Animal Kingdom Lovers

[dawgfan]

I am still mulling over where to stay for our trip in July 04. I had decided previously to stay at POFQ then it closed. We visited POR in June 03 to see what we thought of it. We liked it a great deal. We were looking at booking that resort unless POFQ suddenly opened. I still hope this happens but the rumours have not panned out that it would be opened soon. I have gone back to the drawing board for trip planning and have considered the resorts again. In my thinking I could not help but consider my youngest daughter (age 5) and her obsession and love for animals. The AKL seems like a good choice here. Alas this is one of the only resorts my wife and I did not visit on our trip in June 03 so I have little info. I have seen WL and POR and have decided it is between these two and now AKL. The price difference will weigh in for our decision. At the time of our trip my kids will be 6 and 9. Here are my questions for those that have stayed at AKL in the past:

What do you like the the most about this resort and what do you like the least?
What is the best room category?
What are the possibilities of upgrades on rooms here from experience?
Can you view the animals from other locations should a Savannah view not be an affordable option.?
How is the pool?

 

[goin2disneyagain]

We are HUGE fans of the AKL. It is beautiful. There are many locations to see the animals, not just from a Savannah view room. The pool is great, it's big with a slide and a zero-entry entrance. We ended up with an upgrade so yes it is possible. As far as a room location, you will get many differing opinions on that. We were in a deluxe room (not concierge) so we were on the 5th floor. We had a great view but from further up. I would like to try out a lower level next time to get a more eye-to-eye view of the animals. Your daughter will love AKL. As far as cons, the only thing close to a con I had was the room was a little dark but it wasn't a problem...

By the way, from your name and location I am assuming you must be a Bulldog fan. I am too!!!

 

[Candice30]

what did i like most? the atmosphere and the feel of the resort. everytime i walked into the lobby, i felt like i was getting comfy in my own living room. i even kicked off my shoes and grabbed a book and relaxed on the sofa some nights with my tea. as for what i like least - it has to be the food court. it was very small and not always the neatest or the cleanest. the food options were few and costly.

as for the animal viewing, like the previous poster said, you can view the animals from many different locations. it is not necessary to get a savannah view. IMO - get one if you plan to spend alot of time at the resort. i just went in august for my sister's birthday and we spent alot of time on our balcony sipping coffee in the morning watching the animals. we were on the bottom floor (which is the 2nd flr here) and i was going to ask to be moved but am so glad i didn't. the eye level view of the animals was terrific. at night, the watusi cows would nestle into the bushes outside our room and sleep!!

lastly the pool, the kids loved it. my sister and i loved it as well. it was very large and though the slides at some of disney's other resorts are bigger, it still kept the kids occupied. the other great thing is that the pool was open 24 hours and the lifeguard stayed on duty to around 11pm i think! it is located right outside the game room and the food court (for free refills). pool towels and life vests for the kids made the pool extra special.