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

[chrisc88]

Staying at AKL for first time 9/26-9/29.

 

[kimmar067]

Staying at AKL for first time 9/26-9/29.

...awesome! Jambo and ....and, what a great 100th post...

 

[PFlamingo]

The CMs with IPO and in the lounge are fantastic. The Sunrise Safari is a good time. You get to see a little bit of the backstage area. Where the normal ride for KS is about 18 minutes or so, with the Sunrise Safari it lasted about 90 minutes, then the breakfast at Pizzafari after is good too.

If you really want a phenominal experience, check and see if there is any availability for the Wanyama Safari. You get really upclose to the animals that are wandering the savannahs at AKL/AKV. They only take about 12 people (ages 8 and up) so it is a much more intimate experience. After touring the savannahs at the lodge, you go for a phenominal feast with wine pairings at Jiko. The whole experience runs about $200 per person (at least back in 2011 thats how much it was) including tax and gratuity, but it is worth every penny and then some (not something you can really say about most experiences at WDW).

I thought about the Wanyama Safari, but that may have to wait for the next trip. It does sound fabulous, but probably not in the budget this year.

 

[stschaefer]

Just returned from a 5 night stay at AKL. Were blessed with Pixie dust on an upgrade from standard view to Bunk Bead Savannah view. Room was ready at our check in of 9 AM. Loved the resort and looking out at various animals night and day. Great pools and great shuttle service. Only hiccup was Magic Kingdom bus shares with Kalania (sp) and they stop there first and come to Jambo with a full bus. Can answer questions people may have.

 

[RachelTori]

Just returned from a 5 night stay at AKL. Were blessed with Pixie dust on an upgrade from standard view to Bunk Bead Savannah view. Room was ready at our check in of 9 AM. Loved the resort and looking out at various animals night and day. Great pools and great shuttle service. Only hiccup was Magic Kingdom bus shares with Kalania (sp) and they stop there first and come to Jambo with a full bus. Can answer questions people may have.

Congrats on the upgrade!

That seems to be a common complaint lately (the MK buses). We were there several weeks back - no issues with buses.

Kalania - I bet you meant "Kidani"!

 

[OhThePain]

I thought about the Wanyama Safari, but that may have to wait for the next trip. It does sound fabulous, but probably not in the budget this year.

Totally understandable. I probably wouldn't have sprung for it, but we were celebrating our engagement. But keep it in mind for the next trip (you do have to be staying at AKL/AKV in order to book it, but you don't have to be CL, like you do for the Sunrise Safari).

 

[PFlamingo]

Totally understandable. I probably wouldn't have sprung for it, but we were celebrating our engagement. But keep it in mind for the next trip (you do have to be staying at AKL/AKV in order to book it, but you don't have to be CL, like you do for the Sunrise Safari).

Oh, I didn't know that! Definitely something to keep in mind for the future.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Is there anywhere to get a Pina Colava or a Lapu Lapu at AKL? I've never had either.

I think the Lapu Lapu is exclusive to the Polynesian, but I have had a Pina Colava at the pool bar at Kidani on one of our trips.

Corinna

 

[psac]

Glad to hear the recent people who just got back had such good trips!!

 

[kimmar067]

I love breakfast at Boma. Dinner at Jiko is pricey but great tasting. You'll love the resort it's so fun and beautiful. All of the restaurants are yummy.

....both breakfast and dinner is fantastic at Boma!

 

[thumper*]

Thanks! We're sooooo excited about this trip! After looking at the pictures on the AKL pics thread, I really want a DSLR camera for savannah pictures.

Those lovely CL people were able to work their magic and get us on the Sunrise Safari! Should be interesting. I'm not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. (My DH, on the other hand, is one of those disgustingly perky morning people.) Just have to make the coffee extra strong that morning (so as not to kill DH when he's all perky).

Now to make some dining ressies. We've got Boma for dinner on arrival day, and for breakfast departure day. I'm hoping something at BOG will open up for dinner. We usually go to Artist Point for our celebration dinner, but might try something else for a change. I just love to plan WDW trips!!

Jiko would be great for a celebratory dinner if in the finances. We ate there twice on our last visit. OH YUM

 

[DizDaD7]

Sanaa and the Mara are equally awesome too. In fact, the food at the pool bars is pretty good too.

 

[Princess Mckenna]

Jambo !!! We are staying at Kidani 1 bedroom villa June 23 - july 1 SOOO EXCITED!!!

I saw that BLT recently got Keurigs. Has anyone been to Kidani lately and saw them there as well?

Thank you in advance!!!

 

[thumper*]

Looking forward to somebody staying at AKL able to bypass check in desk and go directly to their room. It will be interesting to see how this trial works out and if it will become a permanant thing. I think the trial only runs for part of June stays.

Has anyone received an e-mail yet stating that they can parrticipate in the trial?

 

[staffieri]

Can you tell me about the dining at AKL. Is there food to order at the pool?
What is the difference between Jiko and Boma?

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Can you tell me about the dining at AKL. Is there food to order at the pool?
What is the difference between Jiko and Boma?

AKL has some great food - including at the pools & in their restaurants.

Basically Boma is an extensive buffet & Jiko is fine dining. Both receives lots of accolades.

You can get a little better handle on the food situation here:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/animal-kingdom-lodge-restaurants/

 

[DizDaD7]

Can you tell me about the dining at AKL. Is there food to order at the pool?
What is the difference between Jiko and Boma?

Both Jambo and Kidani have poolside bars, with light fare. Sandwiches n stuff.

Jambo also has the Mara (steps from the pool) which is basically like a QS order grab n go type place.. lots of different food here

Jiko n Boma's are both at Jambo house. Both are equally awesome but totally opposite.

Jiko is a lil pricey, upscale , great ambience, and fine food.

Boma's is a buffet... But much much more. Take the word buffet out when you eat here, because it is one of the best restaurants on all WDW property. Sooooo much to choose from....Also has a great atmosphere too.

 

[kimmar067]

Jambo !!! We are staying at Kidani 1 bedroom villa June 23 - july 1 SOOO EXCITED!!!

I saw that BLT recently got Keurigs. Has anyone been to Kidani lately and saw them there as well...

....that would be great if they are...

 

[staffieri]

Thanks as always for keeping the dates up to date!

Look like people were collecting dates of when families are vacationing here.
We are booked at AKL in a studio. Rented points from a DVC. So great. this is our first trip with daughter. She is almost 8 and there will be three of us.
We are coming in from LAX on Aug 26 staying through Saturday Aug 30th. We are only doing AK Park.

**Also, thanks for info on food. Do they only serve food with African Flare?

 

[kimmar067]

Look like people were collecting dates of when families are vacationing here.
We are booked at AKL in a studio. Rented points from a DVC. So great. this is our first trip with daughter. She is almost 8 and there will be three of us.
We are coming in from LAX on Aug 26 staying through Saturday Aug 30th. We are only doing AK Park.

**Also, thanks for info on food. Do they only serve food with African Flare?

...Boma has something for even the most finicky of eaters...there are different stations, including one that has the ol' standbys - spaghetti and meatballs, mac'n'cheese, burgers, chicken fingers, and the like...