AKL report from trip 6/29 - 7/4

[jiminyfan]

We just got back on 7/5 from another great stay at the AKL. The trip started off with a very nice surprise when we were given a complimentary upgrade to a savannah view. We were shocked, but very happy as our 2 yr old was really looking forward to see the animals.

Check in went very smoothly, Dave was very friendly. He explained the room wasn't ready and gave us a card with the number to call after 3:00pm to get our room number. He said our keys would work in the door when it was assigned to us. So, we headed to AK to kill the hour or so. Called from Guest Services at AK to see if the room was ready, were told it wasn't but would be shortly, so we hopped a bus back to AKL. Checked for romma nd was told to go to room 4419 - located just to the right of Arusha Rock. I was very happy with the room and location, not too far off of the main lobby area and elevators, but not noisy. First day, only animals we saw were the cattle. That was ok with my son as he loves the cows. As the week went on the Giraffes and Zebra made the area in front of the room a stop on their way around the savannah, this meant the cows had to move along until they passed.

Service at the AKL was once again superb - THESE ARE THE BEST CMs on WDW in my opinion. Valet was unbeatable, no matter how fast we got to the front of the AKL the car was there and ready for us. Bell services was prompt at both check in and out.
Housekeeping was great except for one day on weekend.

Definitely a 4-star vacation from a resort stand point.

I will post other details in the respective boards from the week. Restaurant reviews and Theme park experiences.

If you have any questions or etc, just post, I'll be glad to reply to you.

 

[Patio]

Welcome back and glad to see you were sprinkled with pixie dust!!
AKL is sooo gorgeous and relaxing, I'm happy you enjoyed it.

 

[pollyanna]

How much is the daily valet service?

Did you find driving to the parks faster than buses?

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

i can respond to the valet parking, it is $6.00 per day and can be used also at other resorts. As far as the bus service I always rent a car so I couldn't answer that.

 

[jiminyfan]

Like the other answer $6 a day, but you can use it for other valets as well during your stay.

AS for driving time for MGM it was faster we got there in about 10 minutes total time for the late Fantasmic show. Magic Kingdom we always use the bus as you have to park at the TTC and then take a monorail or boat over to the park.

We usually use the bus transportation, but like the flexibility of the car. We also like to eat at the Boardwalk for dinner and then catch the Illuminations show, the car is great for this as well.

For AK car is fast to get there, but we felt we did overall better with the bus as our waits for them were quite short most times.

Another reason we ride the bus andother WDW transportation is our son thinks they are rides and loves them. For a 2 year old anything can be entertaining.

 

[hallie]

Glad to hear you had a great time. I loved AKL, I miss it, I want to go back NOW-lol

 

[JudithM]

Does the AKL still have storytelling in the evening? Do they still have a lobby tour in the afternoon? Thanks!

 

[jiminyfan]

I am not sure about the lobby tour, but will check whenI pull out my AKL map tonight.