Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[mrsap]

Thanks for reporting back on this. Glad you hear you had an amazing trip! We're headed for a Club Level stay later in the month. It's disappointing to hear they relocated the lounge to a regular hotel room. Though it remains to be seen, it's hard to imagine wanting to hang out there in the same way one would in the regular lounge. Takes away part of the appeal. We got a great rate on our room, so downgrading to a lower room type wouldn't impact our cost much at this point. Otherwise, I'd consider dropping CL after hearing where they've moved the lounge. I'll report back on what our experience is like.

Not sure when you're going, but the CL refurbishment is supposed to be done by 5/22. Hopefully it will be finished by the time you get there! Please take food pictures for us! Enjoy!!!

 

[yaya74]

So I excitedly showed pictures of AKL to my children. The first thing my DD 8 said was "this is like the Great Wolf Lodge and Khalahari"!! (those are the indoor water parks in PA) I was NOT quite happy when they say that. I hope AKL is nothing like the Great Wolf Lodge...

 

[MainMom]

So I excitedly showed pictures of AKL to my children. The first thing my DD 8 said was "this is like the Great Wolf Lodge and Khalahari"!! (those are the indoor water parks in PA) I was NOT quite happy when they say that. I hope AKL is nothing like the Great Wolf Lodge...

I actually think Wilderness Lodge looks more like GWL. Haven't been to Kalahari, but I have to think AKL is better!

 

[bryana]

So I excitedly showed pictures of AKL to my children. The first thing my DD 8 said was "this is like the Great Wolf Lodge and Khalahari"!! (those are the indoor water parks in PA) I was NOT quite happy when they say that. I hope AKL is nothing like the Great Wolf Lodge...

I haven't been up to GWL yet, but I will say this: Pictures don't do AKL justice. A few years ago, my mom and I decided to pop over there after a trip to AK because we'd never been there and wanted to check it out. It absolutely took our breath away!! It is just... incredible.

 

[brooke789]

Anyone have a pic of the refrigerator in a studio? If it makes a difference we're staying in Jambo DVC.

 

[Muligan21]

Looking at one month before our first stay at AKL. Completely overwhelmed with excitement! Our first Deluxe stay and from what i've read, it appears to be a great choice. I just hope we can get enough resort time with all we have planned throughout the week!

 

[cjhudson]

My wife and I will find out the gender of our baby right before we get to AKL. We are too impatient to wait to see for ourselves but we were thinking of doing the reveal at Disney or the lodge. Have any of you ever heard of anyone doing anything like this? Any suggestions or advice?

 

[brooke789]

My wife and I will find out the gender of our baby right before we get to AKL. We are too impatient to wait to see for ourselves but we were thinking of doing the reveal at Disney or the lodge. Have any of you ever heard of anyone doing anything like this? Any suggestions or advice?

Actually, just last week iI had a friend on at WDW trip. They had Mickey hold up a cute sign saying "It's a Girl". I believe they already knew the gender, but it's how they let the rest of us know. It was super cute. Mickey is even pointing at her belly with one hand and holding the sign with the other!

 

[cjhudson]

Actually, just last week iI had a friend on at WDW trip. They had Mickey hold up a cute sign saying "It's a Girl". I believe they already knew the gender, but it's how they let the rest of us know. It was super cute. Mickey is even pointing at her belly with one hand and holding the sign with the other!

Yes that is one of ideas (well something similar at least). I was also thinking of having Boma or somewhere on property bake a cake with the icing being the color of the gender or it written on the cake or something. Very jumbled thoughts! That's why I need help.

 

[dansdad]

So I excitedly showed pictures of AKL to my children. The first thing my DD 8 said was "this is like the Great Wolf Lodge and Khalahari"!! (those are the indoor water parks in PA) I was NOT quite happy when they say that. I hope AKL is nothing like the Great Wolf Lodge...

Having stayed at 2 different Great Wolf Lodges, we feel AKL is NOTHING like them.

 

[Disneymom1126]

We are staying at Kidani with a Savannah view - saw.posts from 2015 that the Okapi are in the pembe savanna..is this still true? They are DD's fav animal...thanks!!

 

[sdsatl]

We are staying at Kidani with a Savannah view - saw.posts from 2015 that the Okapi are in the pembe savanna..is this still true? They are DD's fav animal...thanks!!

Yes. We had okapi outside our pembe room this past week (and zebras, ostriches, deer, etc. ).

 

[Disneymom1126]

Yes. We had okapi outside our pembe room this past week (and zebras, ostriches, deer, etc. ).

Thanks for the quick response! We saw Okapi at the zoo a few years ago and DD has a stuffed one from that trip that she still sleeps with, so she will love it if we end up there! Is an option when you select options for the online check-in request?

 

[sdsatl]

Thanks for the quick response! We saw Okapi at the zoo a few years ago and DD has a stuffed one from that trip that she still sleeps with, so she will love it if we end up there! Is an option when you select options for the online check-in request?

Yes. You can request pembe. Our request was "near (pumbaa) elevator", and it was perfect.

There's a hide & seek activity where she can track a stuffed okapi; my kids had so much fun with that (and all the activities).

 

[cassie58]

Anyone have a pic of the refrigerator in a studio? If it makes a difference we're staying in Jambo DVC.

If I get a chance, I will try and post a pic tomorrow(mine are always too large, have to resize), but it was a normal mini fridge I believe.

 

[brooke789]

If I get a chance, I will try and post a pic tomorrow(mine are always too large, have to resize), but it was a normal mini fridge I believe.

Thank you! What I'm really wondering about is if there is any freezer space in it?

 

[Disneymom1126]

Yes. You can request pembe. Our request was "near (pumbaa) elevator", and it was perfect.

There's a hide & seek activity where she can track a stuffed okapi; my kids had so much fun with that (and all the activities).

Sounds great! It looks like it's a bit further from the bus transportation, but we can deal with that

 

[mickeyheart]

When people talk about rooms being far away form the lobby, how far are we talking? Only ever stayed in a moderate, so unsure.

Also, is there any 'people pen' / partial savannah view rooms near the lobby? We are booked in a standard just after Thanksgiving

 

[yaya74]

When people talk about rooms being far away form the lobby, how far are we talking? Only ever stayed in a moderate, so unsure.

Also, is there any 'people pen' / partial savannah view rooms near the lobby? We are booked in a standard just after Thanksgiving

I have heard of that "long walk" complaint too. But I bet it would not be as long as the 0.3 mile hike from a room at the edge of POR or CBR to the main building. Ppl can be spoiled when staying at the Deluxe.

 

[Best Aunt]

Yes that is one of ideas (well something similar at least). I was also thinking of having Boma or somewhere on property bake a cake with the icing being the color of the gender or it written on the cake or something. Very jumbled thoughts! That's why I need help.

Cakes are expensive. The Confectionery on Main Street in Magic Kingdom used to sell "seasonal" cupcakes. You might be able to get some with pink or blue frosting.

Or - go into gift shops and take pics of her looking at gender-appropriate outfits. This comment may get me in trouble because some people think there are no gender appropriate clothes or toys. But it would be cheaper and easier than a cake.