AKL - suggestions for 2 adults, winter 2013?

[Minnie Monellen]

Planning a trip for 2 adults to WDW for winter 2013 and would love to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. One person has mobility limitations and will be using a wheelchair and/or a mobility scooter. We've been going to WDW since 1972 and have stayed in other deluxe resorts. Oh, and we're flying down and using ME to get to the resort. We won't have access to a car. Any suggestions/tips for us? TIA

 

[goofeygirl]

Planning a trip for 2 adults to WDW for winter 2013 and would love to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. One person has mobility limitations and will be using a wheelchair and/or a mobility scooter. We've been going to WDW since 1972 and have stayed in other deluxe resorts. Oh, and we're flying down and using ME to get to the resort. We won't have access to a car. Any suggestions/tips for us? TIA

Just understand that the Animal Kingdom is REALLY far away from everything else in Disney. Aside from the AK, you will need to take a bus to go anywhere else. This is probably the biggest drawback for that resort. However how cool to be in and around wild animals?

I might suggest checking out the Epcot resorts. They are around a lake with shops and resturants and even a night club. You can walk or use a scooter to get around the place and you can even walk to the back entrance of Epcot. You can also walk a footpath or scooter to Disney Studios. There are quite a few Epcot resorts and to be frank, its my fav place to stay because you are within reach of almost anything...without need for a bus.
If you want to go to MK or AK from Epcot resorts then you will need a bus.

 

[Karabee]

While the biggest draw back to AKL is that you can only use buses, I certainly don't feel it's removed from everything. In fact AK is right next door and Epcot and HS are no farther from it than they are from the MK resorts.
I personally love AKL and hope to stay there again next year. I have always found the buses to be good and the resort itself is very spacious so the person in your party with mobility issues should never feel they cant get around. The restaurants there are some of the best and the service is fabulous. I think it's a fantastic pick, and as long as you're ok with the buses (which I imagine you though of since you're a veteran of Disney), then you will love it

 

[alex9179]

I think AKL sounds just lovely, even with the transportation limitations.

I'm planning to take my mom in the spring, for Flower&Garden, to celebrate her retirement and birthday (as well as give me a much needed break) and I'm looking HARD and AKL. Depending on the promos, this resort is not much more than a moderate and offers a ton of activities. My mom is not a big drinker, loves food but doesn't eat much, isn't interested in pools and this resort sounds like it will be immersive.
Here is an activities list from last year-tons of stuff to do!
http://www.aklresort.com/content/2011-september-activities-guide?size=_original

There is also the Sunrise and Wanyama Safaris for guests. I would LOVE to do the Wanyama. Since dinner is served family style for your group, we'd be able to sample a bunch of the goodies from Jiko!

I've read both sides about the transportation and I think for us, who will usually do parks in the morning, it will be acceptable. We'll spend a fair share of our evenings enjoying the resort. Plenty of people who have stayed there didn't find the transportation that much different from any other resort. I think the fact that AKL/Kidani don't share buses with other resorts helps.

I think AKL would be a great choice when you allow yourself time to take advantage of the programs offered. If parks are the focus, I'd choose one of the monorail or Epcot resorts.

 

[disneychic]

I wouldn't let transportation at AKL dissuade you. We've stayed there at least 10 times and I've never had an issue with the transportation.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Minnie Monellen]

I think AKL sounds just lovely, even with the transportation limitations.

I'm planning to take my mom in the spring, for Flower&Garden, to celebrate her retirement and birthday (as well as give me a much needed break) and I'm looking HARD and AKL. Depending on the promos, this resort is not much more than a moderate and offers a ton of activities. My mom is not a big drinker, loves food but doesn't eat much, isn't interested in pools and this resort sounds like it will be immersive.
Here is an activities list from last year-tons of stuff to do!
http://www.aklresort.com/content/2011-september-activities-guide?size=_original

There is also the Sunrise and Wanyama Safaris for guests. I would LOVE to do the Wanyama. Since dinner is served family style for your group, we'd be able to sample a bunch of the goodies from Jiko!

I've read both sides about the transportation and I think for us, who will usually do parks in the morning, it will be acceptable. We'll spend a fair share of our evenings enjoying the resort. Plenty of people who have stayed there didn't find the transportation that much different from any other resort. I think the fact that AKL/Kidani don't share buses with other resorts helps.

I think AKL would be a great choice when you allow yourself time to take advantage of the programs offered. If parks are the focus, I'd choose one of the monorail or Epcot resorts.

Thanks! I'd like to visit the parks in the morning and enjoy the resort in the evening. I'm taking DM (83) and she's not much of a night owl and loves seeing the animals at AK.

Does anyone have any specific room suggestions? How about the character breakfast at AK? (I know there isn't one at AKL) Is the food good?

ETA: We've stayed at WL, Poly, CR, and the Beach Club.

 

[alex9179]

From what I understand, the savanna view rooms along the Zebra Trail offer great views. EasyWDW has a nice write up about the resort and room suggestions.

 

[cheryllarsen]

Follow coupontodisney.com. there is so much helpful information there.

 

[JennyDrake]

I think it would be an excellent choice.
Tusker House for breakfast is outstanding!
Be sure to also eat at Boma for both breakfast AND dinner.

 

[hpfan100]

AKL is a beautiful resort. Pool view rooms are very close to the center of it all as is Sunset savannah view. Lobby is breathtaking and the grounds are great fun. Plenty of activities at the resort to enjoy. I ate at all three TS restaurants and they were good. Jiko blew my mind!!!!! Boma has a decent spread. The mara has a lovely collection of drinks and snacks to pick from. The walkway to the Mara passes the pool area and is very pretty. I found the service to be good and enjoyed my room very much. You will not be disappointed.