Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[dansdad]

Curious if you did online check in or waited until you got to the resort? I am hopeful for a little pixie dust, but will be happy either way.

Thanks!

Whether you do Online Check In or not has zero affect on getting your requests granted or getting an upgrade.

 

[2kidsForMe]

I would love to hear some good things about a Pool View Room. I just switched our upcoming trip from POFQ to AKL as a surprise for my animal loving kids! The both just completed a unit on Africa in Social Studies, so the timing is perfect. We arrive this Saturday. It's our first stay here, and I am so excited. I just couldn't get past the over $750 more it would cost for savannah view (for a 5 night stay), so I booked the pool view (no standard rooms were available). Of course I'm second guessing my decision, and driving myself crazy. This will probably be our only stay at AKL. Will we regret not splurging for the savannah? We could do it, but $750 is a lot of money, and could go towards a nice dinner at BOMA, or many other things. I should add that we plan on going to the parks every day. TIA

 

[Nathansmommy]

We're officially booked for November! This will be our first time staying here, we always stay at value resorts, were so excited! We're staying in the kidani village

 

[happymommy]

I would love to hear some good things about a Pool View Room. I just switched our upcoming trip from POFQ to AKL as a surprise for my animal loving kids! The both just completed a unit on Africa in Social Studies, so the timing is perfect. We arrive this Saturday. It's our first stay here, and I am so excited. I just couldn't get past the over $750 more it would cost for savannah view (for a 5 night stay), so I booked the pool view (no standard rooms were available). Of course I'm second guessing my decision, and driving myself crazy. This will probably be our only stay at AKL. Will we regret not splurging for the savannah? We could do it, but $750 is a lot of money, and could go towards a nice dinner at BOMA, or many other things. I should add that we plan on going to the parks every day. TIA

I wouldn't worry! You will have opportunity to see the animals, and it's not worth that to see them from your balcony. Let's say you spend a half hour in the morning watching them - is that worth it? Nah - unless you have a higher budget or feel like it is important I say no.

I had a pool view once - it was great! I had a savannah view once - nice, but we didn't spend a ton of time on the balcony anyway.

I think they have cast members that will talk to you about where they're from - that would be cool for your kids! I would totally find out about that!

 

[ITALIANNYC]

=]

 

[princessag]

I did the online check-in.... First time at this resort, but at others I haven't gotten any pixie dust. I am super excited to be staying here, so it is okay where ever we get our room. Hoping for some for you!!!

Thanks-I had read that it could be more likely for an upgrade if you don't do online check in..so just curious to see what others have done. But, absolutely will be happy with getting to be at AKL!! Fingers crossed for you, also!

 

[goddesserika18]

im staying at kidani savannah view studio room. what is a good section to request also does kidani have its own pool?

 

[KingdomHeartsFan]

I'm officially booked for 3 nights at Kidani Village and 5 nights at Jambo House in September! It will be my first time staying at AKL! I can't wait!

 

[kimmar067]

I would love to hear some good things about a Pool View Room. I just switched our upcoming trip from POFQ to AKL as a surprise for my animal loving kids! The both just completed a unit on Africa in Social Studies, so the timing is perfect. We arrive this Saturday. It's our first stay here, and I am so excited. I just couldn't get past the over $750 more it would cost for savannah view (for a 5 night stay), so I booked the pool view (no standard rooms were available). Of course I'm second guessing my decision, and driving myself crazy. This will probably be our only stay at AKL. Will we regret not splurging for the savannah? We could do it, but $750 is a lot of money, and could go towards a nice dinner at BOMA, or many other things. I should add that we plan on going to the parks every day. TIA

...I am sure that you will be happy with your room....the views ARE quite lovely....

 

[kimmar067]

I'm officially booked for 3 nights at Kidani Village and 5 nights at Jambo House in September! It will be my first time staying at AKL! I can't wait!

.....NICE! The first thing that'll hit you is the AROMA wafting gently skywards from Boma....and then you'll hear the drumbeat of the African music playing in the background....truly, it's sensory overload!

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

I am so excited to stay at Kidani! I only went there once for Sanaa a few years back and it was gorgeous.

 

[pedinurse5207]

We booked a savanna view room at AKL for December. Just got off the phone with Disney to find out if we were actually booked at Jambo house or Kidani and the rep said neither...we are booked at the lodge. So confused about this resorts layout now?

 

[imthemamahere]

We booked a savanna view room at AKL for December. Just got off the phone with Disney to find out if we were actually booked at Jambo house or Kidani and the rep said neither...we are booked at the lodge. So confused about this resorts layout now?

Jambo House is the original Animal Kingdom Lodge building.

Jambo House now has some DVC villas converted from the original rooms, while Kidani Village is an all-DVC add-on to the Lodge. If you booked a VILLA (studio or larger), then you could be at either location. If that's the case, I'd call back and see if you could get a better answer from a different Disney rep. If you booked online or via the phone directly with Disney for a savanna view ROOM, then you will be at Jambo House.

Hope that helps...

 

[sndral]

Can't help you with Kidani villa location request (I'd personally prefer overlooking Sunset savanna over the very small Pembe savanna) but there is a pool at Kidani with a very nice kid's water play area. You can use Jambo's pool, too.

 

[kimmar067]

We booked a savanna view room at AKL for December. Just got off the phone with Disney to find out if we were actually booked at Jambo house or Kidani and the rep said neither...we are booked at the lodge. So confused about this resorts layout now?

....that's Jambo House...

 

[psac]

I'm officially booked for 3 nights at Kidani Village and 5 nights at Jambo House in September! It will be my first time staying at AKL! I can't wait!

Enjoy! Ps -- Kingdom Hearts rules!

 

[pedinurse5207]

Thanks! We called back this evening and talked to someone else and they said we are staying right off the main lobby and we went ahead and upgraded to club level. Hope it's worth the extra price tag!

 

[alnem112]

Getting ready to book at akl and just joined this thread. So much info my head is spinning lol! Im seeing that theres going to be construction. How long and what areas will be affected? We are looking at mid November. Also which building is better as far as being near buses, restaurants (QS mostly), and pools? Thanks for any input!

 

[TeeterTots]

Getting ready to book at akl and just joined this thread. So much info my head is spinning lol! Im seeing that theres going to be construction. How long and what areas will be affected? We are looking at mid November. Also which building is better as far as being near buses, restaurants (QS mostly), and pools? Thanks for any input!

The construction is for the club lounge and approx 10 dvc-club room on the 6th floor and DVC rooms on all of the 5th floor. I believe construction should be completed by the end of summer, but don't quote me! Jambo house is the main lodge so requesting near lobby would be best for buses, pool and the Mara (QS). Enjoy!!!

 

[lovetotraveltx]

On our way home now after staying in room 4591, a two-bedroom club level suite. We didn't see or hear any construction. I also have to say this room was awesome! It's a hike from the lobby, but it looks out on a corner of the Savannah where the animals ALL gather each morning, so we had two giraffes, two zebras, wildebeasts and all kind of antelopes/deer and birds every day. It was amazing.

Was this a dvc room or regular room? Thank you