Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[showers2flowers]

Thank you so much. I know my girls would love the bread and the dessert but the entrees not so much. The whole experience seems great, I'm just scared they will leave hungry.

You know what though Don't rule it out. My son shocked the liver out of me by eating all of his chickpea salad, then asking for the rest of mine, so I swapped him for his beet salad. We cook chickpeas often at home, and he has always categorically refused to eat them, so I really hadn't expected that. Since we've returned, I've made my best approximation of that salad and he has scarfed it down. The other salad has watermelon, cucumber, etc. so it's easy for kids to pick out the parts they like.

As for the entrees, he did not care for the seafood curry, but loved the butter chicken. The server said a lot of kids really love the butter chicken. It's a very mild but still flavorful dish.

Also, don't quote me, but in the recesses of my memory, I feel like the server did actually ask us if we wanted a childrens meal for him. Since he wanted to try the regular menu, I didn't ever find out what that was, but I'm like 90% sure they did offer the option.

 

[Jason'smom]

First time staying AKL....March 20-26! First time deluxe too

Can anyone tell me more about the workout room or gym? Specifically, are there Dumbbells? While I know I'm going to be on vacaction, I'll also be in the middle of a program and I don't want to take time off and get behind.

 

[cjhudson]

First time staying AKL....March 20-26! First time deluxe too

Can anyone tell me more about the workout room or gym? Specifically, are there Dumbbells? While I know I'm going to be on vacaction, I'll also be in the middle of a program and I don't want to take time off and get behind.

I haven't stayed there but I do remember seeing gym info when I was researching the resort on www.waltdisneyworld.com it showed pics and everything. Hope this helps

 

[Jason'smom]

I haven't stayed there but I do remember seeing gym info when I was researching the resort on www.waltdisneyworld.com it showed pics and everything. Hope this helps

Well, I'm not sure....I've seen a few pictures and see weight machines but not free weights, but disneys page says there are free weights....was just hoping for confirmation??

 

[cjhudson]

Well, I'm not sure....I've seen a few pictures and see weight machines but not free weights, but disneys page says there are free weights....was just hoping for confirmation??

I found this on Allears.net, still no specific word on dumbbells but gives a few details.

Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6:00am to 9:00pm at no additional charge to Animal Kingdom Lodge guests 14 and over. Those 14-17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Guests of other resorts may use the fitness center for $12 per day, based on availability. The purchase of a spa treatment includes use of the adjacent fitness center for the day of treatment.

The Fitness Center spa treatment hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm, by appointment. Treatments include: Massage Therapy, Skin Care and Body Treatments.

All Disney World spas, salons and fitness centers are owned and operated by Disney.

The Fitness Center has a full line of Cybex equipment, including a Smith machine. The cardiovascular area has Life Fitness Treadmills, Stairmasters and Bicycles (regular and recumbent).

 

[cjhudson]

Well, I'm not sure....I've seen a few pictures and see weight machines but not free weights, but disneys page says there are free weights....was just hoping for confirmation??

This has links to pics of the fitness center. I saw free weights in the right side of one of the pics

http://allears.net/acc/g_akl.htm#zahanati

 

[pigletgirl]

I don't think it really makes that much of a distance...I was the 4th pod on the South side which was actually nice....Sort of a shortcut coming from & going to the buses every day. I think there were elevators between the 2nd & 3rd pod...It was a short walk from there...

The only thing I can offer though...If you're in a Sunset Savannah, you will get sun in the room , in the morning....If you are on the Pembe or just a parking area view, you'll get it at night...Not sure if your kids are light sleepers or not?

Not really. Sounds like the distances aren't too bad. We don't mind walking.

 

[2kidsForMe]

Just got back from our first stay at the Lodge! We had booked a pool view but I was worried we would regret not upgrading to a Savannah view. Thanks to the great advice I received here we decided to stay put, and I'm glad we did. We had a nice quiet room on the 4 th floor in Zebra Trail. Super close to the Mara and the pool view was actually very pretty. Best part was the money saved! We are at Boma for dinner and Sanaa as well. Sanaa was easily the best meal we had all week. We had no trouble seeing animals all over the resort, even from the hall window near our room. The CMs were lovely, and my kids were just in awe of CMs from Africa, and really enjoyed talking to them about their homes, since they are studying about Africa at school. Mouse keeping was great, and the room was clean and fresh. The Mara was pretty good. We ate there several times and it never seemed too crowded. The only complaint my kids had was that the pool was too cold. Actually a lot of guests were commenting on that too. I'm not sure if something was wrong with the heater? But the water was way colder than what we are used to at a Disney resort, and this was all week. The pool area could have used a little more attention too. Los of used towels, empty cups, overflowing dirty towl bins etc...but it didn't affect our stay. Bus service was spotty. We did have some very very long waits, but I realize this can happen anywhere. No electronic bus boards but it looks like they are in the process of installing them. We loved the lodge! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[dgbg100106]

First time staying AKL....March 20-26! First time deluxe too

Can anyone tell me more about the workout room or gym? Specifically, are there Dumbbells? While I know I'm going to be on vacaction, I'll also be in the middle of a program and I don't want to take time off and get behind.

March

Tcherjen, 13th - 17th, AKL

Jason'smom, 20th - 26th, AKL

Happymommy, 26th - Apr 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

Mmjones021, 28th - Apr 2nd, AKL

Kamcole, 30th - Apr 6th, AKL

 

[Jason'smom]

This has links to pics of the fitness center. I saw free weights in the right side of one of the pics

http://allears.net/acc/g_akl.htm#zahanati

Thanks!! I think I can see Dumbbells in front of the mirror lol. No more worrying a out the weights....just excitement for my upcoming trip!!!!!

 

[tcherjen]

Getting excited!!! Our stay is getting closer.

 

[COscrapper]

We are getting ready to attempt to rent points for a standard view studio at Jambo House - never been; it's our first family trip to WDW! I've read that some of the standard DVC studios actually have a view of animals (at least partial). What kind of request should I make to try to get one of these rooms? Kudu trail? And is it possible to also be close to the lobby with such a room? Thanks!

 

[rangerxenos]

We are getting ready to attempt to rent points for a standard view studio at Jambo House - never been; it's our first family trip to WDW! I've read that some of the standard DVC studios actually have a view of animals (at least partial). What kind of request should I make to try to get one of these rooms? Kudu trail? And is it possible to also be close to the lobby with such a room? Thanks!

We booked a standard room last April, and requested Kudu trail -- we ended up with a perfect view of one of the savannahs, it was wonderful!

 

[Yarbogash]

Following up our week at SSR with a Kidani studio sav view May 6-8. Will likely make the 7th a resort day. Any special AKL adult beverages I should sample?

 

[cjhudson]

Following up our week at SSR with a Kidani studio sav view May 6-8. Will likely make the 7th a resort day. Any special AKL adult beverages I should sample?

All of them and report back ASAP!! We will be there on the 31st and I wanna be prepared!

 

[Yarbogash]

All of them and report back ASAP!! We will be there on the 31st and I wanna be prepared!

Lol Ok, if I have to.

Found this handy guide:
http://www.partythroughtheparks.com/animal-kingdom-lodge/

Kande Coconut Cooler has potential to be a favorite.

 

[MrsHammer]

No electronic bus boards but it looks like they are in the process of installing them.

Yay! I hope they are done by April.

 

[kimmar067]

Lol Ok, if I have to.

Found this handy guide:
http://www.partythroughtheparks.com/animal-kingdom-lodge/

Kande Coconut Cooler has potential to be a favorite.

....personally, that sounds intriguing!
[AND fattening! ]

 

[Disneymom1126]

This will be our first stay at AKL and I noticed there is a campfire/smores as well as storytellers around a campfire. Where does this take place and/or is there a website where I could learn more about this? Thanks!! Really excited to experience this resort!

 

[kimmar067]

....it takes place at Arusha Rock, usually between 6:30-7:30 evenings...