epicureangirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2003
- Messages
- 340
AKL June 4-6, MK tips and PECOS BILLS
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Myself, my DH and DD (6) spent 2 nights at the AKL so we could enjoy the extra magic hour on Thursday morning at the Magic Kingdom (the rest of our trip we spent at Universal) and experience this fabulous new Disney property.
I have never stayed at Disney property (although Ive stayed on site at the Dolphin) and was very impressed by their first-rate service. Through the mousesavers site, we used a code that got us a standard room for $135 a night. An incredible rate thanks mousesavers! When we approached the hotel from the parking lot small lizards were scurrying along the paths. They were adorable and made it feel very exotic. We were very pleased that when we checked in, we were offered a savanna view room (on a smaller savanna) for the same rate. A nice touch. We walked down the stairs one level from the lobby to our room (nice and close to the lobby) and got settled into our room. However, I had to take some photos before our room looked too lived-in.
The room is nice, but Id have to say its equivalent to a 3 ½ * (to borderline 4*) hotel room. The bed was oddly firm or reinforced at the edges (like a box spring) although we slept like a log so have no complaints about the bed overall. Others have commented how dark it is, and I have to agree at times I really wanted to have more light in our room especially since this part of the savanna is so shady. The bathroom is very standard and the décor is not as plush as I had hoped although the carved headboard was beautiful. The granite counter top in the vanity area was nice and more spacious to spread out your toiletries on than at the Hard Rock Hotel (which we stayed at for the rest of our trip). The colors of the bedspread and the African-map themed wallpaper were less than subtle. I have been on two safaris and stayed at lodges in Kenya, but of course those lodges really are African so dont have to try so hard. On the plus side, everything here (especially the service and electricity) is much more reliable! And its Disney. Enough said.
Sidenote: I would have thought that this level of hotel would have had complimentary bath robes for our use. Do they only have bath robes on Concierge levels or at the Grand Floridian? Id love to hear from someone if they feel some of the Disney properties rate at least a 4 ½* on their rooms alone. It would really help me plan my next trip!
In our savanna we had giraffes, some species of buffalo (I wasnt familiar with), ostriches and some spectacular birds I have never seen the likes of before. Being able to go out on your deck and see this was great and very exciting for my daughter (who probably wont have a chance to go to Africa).
The lobby is gorgeous. Love it. Very impressive. Nice art collection and architecture. The outside of the building looks very blah (especially from our savanna) and gives no hint the grandeur that awaits inside. In fact, I edited out our photos of the exterior shots because they made the place look a bit dirty and dull.
I didnt get a chance to use the pool as it was pouring rain when we arrived and our Magic Kingdom day was long, rewarding and exhausting. It looked lovely though, so I definitely missed out. Near the back of the pool (away from the entrance) there is a small savanna viewing area past the hot tub. It was a great quiet place to view the giraffes and to talk to one of the staff about them. Professional and knowledgeable service got to love that.
We ate twice at Jiko and loved it. Ill write a separate review on that later. The gift shop was very large and we had fun trying on crazy hats and taking photos.
All in all this was a nice experience although I would probably not stay at the AKL again but would head to Jiko for dinner. I would like to try something directly on the monorail and perhaps even a bit more deluxe (if possible). Disney service is top notch and I would not hesitate to choose another property in the future.
MAGIC KINGDOM
We bought our theme park tickets at the hotel, which was very convenient and charged directly through our room key. Buying the tickets at the hotel allowed us to go for the extra magic hour, without worrying about line-ups. We did drive to the park and arrive a ½ hour before opening. There were still LOTS of people there already and we didnt realize we needed to take the Monorail in from where we parked. I would suggest trying to get there even 45 minutes to an hour before the gates open. The extra magic hour makes a HUGE difference in the amount of rides you can get done. We had probably finished all the rides we had planned for the day well before lunch time. The only disappointment was that the Whinny the Pooh ride was closed and for some reason we totally missed going on the Scary Adventures of Snow White. Even my 6 year old daugher LOVED Space Mountain and was game to try Alien Encounter (even though I warned her what to expect). She said it was a little scary and didn't want to go on it again. In hindsight I probably shouldnt have risked it. The family sitting a few seats down from us had an older son (maybe 7 or 8) who had a complete and utter meltdown on this ride. Mom got out of her seat during the show to comfort him and employees with flashlights quickly came down the aisle and told her to get back in her restraint. For a minute there I thought the flashlight brigade was just part of the show as beams of light were going all over the room at the time. When we exited to explore the store, the boy was still having a meltdown (even minutes later) and the parents were trying to calm him -- a few years of therapy might help.
PECOS BILLS
We had lunch at Pecos Bills. My daughter had chicken nuggets, I had the chicken wrap (which was okay but very large and could feed 2) and my husband had a burger. I wish I had the burger as his was delicious and the toppings bar was much more than I expected. Sautéed onions and mushrooms piping hot was a nice touch. I love sautéed mushrooms so added a scoop to my plate along with some pickles for snacking.
I was impressed with the stucco and iron details of the Mexican-inspired interior. We sat by a fountain and it was very relaxing and wonderful especially for a counter service restaurant. We had lunch at 11:30 so it didnt take very long to get served. I would definitely go back next time and have a burger.
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
Myself, my DH and DD (6) spent 2 nights at the AKL so we could enjoy the extra magic hour on Thursday morning at the Magic Kingdom (the rest of our trip we spent at Universal) and experience this fabulous new Disney property.
I have never stayed at Disney property (although Ive stayed on site at the Dolphin) and was very impressed by their first-rate service. Through the mousesavers site, we used a code that got us a standard room for $135 a night. An incredible rate thanks mousesavers! When we approached the hotel from the parking lot small lizards were scurrying along the paths. They were adorable and made it feel very exotic. We were very pleased that when we checked in, we were offered a savanna view room (on a smaller savanna) for the same rate. A nice touch. We walked down the stairs one level from the lobby to our room (nice and close to the lobby) and got settled into our room. However, I had to take some photos before our room looked too lived-in.
The room is nice, but Id have to say its equivalent to a 3 ½ * (to borderline 4*) hotel room. The bed was oddly firm or reinforced at the edges (like a box spring) although we slept like a log so have no complaints about the bed overall. Others have commented how dark it is, and I have to agree at times I really wanted to have more light in our room especially since this part of the savanna is so shady. The bathroom is very standard and the décor is not as plush as I had hoped although the carved headboard was beautiful. The granite counter top in the vanity area was nice and more spacious to spread out your toiletries on than at the Hard Rock Hotel (which we stayed at for the rest of our trip). The colors of the bedspread and the African-map themed wallpaper were less than subtle. I have been on two safaris and stayed at lodges in Kenya, but of course those lodges really are African so dont have to try so hard. On the plus side, everything here (especially the service and electricity) is much more reliable! And its Disney. Enough said.
Sidenote: I would have thought that this level of hotel would have had complimentary bath robes for our use. Do they only have bath robes on Concierge levels or at the Grand Floridian? Id love to hear from someone if they feel some of the Disney properties rate at least a 4 ½* on their rooms alone. It would really help me plan my next trip!
In our savanna we had giraffes, some species of buffalo (I wasnt familiar with), ostriches and some spectacular birds I have never seen the likes of before. Being able to go out on your deck and see this was great and very exciting for my daughter (who probably wont have a chance to go to Africa).
The lobby is gorgeous. Love it. Very impressive. Nice art collection and architecture. The outside of the building looks very blah (especially from our savanna) and gives no hint the grandeur that awaits inside. In fact, I edited out our photos of the exterior shots because they made the place look a bit dirty and dull.
I didnt get a chance to use the pool as it was pouring rain when we arrived and our Magic Kingdom day was long, rewarding and exhausting. It looked lovely though, so I definitely missed out. Near the back of the pool (away from the entrance) there is a small savanna viewing area past the hot tub. It was a great quiet place to view the giraffes and to talk to one of the staff about them. Professional and knowledgeable service got to love that.
We ate twice at Jiko and loved it. Ill write a separate review on that later. The gift shop was very large and we had fun trying on crazy hats and taking photos.
All in all this was a nice experience although I would probably not stay at the AKL again but would head to Jiko for dinner. I would like to try something directly on the monorail and perhaps even a bit more deluxe (if possible). Disney service is top notch and I would not hesitate to choose another property in the future.
MAGIC KINGDOM
We bought our theme park tickets at the hotel, which was very convenient and charged directly through our room key. Buying the tickets at the hotel allowed us to go for the extra magic hour, without worrying about line-ups. We did drive to the park and arrive a ½ hour before opening. There were still LOTS of people there already and we didnt realize we needed to take the Monorail in from where we parked. I would suggest trying to get there even 45 minutes to an hour before the gates open. The extra magic hour makes a HUGE difference in the amount of rides you can get done. We had probably finished all the rides we had planned for the day well before lunch time. The only disappointment was that the Whinny the Pooh ride was closed and for some reason we totally missed going on the Scary Adventures of Snow White. Even my 6 year old daugher LOVED Space Mountain and was game to try Alien Encounter (even though I warned her what to expect). She said it was a little scary and didn't want to go on it again. In hindsight I probably shouldnt have risked it. The family sitting a few seats down from us had an older son (maybe 7 or 8) who had a complete and utter meltdown on this ride. Mom got out of her seat during the show to comfort him and employees with flashlights quickly came down the aisle and told her to get back in her restraint. For a minute there I thought the flashlight brigade was just part of the show as beams of light were going all over the room at the time. When we exited to explore the store, the boy was still having a meltdown (even minutes later) and the parents were trying to calm him -- a few years of therapy might help.
PECOS BILLS
We had lunch at Pecos Bills. My daughter had chicken nuggets, I had the chicken wrap (which was okay but very large and could feed 2) and my husband had a burger. I wish I had the burger as his was delicious and the toppings bar was much more than I expected. Sautéed onions and mushrooms piping hot was a nice touch. I love sautéed mushrooms so added a scoop to my plate along with some pickles for snacking.
I was impressed with the stucco and iron details of the Mexican-inspired interior. We sat by a fountain and it was very relaxing and wonderful especially for a counter service restaurant. We had lunch at 11:30 so it didnt take very long to get served. I would definitely go back next time and have a burger.
