AKL Pros and Cons

[letterdavidman]

In August, my DW and I will be checking into our deluxe savannah view room at the AKL!! As you can probably imagine, we're beyond pumped for this trip, especially since it's our first time staying on Disney property.

So, I've a question: To all those AKL veterans out there roaming the DIS, much as a male lion stalks the pridelands of the Serengetti (good imagery, n'est ce pas? ), could you regale me with tales of your stay(s) at the AKL, both the good and the bad. Y'know, like a pro-and-con sort of thing. I'd love to get an idea of what wifey and I have in store for ourselves come the end of August.

And, as always, you guys sure do rule!!!

--Jeff

 

[susy]

We stayed at AKL in Sept of 2002. It is a beaufitul resort and the transporation was excellent (even on a busy three day weekend). The thing that keeps coming up every time we talk of staying there again is that besides the themed pool, there is really nothing to do there (they do have some nice activities and a health club). There is no path to walk or bike on, no boats, or quiet pool. At WL there is at least the path to fort wilderness, which came in handy on a cold day for us....AKL is really unique though and it remains one of our favoirte Disney resorts .

 

[HaleyB]

Nothing to do? What?

OK, I will admit there are no bikes to rent or boats to sail... but there is so much to do and see and even learn at AKL. First off, my #1 must do at AKL is take the Free Taste of Africa tour. Don't let free fool ya, it is a great tour if you like food... they give you samples from both Jinko and Boma. Yum. We also enjoy the 'talks' CM gives up in the lounge area with pictures and stories about Africa. Watching the animals is another thing to 'do' at AKL, I assume anyone staying there has some intrest in that . The night vision googles are cool too. They will give you a list of resort activities when you check in and they are posted around the lobby too. Cookie decorating is not just for kids, DH and I had a blast

While at AKL talk to every CM you can corner. They are all so nice and have such interesting stories. We loved the guy that led the night vision goggle demo. He was so nice and told us all sorts of neat things. He knew a ton about the animals because he was a park ranger from Botswana. I wonder if he is still there. Here is one more tip, Africa has many languages, but most people know Africanise- to say thank you you say "Buy a donkey" we got the best reactions from saying that to people

The only negative we ran into was that there were so many things we wanted to do at the resort, and we didn't have time to fit them all in. So we changed all our resservations and stayed an extra two nights. I think added about 25% to the total cost of our entire vacation, but it was worth every penny.

I am a big fan of the AKL, I hate boats and don't like to ride bikes. As for walking trails, we walked plenty checking out all the wings of the lodge

 

[SleepingUgly]

We just returned from an eight-night stay at AKL, so I'll try to help you out ...

PROS:
1) Location -- Very secluded and it makes you feel as if you're on another vacation, after returning from the busy and crazy parks. Very exotic theming.
2) Amenities -- Fitness center, swimming pool, sit-down restaurants, mezzanine bar, food court, children's activities, children's playground, animals ...
3) Transportation -- Buses are not shared with another resort, so buses take you straight to/from parks to/from the resort
4) Cast members -- For the most part, friendly and helpful, especially the ones who are eager to talk to you about the animals.

CONS:
1) Location -- Very secluded, so if you don't have a car and are in search of other entertainment/dining options, you will need to rely on Disney Transportation
2) Transportation -- Buses are not shared, and the waits were never very long, but there could be improvements. For instance, one night after Wishes, the bus for AKL did not show up for at leat 10 minutes. Most other resorts had buses waiting for passengers, but the line for the AKL bus was incredibly long by the time the first bus showed up. And that bus was only able to load 20 percent of the line! I noticed the buses for the Epcot resorts, while shared, did appear with more frequency.
3) Swimming pool -- not very deep at all, so if you are a serious swimmer who likes to do laps, this isn't the best pool

We really enjoyed AKL and would not hesitate to stay there again. Highly recommended!

Linda

 

[Kata]

Nothing to do? What?

OK, I will admit there are no bikes to rent or boats to sail... but there is so much to do and see and even learn at AKL. First off, my #1 must do at AKL is take the Free Taste of Africa tour. Don't let free fool ya, it is a great tour if you like food... they give you samples from both Jinko and Boma. Yum. We also enjoy the 'talks' CM gives up in the lounge area with pictures and stories about Africa. Watching the animals is another thing to 'do' at AKL, I assume anyone staying there has some intrest in that . The night vision googles are cool too. They will give you a list of resort activities when you check in and they are posted around the lobby too. Cookie decorating is not just for kids, DH and I had a blast

While at AKL talk to every CM you can corner. They are all so nice and have such interesting stories. We loved the guy that led the night vision goggle demo. He was so nice and told us all sorts of neat things. He knew a ton about the animals because he was a park ranger from Botswana. I wonder if he is still there. Here is one more tip, Africa has many languages, but most people know Africanise- to say thank you you say "Buy a donkey" we got the best reactions from saying that to people

The only negative we ran into was that there were so many things we wanted to do at the resort, and we didn't have time to fit them all in. So we changed all our resservations and stayed an extra two nights. I think added about 25% to the total cost of our entire vacation, but it was worth every penny.

I am a big fan of the AKL, I hate boats and don't like to ride bikes. As for walking trails, we walked plenty checking out all the wings of the lodge

Can you tell me more about the free taste of Africa tour?Is that the same as the culinary tour?Do you know when it is offered?
Thanks!!!!

 

[TJA]

I'm not sure if I have anything "new" to add, but at least you can have another opinion. We stayed at AKL in November 2003.

PROS~if you like seclusion, AKL is great. Food is great/different/exotic. Resort is gorgeous, grounds are stunning. Pool has 0 depth entry and is themed very nicely. Lots of animals to view. Buses serve only AKL, so no sharing with other resorts. Very fun resort.

CONS~There is no boat/monorail/walking paths to any of the parks. Being that you are 2 adults/no children (I assume), the bus service will suit you just fine. Personally, DH and I really enjoyed taking the buses until our twins came along and we had a stroller, etc., to haul around. You will not be able to view night shows/fireworks, etc., from AKL -- no biggie, just take a bus over to MK or Epcot. Hmmmm, can't think of any other cons -- how 'bout that?

 

[flminivanmama]

we stayed at AKL when it opened - my twins were 17 months and my youngest was just 8 weeks old! We went with a party of 14 (including my family of 5). it was WONDERFUL! Being able to see the animals right from the hallways and your room (if your room views is such) is incredible! The pool is great and the food can not be beat. the staff is increible too - and a sweet story - I wear my babies in wraps and slings and such (I have a collection of about 10 carriers) and the staff comes over from Africa in 6 - 12 month stints an they are all youngish (early 20s I'd say)... whenever I had a baby in a sling or wrap at least one staff member would come over and comment an tell me A) how wonderful it was and B) how homesick it made them

 

[sters]

One con at the AKL are restaurants. After you've sampled the two restauraants in your resort, the nearest theme park... AK.... doesn't have any sit down restaurants and tends to close early anyway. There is just the rainforest. THere are also no other resort restaurants nearby. If you're staying at either the Epcot resorts or the Magic Kingdom resorts, there are an abundance of restaurant choices at both nearby resorts and theme parks.

 

[WonderWomanDC]

I have really enjoyed AKL and we've stayed there for the past three trips.
It's beautiful and the restaurants that are in the resort are very good. I was a bit bummed that Boma doesn't serve lunch, but it's to be expected. The lobby is amazing and I really like the pool, which was open 24 hours (at least the last time we were there). I've never had a problem with cleanliness at this resort.
In terms of cons, the rooms are very dark in keeping with the theme, but it can be a bit too dark at times. When your room is really at the end of one of the halls, it can take quite a while to get to the lobby LOL. Obviously, a bit further from the parks other than AK itself.
Overall, it's a great place. We are staying at BW next time just to try something new but I would stay at AKL again anytime.

 

[Disney_Freak56]

We just returned on Friday and had a few problems, but they were taken care of. I suppose my biggest complaint was the lack of lighting in the bathroom. We were upgraded from a standard room to a pool view room without requesting it and that was wonderful, but the room we were upgraded to was a king-size handicap room. So the bathroom area was one big area -- no door separating the tub and toilet area and we only had one vanity. The lack of lighting made it difficult to apply make up and the lack of a door mirror made it extra hard for me to see what I was doing. Luckily, I never walked out of the room looking like a clown, but had to learn to depend on a little mirror in my compact to make sure I didn't have mascara smudges around my eyes.

This was my third stay at the AKL and there was plenty to do if you chose not to head to the parks. We did the culinary tour one afternoon and were the only two on it. It was nice having the chefs from both Boma and Jiko all to ourselves and have them answer our questions about all the menu items. We did the night vision goggles and took advantage of the resort viewing areas.

Even though we did not have a Savannah view room, I never felt as if we missed anything. It is my own opinion, that unless you're planning to stay in your room most of the time or got a really great rate, it isn't always worth the price of a Savannah view room to enjoy a stay at AKL. So if someone has booked a non-Savannah view room, then don't sweat it as there are plenty of places to see animals from.

 

[letterdavidman]

...for taking the time to give me your valuable (and valued) opinions of this resort. You guys are truly the best!!!

Now then. Let's make this even more interesting, shall we? Any of you have any particular stories to share of some, let's say, extra-magical examples of Disney magic while staying at AKL? Maybe something along the lines of the charming story told by flminivanmama? And, to provide for that all-important equal time, please feel quite free to share any out-and-out AKL horror stories that you may have experienced.

See, what I'm trying here is my own li'l survey, of sorts--to see what is the greater percentage of experiences: good or bad.

Anyway, thank you, thank you, thank you sooo much!!

--Jeff

 

[katypop]

Pro-Sitting with my coffee in the morning watching the giraffes What a peaceful way to start the morning off.

Con-Sitting with my coffee in the morning watching the giraffes. I like to be at the parks as soon as they open...but I just couldn't tear myself away and was later getting to the parks than I had intended every morning

I really enjoyed AKL. Found the transportation to be very good, love Boma, love Jiko even more

Hope you have a wonderful stay.

katypop

 

[letterdavidman]

Pro-Sitting with my coffee in the morning watching the giraffes What a peaceful way to start the morning off.

Con-Sitting with my coffee in the morning watching the giraffes. I like to be at the parks as soon as they open...but I just couldn't tear myself away and was later getting to the parks than I had intended every morning

I really enjoyed AKL. Found the transportation to be very good, love Boma, love Jiko even more

Hope you have a wonderful stay.

katypop

Yeah, DW and I are usually very strict about getting to the parks by (or before) opening, yet I think, somehow, this trip... well, we're gonna be awfully hard-put to decide as to which is the most compelling, the parks, or the animals right outside our window.

--Jeff

 

[HaleyB]

Hi, just wanted to pop back and say yes, the Taste of Africa tour is the same tour as the Culinary tour. I think it was late afternoon when we went on it. And it was not held often, I don't think daily.

 

[Harambe]

Don't forget to do the story-telling. You sit out by a bon fire while a CM tells stories of Africa. Cool!

Okay - here's my silly story. We checked into AKL at around 7pm in January - already dark out. We settle in, walk around the resort, eat at Mara (we love this counter service place!), and then go to bed early as we are also early park-goers. We hang around the balcony a little, but don't see anything but a few cattle way out.

In the middle of the night, I get out of bed for a drink of water. I look out the window and there, walking up a path right under our window, is a beautiful giraffe. I was aghast! I woke up DH, DD, and DS and we all marvelled at the giraffe.

Little did we know that he was one of three giraffes that were out there for the whole week we were there!!! My family still teases me about rousing everyone out of bed!

We'll be there the last week of August, too!

 

[eculmone]

I think the only con is it's your first stay on site. Therefore, all other resorts while quite stunning in their own rights, will pale in comparison.

Our dd was way too excited, but when she finally realized this place was not the adrenaline high she had anticipated, she slowed down & we actually took a piece of Africa with us home. It's a much slower laid back vacation & further from the "action". I celebrated my 40th and will never forget it! When people ask me what I did for my 40th, I tell them "I went to Africa". Kinda hard to beat that one

 

[rgf207]

We stayed at AKL for our first stay on Disney Property. We absolutely loved every minute of it. It was so much fun. We had a savannah view room and had giraffes outside our window every day. It was wonderful. We can't wait to go back.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Definitely put my family on the pro side of your list. We fell in love with AKL and we stayed standard view! We were not very thrilled with the first rooms they put us in ( they had no conventional balconies) With three rooms booked we couldn't afford to pay for an upgrade so we asked if we could be moved. They couldn't have been sweeter about it and did everything while we were at the parks. When we returned and went to check-in for our new keys and rooms numbers they told us to let them know if the rooms were satisfactory and not to hesitate to let them know if they weren't. Not a magical happening but a story that shows how nice the CM's are. We also received complimentary turn down service each night without even requesting it. We felt so special. The pool, the restaurants, and especially the transportation were simply the best we'd ever had. We cannot wait to return to this incredible resort.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Definitely put my family on the pro side of your list. We fell in love with AKL and we stayed standard view! We were not very thrilled with the first rooms they put us in ( they had no conventional balconies) With three rooms booked we couldn't afford to pay for an upgrade so we asked if we could be moved. They couldn't have been sweeter about it and did everything while we were at the parks. When we returned and went to check-in for our new keys and rooms numbers they told us to let them know if the rooms were satisfactory and not to hesitate to let them know if they weren't. Not a magical happening but a story that shows how nice the CM's are. We also received complimentary turn down service each night without even requesting it. We felt so special. The pool, the restaurants, and especially the transportation were simply the best we'd ever had. We cannot wait to return to this incredible resort.

Let me preface my remarks by saying that AKL remains my family's favorite WDW resort. Now, onwards....We literally just returned from 10 days at WDW -- 8 at AKL, 1 at CSR, and 1 off-site. After falling in love with our savanna view room this past fall, we were terribly, terribly disappointed by the small, dark, standard view room we were placed in the first night. Some words of caution: If you want to take your chances with a standard room, be sure to request a room with the open railings rather than the enclosed ones. I now understand why others have complained of dark rooms! When dh called the front desk to find out what else was available for that night, we were told that there was nothing. Hmmmm....the resort definitely was NOT at full capacity at the beginning of our stay. (The end was an entirely different story.) I wondered what we were going to have to endure for the remainder of our stay. When I very pleasantly stated that I was prepared to move to another resort, we were promised a very good view for the remainder of our stay. Indeed, we could see many, many animals from our room (which was not ready for us until after 4:30) the following day. However, it was as far from the main lodge as you could possibly be. We also had a wonderful view of the buildings where some of the animals are kept at night. I have to say that for the price, I was much happier with our room at CSR.

 

[aesalsa]

I've enjoyed all of this information. . .thanks for sharing. My DH suggested a possible trip (that's a first!) to the World the week after Thanksgiving. . .WooHoo!!

We'll most likely be choosing between AKL and WL (at which we've already stayed and LOVED).

Does anybody else have any suggestions as to what to request for a standard view room?

Thanks again!