Animal kingdom lodge

[Bean786]

Hey guys! Never stayed at a disney property before and will be staying 1 night in sept, with an almost 2 year old and a 7 year old plus another adult. Looking for a fun hotel, as we will be using the hotel as a 'day'.. you know the pool,Order in room service, game room. Is this place pretty cool? And if you could suggest another place that a child would love, that would be awesome!

 

[Heather1979]

It's a really fun place with a lot to do. We stayed there last year with a 2.5 year old and a 15 month old and I felt like it was a destination in and of itself.

 

[Bean786]

Awesome. Can you really see animals? Ha

 

[SimplyGoofy]

You'll love it!

Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful and there's TONS to do. They have tons of great activities (crafts, storytelling, tours, etc.), so I would recommend checking out that day's activities once you arrive. I would also recommend touring around the resort yourself - you can view animals on all of the savannas, talk with the CMs about their countries and the lodge, and it's fun to go up to the 4th level and check out the view from the bridge.

The pool is awesome--it's zero entry, so it should be great for your kids. They have towels and lifejackets right by the pool. They also have a great pool bar, and the Mara (quick service) is located not far from the pool in case you get hungry. I also recommend saying hello to the flamingos - they're right behind the pool.

You can certainly get room service, but I would recommend making an ADR at one of the fantastic AKL restaurants. Jiko is a big higher end with excellent food, and Boma is an expansive buffet with everything from African cuisine and meat to regular kids favorites. Next door at AKV is Sanaa, which many people tend to rave about. If you don't want to walk to AKV, you can always grab a bus to DD which picks up second at the villas (just make sure this is still the case before you try it!).

Have a wonderful time! It's an awesome resort!

 

[mmmears]

Like others have said, AKL is a destination -- it's gorgeous, there are tons of activities at the resort, and YES you will absolutely see lots of animals. There are overlooks onto the various savannas and different animals on each of them. The restaurants are very nice, the pool large and fun, and the activities are really unique to AKL. It's a great place to spend the day.

 

[joanjett1976]

Yup, you best choice!

With the animal viewing, the pool, the dining and the general atmosphere, you'llo have a great day! The arcade-game rooms are really similar at all Resorts.

 

[Bean786]

Is it September yet?! I'm so excited

 

[DVC4FUN]

AKV Jambo House my favorite resort! My 4 yr niece loved it as well. As others have said it's a destination in itself. Love the savanna view rooms but even if you do not have a savanna room there is still plenty of other places around the 2 buildings Jambo & Kidani to view the animals. Also try the zebra domes dessert at either Boma or the counter service Mara next to the pool. They are soooo yummy! Both the pools are great and beautiful as well.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

AKL is SUCH a great resort! Have a great time!

 

[Carlyzmom]

It's absolutely amazing!!! We had a Savannah view room and I have pics of my son sitting on the balcony eating his cereal and watching the giraffes!! The pool is awesome and there is so much to see!!!

 

[Hollymom1229]

Hands down our favorite resort on property and we could spend a few days just checking this place out without ever going to a park. Your kids will love it, and you can definitely see the animals.

 

[MissionMouse]

Awesome. Can you really see animals? Ha

I would suggest you use the link below to read more about AKL Savannahs http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/aklodge/animals.htm

The best viewing time is during their designated feeding times where specific animals migrate to get their meals. Once they finish they often vanish from sight. This is a resort where I would say the room view matters and a savannah view, while not required, will create unique and lasting memories.

 

[mickeynut1]

I think AKL is a great choice. The resort is beautiful and you can't beat being able to view the animals .

 

[Sgt Mickey]

We stayed here last summer and plan on staying here again this summer. Loved it. My kids loved it and want to go back here only lol

 

[DSLRuser]

It is a great resort that must be experienced at lest 1 time. but for us, 1 time was enough. We like to walk, and since the AKL is its own secluded place, you almost feal like you are on an island.

The savanah rom was nice. But it soon became a running joke for our family. look, theres a zebra. theres the zeebra again. hey, did you see the zebra.

The themeing is great. Again, you should try it at least 1 time. but for us, it does not have any staying / return power.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

As you see from my signature, we've been to AKL/V a few times , and we plan on going an indefinite amount of times in the future! We love this resort, it's really like a second home for us. There's a lot to do there, and yes, the animals are a huge part of the appeal! There are multiple choices for dining; restaurants Boma, Jiko (both at Jambo), and Sanaa (at Kidani) and Mara at Jambo is counter service. There is no counter service at Kidani, but there's a shuttle between the two resorts, as well as a path. The theming is amazing and there's always something to see and do. At night, they have a kid parade in the lobby that the little ones in your travel party would probably love, along with other family-friendly activities. I highly, highly, recommend it.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Sorry, double post!

 

[jasonsk287]

I think AKL would be perfect for a day resort. There is alot to see and do, and I would definitely go for the savannah view room so you can watch the animals (it costs a little bit more but it is definitely worth it IMO and since it's one night it may be more doable for you). If I was staying there I don't even know if I'd do the game room since the resort is so beautiful.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

It's perfect for a place to hang out for the day. We also enjoyed the movie by the pool in the evening.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hey guys! Never stayed at a disney property before and will be staying 1 night in sept, with an almost 2 year old and a 7 year old plus another adult. Looking for a fun hotel, as we will be using the hotel as a 'day'.. you know the pool,Order in room service, game room. Is this place pretty cool? And if you could suggest another place that a child would love, that would be awesome!

The only problem with a one night stay. Check in time is after 3PM (so your room might not be ready until then) and check out is 11AM. You can use the pool before check in and after check out, but you don't have your room for changing and resting. And make sure you book a savanna room, not a standard room.

The Mara is pretty good for counter service food, too.