AKL LITE unofficial FAQ thread#10 - I believe that's known as a 'Jambo Dozen'

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I'm trying to get some real honest opinions here

We stayed AKV Jambo in 2009 with savanna view. Loved it and were absolutely caught up in the whole idea of the resort and views and everything. It did seem far out from everything except AK. Now, we are booked to stay again November 3-9. I am super excited and my husband and kids know we are going...just not the resort. The other day we were (again) watching the planning dvd. My daughter mentioned that she loved AKL but that it stinks its so far away and buses take forever. Can I get some real opinions and comparisons for travel times. We have stayed at Pop, POR, Poly, Contemporary also for reference. I do believe no resorts buses can be worse than POR! Anyway, I want to keep this a surprise, but don't want to arrive with anyone being worried about travel time. Also, I booked this with spending more resort time in mind. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks for quick reply!
That's what I was wondering if we would need HA.
We are traveling with my 85 year old mom and we wouldn't want any falls trying to step into the tub!
We stayed at OKW in a one bedroom and the shower was a walk in, completely separate from the jetted tub. But I couldn't quite figure out the layout at AKL Jambo House.

....you may want to call AKL directly ahead of time to avoid any misunderstndings....

 

[thumper*]

Does anyone have any trip reports with Animal Kingdom Lodge stuff in it that I can read? I'm really excited about my trip, and I want to read peoples reports but I seem to always run into trip reports where people are staying at other hotels.

You can find a link to our stay in 2010 in my siggy.

 

[thumper*]

I keep getting conflicting answers to my question:

If I am staying as a regular guest at AKL (non-DVC), can I use the pool/play area at Kidani Village?

I have had a yes, no, and I don't know from three different people (two CM's and someone else not affiliated with Disney but stays at AKL). Can someone please confirm whether we can use Kidani's pools? If not, it may be the make or break point in staying at the lodge. Thanks so much!!

Yes AK guest caqn use the pool at both Kidani & Jambo house.

 

[thumper*]

Yes, in the Castle. I won the 25 Days of Christmas sweepstakes through ABC Family. Here is the link to my original post about the trip.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3223633

Wow how awesome CONGRATULATIONS.

 

[jvattes]

AKL lovers I need you to give me a push!!


We are booked at POR but will have to switch when FD to the public comes out May 7. Our plan was just try CSR out. But I am not feeling it It just doesn't feel right. And that only leaves us with CBR for moderate. We stayed at CBR in October and liked it, but did not like the internal bus situation.


I've given some serious thought to just splurging on AKL and hoping a 30-35% discount will come out for our November dates.
We've never stayed Deluxe though so it's hard for me to justify that extra $500 or so. I'm sure my girls will love seeing the Animals.
Also my TA suggested I book a standard room and hope for some pixie dust for a free upgrade?

Be honest with me if it's worth it or not, over CSR or CBR!

Is it likely for a 35% discount to come out for November?
We will be staying at WDW for 6 nights (doing a 4 day cruise beforehand!)

We never thought we'd ever be able to afford an AKL stay, but got a 35% discount for our summer visit that has allowed us just that. SOOOO looking forward to it. It did cost us a small increase, but IMO it was worth it - we can afford that now without it being a stressor and who knows when such stars will align again. YOLO!

We booked standard and will be happy with that, but wishing for pixie dust on check-in. We are happy to be there at all!

I say go for it if you can do it now.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

November
Tarcc, Oct 25th - 8th, AKL
PNO4TE, Oct 31st – 2nd, Kidani
DizDaD7, 1st – 8th, AKV
YoYoAurora, 1st – 8th, AKL CL
PNO4TE, 2nd – 8th, BWV
Grandma Rainbow, 5th – 9th, AKL
LMO429, 5th – 9th, Kidani Village
Xclusive2WDW, 11th -16th, AKL
Disney9.9.10, 12th – 19th, Kidani Village
dolphingirl47, 13th – 23rd, Aulani
RapunzelsGoodMom, 22nd – 27th, AKV Kidani
saysib, 28th-Dec 12th, AKL

Thank you!

 

[jvattes]

....remove please....

Aww What happened?!

 

[jvattes]

Hello all!

Got home yesterday from the Everest Challenge weekend. Great race. AKL had a few minor hiccups..mainly not able to buy my husband a FL Res Ticket with the magic band so we had to go back to the hotel and buy it. That was irritating.

Also, I had requested Giraffe Trail / Lobby level..got 4th floor, over by Mara. After a few tense moments, was given 3020. PERFECT ROOM! Great pool view and on Giraffe trail.

I am checking in again Friday with the same area request, lets see how that goes.

Thx for sharing room number that was "PERFECT"! Do you have photos from the room showing the view?....

Never mind! Kept reading and OMG what an AWESOME room!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[think-like-tink]

My DH bought me a telephoto lens for my birthday. We took the kids to the zoo and I tried out my new lens. I am in LOVE with it. I imagine myself standing on our balcony snapping away!

 

[jvattes]

I think it would be faster to take the bus to MK and walk to CR
or, usually..I will take a bus to AK and then hop a bus to the resort I want to see. This has worked for us when going to the YC because the buses that run from AK to AKL are pretty quick.

I would use ourlaughingplace.com to find best/fastest manner of traveling.

 

[jvattes]

well, one would think this was a no nbrainer..but Friday night, there were kids rolling around on the couches in VFL while DH and I were trying to find a place to sit

How about my well behaved kids?

 

[jvattes]

Yes, in the Castle. I won the 25 Days of Christmas sweepstakes through ABC Family. Here is the link to my original post about the trip.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3223633

Wow! That is amazing!!!!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

How about my well behaved kids?

My 15 year old sat with me in the empty bar last year watching a game on TV..they didn't say anything, although, unfortunately she looks like she is in college.

Little kids in a bar, I am not sure if there is a rule or not.

 

[jvattes]

My 15 year old sat with me in the empty bar last year watching a game on TV..they didn't say anything, although, unfortunately she looks like she is in college.

Little kids in a bar, I am not sure if there is a rule or not.

From video tours and photos I've seen, isn't it kind of "open" to the lobby and restaurants?

Would we be better off to order a drink from the bar but enjoy it in the lobby?

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

From video tours and photos I've seen, isn't it kind of "open" to the lobby and restaurants?

Would we be better off to order a drink from the bar but enjoy it in the lobby?

it is open as far as air space, but it is on the 2nd floor and the lobby is on the 3rd. you need to walk down a curved staircase.

Friday night we took our drinks to the lobby and sat at the firepit

 

[kimmar067]

it is open as far as air space, but it is on the 2nd floor and the lobby is on the 3rd. you need to walk down a curved staircase.

Friday night we took our drinks to the lobby and sat at the firepit

...now THAT'S what I call relaxation time!

 

[kimmar067]

it is open as far as air space, but it is on the 2nd floor and the lobby is on the 3rd. you need to walk down a curved staircase...

....and if you continue down that curved staircase, you reach the first floor, which opens up to Boma...

 

[AngiTN]

My 15 year old sat with me in the empty bar last year watching a game on TV..they didn't say anything, although, unfortunately she looks like she is in college.

Little kids in a bar, I am not sure if there is a rule or not.

It's Disney. Kids go just about everywhere, even bar areas. Lots of folks have no options but to take the kids wherever they go.

 

[jvattes]

It's Disney. Kids go just about everywhere, even bar areas. Lots of folks have no options but to take the kids wherever they go.

Well that's kind of my thinking, KWIM?

OTOH, we are firm believers in "the kids don't belong" in some locations and want to be respectful of those who DO have the option.

I like the idea of getting the drink and sitting pit-side - does sound divine!