children's activities at AKL?

[sissybells]

My husband and I were at Animal Kingdom in September for our honeymoon and the whole time we were there we would say how great this would be if we could take our neices to experience this resort. They have only been to Magic Kingdom and have never stayed on site, so you can imagine how excited we were to have been able to give them a trip to AKL for Christmas this year. We are going in July, and they are 9 and 10 years old. We have no idea how to do Disney with kids, I don't think it will be hard at all because we are very organized. So my only question I have is, What activities are there for children at AKL? I would really appreciate any information on this. Thank You.

 

[mport]

We were there with our two kids, 13 and 9 the beginning of Decemeber.

There was an activity around the pool about 3 pm. We only took part one afternoon becuase it was the only afternoon we were at the pool. It was sand art. Also, there was story tellling in the evening and some related games in the lobby. There is the hidden Mickey hunt, which drives me crazy but the kids love it. Every time we arrive back home the kids continue to find hidden Micky's and make them up even if they are not there. My son loved the arcade. We also just liked sitting on the viewing balcony rocking charis watching the animals.

 

[heffalump9]

Other activities that the kids might like are cookie decorating at the Boma (around 1pm) and Storytelling at Arusha Rock (6:30pm), pelican feedings (3pm), double check these times with the front desk, plus the times are sometimes published on the back of the map they give you to locate your room. The times I mentioned are from Spring 2003.

Also there is a guide dedicated to Kids activities by Birnbaum, check your local book store or Amazon.

 

[dalton30720]

We love AKL!. Getting ready to go for our third time. I have two boys, ages 10 and 13. The cookie decorating and storytellers in the evening seem to go on all the time. Our favorite activity was going out to Arusha Rock for the nightime animal viewing. The savannah is dark, of course, but you take turns with other guests looking for the animals with nightvision binoculars. Very cool! If you are in a savannah room, I highly recommend bring binoculars. Our boys spent the whole first afternoon watching the animals off our balcony, each using a set of binoculars.

When you check in, you will get a list of scheduled activities at the hotel. But even just talking to the CMs can be fun. Many of them know quite a bit about the animals, the African culture, etc.

 

[Trena]

DH and I are thinking of staying at the AKL next month for our 11th anniversary. We are taking our kids ages 4 and 7.

Has anyone ever been given a free upgrade to savannah view? (I don't mean to start a debate here. I'm prepared to pay for what we get.)

Is there a charge for the cookie decorating? (or other kids' activities?)

We'd love a room with a king bed and day bed. Is the day bed a twin size or a double size when unfolded? Could both the kids sleep on that? Or should we get a queen bed for us and a bunk bed for the kids?

I've looked at the photos on allearsnet.com and can't tell.

also, one other quick question, What is with the net on the end of the pool slide? Does that stop you from sliding into the water?

thanks
Trena

 

[momof2OH]

The pool net is only put up when there is not a life guard on duty, otherwise it is down. As far as the beds go, in one room we had 2 queen size beds and the other room we had 1 queen bed and a bunk bed. Both were very nice rooms and we had plenty of room in both. We prefer to have the 2 queen beds (self, mom, DS 12 and DD14).
No charge for the cookie decorating. The do have a craft where kids can make an African doll, I think it costs $10/child.
You will love this resort!!!

 

[Trena]

Gina,
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm really looking forward to our stay.

Trena