Any Little Secrets or "Must Dos" for BLT and AKV?

[southern_belle21]

I'm not sure if this thread should be here or not, but we are renting DVC points and we leave NEXT WEEK for our trip!!! We're SO EXCITED! We are splitting our stay between BLT with a MK view yay and AKV with Savannah veiw banana! It's just myself and DH, and I was just wondering if there are any little secrets or fun things we are overlooking with these two DVC resorts. We've already said we want to watch Wishes from our balcony the first night we're there at BLT, and I think I read somewhere that the music is played through the TV? Correct? I'll take any little tidbits of fun info from those of you who have stayed at these resorts!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I haven't stayed at MK view at BLT, but I do understand the music would come into your villa via the TV! How wonderful that's going to be for you!

At AKV, I especially enjoy talking to the CMs from Africa. I go to at least one "cultural safari." That's in the evening and the CM tells about his particular country. Each is different and I've learned a lot about Africa, culture and history by doing this. Chat with the CMs who are around the savannah during the days as well. Go to the designated place at each building to see the animals through the night vision goggles they provide.

I haven't done it yet, but on Wednesdays there's a lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2724391

I hope you and your DH have a wonderful stay!

Bobbi

 

[dvcterry]

watch the electrical water pageant

 

[Simba's Mom]

When you're at AKV, check the activity schedule carefully. I've done the jewelry making and ceramics painting in Simba's Cubhouse, the culinary tour at Jiko and Boma, the culinary tour at Sanaa, and the movies at the Kidani pool. I thoroughly enjoyed them all, and can't wait to paint a new ceramics dish when I go 9/22-9/28. I've got pictures but can't post them at work.

 

[quirty30]

At the AKL front desk, you can get a booklet and take a self-guided tour to view the art throughout the lodge. One of the CM's told me it was the 2nd largest private collection of authentic African art; I think she said only the Smithsonian has more pieces.

 

[WalterYensid]

Twilight Zone!!! We're at BLT Studio MK 9/12-9/17 and AKLV Studio Sav. 9/17-9/21 . I had to look and see if it was my wife posting. Too Cool.

 

[franandaj]

I haven't done it yet, but I plan to next time I stay at Kidani. Every day at 4PM there is a culinary tour of Boma and Jiko. There is no charge and you get a taste of some of the food (usually soup, maybe a Zebra Dome). It lasts 30 minutes or so maybe a little longer.

If you don't go to Boma or do the tour, make sure you stop by the Mara and pick yourself up a pack of Zebra Domes!

 

[DizDays]

At Jambo, be sure to go to the night vision animal watching. It's very cool. There is an animal guide there to tell you about what's in the area and tell you about the animals. Check your daily schedule to find out what time it is available. It's located just off the pool.

 

[DizGirl20]

At AKV, I especially enjoy talking to the CMs from Africa. I go to at least one "cultural safari." That's in the evening and the CM tells about his particular country. Each is different and I've learned a lot about Africa, culture and history by doing this.

Yes!!! These programs take place in the Kidani Library each evening. It was the highlight of our last trip!

 

[hotdiggetydogs]

I'm excited for you! We stayed on the 8th floor of the BLT with a lake view during the last week of Feb 2011.

We used The Garden Grocer to have food delivered to BLT. That worked great. We scheduled a rough time for delivery in advance and they contacted us that day to tell us when they were arriving. They don't have beer/wine selections on their site, however, we added it in the comment section of our order, gave them some preferred brands and they pulled through. The beer and wine in the small mart in the Contemporary is outrageously priced so it was definitely worth hiring the Garden Grocer.

One thing we found to be great, especially with small children, is that you can walk to Magic Kingdom. It's about a 5-10 minute walk (with a 2 & 3 year old).

They have movies on the lawn at night and other activities going on. There will be a calendar of events in your room or you can ask the front desk.

Enjoy!

 

[southern_belle21]

When you're at AKV, check the activity schedule carefully. I've done the jewelry making and ceramics painting in Simba's Cubhouse, the culinary tour at Jiko and Boma, the culinary tour at Sanaa, and the movies at the Kidani pool. I thoroughly enjoyed them all, and can't wait to paint a new ceramics dish when I go 9/22-9/28. I've got pictures but can't post them at work.

Wow!!! There SO much to do there! Sounds awesome!

I haven't stayed at MK view at BLT, but I do understand the music would come into your villa via the TV! How wonderful that's going to be for you!

At AKV, I especially enjoy talking to the CMs from Africa. I go to at least one "cultural safari." That's in the evening and the CM tells about his particular country. Each is different and I've learned a lot about Africa, culture and history by doing this. Chat with the CMs who are around the savannah during the days as well. Go to the designated place at each building to see the animals through the night vision goggles they provide.

I haven't done it yet, but on Wednesdays there's a lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2724391

I hope you and your DH have a wonderful stay!

Bobbi

Thanks! We will definitely look into all of that!

 

[southern_belle21]

Twilight Zone!!! We're at BLT Studio MK 9/12-9/17 and AKLV Studio Sav. 9/17-9/21 . I had to look and see if it was my wife posting. Too Cool.

Omg! Well since we're all going to be there at the same place at the SAME time, we should do a meet! That's awesome!

I haven't done it yet, but I plan to next time I stay at Kidani. Every day at 4PM there is a culinary tour of Boma and Jiko. There is no charge and you get a taste of some of the food (usually soup, maybe a Zebra Dome). It lasts 30 minutes or so maybe a little longer.

If you don't go to Boma or do the tour, make sure you stop by the Mara and pick yourself up a pack of Zebra Domes!

We'd really like to do this! Oh, we will be getting a Zebra Dome

I'm excited for you! We stayed on the 8th floor of the BLT with a lake view during the last week of Feb 2011.

We used The Garden Grocer to have food delivered to BLT. That worked great. We scheduled a rough time for delivery in advance and they contacted us that day to tell us when they were arriving. They don't have beer/wine selections on their site, however, we added it in the comment section of our order, gave them some preferred brands and they pulled through. The beer and wine in the small mart in the Contemporary is outrageously priced so it was definitely worth hiring the Garden Grocer.

One thing we found to be great, especially with small children, is that you can walk to Magic Kingdom. It's about a 5-10 minute walk (with a 2 & 3 year old).

They have movies on the lawn at night and other activities going on. There will be a calendar of events in your room or you can ask the front desk.

Enjoy!

Movies on the lawn at night? Sounds FUN! We'll look into that too!

 

[debbieandroo]

Culinary tour of Boma and Jiko?!?!?? Holy moly - I'm all over that one. I'll be there in November and will definitely be signing up. Thanks for the tips.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I haven't done it yet, but on Wednesdays there's a lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2724391

Bobbi

If I remember right, pretty soon for you. I'm waiting anxiously for your review. Eighteen more days for my lunch.

 

[FigmentLady]

I will be at AKV the 15th - 22nd. If you see me, be sure to say hi!

 

[MMrules]

I will be taking my mother (and leaving my family at home ) from 9/22 to the 25th...How am I going to cram everything in????