AKL in December

[soccer mom]

Let me preface my question by saying, we are booked at AKL standard CL rooms in mid December. It is a really, really special trip because my son will be home from Iraq and we are taking his girlfriend and my daughter's boyfriend who are both newbies to Disney, so with all eight of us together we should have a great time.

With that said, I have been reading about all the current and upcoming construction at AKL. Any inside info or predictions as to what AKL will look like on the inside and outside in December? We really want to "wow" the newbies and AKL is our favorite resort, but we would be willing to change if there is going to be construction. What do you think?

 

[RachelTori]

I "think" it will be fine - they seem to be doing a good job of keeping guests from any inconvenience - however, I would suggest you keep checking the JAMBO thread for updates. Many of us have upcoming reservations (our's is the end of May) and will post on what's happening there.

Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=752192&page=503

 

[kandb]

We have a vacation set to visit AKL from Dec 11-20. I had no idea there would be construction. Where did you hear about this? Thanks for any info, Linda

 

[soccer mom]

Linda,

If you do a search here on the boards, you will see a lot of conversation about the construction. They are turning some of the rooms into DVC and the a new DVC building is slated for completion in 2009 (I think). There was a link in the JAMBO thread that showed a map of the resort and when each section would be completed, but I don't know when each section is going to begin or how instrusive it will be. I think most interior construction will take place on the 5th and 6th floors, but some of that overlooks the lobby and I really don't want to be there if the lobby is tore up or if the scenery behind a savannah includes a construction site. Hope this helps.

 

[MinnieSummer]

We are also planning AKL CL over Christmas. I'm hoping the construction won't be an issue -- but honestly, after our GF Christmas last year I think the construction would be better than the jam packed lobby full of kids so loud and rude that we couldn't hear the entertainment (which was the whole reason we booked there). Even with construction the lobby at AKL at Christmas is beyond beautiful.

 

[Nascia]

Dh and I spent a long weekend at the AKL CL earlier this month. Initially we had a CL room on the 4th floor facing the Arusha Sav. and could not see any construction what so ever. We had issues with the room, asked to be changed and were moved to the 6th floor, facing the Sunset Sav. The construction was pretty obvious from there (large bulldozed area off to the side of the sav.) and we could hear and see them working during the week (when we were there they did not work on the weekends). I would imagine any of the rooms on the Sunset sav. would experience at least the construction noise, even if the site is out of view. On a side note, I would recommend the Sunrise Safari, especially if it's a wow kind of trip. We did it one morning and it was absolutely wonderful.

Honestly, we would not stay AKL CL again. Aside from one outstanding employee, the lounge staff was very distant and rarely spoke with us through out our stay. They were not at all helpful and seemed bothered when we asked for help booking a tour. We love the AKL and will stay there in the future, just not CL.

We (the whole family) also spent a week in December with a Sav view room. The lodge was decorated beautifully. The Christmas tree in the lobby was gorgeous. Hope you and your family have a great time.

 

[RachelTori]

To any of you who might be at AKL on Christmas Eve, the Tree Lighting Ceremony would be worth any inconvenience you might experience due to construction. At 3:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the employees are dressed in their traditional dress, singing, then several of them tell about the region they are from. We all sing Christmas songs -- the printed program they hand out is a wonderful souvenir!

After the tree is lit, one area of the lobby has visits with Santa Claus; another area, visits with the characters. In the past, we've always left and headed for home on Dec 23rd; last year we stayed until the day after Christmas and I can't think of a place I'd rather spend Christmas.