AKL ?'s

[matsterrocks]

We (Me,Wife,Son9,Daughter4) just booked the AKL for Oct 21-23rd with the new room only rate

Is there major renovations going on right now?

Is there an area where we can go and view the animals from the lodge?

How and how long dose it take to get from AKL to MK?

Any extra tips hints?

 

[matsterrocks]

Any ideas?

 

[iluveeyore]

Hi there! I just booked the same rate from Oct. 22-25! We've visited there but never stayed. I know you can view the animals at a few different locations throughout the resort. We visited there in July while staying at OKW, and although there were black tarps on the upper floors, you couldn't see or hear any construction. I've been researching the same question on the boards, and no one seems to be bothered by the construction at all while staying there.
We took a bus from MK to AKL, and it was about a 15-18 minute ride. It's nice that there are no other stops to other resorts like some of the deluxe have.
I'm very excited - my DH thinks we're staying at Pop before going to SSR for his 40th birthday - can't wait to surprise him with the AKL!

 

[Fast Pass]

We stayed there from 9/13-9/25.

There is major construction going on outside. We heard some noise only once and that was because we were exploring the lodge and happened to be on the construction side. There is construction going on inside as well but we didn't hear anything at all. We were at the lodge at different times during the day and all was quiet.

The trip from AKL to MK can be as short as 15 minutes to as long as 45. I don't know why the large gap in arrival times but that was our experience.

You can view the animals in alot of places at the lodge. Some views are just plate glass windows,other views you actually step outside to a little area complete with rocking chairs and down on the first floor you can go into little alcove areas and see the animals up pretty close.

I know you didn't ask but the food at the Mara quick service area is very good. If there is something you want but don't see be sure to ask. If it is in their power they will get what you want. I liked Boma too but be real sure if you have any allergies that you ask what is in some of the foods. We almost had a person allergic to nuts eat something that tasted like it had nuts in it.

You are going to have so much fun!
Take some time out of your park schedule just to explore the lodge. The artifacts from Africa and the smells of the lodge will relax even the most stressed person.
Have fun!

 

[raven69david]

You will most likely not hear any of the construction depending on the side of the resort you are placed. Plus the construction will most likely be going on after you have left your hotel and will stop before you return. The biggest part of the construction occurred in August/September and is now relegated to the outside areas.

There are many many places to see the animals. The most popular is out back where you can view the savannah's with field glasses. Viewing the animals at night with the night vision goggles is something you may also want to check out. You'll receive alot more info when you check-in regarding the many different activities available at the lodge.

We used the bus once to MK and it took about 10 to 15 minutes to get from MK to AKL. We didn't use it from AKL to MK though.

 

[G&GMom]

We just returned last week. Our room faced the construction site of the new building and we heard lots of construction noise starting very early in the morning. The people on the other side of the hall from us neither heard nor saw any construction activity. Different rooms will have a totally different experience. BTW we begged to be placed away from the construction and even complained at the resort about it.

 

[Maggie19]

We are looking forward to out stay at AKL this Jan but I was very dissapointed when I booked out safari...
If you stay on the club level you can book a breakfast safari for 59.00 BUT you cannot take that safari if you stay as we are in a standard savanna view room. We can however take the 4 pm 3 hour trip ending with dinner at Jiko for 210 per adult 150 per child! I find that VERY dissapointing you pay for a more expensive room and you get the "cheap" prices, but the average person who has saved money to be able to take ths trip has to pay MORE! I guess we will be taking the safari in the AK park instead.
Sorry to rant like this but we were looking forward to a special safari experience.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We stayed there from Sept 7-12th. We were on the Zebra Trail, 4th floor. We heard NO noise from the contruction during our entire stay. We had plenty of views of the animals from our rooms. Plus if you walk around the resort there are guides to explain animal facts (ie that all the female giraffes at AKL are currently expecting!) We had a wonderful experience and can't wait to stay there again.

Since you asked about the buses...we did have an issue one morning that the "breakfast bus" to the MK never came from 7-7:40am. We almost missed our ADRs at the Castle. Luckily another bus driver called for a bus for us and we got there in time...literally running from the bus stop, through the checkpoints, and to the Castle (in the morning you can run through the Castle).

 

[jed]

Does anyone know if all floors are open in all wings for standard/pool/savanah rooms(not DVC on 5th & 6th floors)ie up to 4th floor?

 

[septbaby]

We are looking forward to out stay at AKL this Jan but I was very dissapointed when I booked out safari...
If you stay on the club level you can book a breakfast safari for 59.00 BUT you cannot take that safari if you stay as we are in a standard savanna view room. We can however take the 4 pm 3 hour trip ending with dinner at Jiko for 210 per adult 150 per child! I find that VERY dissapointing you pay for a more expensive room and you get the "cheap" prices, but the average person who has saved money to be able to take ths trip has to pay MORE! I guess we will be taking the safari in the AK park instead.
Sorry to rant like this but we were looking forward to a special safari experience.

Ah if you are staying on the club level you are already paying more than any other room on property so I wouldn't say the $59 is actually a cheaper price. If you really want the sunrise safari, book club for a night or compare the price of the the cheaper room and $210/150 safari prices. By the way I believe if the sunrise isn't full wth Club guests you can book it, but I'm not sure of the prices. I'd call the resort directly.

 

[RLRDA]

We (Me,Wife,Son9,Daughter4) just booked the AKL for Oct 21-23rd with the new room only rate

Is there major renovations going on right now?

Is there an area where we can go and view the animals from the lodge?

How and how long dose it take to get from AKL to MK?

Any extra tips hints?

There is construction going on outside the AKL (a new DVC resort)...when we were there about a month ago, any noise from the site was a non-issue. We never heard anything. There is also some renovations going on inside on the 5th & 6th floors. We stayed on the Zebra Trail and were never bothered by noise inside either.

There are many areas to view animals from the lodge. The best is perhaps at the Arusha Rock (I think that's the name of it) at the back end of the lobby. There are pathways to view the Arusha Savanna. Animal guides/experts are stationed there and you can ask them questions. They also have different animal feeding times when you can watch the handlers feed various animals. There's also a flamingo pond area right near the pool (near the playground). Our boys had a blast participating in AKL's "bead activities" which are related to animal education around the resort. You can pick up a weekly activity guide when you check in.

The transportation to/from AKL is strictly by bus. We have found AKL to have the best transportation as far as wait times. We never waited more than 5 or so minutes to catch a bus. MK is the farthest away, I think. It's about a 20 minute ride (not counting wait time).

My only tip.....have a great time! The resort has many activities at different times each day. There are stories around a fire pit each night, kids can take part in a musical parade around the lobby, I could go on and on. We loved our stay....hope your family does too!