Animal Kingdom Lodge

[harleywv]

Hi All!! I am so excited that we've just planned our first somewhat long trip to disney. we've only gone for 1-2 days before. I have lots of questions!!

So we are staying at the AKL in December, but they had already sold out of the savannah rooms which is what we wanted. so we have a regular room, with a possible upgrade later. the lady told me to call back and see if anything came available. When should I call?

Anything interesting you can tell me about this resort? How did you like it?

An another thing (not really resort related), we have reservations for lunch one day with cinderella in the castle. I've also considered the crystal palace for breakfast, garden grill for lunch, and maybe hollywood and vine for breakfast. (all on different days, of course). Any other fantastic, fun meals you would recommend. I have a 6 yr old and twin 1-year-olds.

 

[stout]

Quick questions on the AKL. We are thinking about taking our DD (will be about 19 months) there in October 2008 before our double dip cruise. Do we have to get a balcony room to see the animals or can you see them from the lobby/public area? I love the zero-depth entry pools! Do you know if they have a playground area as well? Thanks in advance!

 

[Flossbolna]

harleywv, AKL is a beautiful resort! It is my personal favourite. We stayed there in February and I wrote a quite extensive review with pictures which you can find there: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1484743

Also I would recommend to check out the Jambo thread, there are a lot of really nice people there who will be able to answer lots of questions.

stout, there are three main public viewing areas, one for each savannah. The main outlook is easy to find, just walk through the lobby, the second one is behind the pool. There is a flamingo area and if you go left from there you will get to the second overlook. There they have night vision goggles at night. The third one is of the left side of the lobby. There is an oval room next to the check in desk where you can go out on a balcony to see the third savannah. Also if you walk along the different trails there are gaps between the buildings where you can see out onto the savannah and I have read that at the end of the trails you can step out on some stairs... So plenty of possibilities to see the animals!

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

An another thing (not really resort related), we have reservations for lunch one day with cinderella in the castle. I've also considered the crystal palace for breakfast, garden grill for lunch, and maybe hollywood and vine for breakfast. (all on different days, of course). Any other fantastic, fun meals you would recommend. I have a 6 yr old and twin 1-year-olds.

I've heard Chef Mickey's is great. We'll be doing that in September. We have done Crystal Palace for breakfast a couple of times and found it to be very enjoyable, and the Pooh characters are beyond adorable!