AKL Culinary Tour

[mx3man123]

Does anyone know if the Culinary tour costs anything at AKL?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think it's free.
I think it starts at 4 PM.
I think you meet in front of Boma (or Jiko).
I think it's non-reservable, aka first come, first serve.

You should probably call Animal Kingdom Lodge. There's Resort contact information on the, well, Resorts site of wdwinfo.com (the DIS's home site).

 

[TiggerAlli]

This sounded too cool so I called the AKL and after much switching around I was told that this is only for Concierge Guests.

I'd love to hear more about this though if anyone out there has done it? It might be worth using some points to stay in Concierge just to do this and one of the Savannah tours!

Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

This sounded too cool so I called the AKL and after much switching around I was told that this is only for Concierge Guests.

I'd love to hear more about this though if anyone out there has done it? It might be worth using some points to stay in Concierge just to do this and one of the Savannah tours!

Thanks!

Well, I've done this tour and I wasn't staying in Concierge-just a plain ole' pool view room. The CM that ran the tour didn't even ask me. There were only two of us who came for the tour (no pre-sign-up, just show up, no cost). We went to Jiko first, sat at the show kitchen bar and shared the Taste of Africa appetizer while the CM talked about different spices used at Jiko, and also pointed out the Hidden Mickeys in the resturaunt. Then she took us over to Boma, where the CM there took us on a tour of all the offerings at the buffet and offered free samples for the asking. I tried their butternut squash soup. Honestly, I think you could show up for the tour even if you're not staying at AKL. The info is on the bulletin board by the elevators near Boma.

 

[Wendi2000]

The tour is really neat. There is no cost. We started at Jiko and got a tour of the restaurant, learned some things about how many wines they offer, the design of the space, specialties, cuisine, etc. We sampled some appetizers then moved on to Boma where we were walked through the buffet to learn about all of the offerings, etc. We sampled soups and desserts at Boma. We were there just before the official opening of the restaurant and my son was invited as an honorary guest to play the drums to open Boma. He had so much fun and they even presented him with a certificate.

 

[mx3man123]

Thank you so much for the information, thats why I love the Dis Boards!!

 

[SandraVB79]

Are these tours offered each day, and around approximately what time?

 

[Wendi2000]

I took pictures of the whole activity board and then of each separate listing on the board. This is from a year ago, so things may have changed, but I honestly don't think they change it much or often...

(this is in order from morning to night)
9:00 Horticulture Activity - Arusha Rock every Wednesday
9:30 Flamingo Activity - Flamingo Pond *bead activity
11:00-1:30 Animal Tracking - Arusha Rock *bead activity
12:00 Arts & Crafts with Lifeguards - Uzima Pool Deck
12:30 Medallion Rubbing - Lobby
1:00 Cookie Decorating - Boma
2:00-4:30 Garden Safari - Flamingo Pond *bead activity
2:30 Spirit of Africa Art Tour - Ogun's Firepit
3:00 African Games or Crafts - Uzima Pool Deck
3:45 (F/Sa/Su) or 4:00 (M/Tu/W/Th) Culinary Tour - Jiko Podium
5:00 Music of the Savanna - Sunset Lounge *bead activity
6:30 Wildlife Games - Sunset Lounge *bead activity
7:30 African Folktales - Arusha Rock Firepit
7:50 Primal Parade - Zawadi Marketplace
8:30 Cultural Safari - Sunset Lounge
9:00-11:00 Animal Viewing w/Night Vision - see sign at Flamingo Pond for location

There is also a Ceramics Class T/Th 12:00-2:00 in Simba's Cubhouse for all ages - there is a fee for this, and also the kid's Adventure Camp - I think the details of the camp have changed recently though, so I won't post my info since it is likely wrong.

 

[westcliffemom]

Definitely do this if you can, we had a blast!

 

[MinnieCandi]

I took pictures of the whole activity board and then of each separate listing on the board. This is from a year ago, so things may have changed, but I honestly don't think they change it much or often...

(this is in order from morning to night)
9:00 Horticulture Activity - Arusha Rock every Wednesday
9:30 Flamingo Activity - Flamingo Pond *bead activity
11:00-1:30 Animal Tracking - Arusha Rock *bead activity
12:00 Arts & Crafts with Lifeguards - Uzima Pool Deck
12:30 Medallion Rubbing - Lobby
1:00 Cookie Decorating - Boma
2:00-4:30 Garden Safari - Flamingo Pond *bead activity
2:30 Spirit of Africa Art Tour - Ogun's Firepit
3:00 African Games or Crafts - Uzima Pool Deck
3:45 (F/Sa/Su) or 4:00 (M/Tu/W/Th) Culinary Tour - Jiko Podium
5:00 Music of the Savanna - Sunset Lounge *bead activity
6:30 Wildlife Games - Sunset Lounge *bead activity
7:30 African Folktales - Arusha Rock Firepit
7:50 Primal Parade - Zawadi Marketplace
8:30 Cultural Safari - Sunset Lounge
9:00-11:00 Animal Viewing w/Night Vision - see sign at Flamingo Pond for location

There is also a Ceramics Class T/Th 12:00-2:00 in Simba's Cubhouse for all ages - there is a fee for this, and also the kid's Adventure Camp - I think the details of the camp have changed recently though, so I won't post my info since it is likely wrong.

WOW, this is great info! Thanks! What does "*bead activity" mean? Are all these activities free of charge? Can all ages attend these activities?

 

[Wendi2000]

WOW, this is great info! Thanks! What does "*bead activity" mean? Are all these activities free of charge? Can all ages attend these activities?

The kids get a bracelet with a starter bead at their first activity, then they get single beads to add to eat at every other bead activity they participate in. They are free. I have no doubt that they would hand out beads to adults too, but you might not be as interested as the kids in doing some of the stuff... it's fun just to hang out and watch them though!