Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[sndral]

As of last Tues. when we did the Wanyama Safari we saw giraffes on Sunset, Arusha and Uzima savannahs. In fact as we left Uzima savannah we had an issue with Gordon the male teenage giraffe who was lurking by the exit gate and lopped up to our truck just as the driver opened the gate. He tried to stick his head into the truck from each side and then started licking the top of the truck. Quite entertaining for us guests, less so for the animal specialist. Gordon had been moved to AKL from Kilimanjaro safari savannah at the park because of his over interest in the safari trucks.

 

[kimmar067]

As of last Tues. when we did the Wanyama Safari we saw giraffes on Sunset, Arusha and Uzima savannahs. In fact as we left Uzima savannah we had an issue with Gordon the male teenage giraffe who was lurking by the exit gate and lopped up to our truck just as the driver opened the gate. He tried to stick his head into the truck from each side and then started licking the top of the truck. Quite entertaining for us guests, less so for the animal specialist. Gordon had been moved to AKL from Kilimanjaro safari savannah at the park because of his over interest in the safari trucks.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

As of last Tues. when we did the Wanyama Safari we saw giraffes on Sunset, Arusha and Uzima savannahs. In fact as we left Uzima savannah we had an issue with Gordon the male teenage giraffe who was lurking by the exit gate and lopped up to our truck just as the driver opened the gate. He tried to stick his head into the truck from each side and then started licking the top of the truck. Quite entertaining for us guests, less so for the animal specialist. Gordon had been moved to AKL from Kilimanjaro safari savannah at the park because of his over interest in the safari trucks.

That is amazing. I want to meet Gordon! I wish Wanyama was in budget. Hoping to get in on a night safari cancellation.

 

[DekrRini]

I did a search about the buses at AK, but couldn't find all the information I need.

I'm staying for the first time at AKV Kidani. I'm going for one of the Star Wars weekends so I know it will be crowded. I understand that the buses for the parks start at the Kidani bus stop. How early do they start running? I like to start early and head back to the resort early most days.

Also, I'm staying in a DVC standard view room at Kidani. Any idea of where those types of rooms are located? No matter where the room is, I'm really looking forward to staying at the AKV.

 

[sndral]

http://youtu.be/d_pzV5gFfQ0
Partial video of the Gordon 'incident' shot by my son for those interested

 

[DizDaD7]

I did a search about the buses at AK, but couldn't find all the information I need.

I'm staying for the first time at AKV Kidani. I'm going for one of the Star Wars weekends so I know it will be crowded. I understand that the buses for the parks start at the Kidani bus stop. How early do they start running? I like to start early and head back to the resort early most days.

Also, I'm staying in a DVC standard view room at Kidani. Any idea of where those types of rooms are located? No matter where the room is, I'm really looking forward to staying at the AKV.

Buses generally start 1 hour prior to park opening.... Yes they do pick up and drop off 1st at Kidani, ( going & returning from the parks ) Opposite when going returning from DTD.

Standard rooms are scattered but mostly all facing the lots..Try and request 1 near the bus stops for convenience.

 

[tiggrbaby]

http://youtu.be/d_pzV5gFfQ0
Partial video of the Gordon 'incident' shot by my son for those interested

Too funny! Thanks for sharing!

 

[AspenLL]

Has anyone here ordered the pizza from the in room dining? If so, do you remember how much it was and if it was good/bad? Also, has anyone ordered from an outside pizzeria?

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

http://youtu.be/d_pzV5gFfQ0
Partial video of the Gordon 'incident' shot by my son for those interested

That was too cute! Adding Wanyama to my Disney bucket list.

 

[kastoney]

Hi all! We will be staying at AKL for 2 nights next month and really want to maximize the benefits of the resort. We plan on staying in one evening and exploring the savannas and having dinner at Jiko. Anything else we definitely need to do? It will be me, my husband, and our 4year old birthday girl. Thanks in advance.

 

[DekrRini]

Buses generally start 1 hour prior to park opening.... Yes they do pick up and drop off 1st at Kidani, ( going & returning from the parks ) Opposite when going returning from DTD.

Standard rooms are scattered but mostly all facing the lots..Try and request 1 near the bus stops for convenience.

Thanks! I can't wait to get back to DW. I'm really looking forward to this trip.

 

[VbChristy]

Has anyone here ordered the pizza from the in room dining? If so, do you remember how much it was and if it was good/bad? Also, has anyone ordered from an outside pizzeria?

I'd like this answer too. Our plan is to order pizza from there in a week!

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks! I can't wait to get back to DW. I'm really looking forward to this trip.

Prepare for some down time as well, from the parks....Other resorts are good, but when you unwind at AKL/V it's almost like you're on a whole separate trip.... Plus there's plenty of things to do & see just at the resort itself... Have a great trip.

 

[BestVacaEver]

I just saw a post about the AKL lobby floor being replaced 1/6-3/6/15? Can anyone confirm this? Our first AKL trip is in a few weeks and I would be so disappointed.

Also, any progress on the DHS hat removal? That sounds like a mess too!

 

[chasemac]

We were at AKL. 1/3-1/9 and the last couple of days they started working on the lobby floors. They had one section (maybe 1/6th of the lobby) walled off and were stripping, sanding and restaining this one section. It didn't bother us at all. The rest of the lobby was open. I'm sure they will continue to work on it one section at a time.

 

[kimmar067]

I did a search about the buses at AK, but couldn't find all the information I need.

I'm staying for the first time at AKV Kidani. I'm going for one of the Star Wars weekends so I know it will be crowded. I understand that the buses for the parks start at the Kidani bus stop. How early do they start running? I like to start early and head back to the resort early most days....

....if you depart early and return to Kidani at an 'off' time, chances are you'll have no problems with the buses...

 

[kimmar067]

http://youtu.be/d_pzV5gFfQ0
Partial video of the Gordon 'incident' shot by my son for those interested

... what a character, that Gordon!

 

[DizDaD7]

1st part of our next trip is scheduled. Can you add me to this years list, please. 8-15-->18th, at VB. Thanks. Will keep you posted on the next dates.

 

[BestVacaEver]

We were at AKL. 1/3-1/9 and the last couple of days they started working on the lobby floors. They had one section (maybe 1/6th of the lobby) walled off and were stripping, sanding and restaining this one section. It didn't bother us at all. The rest of the lobby was open. I'm sure they will continue to work on it one section at a time.

OK, thanks so much for the post! I was thinking more about photos for our first visit, but if they are doing sections, it will probably be easy to work around. Hope you had a great trip

 

[shawnriv]

Does anyone have any tips or insider information about AKL for a first time visitor? My girlfriend and I have booked our first stay at AKL for June.

Thanks!