Animal Kingdom Lodge

[martinrmn]

Just to let you know, we have taken the plunge and booked the last 3 nights of our Dec hols in Animal Kingdom, 12th - 14th. If anyone has tips or advice please share. Thanks to those who replied to my previous thread.

 

[Goofyish]

AKL is a really nice resort, I'm sure you will love it

Did you get a Savannah View room? If not it may be worth asking for an upgrade at check-in. Nothing beats looking out from your room balcony at the animals

One tip - keep you room curtains closed when undressing - there are security cameras pointed at the hotel room balcanies

 

[gismo1554]

I love animal kingdom lodge. The rooms are a brilliant size (as are all disney rooms) and the place is so relaxing. Just to warn you it is away from the main parks but close to Animal Kingdom park. It has fantastic atmosphere. You can go out by the pool and see Flamingoes and antelopes out on the savanah and if you have a savanah room you can go out on your balcony and see more animals. Also the resturants are nice there. Bomas is an all you can eat with fantastic food (both south african flare and some staples for the kids like chicken nuggets and pasta). Maya is their quick service resturant and isn't cheap but none are in disney (get one of the drinks mugs as they're $10 but then you get refills free all the time). The burgers here are nice and then you can help yourselves to the toppings which is nice. Jiko's is their posh resturant. Not cheap but fantastic food. Great for a special occassion. Also the Waterfall lounge has some fantastic cocktails (I think I've stayed here too much as know all the cocktail names)

 

[Disney owl]

Sorry this post won't be alot of help!!!!!!!!! As we've never stayed at the Lodge but only visited.

But just wanted to say don't miss eating at Boma it's great.

DS really enjoyed looking at the animals at night through night vision binoculars with a CM out on one of the viewing balcomies.

 

[Eljay]

The theming of the AKL is brilliant. As you are approaching the resort, the road looks more and more rustic and overgrown with high grass, sort of getting you into the mood and preparing you to feel like you are in a very remote place. Then, when you enter the lobby, the smells and sounds are so soothing. I'm dreaming right now, about a glass of S. African wine by the lobby fire pit, smelling the burning wood and the cooking smells from the restaurants below and hearing the soft, hypnotic, drumming and chanting music. *sigh*

Oh yes, and wait till you see the magnificent Christmas tree that will be in the lobby!

 

[martinrmn]

I can't wait to go, I know I shouldn't wish my life away but its Disney!! As for closing the curtains, if I don't it will give the animals something to laugh at! Hopefully we will just stay in Disney for those 3 days and at some point get some sleep. Thanks again and I will post pictures on my return.

 

[Rascal1003]

We stayed in AKL when we were there for our wedding (honeymoon period) and it was absolutely amazing.
The atmosphere is brilliant and the staff are great.
We spent quite a long time just chilling by the pool, which was fab, with a steady flow of Strawberry Daiquiris and PinaColadas from the pool bar....heaven !

The hotel was mainly occupied by Americans when we were there and they are just so much more considerate and friendly towards other guests. It was a complete contrast to the rowdiness of the (saddens me to say) mainly British guests on I-Drive where we were the week before.

We thought Boma was a bit over-rated, but we ate at Victoria & Alberts on the weddign day, so had been spoilt.
The Mara was fine for a light breakfast, croissants etc, and that is a top tip regarding the Cooler Mugs, buy one each on day 1 and use it for the whole stay. Mara being just across from the pool, so keep a nice cold drink to hand when out in the sun!

The hotel is stunning by night, we watched the animals through night-vision goggles and there are native African cast members around who tell stories of African adventures and educate you on all the animals.....very interesting people, who clearly love their jobs.

Aaawwwww.......I want to go back now!

 

[wideeyes]

It sounds like an amazing hotel, we are staying next year for my daughter and she is really looking forward to it.

 

[Sharon/Mark]

AKL was our venue of choice when we were married in Florida in Nov 2004, the hotel is fantastic, the foyer is overwhelming it blows your mind, the smells are even wonderful. As previously mentioned Boma is a real change from the norm and I highly recommend it, the shop in reception is also worth a visit. If you have children the storytelling around the fireplace is another must do.......

Have a fabulous time!

 

[traceycooper]

We went for a visit to AKL & dinner at Boma (my dream is to get to stay there one day) before we walked through the doors i got the video camera out & videoed as we walked in for the first time! All you can hear is DF & DD saying 'wow' & me gasping then filling up (sad i know!! ) They had the christmas tree & decorations up too! & as others have already said do not miss dinner at Bomas my favourite, that is the first meal we booked for our first day at wdw in October the south african cider is yummy
Thanks for reminding me of a lovely memory & enjoy your stay

 

[Claire L]

We can't wait to return to AKL, hoepfully next October, in the meantime we will settle for a brekkie at Boma's in December You will have a wonderful time there.

Claire

 

[Amyrlin]

It is a great hotel, we stayed there last year. One thing I owuld say is when parking the car use the valet, it is a long way from the car park to the hotel! One valet fee a day ($7 plus tip I think unless it has gone up) 1 fee covers you for the whole day valet parking at all the resorts.

 

[minnie29uk]

Hi!
How daft - I hadnt thought of doing this!!!I got a quote for my two weeks stay and really couldnt believe the price!!!Now I can stay in the villa and have a few nights at the AKL... I like the sound of that,now to get some quotes,

Lynn

 

[lucy_love_]

when we stayed at akl we didnt get a savannah view as lots of people had said they tend to upgrade for free when its not so busy and luckily they did. its a really nice hotel with a fab atmosphere.

lucy