AKL--stay or just visit?

[jsantini]

For those of you who have stayed at AKL, is staying for a night or two a much better experience than simply visiting the resort?

We will be in Orlando for a month in a condo this spring and will have lots of opportunity to visit the resort, but I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth it to book a night or two to celebrate my son's 4th birthday. I'm especially interested in the resort activities and watching the animals from the room balcony. Those are the experiences that would seem different from what we do when we just visit on a usual trip--we've never stayed there before.

Our condo is $100/night and AKL is upward of $300/night so it's a big difference in price.

 

[vacationer1954]

For those of you who have stayed at AKL, is staying for a night or two a much better experience than simply visiting the resort?

Without a doubt. We own at BWV but exchange over to AKL as much as we're able now. Most of the other resort experiences are comparable to something else we might get somewhere else in the area. There are nice timeshares and condos for rent, nice resort hotels, etc., but only one resort where you can spend endless hours peacefully relaxing watching African wildlife from your balcony.

 

[auntfrannie]

It's a beautiful resort and is worth staying there, if only to enjoy the restaurants without having to drive or bus there! I think a 4 yr old would love it, especially if he loves animals. it's been a few years since I stayed there but I know they had activities for kids. Even my older teen age niece enjoyed the activities.

 

[LindySpirit]

Definitely stay! The pool and nighttime activities would be amazing as well.

 

[jo-jo]

Just a heads up in case you stay at resort......no balloons are allowed. Didn't want you to plan for a birthday balloon and be told not allowed to bring it in resort.

But if you can swing it cost wise, we love the resort. We've made a point to bring all our grandkids to AKL kidani. The water features are great and it just something about getting ready for bed and still see zebras walking by.

 

[Babsy]

It is a wonderful experience to stay at AKL. This is one of our fav WDW hotels and we enjoy dining here so much that we make reservations here every trip whether we are staying here or not.

There is a different feeling associated with staying versus visiting the AKL. It IS nicer to stay. However, that said, an extra $200 per night is a lot to pay for subtleties. You can really enjoy the AKL, IMO, by visiting. Even the animal viewing is fine, again IMO, from the public viewing areas as opposed to watching from your balcony. Sure, it is nice to get up and wander onto your own balcony in your PJ's with a coffee and relax watching the animals. Is that experience worth $200? It's a personal choice. Worth it for some - not so much for others.

Either way, enjoy your stay or visit to AKL!!!

 

[loves to dive]

Just a heads up in case you stay at resort......no balloons are allowed. Didn't want you to plan for a birthday balloon and be told not allowed to bring it in resort.

But if you can swing it cost wise, we love the resort. We've made a point to bring all our grandkids to AKL kidani. The water features are great and it just something about getting ready for bed and still see zebras walking by.

As far a balloons go, we stayed there on Mother's Day one year and my son ordered a gift from Disney to be delivered to the room and there was a mylar balloon attache to it. So it's possible if you order from them.

 

[Shanti]

We loved our stay at AKL this past spring. If you can afford it, I recommend it. All guests are allowed to use both the Jambo pool (the biggest, with a huge, shaded hot tub), and the Kidani pool (which has the best water slide and a young kids' water play area).

Stay at Jambo. The lobby is breathtaking, and the mood of the resort is very relaxed. The Mara is a very nice counter service restaurant, convenient for any meal.

 

[jo-jo]

As far a balloons go, we stayed there on Mother's Day one year and my son ordered a gift from Disney to be delivered to the room and there was a mylar balloon attache to it. So it's possible if you order from them.

I didn't know that. I always thought it was no balloons in case it got outside to the animals.

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

Another vote for staying. I would move in and live there forever if I could.

 

[gillep]

I love AKL, it is a beautiful resort with some of the best restaurants on property. I think your child would really like the two pools and splash pad (pool at Jambo, pool and splash pad at Kidani). Watching the giraffes also never gets old for me!

 

[Arden01]

Another vote yes. We just stayed there in August and loved it. I wish so much I scheduled more resort time. There is so much to do and see at AKL. You could probably get a discount for a room if you look around. Check the Disney offers. However, if it's too expensive, you can always visit, eat at one of the restaurants, visit the savannas and take part in some of the resort activities. It's a wonderful resort

 

[kwdw]

If you opt to stay - I'd suggest two nights - and PLAN time at the resort. I think spending the morning or the late afternoon/early evening watching the animals from your balcony is just an awesome way to spend your time.

One night - if your timing is off and the animals are in the barns when you have time to watch the savanna - you could be disappointed.

I personally love Kidani over Jambo house - we think the pool slide is better at Kidani! (and 4 yo would like the splash pad). Now - there's no QS at Kidani - so if that's important to you - book Jambo instead.

 

[jsantini]

Thanks for all the input. We are going to try to make it work for two nights and we do not plan to visit any parks--it will be a resort vacation.

Have any of you used the pools there in early March? I'm wondering if you found it warm enough. I know the weather can vary widely.

 

[jsantini]

I'm looking into renting DVC points but thinking we may be too late for a savanna studio 5 months out.

 

[dansdad]

Have any of you used the pools there in early March? I'm wondering if you found it warm enough. I know the weather can vary widely.

Pools are heated to 82 year round. So it would depend on the air temp and your tolerance to cold.

 

[mathgeek]

I'm looking into renting DVC points but thinking we may be too late for a savanna studio 5 months out.

I just looked at the DVC resort availability tool. There are still savanna view rooms available at Kidani all of March except 3/12-14. I just booked there myself a couple weeks ago as part of a split stay, and Jambo House was still available for my dates. There are still some dates open at Jambo depending on your exact dates and flexibility.

Good luck!