassle to get it was unnecessary. Two days later we ordered a pizza thinking we would give Mara a second chance -- it was tasteless. Also the Cast Members working in Mara are rude.
(7) Its DARK in the rooms unless it is mid-day and you have the curtains open. The light bulb (and there is only one) in the shower is a 52 watt bulb -- I know because the cover was missing from the light and I could read the wattage.
(8) Drawer space is minimal -- there are two drawers in the chest -- for 4 people -- we lived out of our suitcases.

Wow - we stayed at AKL in Feb. 2003 and found it almost completely opposite to what you just experienced. We found the cm's at AKL to be the friendliest we have encountered at WDW! Everybody there was smiling and saying hi! The front desk staff was very informative and helpful everytime we visited. The check-in was very smooth and cm very friendly telling us all about the highlights of the hotel and the programs offered there. They also moved us the next day with our choice of rooms when my DH had trouble sleeping b/c we were next to the elevator shaft. I know our first room only had one dresser but the second one had two dressers one opposite the sink area and the other tv/dresser combo. The food at Boma was wonderful. Mara's was the same as any other food court area we have encountered. The bus transportation was the best we have experienced while vacationing at WDW. The buses were never full, only ever waited 5 - 10 minutes for one and we loved not having to share the bus with another resort. I was sorry to hear your stay. I hope it was more of a fluke then how things are there now b/c it was truly a great experience for us!

 

[Nathan's Grandma]

We stayed at AKL last July and everything was perfect. We have been staying at Disney Resorts for many years and our stay here was one of the very best.

It was very crowded last July and we never had a problem getting a bus to or from AKL at all. Everyone was very nice and we will be staying there again in September for a long birthday weekend.

We are getting a pool deluxe room this time because we won't be there very much I did not want to pay the difference for the savannah view.

I feel blessed to have had great stays at all the resorts we have stayed at for the past 28 years. Hopefully those who haven't found their favorite will and have a much better next vacation.