Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[Laneybelle]

56 days to go! Fast passes are selected and I did the online check-in making Kudu Trail my only request in the hopes that we will be graced with a partial savanna view on our standard view room. I'm so happy just to be getting to stay here, so I'll be thrilled with our room no matter what. This resort has been on my Disney bucket list since my husband and I started going regularly in 2009 and it will be our first time ever staying deluxe! I just had to share some of my excitement!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

So looking at food options, it looks like my husband and I can just pop into a Sanaa Lounge and try the bread service there along with a wine flight as kind of a casual option?

Sanaa Lounge would be a great option for light lunch along with Victoria Falls for a shareable and drinks in the evening. Sanaa Restaurant is a great place as well for lunch or dinner. I am a light eater and either have just an appetizer or appy and dessert depending. We have gotten same day reservations at Sanaa before. Mara is my favorite resort counter service and has a TON of options. I'm not sure if they sell/serve alcohol but I'm thinking they do. The Jambo pool bar (forget the name so sorry!) is really nice as well. If you're staying in Kidani, I'd probably stick with Sanaa! Since Boma is a buffet we tend to eat there for arrival dinner and departure breakfast. We don't each much on the drive down so its worth it when we are both hungry!

Hope this helps!

Liz

 

[DJFan88]

Sanaa Lounge would be a great option for light lunch along with Victoria Falls for a shareable and drinks in the evening. Sanaa Restaurant is a great place as well for lunch or dinner. I am a light eater and either have just an appetizer or appy and dessert depending. We have gotten same day reservations at Sanaa before. Mara is my favorite resort counter service and has a TON of options. I'm not sure if they sell/serve alcohol but I'm thinking they do. The Jambo pool bar (forget the name so sorry!) is really nice as well. If you're staying in Kidani, I'd probably stick with Sanaa! Since Boma is a buffet we tend to eat there for arrival dinner and departure breakfast. We don't each much on the drive down so its worth it when we are both hungry!

Hope this helps!

Liz

thanks. We didn't really want to eat at the full restaurant so when I saw this option to try the bread, I thought it was too good to be true! Glad to hear I can just do that. Weve done boma before, yes they do have good stuff! I'll check out what Victoria Falls has too. We have CL, so really just looking for what we can fill in with that may want to try. Kids will love the Mara I'm sure

 

[pepperandchips]

So looking at food options, it looks like my husband and I can just pop into a Sanaa Lounge and try the bread service there along with a wine flight as kind of a casual option?

This is our favorite thing to do when staying at AKL - or even when we're staying somewhere else! For a light meal for two we might also order the salad sampler (scrumptious) or the very good samosa along with the bread service. They also have a nice African Starr Mojito if you decide to keep partying after the wine flight If you're there after dark be sure to stop outside at the overlook and use the night vision goggles.

 

[DJFan88]

This is our favorite thing to do when staying at AKL - or even when we're staying somewhere else! For a light meal for two we might also order the salad sampler (scrumptious) or the very good samosa along with the bread service. They also have a nice African Starr Mojito if you decide to keep partying after the wine flight If you're there after dark be sure to stop outside at the overlook and use the night vision goggles.

Totally psyched about this!

 

[kimmar067]

56 days to go! Fast passes are selected and I did the online check-in making Kudu Trail my only request in the hopes that we will be graced with a partial savanna view on our standard view room. I'm so happy just to be getting to stay here, so I'll be thrilled with our room no matter what. This resort has been on my Disney bucket list since my husband and I started going regularly in 2009 and it will be our first time ever staying deluxe! I just had to share some of my excitement!

.....feel free to share to your heart's content!

 

[kimmar067]

Sanaa Lounge would be a great option for light lunch along with Victoria Falls for a shareable and drinks in the evening. Sanaa Restaurant is a great place as well for lunch or dinner. I am a light eater and either have just an appetizer or appy and dessert depending. We have gotten same day reservations at Sanaa before. Mara is my favorite resort counter service and has a TON of options. I'm not sure if they sell/serve alcohol but I'm thinking they do.....

.....yes they do!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!

My travel agent had DVC points that had to be used by July and she gave them to me! We added a day on so this time next week, I will be checking in!!!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

.....yes they do!

Thanks Kimmar!! This trip is all about snacks and drinks! Good to know we can grab something at Mara and enjoy it on the balcony. I've actually bought the DFB snack guide and made a list of where to visit in the parks!

SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!

My travel agent had DVC points that had to be used by July and she gave them to me! We added a day on so this time next week, I will be checking in!!!!

Liz

 

[dkrauss]

56 days to go! Fast passes are selected and I did the online check-in making Kudu Trail my only request in the hopes that we will be graced with a partial savanna view on our standard view room. I'm so happy just to be getting to stay here, so I'll be thrilled with our room no matter what. This resort has been on my Disney bucket list since my husband and I started going regularly in 2009 and it will be our first time ever staying deluxe! I just had to share some of my excitement!

I love this post..............the joy and excitement is awesome. My wife and I are going with my brothers family in November and we're very excited about staying here too.

Wishing you a magical vacation!

Doug

 

[jlee003]

Ya, it has been at 25-30% off with the past couple releases, but I am betting it won't be any higher than 20% come early 2017.

we booked AKL back in march for our trip this upcoming August and got %30 off. It let us add 3 days to the trip.

 

[10MoreMinutes]

I'm so excited to stay here for the first time in January 2017 for a short solo trip (Jan. 28-30). I rented DVC points and will be staying in a standard view room.

 

[yaya74]

Question about the bus: I read on another thread that bus arriving at Jambo house is "always" full as it stops at Kidani first. True?? Or does it only happen during sometime of the day?? We will have a car but it would be nice if I can just park my car and leave it until checking out. TIA!

 

[brooke789]

Question about the bus: I read on another thread that bus arriving at Jambo house is "always" full as it stops at Kidani first. True?? Or does it only happen during sometime of the day?? We will have a car but it would be nice if I can just park my car and leave it until checking out. TIA!

We never once rode a bus without sitting. We took up 3-4 seats (had a lap baby if needed, but he preferred his own seat). Only times I remember others standing was after nighttime shows.

 

[pepperandchips]

Question about the bus: I read on another thread that bus arriving at Jambo house is "always" full as it stops at Kidani first. True?? Or does it only happen during sometime of the day?? We will have a car but it would be nice if I can just park my car and leave it until checking out. TIA!

We never once rode a bus without sitting. We took up 3-4 seats (had a lap baby if needed, but he preferred his own seat). Only times I remember others standing was after nighttime shows.

@yaya74 I don't think there is a definitive answer for this. We were there a few weeks ago and during busy times of day it looked like Jambo and Kidani were not sharing buses from the resort to the parks, but even so, we were packed in there with even standing room full. Returning from the parks we always shared with both Kidani and Jambo utilizing the same bus. We did exactly what you mentioned during our trip - drove to AKL but left our car parked the whole trip and took buses. Most of the time I would prefer to stand and wait on a bus (even if I have to stand on the bus) than deal with the ordeal of parking and trams (nevermind you the monorail/ferry situation at TTC). There have been other trips where that wasn't the case for me - I sometimes prefer driving and control my arrival time. I would suggest trying the buses on your first day and if you find the bus crowds manageable you have your answer.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Question about the bus: I read on another thread that bus arriving at Jambo house is "always" full as it stops at Kidani first. True?? Or does it only happen during sometime of the day?? We will have a car but it would be nice if I can just park my car and leave it until checking out. TIA!

We never once rode a bus without sitting. We took up 3-4 seats (had a lap baby if needed, but he preferred his own seat). Only times I remember others standing was after nighttime shows.

@yaya74 I don't think there is a definitive answer for this. We were there a few weeks ago and during busy times of day it looked like Jambo and Kidani were not sharing buses from the resort to the parks, but even so, we were packed in there with even standing room full. Returning from the parks we always shared with both Kidani and Jambo utilizing the same bus. We did exactly what you mentioned during our trip - drove to AKL but left our car parked the whole trip and took buses. Most of the time I would prefer to stand and wait on a bus (even if I have to stand on the bus) than deal with the ordeal of parking and trams (nevermind you the monorail/ferry situation at TTC). There have been other trips where that wasn't the case for me - I sometimes prefer driving and control my arrival time. I would suggest trying the buses on your first day and if you find the bus crowds manageable you have your answer.

With the exception of Disney Springs loop, I think the Disney transportation system is great. Disney is one of the few places we both can have a drink with lunch/dinner and not worry! And if they have devoted separate buses for Kidani and Jambo for park opening that is fantastic! I might try a RD again. We haven't done one since 2014!

We are still trying to decide if we want to snack around Animal Kingdom (we ended up with a full page of snacks we want to try) or follow the plan and eat arrival day dinner at Boma. I think I'll let DH decide. It's a win/win either way!

Thanks everyone for the recent trip updates. Safe travels to those who are checking in soon and have a wonderful trip.

Liz

 

[sndral]

We don't do rope drop - and have never had to stand going from Jambo to a park. We typically stay until closing at parks and those buses are always standing room only - altho' depending on where we are in the loading line we may get a seat.

 

[larissawbb]

Does anyone know if you book a standard view one bedroom villa cash CRO , what the view is? I've read if you book on points it's either pool view or partial savannah. I was wondering if you book cash CRO is it parking lot?

 

[RachelTori]

Does anyone know if you book a standard view one bedroom villa cash CRO , what the view is? I've read if you book on points it's either pool view or partial savannah. I was wondering if you book cash CRO is it parking lot?

Jambo, correct? I want to make sure I'm giving you the correct answer! (Kidani "standard" view is different!)

You are correct that DVC villa "standard" views are either pool or partial savannah; doesn't matter if booked on points or cash.

When I stay DVC standard view, I request "near lobby" and have never been disappointed yet!

 

[larissawbb]

Thanks! Yes I meant Jambo standard one bedroom view CRO cash. I got nervous because the website had the views listed as grounds or parking lot.