Anyone else notice this about AKL???

[GoN2WDW]

On our recent trip, we went to AKL for dinner at Boma (that's another story!). We wandered the resort a bit since we had never been there before. It is beautiful , but I noticed the lobby had (to me) a strong "wood burning" odor that I found annoying. DH said he didn't really notice it. Was it just me or has anyone else noticed the same thing?

 

[John's Mom]

There is a wood burning fireplace in the back of the lobby.

 

[kandeebunny]

I noticed it and it was a HUGE turnoff for us.

 

[lainie25]

I stayed there two years ago and did notice the smell a little bit one night when we got back from one of the parks. I had mentioned it to my dh and he smelled it too. It was at night though and I thought that it was because of the big fire pit outside that they had had going. I don't know but the smell didn't really bother me.

 

[SeattleMark]

We absolutely love that smell. It always means we're "home" at AKL again!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I personally love that smell!

Lori

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I love it too! That smell=We're at WDW!!! It's a fireplace smell, not a cigarette/offensive smell.

 

[#1hockeymom]

I love that smell! I pray they never take it away due to complaints. When I walk into the lobby and inhale that scent it means I am "home"!

 

[disgal1]

I noticed that smell, but did not find it annoying.

Again with me, the secret to AKL is not staying too long. 3 days just about does it for me.

 

[GoN2WDW]

Yep, I saw the huge firepit in the back of the lobby. It wasn't lit, so it was kind of a stale odor. Since I like fireplaces, maybe it would have been different if it was burning. We did get to see giraffes (sp?) really close up though - that was cool!

 

[Kapp]

I read somewhere that they purposely burn wood and spices to creat the signature AKL smell! My family LOVES that special smell and it always brings back great memories.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Don't forget the kitchen of Boma downstairs, that also contributes to the fragrance! I don't recall for certain, but don't they use fire for their roasted meats?

Yes,I have also heard that the smell is intentional...I think it was on Great Hotels - AKL (either that of the travel channel's AK show)

 

[Eeyore2003]

I read somewhere that they purposely burn wood and spices to creat the signature AKL smell! My family LOVES that special smell and it always brings back great memories.

This is what I would imagine. Disney would not have a resort smell like that unless it was on purpose. I myself think it's nicely distinctive and probably related to some authentic African thing. Polynesian has a distinct smell, as does I think Great Wolf and even CR. I'm going to pay attention next time and see if there are scents in the resorts which relate to their theme.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Speaking of Disney smells, anyone ever notice that most Disney restaurants all seem to have a certain unique smell? Boma's is unique, but a lot of the other restaurants have a similar food smell In my opinion. (the old Land pavillion was particularly noticable) The only place I ever noticed a similar smell was at the Rainforest Cafe....off-Disney restuarants do not have this same smell. I can't quite describe it...but it almost seems like a synthetic smell.

 

[NCMickeyFan]

Hee! I love that smell...the same way I love the "woodsy" scent at Wilderness Lodge and the burnt smell during Spaceship Earth when going past the trashed Roman Empire scene.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

We liked the smell. It fits in with the scheme of things in my opinion.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

We absolutely love that smell. It always means we're "home" at AKL again!

We feel the same!!!

 

[deba]

The smell of AKL is one of my very favorite things at WDW!

 

[twinklebug]

I can see how the smell would be a turn off to anyone who has asmatha, other breathing difficulties or has been in a fire. I wonder, since it's also a nature-themed resort, does WL also have a wood burning scent to it?

I read somewhere that they purposely burn wood and spices to creat the signature AKL smell! My family LOVES that special smell and it always brings back great memories.

 

[Angel16]

I read somewhere that they purposely burn wood and spices to creat the signature AKL smell! My family LOVES that special smell and it always brings back great memories.

I love that aroma. It transports me to another place. Somewhere exotic, warm, loving and very special. I have asthma, and it does not bother me at all. DH and myself were talking about our trip this September and can't wait to enter AKL and enjoy the scent.