Animal Kingdom Lodge help....please

[Lynn5700]

I posted this over on the DVC forums but hoping I can get some info over here too.


Ok so I was thinking about staying at the Boardwalk for our anniversary trip next May...but I noticed that August 10 you can book Kidani Village for trips starting May 1....so I'm thinking about trying it there because it is our home resort and DH loved the TVs at the POLY lol so he will be thrilled to have a flat screen tv in the room lol.

So we want to get a studio and want to stay for 9 nights.... May 3rd to the 12th.

What studio do you recommend...is concierge worth the extra points? Should we just get a SV room...what is standard view at AKL..do you look into the parking lot or the pool or something. We really could care less I mean as long as we have a balcony..were only going to be in the room to sleep.

How is the transportation there? Does it take forever to get to places?

Any tips or anything I should know?

Thank you!!

Lynn

 

[perla75]

I posted this over on the DVC forums but hoping I can get some info over here too.


Ok so I was thinking about staying at the Boardwalk for our anniversary trip next May...but I noticed that August 10 you can book Kidani Village for trips starting May 1....so I'm thinking about trying it there because it is our home resort and DH loved the TVs at the POLY lol so he will be thrilled to have a flat screen tv in the room lol.

So we want to get a studio and want to stay for 9 nights.... May 3rd to the 12th.

What studio do you recommend...is concierge worth the extra points? Should we just get a SV room...what is standard view at AKL..do you look into the parking lot or the pool or something. We really could care less I mean as long as we have a balcony..were only going to be in the room to sleep.

How is the transportation there? Does it take forever to get to places?

Any tips or anything I should know?

Thank you!!

Lynn

Hi Lynn!

Well, AKL is our favorite resort, so I can help you with some questions.
First off, it is an absolutely beautiful resort!! The lobby is breathtaking & the surroundings are gorgeous. The entire atmosphere is so peaceful & so cool at the same time. DF & I felt like we were at our own private theme park!

As for rooms, we've never stayed at a DVC (but will for our HM!), but I just saw an ad on our cable for the new Kidani Village & it looks so cool!! They are building a whole separate savannah & will have a new restaurant overlooking the savannah! I would DEFINATELY get a savannah view, whichever you choose. The huge attraction at AKL is the animal viewing & even though there are tons of viewing areas around the resort, absolutely NOTHING compares to waking up in the morning with a giraffe outside your balcony!! The standard rooms can be hit or miss and you might end up with a view of a dumpster That's for regular rooms-I'm not sure if DVC standard rooms have similar views.

If you are into concierge, AKL is supposed to offer a very nice package. The biggest perk about AKL club level is you are allowed to book two exclusive safari's, only offered to AKL club level guests. One is a sunrise safari that includes breakfast at Tusker House and the other is a sunset safari that brings you around CM areas of the AKL savannah & you get right up close-this also includes dinner at Jiko!

We thought the buses were very good. We didn't wait long for anything and the longest bus ride took about 15 minutes (to MK). What I love about AKL is that you are far enough away from everything that it feels like a secluded retreat, but still close enough to the action.

Last tips I can think of are: definately eat at Boma & Jiko! & if you have time, definately try to catch the animal night vision watching that they offer. They will give you these cool night vision goggles & you can see the tons of animals hanging out at night.

Have a great time Lynn-you & Tim are going to love AKL!!!

 

[Safari Queen]

We found transportation at AKL very good, rarely waiting more than 10 minutes for anywhere. The ride time isn't much different than other hotels and you don't stop at other hotels like BW. If you enjoy animals, SV is wonderful. We spent some time in the morning and later afternoon during breaks between day and evening activities watching from our balcony and loved that. Standard view will be front entrance or pool.

We love AKL -- it's a very special place. Concierge makes it even more special if relaxing in a plush lounge with drinks and food is a treat for you. With two fabulous restaurants, it's like a relaxing resort nearby all the excitement of WDW. BW is right there in the middle of the hustle and bustle, a different feeling. Make the choice based on what will be most special for you on your anniversary.

 

[perla75]

post showed up twice for some reason....

 

[Lynn5700]

Thank you so much for the responses!!!!! I will get a SV Room!!!!!