CB people- your thoughts on AKL for adults?

[Planogirl]

Be sure to take a walk throughout the hallways of the hotel. There's quite a few African artifacts scattered throughout the hallways.

I also played in the arcade for a while but I guess that's really meant for the kids.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

yep buit there is a limited number of seats so being in conciege doesn't mean you will get in the program

Okay. I think if we ever do concierge, we'll just save up until we can stay concierge for a few days so we have a shot at getting into the sunrise safari (thats the only reason I'd want to stay concierge anyway)

 

[Loubon]

Even if you don't go concierge the Savannah view is awesome. Waking up in the AM and seeing the animals or sitting on the terrace at night was just so cool. We loved it there.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I also played in the arcade for a while but I guess that's really meant for the kids.

My SO is a 32 year old man...don't be so sure...every hotel we stay at, his first question is "Is there an arcade?"

 

[oogieboogie]

You could seat outside in a circle surrounding the fire pit and listen to the African storyteller. That's cool.

Watching the animals thru night-vision goggles is also fun. Talk to the animal guide. They can tell you a whole lot about what goes on there.

Jiko and Boma are great places to eat without kids.

Walk around the resort and talk to the resort CMs. They have great stories about the artifacts around the building.

I really love the AKL. It's my second fav behind WL. I really like the ambiance of the place and considering it's the same architect firm that designed them I'm not suprised I really like these two resorts.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

DH and I stayed at AKL for our anniversary in 2003. We loved it. It is such a beautiful resort and it even smells good.

From allearsnet:

What is the Sunrise Safari?


Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is available to concierge guests only. The tour, along the safari ride path, lasts about 45 minutes and includes multiple stops so that you can stand up and take many pictures. Each of the animals along the way is described in great detail, since there is plenty of time. The Adventure is available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

After the Safari, you go to Tusker House for a breakfast buffet which includes both standard American and African items. Each person also gets a FastPass to Kilimanjaro Safari to experience it "the regular way".

Bill Leska writes: We just returned from a six night stay at AKL, where we did the Sunrise Safari twice. It was that great! Here are a couple of updates you may want to consider:

The price is now just a shade less than $50 per person, including tax. (Our total for three people was $149.xx.) The fact sheet says it's $39.95. It leaves the AKL at 7:30, not 6:30 as shown. (I imagine that this would probably vary with season, the park's opening time, etc., but for our trip, it left at 7:30.)

The fact sheet said that there was a limit of 28 persons. This wasn't the case for either of our safaris. One of them had 55 people and the other had about 50. However, there does appear to be a limit to the number of people: We went on the safari on a Saturday and like it so much, we booked it again for the following Tuesday. As the Concierge was setting things up, he mentioned that it looked good, because there wasn't anyone on the waiting list. (Having a waiting list indicates to me that there is a limit of some kind.)

As I mentioned, we had a great time on the safari and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari. The Sunrise Safaris were the highlight of our trip. (7/04)

The group leaves AKL at 6:30am and you are transported to the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari area.

It can be booked up to 90 days out, by contacting AKL concierge directly (once you have your room reservation)

What is the new Sunset Safari I heard about?

Todd Allen writes: I just got a really neat new piece of info from the AKL Concierge Itinerary Planners. Here's the email text: "I did want to quickly tell you about something that will be starting on November 3rd, we actually just began booking it this week, and that is our Mnyama Safari. Pronounced Wanjama and meaning our SUNSET Safari.

Like the Sunrise Safari, this is offered exclusively to our Concierge Guests saying with us at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Admission is limited to 8 guests and can be reserved 90 days in advanced.

During this approximately 1 and a half our safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge you will experience a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the DAKL animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas.

Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko. Just like the lodges in Africa, a multi-course meal will await you. Be advised it is a preset menu, give you a sampling of various appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and a wine pairing along with each course. Also be advised that all 8 guests on this Safari Experience will be dining together.

Guests must be 16 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $150 per person, tax and gratuity included . 48 hour cancellation policy."

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Hi Sherri, I met you in Dec. at CP! You will love the AKL.

If you do upgrade to concierge one day for the SS, keep in mind that you will be able to use the lounge for 2 whole days. You could check in at 7:00 a.m. and still use the lounge until 11:59 p.m. the next night. If you don't mind moving, I think it would be worth it to go on the Safari. I believe the Safari days are changing in April so you would want to verify before changing any ressies.

With or without CL, I love AKL.

Victoria Falls in a great bar/lounge.

Lori

 

[cvemom]

I suppose everything's already been said . You will love the AKL. We stayed there last summer and it's become our #1 favorite. Can't wait to return.

 

[sweet angel]

There's plenty to do for adults...or nothing to do if that's what you want. We went with 2 adults and a 13-year old, which basically turned into 2 adults because my DS spent 99% of his time at the arcade! You'll love it. I didn't get as much time as I would've like to fully explore though.

 

[Jilliebean]

I think you'll LOVE AKL. If I can get my DH who's a non-Disney lover (until I can convert him ) to WDW sometime this year, it will definitely be with a stay at AKL. I think the restaurants have a lot of appeal to adults and honestly I was MUCH more interested in sitting on the balcony spotting animals than DD11 ever was. I enjoyed watching the caretakers come out in the off hours to feed the animals, etc. DD11 was much more interested in watching the Disney channel on TV. I really think you'll be thrilled with your choice. BTW my DM62 went to the storytelling event one evening without the rest of us and loved it.

 

[Loubon]

I mostly want to stay at AKL because I love giraffes. I'm such a dork.

Not the best picture but this was taken from the terrace of our room.

 

[TDC Nala]

Besides the culinary tour, which took place every afternoon, there's a tour of the artifacts that are displayed in the lodge and a Hidden Mickey hunt (ask for a list of Hidden Mickey clues at guest services, and do this during the day, because some of the outdoor ones can't be seen at night). I've never done the night vision goggles thing because I'm usually at the Adventurers Club by the time they schedule it.

There are bulletin boards in the lobby and in the hallway between Boma and Jiko (near the restrooms) where activity times are posted.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Not the best picture but this was taken from the terrace of our room.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Thank you all. I am so excited to go.

 

[sjh801]

You will love AKL! It is truly a wonderful resort. I loved it last summer. I want to go back!!!