AKL in Nov, first time, any secrets we need to know?

[yeahdisney]

The November hours are now out. This is to be a laid back trip. I haven't got any plans yet. What are somethings we don't want to miss at AKL? I saw they have night vision glasses over at J. House and read good things about the community center. I'd like to try Boma but our kids are timid eaters. So any secrets you'd like to share with us? TIA D Kids DD 11, DS 9

 

[ajjollie23]

We have some pretty picky eaters too, and we find things to eat at Boma. The food does have some of the African spices, but if your children generally eat off the child's menu you should be fine. The child menu is pretty much the same as any other restaurant/buffet. I would check at the main desk for schedules, there are all sorts of activities going on all the time. The people who work there also sit and tell stories about their home life and it is really interesting. My DS5 sat and listened to a woman talking about her life and responsibilities at home in Africa. He was so interested and loved hearing about all of it.

 

[DeeCee735]

the fire pit, and storytime. check with concierge or at check in desk, they'll give you all the info on times/activities, etc.

the pool, spend a day there, will be quite relaxing for you and fun for the kids.

the viewing area off the lobby is wonderful, and don't miss the rocking chairs off the main level corridors, all savanna view and open to all.
my husband and i spent at least a good hour just watching the animals before checking in for dinner.

the lounge, its between the lobby level and boma, it overlooks boma and kids can go in and sit down, and have shirley temples while the adults enjoy cocktails. they have pretty good appetizer type foods as well. its a nice place to wait for your table,s should you need to, or a good place to check in for your table early and hang out first.

wish i was going to be there soon.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

JH and KV are both quite different. Do your homework and see which one is best suited for your family.

 

[ToddyLu]

You need to know the Mara is located on the outside of the lobby at Jambo. Go out the glass doors near the entrance of Boma And follow the covered walk way. We were four adults and we looked for it for 20 minutes. The map made no sense and the folks told us "just go to the bottom of the stairs"--- not outside. I felt stupid because we are all intelligent adults and one of us is even a rocket scientist, for real. Mara needs GPS.

Make sure when you leave your room you have what you need, because the walk back in to your room form the lobby or bus stop may be a long one.

It is a fantastic resort!!

 

[mecllap]

Zebra domes -- absolutely yummy!

 

[EAP'sDAD]

Where are you staying Kidani or Jambo. The community hall is in Kidani and was my 9 years old favorite. Wii games in the afternoon at Kidani, story telling, Dive in movies. My kids loved kidani. Make sure you request near Lobby because the walks can long back to teh room after a day in the park.

 

[ajjollie23]

Zebra domes -- absolutely yummy!

completely off topic but is that your car? I LOVE Mustangs

My first car was a 1967 Mustang Convertible... it was my father's and i loved it. my father ended up selling it b/c he needed the money at one point I was soo upset.

 

[brewcrew]

We did Boma for breakfast. It was buffet style. I ate the african type food and the girls ate regular Mickey waffles, pancakes, eggs and bacon. If you do breakfast, get their special juice. I don't remember the name of it but I loved it. It was like mango, orange and something else. You will have fun!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I gathered info for our first stay in July. We are in a Jambo value. You can check it out on my PTR. For ease sake, here is a link:http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36099606&postcount=48

 

[yeahdisney]

Great pointers so far. Thank you. We are staying Kidani Nov 7 thur 14. DH was wondering what they would have for counter service there or at Jambo house for breakfast. Anything like a breakfast sandwich? We are leaning towards no dining plan. We only want two characters meals, last trip we needed to leave the park where we were, to go eat where we were scheduled eat. We are willing to change park plans/swimming due to November's weather. We are deciding if we want the quick service plan. But we want to eat rain forest cafe which is not on the plan. And we might do sci-fi and I'd rather pay out of pocket then it count as a sit down meal. And then we will really have too many counter services left with 4 of us. We split 3 counters services most meals. I can't eat a ton and ride the rides.

I do believe I could like chilling in rocking chairs and animal/people watch. I'd like to have DH and I eat at Boma, but I'm not sure what I'd do with the kiddos then, so maybe no Boma for us yet. D

 

[mecllap]

completely off topic but is that your car? I LOVE Mustangs

My first car was a 1967 Mustang Convertible... it was my father's and i loved it. my father ended up selling it b/c he needed the money at one point I was soo upset.

yep -- don't want to hijack the thread, but it was my Mom's car (that's the original color, and it's a 1968 hardtop). It's in my garage, but currently not running (it's been having maintenance issues lately) -- it's really cute and fun to drive around when it's working (and it only has about 26,000 miles on it (bit of a story involved there)).

 

[thepops]

anytime we've been to Boma they've had regular chicken fingers, fries and mac and cheese at least. The carving station is always good (beef, pork and turkey i've had there) and none of those was very spicy.

 

[EAP'sDAD]

You can leave them at the community hall for a fee. It is worth it for me and DW for one night out. There is no counter service in Kidani Village only Jambo. Sitting on the rocking chairs was one of my favorite activities.