AKL Tips

[pewing]

Okay...my trip is getting close!!

Any veteren tips for AKL? Unload at will Any advice would be appreciated.

How is the transportation to the parks from AKL? Looks like a pretty good bus ride every day. We are flying and are not planning on having a car.

Thanks!

 

[Janet2k]

Pewig, tip number one: memorize the Dis' AKL FAQ (click here to view it). Tip number two: search the Dis boards for "AKL" or "Animal Kingdom Lodge" and read every single thing you find. Tip number three: make sure to have a big bowl of popcorn and some ice cold soda pop to keep you energized as you follow the prior tips!

I adore the AKL. It is such a wonderful resort. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kdibattista]

We returned about 3 weeks ago and have already booked it again for next year!!!! This time we are taking our whooooole family - all 8 of us. You will fall in love. Here are my recommendations if you have a savannah view room:

- Request either Zebra Trail or Kudu Trail overlooking Arusha Rock Savannah

- If you have small children or do not like to walk, request close to the lobby. It can be quite a hike from the "outer" rooms

The transporation was great - never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus.

Also, remember to take time just to enjoy the resort.

 

[pewing]

Thanks for the replies. Especially the FAQ's...hadn't seen that. I'm printing it out now I am getting soooooo excited. We are planning on taing some time just to enjoy the lodge this time. Last trip we had 3 days...and we never really enjoyed the Poly like we should have

 

[messick4]

You'll have a great time, Pewing!

We got back this past week after splitting our vacation between AKL and Boardwalk Inn.

We liked AKL a lot. We requested and were given a Savannah room with one queen and bunk beds. The room was a bit small but very well designed... beautiful earth tones... and the double sinks were a big help. Sometimes there were several animals within view, e.g. giraffes and zebras, and other times none at all. It just depended on the feeding schedule.

We liked Mara a lot for quick breakfasts and snacks. Boma for breakfast was OK. Most of the foods were traditional, American breakfast fare, but I enjoyed the few African-themed foods, as well.

Jiko for dinner was nice. OK for kids. The filet was so tender you don't need a knife, but I didn't like the mac and cheese--kind of chalky. Service was excellent.

Be sure to use priority seating. Even if you're calling just an hour before the time you want to eat, you'll still save lots of time waiting and walk past many in line who don't know to call.

I especially liked the Victoria Falls lounge. Nice atmosphere, and the service was outstanding.

As for transportation, I disliked the Disney bus system. Period. I would definitely rent a car if I were going again. AKL is so remote you even need a bus to get to AK. The buses seemed to run on about a 25-35 minute schedule, and if you catch it wrong, you have quite a wait (which we did several times).

There was one evening we wanted to get to Epcot. Finally the bus for Epcot came. We board. Then the driver explains we have to go over to AK, because they just closed and there are lots of people who need rides. We haul over to AK and jam as many sardines, I mean people, as we can onto the bus. I give my seat to this poor mother with a baby. Finally we get to Epcot. It took us 50 minutes total. We didn't even try to catch a bus after cirque du soleil and illuminations.

Our kids loved the pool. The gift shop was very nice.

Overall, it was a very nice resort, and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Tom

 

[hallie]

We spent 2 weeks at the AKL and loved every minute!! The busses were great we never waited more then 10 minutes for a bus to arrive!

We were on Zebra Trail facing the Arusha rock savannah, great location. Just to let you know Kudu trail also has rooms that face the Arusha Rock savannah. We peeked a lot at the Uzima savannah and there were always lots of animals there too but they were just smaller ones. Oh and the lobby is on the 3rd floor, we stayed on the 2nd which I liked because there was less through traffic. We always walked past the rooms on the 3rd floor that were before the elevators to use them so if you want the 3rd floor, I'd suggest a room after the elevators. Although I've never heard anyone complain about noise.


Have a great trip, your going to love AKL!!!

 

[JudithM]

In addition to the above suggestions, I would be sure to get the resort map & the list of actiivities that are resort exclusive - storytelling, lobby/cultural tour, etc. Also, be adventureous & try Boma's, Jiko's &/or Mara's!