AKL for the First Time

[niknak310]

We are surprising our son (6) with a birthday trip to DW the middle of May. We are considering AKL but cant make a decision. The savanna view rooms sound cool, but is there always something to see? Any other recommendations on choosing a room at this resort? Which building is the best?

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

 

[Ambassador]

We just returned from our first visit to AKL. There is almost aways something to see, and the various savannas seem to have different animals. Except around 10am when the animals are feed in their barns. In advance, request an Arusha view, third floor, near feeding station.

Do go over to the pool at Kidani: your 6 year old will love it!

 

[glocon]

We loved AKL, and we did stay savanah view. I requested zebra trail third floor, got a bunkbed room too. Views were great, and we did always see animals. They are quite close to balcony, but my son brought binoculars and night vision goggles for the fun of it, and he did have fun! You can get some great pictures of your family with the animals in the background- can't be beat.
When I told my son we were going to try BC this time around he was not happy- until I told him about SAB! But the pool at AKL was fun too.
Loved the breakfast buffet at Boma- something for everyone there. If you are adventurous, you can try some African fare, otherwise there is regular breakfast food available also. Definitely try the mango fruit juice drink (forgot what it was called) at breakfast if you go.
And the Zebra domes too... yum!

 

[niknak310]

Thank you, both. What a great idea to bring night vision glasses!!


How is the transportation to and from the parks when staying at AKL?

Has anyone rented points to stay here? Problems? Is club concierge worth the expense?


Thank you all!!!

 

[Kimberle]

If you can, stay Concierge. They have the best Savannah view rooms. We had a lovely time here a few years ago. It is so nice to go up to the lounge (rooms are on 4 and lounge is on 6) for b/fast and goodies during the day. You can also book the Sunrise Safari (extra charge) but oh so worth it. At 7am you board buses and are taken through backstage to enter the park. You ride the safari. It is a very different experience. The ride take about an hour and you have a personal guide to narriate. They stop for photo's at opportune moments. You see the animals waking up for the day and heading to their "spots". You see the whole park "wake" for the day. After, you head to one of the restaurants for a special buffet b/fast (a/k/a, feast). Your guide(s) eat with you and will answer any questions. We were done about 9.

 

[niknak310]

Wow, that sounds really cool! The breakfast and snacks are included in the price of concierge? Is there a difference in room style?

That would be an awesome way to spend a 7th birthday...

 

[glocon]

We always drive, so we use our own car. The monorail is to crazy for us, so buses would be even harder for us to deal with. If you drive yourself, the MK was about 20 min door to entrance, including monorail for us. AK even closer. It seems like I heard the buses stop at Kidani before AKL, but just not sure about that. This will be our first year trying CL (@BC) but we plan resort days so will definitely make use of it.

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Thank you, both. What a great idea to bring night vision glasses!!


How is the transportation to and from the parks when staying at AKL?

Has anyone rented points to stay here? Problems? Is club concierge worth the expense?


Thank you all!!!

We are planning our send trip with rented DVC points & would highly recommend it! Just ask loads of questions & get references. Definitely requires trust from both parties but so worth it!

 

[niknak310]

@glocon

We drove last time (summer 2010) from Chicago area...it was definitely nice having a car, especially if you have AAA parking passes. But the kids were crabby the last portion of the trip.

On that same trip we took the bus from MK to AKL for dinner (Jiko). I thought the bus wait was extremely long. We took the car everywhere after that.

With this trip we wont be driving and I'm hoping the bus service is quicker than I remember....

 

[niknak310]

@ momof2cutegirls

Point renting seems like the way to go, and the more I look into the concierge level at AKL, it seems like a good fit.

When you rented, did you sign a contract? Which method of payment seemed the safest to you?

 

[niknak310]

@ Kimberle

Do you know if the beverages served in the lounge throughout the day include beer/wine? Or is that only for 5-7pm hours?

 

[momof2cutegirls]

@ momof2cutegirls

Point renting seems like the way to go, and the more I look into the concierge level at AKL, it seems like a good fit.

When you rented, did you sign a contract? Which method of payment seemed the safest to you?

We don't do concierge level but get a studio at Kidani. If I booked through WDW, it would be over $350/night & at $10/ points it's more like $120. We have rented twice through the same lady so we have become friends. She makes the reservation, sends me the confirmation number which I double-check and then send her money via Paypal.

 

[Kimberle]

@ Kimberle

Do you know if the beverages served in the lounge throughout the day include beer/wine? Or is that only for 5-7pm hours?

It was only 5-7 ish during our stay. There are soda's, milk, juice etc. served all day. If you want some during the next day, just take an extra and store it in your room fridge.

 

[Ducky0615]

My six year old nephew was skeptical at first, it was a suprise but he had heard me talk constantly how cool it would be to go to AKL since my dream vacation is going to Africa.

When he got there, he loved it. He ran around like a mad man, its so expansive with so many things that grab your attention, It is truely an amazing place to stay.

We had an arusha view room 3rd level I think, we constantly saw animals except for a short while in the morning but there was always something out running around and so close!

Enjoy your stay

 

[niknak310]

I'm hearing that club level isn't available for the days we're staying..it seems like a good deal, so it's no surprise they are booked......