Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[Wee Annie]

Hi! We're (me, hubby, and two girls, 4 and 7) planning a spontaneous trip to WDW (two weeks from now!!!!!), and I'm looking to stay at a place that will make us feel like we have really gotten away, and that, might, just possibly, make me slow down a bit from my commando theme-park persona from our last visit in 2003. To those Disney experts out there: does AKL fit the bill?

 

[cthetulips]

Definitely--we have found AKL to be just as you are looking for. You feel like you are a million miles from nowhere. If you are able to get a savannah view, the balcony is big enough for a family of four to eat breakfast/any meal out there. We lingered far too long over breakfast each day and made it to the parks later than we wanted, but it was just so peaceful and nice watching the animals.

There are so many activities the hotel has to offer too. We could have spent an entire day at AKL and never missed the parks. Unfortunately, that trip to WDW was only a couple days and so did spend our time in the parks and not doing the resort activities. But we realized that the hotel alone with its quality and all-day activities would make an excellent family vacation in itself.

This is a resort for either a commando-style family that has an extra long trip with resort/other days built in as well as park days -OR- a resort for those who like to take it all in and enjoy at a slower pace.

 

[3Mousketeers]

Hi Wee Annie - Welcome to the Dis Boards!
I can't answer your question specifically b/c we're heading to AKL for our 1st time in less than 2 weeks. But, from everything I've read on the Board, the answer to your question must be yes. I've read of people who just hang out at the resort & don't go to the parks much. We have 3 little kids so we'll be spending plenty of time at the parks but I though they would get a huge kick out of seeing the animals out of their window and there are lots of activities for the kids like storytelling. There was just a special on the Travel Channel about AKL & it looks spectacular.
Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Welcome to the DIS! AKL will definitely fit the bill. It is the only resort where no one cares who isn't ready yet, since those ready are all out on the balcony. As soon as I walk in the lobby I feel like all my troubles have gone. There is so much to see and do right in the resort, you could easily spend a day or two just doing those activities!

Happy planning,
Debbie

 

[Cass]

AKL is so unique it makes you stop and smell the roses, a very laid back and relaxing resort.

You can see photos of the rooms, animals, pool etc on my website link below

 

[Tiffany]

Hi! We're (me, hubby, and two girls, 4 and 7) planning a spontaneous trip to WDW (two weeks from now!!!!!), and I'm looking to stay at a place that will make us feel like we have really gotten away, and that, might, just possibly, make me slow down a bit from my commando theme-park persona from our last visit in 2003. To those Disney experts out there: does AKL fit the bill?

Absolutely. The AKL makes you feel as if you are at peace and relaxed. My husband and I just returned last night from our fifth stay at the AKL since it opened in April of 2001. We are from a city just north of Boston and we both like to work hard and play hard and we stay at the AKL when we want to relax. We stay in an Epcot resort when we are in the mood for a more active trip.

 

[Samsma]

The kids will love the pool also. So peaceful early in the morning. We even swam with ducks! Hope you like AKL as much as I do. Don't miss the storytelling at the firepit in the evening, and also Boma. Bus service is very good too.

 

[lookingforward]

We stayed at the AKL a few years ago in concierge and LOVED every moment. This March I am taking my kids again but have booked a standard savannah room. Can anyone tell me which savannah is the best for viewing the animals. I remember there was one that was best but can't recall the name. I wo uld like to request it, although I know they can't guarantee..Thanks! Oh, are there any snack bars, etc.? We never looked last time.

 

[Tiffany]

We stayed at the AKL a few years ago in concierge and LOVED every moment. This March I am taking my kids again but have booked a standard savannah room. Can anyone tell me which savannah is the best for viewing the animals. I remember there was one that was best but can't recall the name. I wo uld like to request it, although I know they can't guarantee..Thanks! Oh, are there any snack bars, etc.? We never looked last time.

Hi,

Which savanna is the best is a matter of personal opinion. We have now stayed in savanna view rooms three times. We have had views of the Arusha Savanna twice and if you asked this question before Jan 22nd I would have told you Arusha Savanna all the way.

My husband and I just returned, last night, from a 6n/7d stay at the AKL in a regular savanna view room on the Zebra Trail overlooking the Uzima Savanna. We had a truly amazing stay with a completely different view of animals.

So I would recomment that you request the Zebra trail as it is close to the pool and Mara and whether or not you wanting a smoking or non-smoking room and just sit back and enjoy whichever savanna you get.

 

[Wee Annie]

We've booked a room at the AKL for two weeks from tomorrow! I'm so excited to stay there! The only time we were at WDW before we stayed in the Fort Wilderness cabins, and I think this is going to be a very different epxerience! (although we did like the cabins)

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says...................................... This place is great! You wake up to the roosters and pigs in the... just kidding. It is very tranquil, and will force you to slow down. Quiet morning, but once you step onto the bus to the park of your choice, you will be in full commando by the time you get there!

After doing 47 attractions in six hours, blisters on your feet, still pumped with adrenaline, walk into the lobby and it all melts away in a matter of minutes!

BTW, Try BOMA's! Best buffet (not including all seafood ones!) that I've ever had! If they have oxtail stew, you gotta go for it! Not A NYC dish, and may not sound good, but it's definately good eats.