Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Hop

[ohana1221]

Hi! So during out midday breaks at disney we love to cool off by resort hopping, and this year I wanted to stop by the AKL. What is there to do there for resort hoppers? Do they have an observation deck in the lobby to view the animals?

 

[toodycat]

You can view the animals from Arusha Rock. There is a walkway where you can view the animals and talk to the CM, "Safari Guides". They are very interesting and informative.Also, the lobby has a lot of interesting touches, so it's worth a walk around.

 

[georgina]

I have walked the halls as well; there are some interesting artifacts along there and other views of the animals. For my next trip I have a late lunch ADR at Sanaa as a break during our AK day.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

Sanaa has large windows that look out to where the animals are. I would have lunch there and enjoy the view, then explore the resort and enjoy all the other views too.

It's funny...I remember when this resort was scheduled to open there were all these posts about how you'd only be allowed to visit if you were staying there or had an ADR because they thought it would be mobbed all the time due to people wanting to view the animals. Last few times I was there it was quite serene. I love to go for cocktails at Victoria Falls and a meal at one of the restaurants.

 

[Sue M]

AKL has 2 porches in back of lobby,looking out at Arusha savanna, also a balcony viewing Sunset Savanna in the room just past CM desk. Going down the stairs in back of lobby you can get to Arusha Trail.
Walking around pool area there is another savanna viewing area on the left side and also a flamingo area.
The lobby is full of interesting art work and lots of nice seating. The gift shop is also fun to browse.
I wouldn't go walk the halls as they aren't public areas.

 

[Lvsdisney]

I would also shuttle over to Kidani, as the area to view animals outside is also very nice.

 

[HopperFan]

WARNING: Once you visit, you will want to stay there!!

 

[westah]

I would also shuttle over to Kidani, as the area to view animals outside is also very nice.

Are you likely to see different animals at Kidani than Jambo?

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

The Okapi are only at Kidani Village, and only in the area outback beyond the pool. Definitely worth the short walk. The pool areas are also very cool to check out. IMO, the main animal viewing area off of the lobby at Kidani is better than at Jambo. Seems like we see animals more consistently there, and I feel like they are closer. It's so easy to travel between the two sides of the resorts, no reason NOT to do both!

 

[westah]

The Okapi are only at Kidani Village, and only in the area outback beyond the pool. Definitely worth the short walk. The pool areas are also very cool to check out. IMO, the main animal viewing area off of the lobby at Kidani is better than at Jambo. Seems like we see animals more consistently there, and I feel like they are closer. It's so easy to travel between the two sides of the resorts, no reason NOT to do both!

Can you actually have decent viewing while out at the resort pool? Jambo's pool seems more inclosed (though ive read much nicer).

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

Both pools have animal viewing areas. Kidani has one small area that has the Okapi, some large birds, and other smaller animals. At the Jambo pool, there is a flamingo pond, then a larger area that has changing views of giraffe, Ankole Cattle, kudu and small deer-like animals. Once, I was in the hot tub when a giraffe passed by! I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

 

[sndral]

Can you actually have decent viewing while out at the resort pool? Jambo's pool seems more inclosed (though ive read much nicer).

The viewing area from Jambo's pool area isn't visible when you first walk out the door - follow the signs to Mara, when you go outside you'll see the pool, if you swing to the left (and I don't know how the fencing affects things) skirting the pool area beyond the grove of bamboo and a hot tub there's an overlook w/ a CM stationed there and a couple of tables. It overlooks Uzima savanna and is where they used to do night vision viewing, I assume they still have night vision viewing there. The Arusha rock overlook is of Arusha savanna & is right behind Jambo's lobby & down a flight of stairs. Kidani's overlook is smaller than the one behind Jambo's lobby, but Kidani's is in the middle of Sunset savanna. And as mentioned the pool at Kidani has the small savanna Pembe viewing area.
The gift shop at Jambo is very nice as well.