Animal Kingdom Lodge Quick Tips

[stitchaholic]

1st post on dis,i was posting on a similar site and discovered here!
i am planning a trip to AKL in dec 2010,yes,i need that long to plan if i will be staying there ($$$),i also need that long to fully convince my sis and her family to come with and our parents to make it an official magical gathering.
i want to know which resort activities are must do's, our kids range from 9-13
(2 girls,2 boys)

 

[copperbrick]

1st post on dis,i was posting on a similar site and discovered here!
i am planning a trip to AKL in dec 2010,yes,i need that long to plan if i will be staying there ($$$),i also need that long to fully convince my sis and her family to come with and our parents to make it an official magical gathering.
i want to know which resort activities are must do's, our kids range from 9-13
(2 girls,2 boys)

WELCOME!

There is storytelling every night outside around the fire pit. Adults love the stories as much as the kids do -- this would probably be fun for them.

For absolute sure, though: NIGHT VISION binoculars are available at one of the observation areas. You'll need to check at the desk to see what time they are available.

There is usually a caricature artist there who does a nice job with kids (the artwork is for sale and not one of the free activities).

There are a lot of cast members who walk the grounds by the pool and lookout areas. They are from Africa and love to answer questions about the lodge, the animals, the culture . . . and some even give clues to help find Hidden Mickeys.

I haven't traveled to AKL with kids, so I'm sure there are many things I am forgetting. I'd call the lodge directly and ask to speak to someone at the concierge desk. Tell them the ages, etc., and ask what they'd recommend and why. If you do, let us know what you find.

Again, welcome!

 

[copperbrick]

1st post on dis,i was posting on a similar site and discovered here!

PS: Stitchaholic: GREAT name!

 

[DisneyDevilz]

One quick tip is that the kidani house is more car friendly for those that drive or rent a car then the jambo house.The underground parking is very helpful and will keep you dry during those quick rain storms.....

 

[copperbrick]

One quick tip is that the kidani house is more car friendly for those that drive or rent a car then the jambo house.The underground parking is very helpful and will keep you dry during those quick rain storms.....

That's a great tip!

Speaking of transportation, Disney told me that if going to a park, the bus stops at Kudani Village first; if going to Downtown Disney, the bus stops at Jambo first.

SO, if you're, say, staying at Jambo and dining over at Sanaa (Kudani), grab a bus to DTD and you'll be there in a flash. HOWEVER, Disney has been known to mix things up a bit, so I'd ask the driver if he/she is headed to Kudani before boarding, just to be sure.

This could also mean that the busses to the parks may be crowded by the time they get to Jambo . . .

 

[johnvree]

Any tips for getting a good savannah room. This is the only resort I have not been able to get the room I wanted. I tried the best I could to get a room on the main savannah. I requested it in advance and once we got there (which was early in the day). But we were told that there were none available. Seemed odd being that we checked in early.

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[PamelaKay]

Loving this thread -
We're planning on booking AKL next visit. Still waiting for answer to the question if anyone knows what time they feed the animals in the evening.
LOVE Giraffes!

I am not sure of the exact time, but I do recall that they feed them frequently throughout the day.

Also, the viewing areas are staffed by CM's with 2 way radios. You can always ask them for the schedule and if they don't know, they will call in the question and get you an answer very quickly.

I agree with previous post to take your binoculars. I loved having mine there.

The night vision goggle experience was really cool so plan to do that at least one night.

I stayed in Jambo House, but made a point to walk down to Kidani. The viewin area at Kidani is really nice and I was able to see quite a few animals.

 

[tinkrebell]

Packaged alcohol: They sell it both at The Mara and in the gift shop. Mara is just wine, coolers and beer if memory serves. Check BOTH before you buy. As I recall, the prices were better at Mara -- or at least the shelf bottles of wine were. The cold beer, etc. ws probably more.

I didn't notice the bottles of wine for sale until our last day there.

You're my favorite person in the WHOLE WORLD RIGHT NOW.

I leave in a week, and was very concerned about having to find packaged alcohol at the airport to give myself some Irish coffees in the refillable mug everyday, not to mention that we're not CL and want to drink in our room!

 

[mydisneyobsession]

I'll keep posting more as I think of them.

Refillable mugs: Try mixing hot cocoa with your coffee instead of cream (or in addition to cream!) to make a "designer" flavored coffee. Even if you're not a fan of Disney coffee, with the hot cocoa, it's pretty good!

I love doing this! I brought my own cocoa packets to POFQ and I did this every time I had coffee last year. I do it at home, too.

 

[mydisneyobsession]

I'll keep posting more as I think of them.

Refillable mugs: Try mixing hot cocoa with your coffee instead of cream (or in addition to cream!) to make a "designer" flavored coffee. Even if you're not a fan of Disney coffee, with the hot cocoa, it's pretty good!

I love doing this! I brought my own cocoa packets to POFQ and I did this every time I had coffee last year. I do it at home, too.