Bringing appliances to AK?

[SDSUrulez]

Hello all.... I just booked my first trip to WDW and looking where to stay. AK looks like a good spot except that the rooms do not have a mini fridge or microwave.
Questions:

1) Do the rooms have either appliance?
2) Are you allowed to bring either of them into the room?
3) Has anyone actually done it?

Just looking to save a few bucks on eating out every day as eating out 3 meals a day can add up quick. Any other strategies would be welcomed?

 

[Gehrig1B]

Standard AKL room will have a mini-fridge and coffee maker but no microwave. I have been known to bring a toaster.

Look for a studio at Kidani Village. There are a few at Jambo House as well. They have a fridge, microwave, toaster. Any DVC Villa studio will have a small kitchen area with the above appliances.

In addition to these items, the studio villas also include a sink in the kitchen area, as well as a supply of paper goods, plastic eating utensils, and some basic tools like a corkscrew.

Have groceries delivered prior to arrival.

Quick Service meals can be shared. Adults can order kid's meals at quick service. Entrees can be shared at table service restaurants.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

As PP mentioned there is no micro in the standard AKL rooms. If you would like a microwave the DVC studios and larger will accommodate and have a small kitchenette. We bring our nespresso coffee maker and have never had an issue. We have not tried a mini Fridge.

 

[SharonZ]

The food courts have microwaves.

 

[Miffy]

As SharonZ said, the Mara--the QS restaurant at AKL--has a microwave and also a couple of toasters. There is definitely a mini fridge and a coffemaker in the room.

 

[SDSUrulez]

Thanks everyone! I actually called Disney and they said that they could put a microwave in the room if needed. Also, the DVC room have them built it .

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks everyone! I actually called Disney and they said that they could put a microwave in the room if needed. Also, the DVC room have them built it .

Know the microwaves are only as available. There is a relatively limited supply. I would not count on them.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

A long time ago...we actually once bought a small coffeemaker - after arriving in FL- when staying at one of the values. There are a bunch of big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Walgreen's very close to WDW. It was only like $10, but it had a glass carafe, and would have been bulky in our luggage. So I found a group of housekeepers and asked if they wanted it.

The room fridge isn't all that big, and to me, they never seem all that cold. We often try to have milk in the room, but the fridge will only hold like MAYBE a 1/2gallon bottle. SO....I now buy shelf stable milk boxes! They are great at hotels! (like the kind you might put in a kids' lunch box).

Another option that can be great are those little drink mix packets- Crystal Light is one brand, but there are many others.

Beyond that, we try to stick with no cook foods like granola bars, fruits like bananas/apples/oranges that don't require a fridge, and packaged items like chips.

 

[SDSUrulez]

A long time ago...we actually once bought a small coffeemaker - after arriving in FL- when staying at one of the values. There are a bunch of big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Walgreen's very close to WDW. It was only like $10, but it had a glass carafe, and would have been bulky in our luggage. So I found a group of housekeepers and asked if they wanted it.

The room fridge isn't all that big, and to me, they never seem all that cold. We often try to have milk in the room, but the fridge will only hold like MAYBE a 1/2gallon bottle. SO....I now buy shelf stable milk boxes! They are great at hotels! (like the kind you might put in a kids' lunch box).

Another option that can be great are those little drink mix packets- Crystal Light is one brand, but there are many others.

Beyond that, we try to stick with no cook foods like granola bars, fruits like bananas/apples/oranges that don't require a fridge, and packaged items like chips.

The shelf stable milk and drink powders are very good ideas that I'll probably do... The idea wasn't to cook much in the room but more to have options in the event we wanted to reheat something or even a late night snack (those individual desserts work well for the kids).

One of the main ideas for out dining plan was to do breakfast in the room.... Muffins, bagels, fruit, etc. and then bring some snack bars and jerky around the park. Even if that means we are doing an early lunch then load up at dinner. With a teenage boy it seems like he eat every hour.... Then if he is getting a snack then the other one wants a snack. Coffee was more for me but the Via packets might hold me over for a few days.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

I've stayed at AK a few times, but it's not my choice when I'm on a budget.
Do you mind if I ask why you are choosing AKL?

 

[SDSUrulez]

I've stayed at AK a few times, but it's not my choice when I'm on a budget.
Do you mind if I ask you why you are choosing the AKL?
And are both of your kids teens?

One is a teen who actually wants to be a vet and the other is 6 (going on 16).

The main reason for AKL is the Savanna viewing since it adds something a bit different than what we are used to. Also the price difference between AKL and the value resorts wasn't as bad as I thought if I am able to rent DVC points versus the rank room rate. It is one of those things where I plan to only to WDW once in my life.

If you have any other feedback about the resort I'm all ears.

 

[Master Fastpasser]

The title confused me since AK is Animal Kingdom.
I thought you were going to ask about brining appliances into the theme park lol.
AKL would be Animal Kingdom Lodge which is the resort hotel.

All Disney rooms have a mini fridge.
You'll also find a coffee maker in your room.
I do believe they have microwaves and toasters in the food court area if needed.
They do not like guests to bring their own appliances as they may or may not be safe.
I know at POR a couple years ago there was at least smoke if not a small fire in a guests room because they brought a microwave. Our building was evacuated for several hours.

 

[Searc]

One is a teen who actually wants to be a vet and the other is 6 (going on 16).

The main reason for AKL is the Savanna viewing since it adds something a bit different than what we are used to. Also the price difference between AKL and the value resorts wasn't as bad as I thought if I am able to rent DVC points versus the rank room rate. It is one of those things where I plan to only to WDW once in my life.

If you have any other feedback about the resort I'm all ears.

You can visit the resort for free and view the animals and stay at a much cheaper resort if you are on a budget.

 

[SDSUrulez]

I thought that might be the case with a fire hazard....

I'm still learning all of the acronyms but bringing a microwave into the park is an interesting idea to say the least.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Toaster are not permitted in hotel rooms. DVC villas because they have kitchenettes and full kitchens have toasters.

 

[SDSUrulez]

I'm quickly learning that the DVC rooms are difference than the hotel ones. Given that we are hoping to rent points, I think we are set with a fridge, microwave and toasters.

 

[Best Aunt]

Also the price difference between AKL and the value resorts wasn't as bad as I thought if I am able to rent DVC points versus the rank room rate.

If you are renting points you will be in an AKV DVC studio. Everybody assumed you meant an AKL regular room. Completely different. Make sure you are clear on the bed situation, the housekeeping situation, the check in time, and the whole process of renting points. The fact that you are thinking about renting points but asking about bringing a microwave and fridge make me worry that you don’t quite know what you are getting yourself into.

 

[Deb & Bill]

One is a teen who actually wants to be a vet and the other is 6 (going on 16).

The main reason for AKL is the Savanna viewing since it adds something a bit different than what we are used to. Also the price difference between AKL and the value resorts wasn't as bad as I thought if I am able to rent DVC points versus the rank room rate. It is one of those things where I plan to only to WDW once in my life.

If you have any other feedback about the resort I'm all ears.

Don't plan on getting a value villa. They go very quickly and you won't have a chance to get them with renting. Owners with AKV points even have a hard time booking the value villas. Go with standard at the minimum, but savanna can be nice.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Lots of times we have stayed at a nicer hotel, but on a lowish food budget.

Two more good vacation foods to consider are shelled sunflower seeds and dried fruit. They are great travel foods to eat because they don't smell, keep for ever, and don't tend to make a mess. (unless you spill them )

AKL is lovely! If you take time to explore, there's art all over. The place doesn't feel like it is next door to a theme park. I'm not sure if they till do the story hour at night, but that was fun..

If you do go to the Mara, they have some excellent soups, and soups aren't usually priced too bad.

 

[SDSUrulez]

Thank you everyone for the feedback.... I'm learning all about the process. Can someone talk about the DVC

If you are renting points you will be in an AKV DVC studio. Everybody assumed you meant an AKL regular room. Completely different. Make sure you are clear on the bed situation, the housekeeping situation, the check in time, and the whole process of renting points. The fact that you are thinking about renting points but asking about bringing a microwave and fridge make me worry that you don’t quite know what you are getting yourself into.

I'm one to do a fair amount of research but quickly learning that there is a difference between the 2. If there is any feedback on what I should be worried about please let me know.

The plan is to get a savanna studio at AKL for 4 days. If there are any other major differences, I'm all ears. Check in should be no problem since I plan on being in ORL a few days before going to AKL.