AKL - Just back!

[DisneyRo]

Just came back from three nights at AKL. The only other time we have ever stayed on property was in a tent (in July no less) at Ft. Wilderness. AKL - now this is living! We were upgraded (without asking) from a standard to a Savanah room. I had booked the room with the Disney visa code, at the same price I was originally paying for a moderate. This was a girls only trip for my DD (9) and myself. We both loved this resort! The hotel is beautifully decorated, we saw lots of animals every morning and evening, the CMs were wonderful. We loved the pool, and exploring the resort. My DD enjoyed the resort more then some of the parks. We did not have a car, we used Disney buses and it worked out great. Never had to wait more then 10 minutes or so, except leaving Magic Kingdom at closing (but I expected that).
Anyway, thanks to everyone on the boards, especially for the code information. I would never have known about them, and therefore would never have been able to experience AKL. Only downside to our lovely stay at AKL - how are we ever going to stay anywhere else??

 

[bugbugmom]

Disney Ro, thanks so much for your post. We'll be staying @ AKL in Sept. We are so excited. This will be our 1st stay @ a deluxe. I am glad you got the upgrade. A few questions... did you try Mara and did your DD enjoy the slide.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

DisneyRo,


Welcome to the DIS
(but I think you have been lurking)
So glad you and your DD had such a great trip, also read your story about the Bar

too funny.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Glad you and your DD enjoyed AKL. This is our favorite resort. We will be back there next month, can't wait.

I guess I better go read that story about the bar.

 

[DisneyRo]

Bugbugmom - We ate lunch at Mara's one afternoon. We had snacks or desert from there each night, and we got our breakfast each morning which I brought to our room, and we ate on the balcony and watched the animals. Mara's was good - nice selection of American favorites, as well as some African things. I had the African salad and soup (some type of squash). Both were great. My daughter had a cheeseburger platter which was huge. We could have actually split either one of our lunches. There were other things that looked good to me, like African stew in a bread bowl, but we didn't get a chance to try them.
And yes, my daughter loved the slide! We also liked the hot tubs. Be sure a check out the flamingos that hang out in the area by the pool. One afternoon while we were watching them two griaffes came along and had there lunch just as close to us as can be! (Have you ever seen a giraffes tongue? Looks like a snake!). Anyway it is way fun to be watching these animals up close and personal while in your swimsuit! I hope you have a great time there. I forgot to mention how good the lobby smells, too!

 

[outstandinfarmer]

How does the lobby smell?

 

[Harambe]

OOOOO, I miss the lobby smell! It smells like different spices, makes you feel like you are in the most exotic place!

I fell in love with the giraffes. Not only seeing them eat, but did you see how the poor bums have to drink water!

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

Where's the bar story? Going June 6 for 7 nights, I thirst for all the info & stories about AKL.

YO

 

[Bashful2]

Harambe, please tell me one of the spices you smell is not cinnamon. We're planning to stay at AKL next month & my DD's best girlfriend, who is going with us, is allergic to cinnamon.

 

[DisneyRo]

It is not a cinammon smell - maybe more like cardamun. I am not even sure it is a spice smell. I thought it was coming from the fire in the lobby. Hard to explain. The bar story is in a reply to a post on this board about the Uzima bar.
Looked out my window while eating breakfast this morning. Not a zebra or giraffe in sight, only a squirel. Oh, to be back at AKL!!!

 

[Bashful2]

Thanks so much!. Panic attack over.

 

[daboyzmom]

I'm you have such a great experience at AKL. Going in August with twin boys and can't wait to see their reaction. First trip for all of us and AKL was recomended especially for the kids..

 

[Bashful2]

I'm also very happy to read that you and others have had such wonderful experiences there. When we first booked it, I wasn't very excited. After reading so many positive reviews, though, I can't wait to go myself!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Glad you had a great time! Mom & I are going to AKL in about 30 days. In a savanah view room. Any tips? Thanks,

Allison

 

[jaysue]

Originally posted by Bashful2
Harambe, please tell me one of the spices you smell is not cinnamon. We're planning to stay at AKL next month & my DD's best girlfriend, who is going with us, is allergic to cinnamon.

I would call the resort ahead of time to make sure this will not be a problem

thanks
jaysue

 

[leopardspot]

They do NOT know what the smell is...it comes from the fire. Some peole have had asthma attacks from the smell. If you have allergies, it might not be the best hotel to stay at.

 

[lillygator]

glad you had a nice time....I can't wait to get there....how was the pool? and did you see animals from your room?

 

[DisneyRo]

Liligator - We saw LOTS of animals from our room, especially in the AM and late afternoon, early evening. Giraffes, zebras, wildabeasts. You get a checklist of all the animals when you check in, and eventually we saw almost all of them.
The pool was lovely, my daughter thought it was great. There are also two hot tubs, and an area to view the flamingos. One afternoon two giraffes were out right behind the pool area.
Tinkgl - Here is my tip for you - Each morning I brought breakfast up to the room and we ate on the balcony, enjoying the view of the animals. You will have a great time!

 

[milmore104]

Welcome home! Glad you had a great time. We love the AKL. I really know how you feel. I say the same thing. HOW ARE WE GOING TO STAY ANYWHERE ELSE??????? It is just the best hotel I feel. And reading about the smell oh how I miss that. It's been a few months since our visit and I can just barely remember that smell. OOHHH time to bring out the videos!!!