Disney transport at AKL

[wideeyes]

hi we have booked the Animal Kingdom Lodge for next year and I booked without reading up on it first, I have now been reading that it is really far from all the resorts with 20minute bus rides.
Is it really that bad, I don't want to change hotels now as my dd wants to stay at this one. we have booked a Savannah room and hopefully she will love it (especially as I wanted to stay at the Poly)

we will be planning on eating at other resorts as well, would we be better using taxi's to get around?

 

[kevin harrison]

It is far away the the other resorts. Don't let that put you off though. You will be on holiday, what is the rush?

 

[KAC2005]

It is far away the the other resorts. Don't let that put you off though. You will be on holiday, what is the rush?

I agree! We were at AKL last year and yes it is a bit further away. However, we found the bus service very good!

Kathryn

 

[Frances999]

I didn't like the isolation of the AKL from the rest of WDW or the bus transportation offered (it was infrequent and often overcrowded). Have you considered hiring a car? In my opinion it's be essential for AKL guests.

 

[shagster330]

Hi

We are also booked in to AKL

When you say the buses are infrequent, could you elaborate on that.

I would also like to know if taxis are an option within WDW?

Thanks

 

[rjn1976]

We've stayed a couple of times at AKL, and found the frequency of buses to be similar to other resorts. The journey times are slightly longer, but not too bad. We wouldn't hesitate to stay again. Have you considered splitting your stay? e.g.some nights at a MK/epcot resort, then swap to AKL?

 

[Frances999]

Yes, taxis are abundant and certainly an option.

We were at AKL in the height of summer and the buses (in my opinion) were unable to cope with the volume of guests. Coming out of MGM one evening we had to wait 30 minutes for a bus, which for a deluxe resort, is unacceptable in my opinion. We didn't venture out to the parks much on that trip, so maybe my experience and subsequent opinion of the bus system is flawed.

 

[UKDEB]

I wouldn't worry about having made the wrong choice, especially as your daughter is looking forward to it. AKL is a beautiful resort - I love the 'quiet' about the place early in the morning and the wonderful ambiance during the evening. Although I have commented that it's too far away from the action, that wasn't actually a concern for us when we stayed there. That opinion has come more recently. I no longer consider staying onsite as the ultimate option - I'd rather stay in a more upmarket resort offsite. These days, if I'm going to be onsite, there has to be a good reason and that boils down to location.

Your daughter will enjoy the nightly storytelling around the pit on the Arusha Savannah. You should also make the most of the resort restaurants - both Boma and Jiko deserve their popularity. Taking a taxi is an oft overlooked option at WDW. They are readily available at all the resorts and parks and, at busy times, I'd far rather spend $10 for a cab than wait for a bus. In fact, I'd rather pay $10 for a cab than catch a bus at any time!

 

[jonkatony]

wideyes I stayed at AKL last summer.We loved the resort a did not find the location a problem. We stayed in a savanah room you will love it.

P.s are you still staying at the DLHP?

 

[wideeyes]

hi, thank you for your replys everyone, I don't think $10 is a lot for a taxi so I think that is a good option.

I do agree that they are some better off site option however as this is our first trip we choose on site for my daughter.

wideyes I stayed at AKL last summer.We loved the resort a did not find the location a problem. We stayed in a savanah room you will love it.

P.s are you still staying at the DLHP?

yes we are still going

 

[Frances999]

I do agree that they are some better off site option however as this is our first trip we choose on site for my daughter.

I totally understand - we're the same. Despite there being potentially nicer (and cheaper) off-site resorts, part of the magic for our children is staying on-site. What's more, you really cannot beat the convenience of it.

If it was just DH and I, I doubt we would stay on-site. But if we travelled to Orlando and stayed off-site with our children, I know for sure it just wouldn't be the same holiday we have all come to love.

You will have a wonderful time. If you're anything like me, as long as your DD is happy - you will be too - and seeing her face when she sees all the animals at the AKL will be wonderful!

 

[Eljay]

Two very nice features of the AKL busses, is that they are dedicated to AKL only, no sharing with other resorts as is common and the AKL bus stop is, if I remember correctly, the first bus stop at the parks. Less walking at the end of the day with tired feet.

It really is a beautiful, unique resort. Be sure to explore it or take the daily, free, guided tour. Be sure to visit the public savannah area after dark. There is a CM stationed there who will let you look for animals with their night vision viewer. Very cool!

 

[Miffy2003]

We found the buses at AKL to be the same as the other WDW resorts we have stayed at. We rarely waited more than 10-15 minute and often they were much quicker than that

I think I must be very sad but I quite enjoy the WDW buses; it adds to the experience for me