Akl ?

[Babiblues75]

I'm currently booked at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in an Arusha View; did I make the right decison? I'm surprising my mother (I'm 35 and she is 60) and I am trying to make this the best trip ever. She had major back surgery back in March and the first thing she said when she woke up in recovery was "I'm going to Disney World" so I'm really trying to do my best to make this the most amazing trip for her. Also it's her 10year cancer remission celebration. The 2 reasons I picked the Animal Kingdom is because she LOVES animals and I had the pin code. I orginally wanted to go back to the Wilderness Lodge*it's been 8years since we have been back to DW* because I know she really enjoyed it but the AKL was a lot cheaper due to the Pin Code. Am I making a mistake or did I make the right decison? Also any other advice on how to make this the most amazing trip; please post up! OH, I also got the Deluxe dining plan, town car transportation, park hopper as well Mickey Not So Scarey tickets.
Thanks so much ahead of time!

 

[Hooked On The Mouse]

It sounds to me as if you are on track to have a wonderful trip. I personally love AKL, and if it was cheaper than Wilderness, it would seem that you couldn't go wrong. However, some people on this board would probably tell you just the opposite. I think if you've looked at pictures and video of AKL and you think you'll love it, you probably will. I've only stayed Arusha view myself so far, so I can't compare to other savannahs, but we loved our view. The only thing I would say, I don't know if your mom's mobility is at all effected by her surgery, but if so, then you definitely don't want to be too far from the lobby. I also have to give you a for Mickey's Not So Scary HP; it's awesome! Make sure to see the parade, fireworks, and Villains show, they're all wonderful. With deluxe dining, I hope you have your reservations already. It all sounds great to me. Now I'm going to read your post to my kids for their future reference. I hope you and your mom have an amazing trip.

 

[bowbat]

I think what you have planned for your mom sounds amazing! We'll be staying at the AKL for the first time in November, and one of the reasons we chose it is because we spend a lot of time at the resort & there's just so much to do there. In fact, my sister & her family live in Orlando and often take little weekend get-aways to the AKL. They don't even go to the parks; they just hang at the pool, watch the animals, enjoy the great food, etc.

Have a great trip! I'm sure you & your mom will make all kinds of wonderful memories.

 

[Babiblues75]

Thanks so much for the replies! I was getting soo nervious with what I booked but now I am feelng much more relaxed. My mom as been thru so much and I want this to be the best trip ever! She has no idea about the trip as of now. I don't plan on telling her we are going till 2 days before and not saying anything about where are we are staying until we arrive
As long as she has her back brace; she doesn't have any problems walking. We just have to take breaks once in a while so I was getting a little scared because I hear it can be a hike at the hotel with room locations.
I only have 1 reservation as of now for the German buffet; if anyone can recommend anything else; please do. She loves loves seafood(we can never eat it here because my father is highly allergic and can't even smell it)
Thank you so much!

 

[AJKMOM]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing place. She can spend hours just admiring the decor and the animal. Love it..

 

[meg_twittles]

Cape May Cafe for seafood

 

[Carlyluvsdisney]

What a wonderful surprise for your mother! Sounds like you have planned an amazing trip! I have not stayed at AKL but we will be there in 13 days and I am really excited. We are going to MNSSHP as well. I'm sure your mother will love it! Have a great trip!

 

[MorenaSangre]

Oh yes, you made the right decision - especially if she loves animals. AKL is a breathtaking resort, and the Arusha view is a constant delight if you love animals. We stayed there last weekend, in a room on the second floor, and we spent hours on the balcony oohing over the wildlife. Arusha will give you a great variety - we spotted Roan Antelope, Giraffe, Ankole Cattle, Gazelle, Zebra, and Red River Hogs.

Don't forget the wonderful resort activities too - cultural safaris and food tastings. Check the bulletin board next to Boma for more info. And keep in mind that there are DVD players & computer connectors for the TVs in the rooms now.

I hope you have an amazing time. I can't imagine a more wonderful treat for you and your mom. I'm jealous - l lost my mom last October, and she would have loved to stay at AKL. I hope the two of you make memories that draw you together and stay with you...

 

[justbishop]

Just back from WDW and AKV Jambo last night. We had a pool view, but the savannas are gorgeous. Be sure to take the time to explore the resort!

As for other stuff to book, plan MK on a NON-MNSSHP day (in addition to your party day) and do the Wishes dessert party. It was amazing

Our favorite meals were Le Cellier for lunch and Kona Cafe for dinner.

 

[nhmommy]

If you have the deluxe dining plan I suggest you rent a car I wouldn't use it for park travel necessarily but it's a pain in the a** getting from resort to resort especially from the AKL and some of the best dining is at the various resorts. we just got back from a week at AKL and we loved it but we said next time we want a car for that reason.

 

[nhmommy]

Oh and be sure to eat a Boma!

 

[melly_jane]

we love AKL!! and i'm sure you will too.

last year my inlaws came with us for the first time and we booked savannah view rooms and they were blown away!!

You'll have a great time!!

we'll be back there in less then a week!!

have fun on your trip!!

 

[snykymom]

Yes, you made a great decision! I love AKL, and seeing the animals around the resort is wonderful!

If youro mother is an adventurous eater, or even just likes good food, try Jiko! (They also give you an amuse bouche if you're staying at AKL.)

If you're worried about the hike from rooms, contact the Guests with Disabilities number; they may be able to help you. (407) 824-4321. (And just as an FYI - most of the deluxe resorts are large, and can have a long walk from rooms to lobbies. Some even have separate buildings.)

 

[Babiblues75]

Thank you so very much for all the kind replys. I just joined this board and love it already! I will for sure take everything into consideration!
October 8th can't come soon enough

 

[vettegirl]

Have a great time!

 

[JolllyHoliday]

AKL is so relaxing and beautiful. The grounds and pool areas are great. We never had any trouble with the buses and Jiko is an amazing resturant if you get a chance to go.

 

[sherreis]

First of all, to the DIS. It's quite addicting!

What a wonderful gift to give your mother and a great way to celebrate her recovery from the back surgery and being 10 yr cancer free. I've only stayed at AKL once and loved it. BOMA is one of our favorite restaurants at WDW.

I read your post at the appropriate time - just came home from visiting with DH in the hospital cause he had back surgery on Wednesday and he's not doing so well. Your post gave me hope that when we go to stay at AKL for a week in June to use our DVC for the first time, that he'll be able to walk without renting a scooter.

Have a great trip! Enjoy the time with your Mom - it's special!

 

[Babiblues75]

OMG you are soo right! I'm already addicted to this site; I dont think I can go a few hours without checking to see all the new posts and more information to help make this trip even better. I seriously considered trying to add more days to our trip but we are leaving my father behind and he's legally blind so it makes it hard on him whenever we are away.
My mom's surgery was back in March; as long as she has her back brace on she is ok with walking but if it's not on - she can only walk a few minutes and has to stop. I'll keep your DH in my thoughts that there will be no problems walking and you both can enjoy your trip.

Thanks again! I love taking trips with my parents. Between now and the end of the year I have 2 trips planned with my mom *besides Disney I'm surprising her with a birthday/christmas cruise* and 3 trips with my father to Las Vegas *celebrating my birthday and he has business conventions* Just wished we could do a family business but we all have pets and a family business so it's hard.

Also anymore suggestions on food reservations would be great. I tried the Coral Reef (think thats it) but it's already booked solid for the weekend I'm there

 

[disneyfan888]

We have not stayed at all of the resorts on property (although its a personal goal) So far, AKL has been our best resort stay ever!!! you will have an amazing time and may I say, I think that what you are doing is absolutely beautiful! Your mother will be very happy! Have lots of fun!