Animal Kingdom Lodge OR Contemp. Resort ?!?

[dreamflight99]

Every year...we try something new! Although we spend the majority of our stay at the WDW Dolphin, we like to try a different experience (or two/three) during the sojourn. This year, we stayed at the Orlando Peabody, Portofino Bay Hotel, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, 7-night Western Carribean Magic Disney Cruise, and the WDW Dolphin. We stayed at the CR years ago, (DD LOVES the arcade) but not recently. We have yet to stay at the AKL. We will be returning in the summer of 2003 to all the resorts listed above...but wish to add a 3-night stay at the AKL or CR. We are presently planning the trip (just returned last weekend...true DISer fashion!) and welcome any assistance. Please, feel free to offer ANY/ALL opinions of these resorts such as (but not limited to): Which rooms are the most desirable, the best rates available, any secrets/tips/experiences to make these visits more enjoyable. I entrust all of you, and am eager to read these posts! Thanks again...

 

[anniet]

Wow, what a choice, since I think of these two resorts as opposite ends of the spectrum!

Contemporary Resort-close to MK, busy, bustling, right in the heart of things, a view of the Magic Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom resort- further out by Animal Kingdom, a bit more laid back, more relaxing atmosphere and if you get the Savannah view you get to sit on your balcony and watch the animals.

For me personally, I would do Animal Kingdom Lodge.

And if you do, I highly recommend Boma, the buffet restaurant there. $21.99 and out of this world.

I've never stayed at AKL, but it's on my things to do list!

 

[Mom of 5]

AKL !

We loved our stay at AKL. It is a beautiful resort - a great place to relax and enjoy. We also found the bus transportation to be very efficient - we never waited longer than 5 or 10 minutes for a bus. We stayed in savannah view rooms on the Zebra Trail, Arusha Savannah. We saw tons of animals! We also enjoyed eating at Boma, for both breakfast and dinner.

Good luck planning your next WDW vacation!

 

[dreamflight99]

We visited the Lodge...and tried the BOMA breakfast buffet (best on property). I have a bit of trepidation over the "bus" transportation and the "no see-ums." I have read mixed reviews of both, and wish to read some other opinions of these facts.
Thanks, again.

 

[dreamflight99]

You were posting as I was writing! The "bus" only situation always makes me nervous (as a lover of the Epcot resorts & boat/walking transportation to two parks).

I've also read MANY reports about the Savannah rooms as being optimal for animal viewing. Are these on any specific Floor/Area?

Thanks!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, I think my favorite room at Disney was at the Contemporary, on the 12th floor overlooking the Magic Kingdom! Now, that was an AWESOME view! I love it, it just isn't the same up at the CA Grill - you have to have it from your private balcony!

I'd like to try AKL sometime, but it is so remote from everything. It even seems like a long drive going back there. It is beautiful, though.

 

[Kallison]

Since we spend the majority of our time at MK and Epcot it would have to be the CR. I would love4 to try AKL for one night though. We have not done AK on our last two trips. We had two bad days there and aren't eager to relive the experience.

 

[Tesabat]

I just returned from AKL - hope to post a TR at some point, but right now buried with work and back to school.

I'd vote for AKL if you have already been to CR (even though it was long ago!). The arcade got a thumbs up from the 10 (almost 11 yo) and the 11 yo with us - if that's a concern. The pool also a huge hit - Slide got a thumbs up from them also - but only if you laid down and crossed your arms and legs to go faster. Mara had a good selection of food for the kids - a personal-sized pepperoni pizza was $5.50.

Bus transportation NOT a problem. It was excellent. The trip to MK was the longest - and it was not long at all - about 17 minutes.

We loved this resort and want to go back and experience it again with just the immediate family.

Excellent staff, ambiance, and the ANIMALS and the ART - I can't describe it. I'll save all the adjectives for the TR.

 

[dreamflight99]

Which rooms/views should I shoot for? Cali..thanks for the lift! You know I LOVE the CR...and the CG too. Should we do Concierge level? Do you have a room # you prefer? Any assistance at all is greatly appreciated. You may email me if you prefer.

I love reading all the positive things about the bus transportation at AKL. I walked from the MK to the CR this summer twice, and just love reading the bricks on the path...(we have one too...right in front of the entrance to the kingdom from 1994!), and love the dining/shopping in the resort. CG, CS, CM and all the shops and arcade action. Maybe it's nostalgia which makes me want to return.

I heard terrible things about the AKL and the BUGS! The no see-ums at night were reportedly terrible. Since I had a terrible reaction to a yellow fly/green head this summer, I'm leary of exposing myself to potentially harmful insects. I actually had "lingual edema" which affected the entire back of my leg where the bite occurred. I had to take some Zyrtec and relax before the symptoms subsided enough to walk comfortably. It was swollen and painful for a week!

We too have had our share of AK downers...and find it to be the HOTTEST park in the summer on Disney property! It's the foliage and the canopy required to assimilate the environment of the animal guests. It literally traps the heat and prevents the breeze from penetrating. Also, there are LESS A/C shops, restaurants in this park. This summer, a boy pushing (running with) the families rented double stroller RAN into my calves, nearly knocking me to the ground. The man hardly spoke english, and just looked at me and walked away. I was waiting alone for my DD & DH to get off the Kali River Rapids, and buying a water at a cart. Absolutely a DOWNER at AK. I had a big bruise, etc. The CM at the cart was terrified, and kept asking me if I was okay, etc. He gave me ice, and a free water.

I was thinking of writing Disney, and suggesting they PAD the front of these hard plastic strollers for this purpose alone. They are low to the ground, and cause great pain/injury when colliding with humans. Padding will greatly minimize the damage/injury.

Thanks again, for all your input. It means a great deal to me...as without all of your vast experiences...I'd be lost!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I hear the concierge level (14th floor) is excellent - it was sold out during my stay so we didn't have a chance to try it. Can't help with room numbers, as the 14th floor is set up a little differently than the other floors (I *think* any room over #4918 is on the MK side). Up there, there are 8 different types of rooms/suites. They range from a regular room to a 1BR suite to a 2BR suite to the VP and Prez suites.

The 12th floor is nice - while not full concierge, it still offers some concierge amenities. The biggest thing I noticed missing were robes - and if I need to meantion a small detail like that for the "biggest thing absent on the 12th floor", there was nothing bad about it! We were in #4830 - excellent room. The beds faced in the opposite direction of the castle, connecting room #4829 would have had the beds face the castle (as do all odd room numbers 25 & up).

Regular tower rooms are nice, too. They are basicly the same as the tower club (12th floor) rooms, except no coffee maker. They follow the same pattern as the 12th floor rooms.



Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thank you so much for the wonderful, detailed info. I think I'll stick to the Tower, although I have also read nice things about the Garden (wing) rooms. Have you ever stayed in those? I just love the thought of "surprising" my family with a few nights "here" and a few nights "there"...just in the spirit of adventure! I have always loved the Contemporary...w/the walk to MK, view, fireworks, staff, shopping, dining, monorail...etc. What's not to love? I know some folks think it's a bit dated, and everyone always refers to it as "noisy & crowded." Yet, whenever I'm there...I do not see this. Some of the floors..like the third, etc. are whisper quiet (as I take the escalator down from the fourth to the first). I'm very excited about reserving a Tower Club room for three eves! Now, I'll have to figure out which days are best. Thanks again...I'm sure I'll think of more questions!

Any more tips on AKL? Savannah view is reportedly the best...but should I do concierge level? It certainly "looked" good on the Travel channel show! Mmmmm...smoothies. Makes me want one right now..LOL. But, the insects still have me spooked. Anyone else have any problems with insects in this resort?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Nope, I haven't stayed in a wing room. My parents have, and they much prefer the tower rooms. The tower rooms have two seperate sinks, the wing rooms have two sinks on the one vanity (instead of one on each). Most don't have balconies, either.

I've heard some great things about AKL Concierge, I'd like to try it someday.

 

[Dana_Buckley]

I'm starting to plan our trip for next fall, and am thinking of the Poly for 4 nights, get all the MK & Epcot we can, then stay at AKL the last 4 nights & take it a bit easier and enjoy the resort & pool. I've read so many great things, I can't wait to stay at AKL!

 

[lvs_eeyore]

DF after staying at all those lovely resorts you would not be happy in one of the wing rooms of CR. The hallways especially are in major need of refurbishment. I was very dissapointed when we stayed there over Easter. I am sure the tower area is much better taken care of than the Garden Wing area. It will also be harder to get a garden wing room because SOG has the majority of the CR wing rooms in the North Section until SOG is completed which is in about 14 months.

 

[dreamflight99]

Thanks Cali & lvs_eeyore! I have never even been to the "wing" area, and forgot all about the SOG. I keep thinking the wings are like the Poly, but they are obviously NOT. I'll stick with the Tower, and shoot for Club/Concierge. I am also excited about the AKL, and wish to do Concierge there as well. I just LOVE the Club/Concierge levels in all the deluxe resorts. Since they offer these...it's So nice to be able to take advantage of them. When we stayed at the Mods...there was no choice. This is one of the many reasons I prefer the deluxes. I also love the room service available at the Dolphin. Somedays, after an early start (a rarity for moi...for sure!) I just wish to relax in the suite and be served my Dinner! After all...it's a VACATION, isn't it?!
*I'm with you Dana...I can't WAIT to try AKL! I'll run this past my familia...but the CR is a secret surprise! Hey..life IS an adventure, a bonafide potpourri...and surprises are the SPICE!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

df99, if you want to give your family a real treat, book a Tower (14th floor) Concierge room! They book up very quickly - so make your reservations early! They are booked with either one king or two queen beds, so you are guaranteed bedding. There is also a 1 Bedroom suite, starting at a little over $1,000 a night. It has a double size parlor with wetbar and dining table, and a bedroom with 1 king or 2 queen beds. These suites can be booked with either a lake view, or a MK view (view is guaranteed). They have 3 balconies, and 1 3/4 bath.

 

[Muffy]

Our first visit to WDW was a tower room at CR in 1996. It was a great place to start off our adventure. The monorail really made transportation a cinch! The Concourse Steakhouse is a great restaurant and it is still DH fav! As fond as we are of CR we have not been back since 1996 (except to visit the restaurants) We have been busy trying the other on site resorts! We stayed 11 days at AKL last Jan and truly loved the relaxed atmosphere. We had a savahanna view and enjoyed the animals off the balcony more than words can describe! We are going back this Jan and staying 5 nights at the Swan and 6 nights at AKL. DD had the best experience there and can't wait to go back. We aren't sure if DS will join us this year as he is a new college graduate now (Tufts). He is working full time in Cambridge Ma but we would love to have him join us if he can! My vote would be to spend 3 nights at each resort!

 

[KelliR]

My whole family LOVED the AKL! We did not stay in concierge, we had Savannah view room #4348 on the Kudu trail. We saw TONS of animals...from the lookout windows on the walk to our room and from our balcony. That is one of the things I love about the AKL, balconies with every room. My DD4 (almost 5) loved the bunk beds. We saw every animal on the sheet the lodge gives out.

I found enough to do in the lodge for 2 days without even going to a park. We like Jiko, but we LOVE Boma. Our server, Lee, was fantastic. All of us thought the food was GREAT and the desserts spectacular. The soup on the buffet was out of this world...especially the Mulligatawny (sp?). Numerous diners were asking for the recipe and one woman was writing it down from the chef! It was that special!

I highly recommend taking the Lodge tour. What a treat! The CM tour guide was knowledgeable, intelligent, patient, and very pretty to look at it. Her voice was like a song. Her name was Leisel (her Mom is a big fan of "The Sound of Music"). I learned so much on the tour...and I had a whole new feeling walking through the lobby with my new found information! And the tour ended in Jiko with a little talk from the Chef and some tastings from the Jiko menu. It lasted about 45 minutes.

I also highly recommend the Storytelling. It was phenomenal! It happens just outside the lobby at Arusha Rock Fire Pit at 7:30 pm. That lasted about 45 minutes and the kids and adults were enraptured with what the CM was saying every minute. And the CM stayed around an extra 10 or 15 minutes or so interacting with the kids...it was a great time.

We enjoyed the pool...liked seeing the Flamingos there (in a little area) and we also enjoyed the drinks from the poolside bar. The slide was great for my DH and DD4, but my DD12 (almost 13) was more interested in looking at the good looking boys at the pool!

I thought Mara was a great place for a quick meal. The CM's at AKL are the absolute best on Disney property IMHO. They are so kind, patient, and really go out of their way to help you. And it doesn't have any tinge of being phony...just very genuine!

I found the AKL to be a wonderful experience. I know some have said it is dark...but it just seems "right" to me. It is almost a mellow feel...I liked that.

We all want to go back again. Besides the Dolphin, this is the only resort my entire family definitely wants to vist again and again!

 

[dreamflight99]

I just LOVE the information offered by all of you in regards to this decision. Thanks for the AWESOME suggestion Cali about the Suite, I had no idea! I definitely wish to reserve a 14th floor room...and now perhaps a suite. I'll call monday and inquire. You have helped me more than you know!

Your post was so nice Muffy...and I appreciate your vote. I'm leaning towards 3 eves at BOTH resorts as well. We'll add close to a month at the Dolphin, and also include Disney's VERO Beach(10 eves), Peabody (1 eve) and Portofino Bay Hotel (4 eves) for back to back 6-7 week summer sojourns!. Sounds as if you thoroughly enjoyed the AKL. Thanks again.

Kelli...thanks a mint for the RAVE review of the AKL. I felt as if I was "there" as I read your post. I want to take the tour, sample the food, see the sights, smell the scents and listen to the sounds! You have intrigued me beyond belief. You also never mentioned any BUGS/INSECTS bothering you at the AKL. I read so many other posts about the infestation of mosquitoes and no see-ums, I began to develope an aversion to this resort. I'm not phobic about bugs at all...just allergic to some of the bites. It's no fun to have a reaction while on vacation. I'm going to call AKL lodge this week as well, and reserve a savannah room (positively)...perhaps concierge level (are there savannah rooms on C.L.?). Thanks so much for the input.

All of you have helped me SO much. I enjoy making my plans EARLY...so I do not have to fret over them later. I prefer to get my rooms secured, transportation & other, all locked-in before the new year arrives. We've only been home a week...and I'm GUNG-HO to return. These plans will be secured on my NEW 2003 WDW Calendar! Now...after I make these plans, am I able to apply any discounts-etc. which may pop-up down the line? I know this is highly unlikely for the C.L./Suites...but you never know!

Happy weekend!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hey df! Well, heres some AKL info:

Concierge rooms are available with either a pool or savanna view. The 6th floor (concierge level) has the pool or savanna view rooms, and the 5th floor has savanna view rooms (available by booking a concierge room, these rooms have a view of the "Arusha" savanna - which is known as "the best" savanna at AKL).

The AKL also has one and two bedroom suites. These are located at the end of the wings on most floors, so you get a wide view of the savannas. They include concierge service. The one bedroom starts at a little over $600 per night. They can have 1 king or 2 queen beds in the bedroom, and a queen sleeper sofa in the parlor.