AKL Jambo Studio - 1 night!

[dizfam4]

Hi everyone,
We are staying at WL December 9th-16th, but first we have a room-only reservation for one night on December 8th at AKL Villas - Jambo studio room / standard view. I have a 3 year old and a 6 year old.

I have three questions:
1.) Any reviews on the Jambo studios yet? How's the sleeper sofa?

2.) Any room requests / locations you suggest. We only have a std view.

3.) We are arriving early (2:00ish) that day and would like to explore the resort. Our MYW package plus dining doesn't begin until the following day, so visiting the parks or dining at sit-down restaurants are not an option for that first day. What is cool to see at the resort? Any hidden areas / secrets to explore?

Thanks everyone!!! This is our first time staying anywhere besides WL and I am looking forward to seeing a new resort!!!

 

[plutofreak]

Recently went to wdw for a conference in october and we stayed in a studio at akl

the sofa sleeper was the most comfortable i have ever slept on in my life, lots of room also

the room has to be one of the nicest i have ever stayed in, maybe because everything is new, and don't forget the flat screen.

enjoyed our stay, valet parked everynight, the room was about a 3 minute walk from the lobby

any more question just let me know

 

[spiceycat]

love it too!

my room was just off the lobby.

 

[Keara'sMom]

Did you experience any construction noise? Did the construction seem to bother the animals and/or affect viewing?

 

[Tikihula]

Be sure and pick up a Hidden Mickey clues list at the front desk. You can wander the resort and grounds searching for Hidden Mickeys.

Take the elevator or stairs and check out the view from the balcony or bridge looking out over the lobby.

Talk to some of the African cast members stationed at various places throughout the resort grounds. They love to talk about the animals and their home countries with guests.

The grounds and pool are absolutely beautiful and are on a lower level from the check-in desk. Have fun exploring. Don't forget to stop by Mara for a zebra dome snack. Yum!

 

[spiceycat]

Did you experience any construction noise? Did the construction seem to bother the animals and/or affect viewing?

I didn't.

the animals if anything look at it - they are as curiously as we are. (the only different thing there in a long time)

saw several different animals in different parts of the resort. you can go visit other areas - just spend a few minutes in each glassed section - specially when they welcome you with chairs and or sofa.

 

[dizfam4]

Thanks for the great tips everyone!

I'm glad the sleeper is comfy Even though it's only one night, a nice bed is a good way to start the vacation.

I am also so happy to hear that they, too, have a hidden mickey list at the front desk. My kids love that hidden mickey hunt at Wilderness Lodge, so that will be fun.

I also will look for the balcony or bridge to view the beautiful lobby and........

Zebra Domes.....a major bonus!!! I can't wait to try them. I have heard great things.

Any other tips, things to see or do? Are the standard views for the Jambo Studio dreadful? I know I won't see animals out my window...just wondering if anyone had a good standard view room they can suggest for me?? Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

The "standard room" designation for the villas is not the same as it was for the resort. A "standard" villa can have a view of the pool, garden or parking lot (anything but a savannah).

Requesting a specific room is probably not the best idea, but you could do something like request a pool view, and keep in mind that it's not guaranteed.

 

[Claire L]

As far as I am aware standard view for AKV at Jambo House is of the pool area. The standard view is in what used to be the deluxe rooms and I do not believe any deluxe rooms ever overlooked the parking lot. Only the value rooms have views of the parking lot.

Claire

 

[PilotWife]

I cannot comment on the view or bed BUT we stayed at the lodge for 8 days this past Sept. LOVED IT...I just wanted to suggest the Night Viewing of the animals. At about 9ish (might be earlier now that the time has changed) you can go to a viewing area by the pool (look for the signs) a guide will be out there to let you look thru the NVG's and tell you all about the animals...this was a highlight of our stay.

The lodge also has storytelling in the afternoon, by the firepit in the lobby. GREAT!!!! And there are medallions that are inlaid in the floor of the lobby, and they allow you (sometimes scheduled as an event for the children) to do rubbings of the animals on the medallions.

If you cannot go to Boma or Jiko that night - The Mara is the fast food place there, and you can get some of the soups served at Boma...The stew in a bread bowl is wonderful. The flatbread pizza is really good also.

Have fun!!!
Jennifer