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

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

So, I decided to go down next month due to an unexpected few days off of work. I booked an off-property hotel, the Caribe Royale. I did all of our FP+ (AP holders), and made ADRs last night. But I keep thinking about the fact that after Nov we won't be at WDW for 18-24 months. I don't think I can go that long without staying at AKL. Is it crazy to try and book at AKL for 4 weeks away?

Wait, is this like asking a bartender if you should buy a drink?

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Headed to the AKL in a few weeks - our first time there, and our first time at a deluxe!

We are super excited- does anyone have any must dos at the lodge for us (and maybe even a "avoid this").

Also, any tips? One I read was to bring binoculars, for example. Something I would never of thought of!

Take the time to really enjoy the resort. Just wander around, stopping to see everything. Sometimes I walk around the lobby and corridors late at night looking at the artwork. I have been trying for the last 3 trips to make it to the campfire. Movies by the pool are great. I love spending an afternoon at the pool. Laura at the bar is so sweet! Tell her Crazy Heather from PA says hi!

 

[MomofDisneyLoversx3]

Thanks. You got me the info I was hoping for, the time I need to aim to be out and at the bus area. We'll give it a try on our first MK morning and see how it goes. If it doesn't work on our other morning we'll come up with a different plan.

DH suggested having something we stow in the room. I'll bring some bags to use in case we end up doing that.

I love the croissants so much I threaten to bring an extra suitcase. I'm sure if you ask the CMs would happily get you juice boxes, milk, etc to go. I know they have for me. The fruit is out all day. Have you stayed CL at AKL before? I love it there so much.
If Courtney is working, tell her Heather Shingler says "Hi"!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

My apologies, because I know this has probably been asked before:
Saw this on the first page of this thread
Guests of all ages can venture on a safari or watch the animals roaming about the savannah from the resort public viewing spaces. Complimentary programs include flamingo and pelican feedings, games with savannah guides, storytelling, night-vision tracking, and a horticulture show-and-tell.
and was wondering where the public viewing spaces are?
We'll be at the resort for a 6:30 dinner at Jiko in late August & thought it might be nice to try and get a look. Would you suggest before or after dinner?
TIA

 

[kimmar067]

That's ok, you just make sure you stay on your side of the resort. We (soc's) Will stay on Kidani side, and you(Greasers) stay on Jambo side....

.....whatever......Ponyboy.

 

[kimmar067]

Kim-- I will down at the same time for the race! Probably staying at the poly, but I may rent a car and do AKlL.

 

[psac]

My apologies, because I know this has probably been asked before:
Saw this on the first page of this thread
Guests of all ages can venture on a safari or watch the animals roaming about the savannah from the resort public viewing spaces. Complimentary programs include flamingo and pelican feedings, games with savannah guides, storytelling, night-vision tracking, and a horticulture show-and-tell.
and was wondering where the public viewing spaces are?
We'll be at the resort for a 6:30 dinner at Jiko in late August & thought it might be nice to try and get a look. Would you suggest before or after dinner?
TIA

There is a big overlook outside the main lobby, just go through the lobby straight to the back and out. I would definitely say before. We found 3-7 pm was the best animal viewing time.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, psac!

 

[psac]

Thank you, psac!

Glad to help! I would also give yourself 5 or 10 minutes just to check out the pool area, the exit to the pool is right outside of Jiko and Boma. It's nice to see.

 

[vital]

We left this morning and I miss it already :-(. We've never spent much time at the resort until now. The giraffes, zebras, ostriches and red river hogs were always outside our room during the day and when we returned at night from the parks all of the antelope and giraffes were sleeping there as well (until the sprinkler system came on at midnight). I'm at the Hard Rock in Universal right now with a gorgeous view of the gardens, but I keep looking for other creatures besides humans. Hahaha!!

Our only issue was the busses. Very hit or miss, but that seems to be at any resort.

From the scent of campfire when entering the lobby, oh that lobby, to the last view of the animals this morning we had a fantastic stay that I can finally check off of my bucket list!!

I take photos in RAW setting and will post some when I resize them once I get home.

Thanks for all of your advice and tips!!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Glad to help! I would also give yourself 5 or 10 minutes just to check out the pool area, the exit to the pool is right outside of Jiko and Boma. It's nice to see.

definitely on my to-do list now.

 

[krismanda]

Jumping in on this thread! My husband surprised us all a few days ago by telling us he booked us a trip for this December. I am so excited to stay at AKL. This is only our second trip. We stayed at Coronado Springs a couple of years ago for my daughter's birthday. Hoping to find out all the tips and tricks on this thread! We are traveling with our 7 yo daughter and 3 (turning 3 on the trip!) yo son.

I saw the map of the rooms on the first page. My husband booked us a savannah room with bunk beds. Do a lot of the rooms have bunk beds? I'm curious what part of the resort we are likely to end up in.

 

[kimmar067]

There is a big overlook....I would definitely say before. We found 3-7 pm was the best animal viewing time.

....plus, around 6-6:30, they make smores out there!

 

[DizDaD7]

....plus, around 6-6:30, they make smores out there!

Yea just what you need somemore smores.

 

[lmbcdb]

Binoculars are a good idea. I highly recommend going out and talking with the staff on the Arusha area if you have any questions about the animals. They are very enlightening and engaging.

Thanks! I'll let DS11 know. He's full of questions!

 

[lmbcdb]

Welcome your gonna love it.

Don't worry about binoculours unless you have a savanna view room otherwise all of the overlooks have binoculors/scopes to look at the animals.

Plan at least one full resort day to enjoy the resort.

Try all dining experiances at Kidani & Jambo and if you like coffee flavor don't miss Zebra Domes. We had the chocolate croissants every A.M. using a snck credit on the dining plan.

Spend an afternoon poolside.

Night time animal viewing.

Firepit & marshmellow roasting

Outdoor movie.

A cocktail in the lounge and several on your own balcony.

Try to reserve a safari if possible. We did the Wayanami (?spell?) safari & loved it.

If you have kids try several of the kid programs.

Thanks for the list! I've heard about the Zebra Domes - It's definitely something I want to try. Along with the cocktails on my balcony.

Where do they do the movies?

 

[kimmar067]

Yea just what you need somemore smores.

...."slesses" don't have quite the same ring to it....

 

[DizDaD7]

By the way, the Domes are best when eaten at Boma's IMHO, rather than the ones in the coller over at Mara's.....At least this is what I've observed.

 

[DizDaD7]

And Tasted

 

[kimmar067]

time. for. bed.