Animal Kingdom Lodge- My Thoughts

[bratray]

hello

just returned from AKL- 1/8 to 1/14- really had a wonderful time.

The lodge was just beautiful!- valet parking took our van and the bell hop was very friendly and helpful- the CM who checked us in was not very pleasant- she wasn't rude- just very dry and no smiles at all

I noticed immedietly how dim the hotel was when we stepped inside- but so beautiful!- there were many sitting areas in lobby with lots of comfy chairs and beautiful etched tables- there is a fire place that is enclosed that burns all the time with big wooden chairs around it.

i went to check in around 12:00 pm but room wasn't ready- not to worry i had a back up plan- went to mara and had lunch-mara is pricey but i had connection vouchers- which i will go into more detail on the budget board- then we went to the arcade- kids loved the arcade!! we took a walk around the very large pool and checked out the flamingo's -

went back to the lobby and called the number they gave me when i checked in- 2:00 and room still not ready- told me around 3:00 or 4:00- wow! 4:00 is a long way off- i waited till 3:00 then called again and told room would be ready between 4:00 and 5:00- OH NO!! this was not acceptable- i went up to the front desk- explained that we had been at the hotel since 12:00 and that i realized check in isn't till 3:00 but that i had little ones and couldn't wait till 5:00 to check in- this nice CM personally went to check the room- came back and said it hadn't been cleaned and paged the housekeeper- within 15 minutes we were in our room-i went to bell desk to get luggage immedietly- bell hop very nice and gave a little tour of lodge and interesting tid bits

i got everything i asked for in my room request fax- a room on zebra trail- close to mara- we were in room 3435- close to ice machine- a step away from the elevators for pool, game room and restaurants- 1 minute walk to main lobby! even had bunk beds (didn't request bunks) we saw lots of animals- Ankole, zebra, bongo, kudu, saw giraffe but not very often-

when on the balcony DS3 immedietly went to sit on the little table that the bell hop told us to be careful with- of course he sat on this and fell off!!- wasn't hurt but we removed from balcony and used as an extra table inside of room-Beds were extremly comfortable and the kids loved the bunks

there are many viewing areas inside the hotel where you can see the animals ; balconies, little lounges, big rocking chairs outside to view the animals- My main point here is that, there are so many viewing areas that i personally don't see the need to spend extra cash for a savanna view- we were in the parks every day till late- came back a couple of days to nap-usually didn't return till dark and when dark no animals were around - i think if i go again to AKL i will save the extra money and just get a standard view and hope for an upgrade!

house keeping was consistent- although 2 days in a row she made beds but didn't bother to put on bed spread??- turn down service was nice- they arranged pillows - left chocolate with an african proverb- when i first got in room i called down to house keeping and requested coffee maker and extra pillows- they brought up to room within 30 minutes- there is an iron and ironing board in room along with a hair dryer- double sinks are nice with a large vanity- i didn't find the room small at all- more then enough room for 4 people

we never waited more then 5 minutes for bus service- it was excellent- and we were only 4 minues away from the Animal kingdom -

i would definetly go back to AKL- it was a very homey resort- with wonderful smells and lots of great little nooks to relax and curl up - the kids loved the resort due to the animals - we loved it because it was quiet, warm and relaxing!!

lisa
please feel free to ask any questions!

 

[corvair]

Thanks for the great reveiw.. Your room location sounds perfect to me. I am requesting same as you.. I was going to say close to the elevator...HOw did you like the pool???? thanks..amy Did you request when you made your ressie or fax 3 days out?

 

[bratray]

hello- room location was perfect!!- i requested arusha rock when i made ressie- then i sent fax a fax 2 days before our arrival - specifing zebra trail close to mara- only thing i didn't get on my fax was early check in

the pool was huge- not a fancy slide or much ornamental color around pool- which some people seem to be disapointed by- but we have to remember this pool is suppose to be part of the whole african savannah concept- it was a zero entry pool - water was about 70 or 75 degrees- a little too cool for me as the temps outside were only 70 degrees! sat at the pool bar one day and had some fantastic coladas- $6.75 a piece-but well worth the cost !

lisa

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanks for your report! We arrive Feb. 1st and can't wait!!

 

[pooh6890]

We spent 3 nights at AKL from 1-9 to 1-12 and absolutely loved it too. I feel the extra money for the Savannah view is worth it. We had at least 6 giraffes outside our balcony most of the time.....lots of Ankole cattle, Zebras and birds. It's very relaxing to just sit on the balcony with a drink and take it all in. It's really becoming one of my favorite hotels to stay at. The bus service was good, best gift shop on premises and food is terrific. My only problem is the beds. They are way too hard for my bod. That hard cording around the mattress really cuts into your leg when you are sitting on them. I found myself sitting in the chairs a lot. I also found when I got up in the morning, my hips really hurt. I have not experienced that at any of the other hotels (YC has THE best softest beds anywhere to me). Other than that, once you get up and around it's ok. We will continue to go to the AKL if I get a really good rate like we did last week.....$164 is worth it.

 

[Pigsty333]

Thanks for your post. We are arriving on 2/13 and just send in my final payment for the dream maker package with silver add on plan. Figured this would be the safest one for us. If we want to do or eat anything extra, then we pay for it at that time.

We are really excited. It is a pre-birthday celebration for myself and hubby (his 40th and my 45th). We haven't had a vacation in a while since I was injured in a car accident on 10/8/99 and had a couple of operations. I am still recuperating and in a lot of pain and yesterday my ortho informed me that the wrist pain and swelling was due to the exacerbation of the injury received in the accident and that I would probably need surgery. Right now my left hand is in a splint and I am in a lot of pain. Trying to make an appointment with a hand surgeon who specializes in this and I hope it does not interfere with my trip. No matter what, even if I put it off until I come back, I am not cancelling my trip. I deserved some time off.

I should have upgraded to Concierge, but budget won't allow. No money has been coming in like when I was working.

Glad you had a great time and I hope I enjoy it.

 

[Muffy]

Hi,
We just got back from AKL 1/13 and were in room 3437. How about that! It was a great location and we were happy to be back at AKL too! It is a lovely resort with alot to offer. Glad you had a nice time there!

 

[bratray]

oh yes, i forgot to mention - when we arrived at AKL 1/8 the xmas decorations were still up- beautiful tree- what a great treat!!- and the
decorations at the contemporary were still up too- by 1/10 the AKL xmas decorations were gone

i also wanted to mention that we got the room with the winter defrost code for $177 per night- we had contemplated upgrading to concierge for $277 per night with code-but decided not to- well, when we got to the lodge we had a change of heart and wanted to go concierge- well i asked at the check in desk - figuring it would cost us about $100 to $150 extra per night- boy was i wrong- i was quoted $400 extra per night- holy cow- way more then i wanted to spend on snacks!!- guess i should have took concierge when i had the chance for $100 more per night!!

lisa

 

[Janet2k]

Bratray, I enjoyed reading your AKL trip report. It sounds like you had a very nice stay. My first stay at the AKL was on the fifth floor in almost the same location as your third floor stay (we were near that very same elevator and loved the location). Thanks for posting such a detailed report. Every time I read about that resort, I wish I were there, *sigh.*