Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

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Has anyone ever had a massage at the spa at animal kingdom? I was thinking of going to grand Floridian but saw they offer them at AKL. Just curious if anyone has done this?

We haven't gone ourselves, but here is a picture of the masseuse.
image.jpg
 

We are staying in a standard view room in June. Are there standard view rooms on a ground level floor - meaning would there be rooms with patios vs. a balcony with a railing around it? A couple years ago we stayed at they YC and had a first floor room. We actually had ducks trying to get in the patio door. I like animals, but don't want any critters in our room:)

I didn't see a reply to your post, but I may have missed it. The rooms at AKL start on the 2nd floor, which we actually prefer. You won't have a problem with critters.
 
Zahanati Massage and Fitness - has anyone used these services, what can you tell me about them?

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/spas/animal-kingdom-lodge/zahanati-massage-fitness-center/

With a Disney Visa I discovered I get a discount, and the rates seem relatively reasonable to what I have paid before at other spas even before the discount, let alone after....

Has anyone ever had a massage at the spa at animal kingdom? I was thinking of going to grand Floridian but saw they offer them at AKL. Just curious if anyone has done this?

Was wondering the same thing :)
 
I didn't see a reply to your post, but I may have missed it. The rooms at AKL start on the 2nd floor, which we actually prefer. You won't have a problem with critters.

This isn't entirely true.... There are certain areas that don't have rooms on the ground level, or even the 2nd floor ( for that matter ), but there are plenty of rooms that do have the patio & are on the ground floor, near the pool area, and towards the bus stop too.
 
This isn't entirely true.... There are certain areas that don't have rooms on the ground level, or even the 2nd floor ( for that matter ), but there are plenty of rooms that do have the patio & are on the ground floor, near the pool area, and towards the bus stop too.

I totally forgot about those rooms, you are right I did see ground level rooms by the pool. I was just thinking savannah rooms. Sorry.
 
Zahanati Massage and Fitness - has anyone used these services, what can you tell me about them?

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/spas/animal-kingdom-lodge/zahanati-massage-fitness-center/

With a Disney Visa I discovered I get a discount, and the rates seem relatively reasonable to what I have paid before at other spas even before the discount, let alone after....

I used the "spa" in December. The spa is not what you normally think of a spa ( I consider a spa to have a dedicated area to lounge, maybe some flavored waters/tea's, snacks robes etc). The spa at AKL is part of the fitness centre. The treatment rooms are right off the hallway that is part of the fitness centre. My massage was great, however I was in the room nearest the work out area and I could hear EVERYTHING. Everytime the weights came down on the machine, people etc. It was not relaxing at all, I felt like I was in the middle of the weight room. I made mention of it and told the front desk. The response was "yes, we have had people complain of that, it would have been quieter if we had placed you in the back room". I was not happy with that. If that was a option they should of done. For 150.00 I expected a little more.
I consulted the front desk and they put me in touch with the spa manager. She confirmed that she was aware that it was a issue, that I should have been placed I the back room if it were available. She was also not happy with the flippant response of the desk clerk. She booked me another appt with a complimentary service to make up for it and was sure to book it in back treatment room. I had a facial and it was wonderful. I could not hear the fitness center in the back treatment room :)

So just be aware of the noise and ask for the treatment room further away from the fitness center. Also be aware you are not getting an actual spa experience with the lounge/robes etc. They do however have a steam room and sauna right in the rest rooms. Note that the fitness centre patrons also access this area, and I saw people from the pool going in. The lockers in there do have keys. It is a pretty restroom :)
 
I used the "spa" in December. The spa is not what you normally think of a spa ( I consider a spa to have a dedicated area to lounge, maybe some flavored waters/tea's, snacks robes etc). The spa at AKL is part of the fitness centre. The treatment rooms are right off the hallway that is part of the fitness centre. My massage was great, however I was in the room nearest the work out area and I could hear EVERYTHING. Everytime the weights came down on the machine, people etc. It was not relaxing at all, I felt like I was in the middle of the weight room. I made mention of it and told the front desk. The response was "yes, we have had people complain of that, it would have been quieter if we had placed you in the back room". I was not happy with that. If that was a option they should of done. For 150.00 I expected a little more.
I consulted the front desk and they put me in touch with the spa manager. She confirmed that she was aware that it was a issue, that I should have been placed I the back room if it were available. She was also not happy with the flippant response of the desk clerk. She booked me another appt with a complimentary service to make up for it and was sure to book it in back treatment room. I had a facial and it was wonderful. I could not hear the fitness center in the back treatment room :)

So just be aware of the noise and ask for the treatment room further away from the fitness center. Also be aware you are not getting an actual spa experience with the lounge/robes etc. They do however have a steam room and sauna right in the rest rooms. Note that the fitness centre patrons also access this area, and I saw people from the pool going in. The lockers in there do have keys. It is a pretty restroom :)

Thank you for this info. I was contemplating a massage myself and that is definitely not the experience I want. I need the robes and drinks and pampering kind of massage especially for $150.
 
Thank you for this info. I was contemplating a massage myself and that is definitely not the experience I want. I need the robes and drinks and pampering kind of massage especially for $150.

Yes, I wish I would have known before I went. I think massage is the same price at the GF and I believe that one is a actual spa??
 
Whew, I read through all 51 pages of this thread and I can finally join in! I just rented points so we could stay in a studio at AKV Dec 9-16.

My family is originally from South Africa and staying here is going to be a bit like going home since I've visited there many times.

We're from the west coast so we are DL vets, this is our first WDW trip and wow, is there ever a ton of planning to do. :scared: At least I have a few months to get up to speed on how the east coast does things.
 
I totally forgot about those rooms, you are right I did see ground level rooms by the pool. I was just thinking savannah rooms. Sorry.

Don't be sorry at all. I didn't mean it to come off like scolding... I was just adding that very lil bit of info. No worries!:grouphug:
 
Whew, I read through all 51 pages of this thread and I can finally join in! I just rented points so we could stay in a studio at AKV Dec 9-16.

My family is originally from South Africa and staying here is going to be a bit like going home since I've visited there many times.

We're from the west coast so we are DL vets, this is our first WDW trip and wow, is there ever a ton of planning to do. :scared: At least I have a few months to get up to speed on how the east coast does things.

Welcome aboard. Aladora.... You've got the 1st two steps done....Those are the hardest..Picking the resort & jumping on here ( Disboards ). Actually there is a lot of things you have to do, but this time is actually the fun time. All the planning & replanning, & changing, & stuff, is nerve racking but will make the time go by. You definitely will notice a HUGE difference in how you tour here as opposed to your familiar DLR. Dining ressies, need to be secured at 180 days prior. ( Or at least the hard to get ones:thumbsup2) FP+ ressies get made at 60 days out too..No Traditional paper fp's anymore.

It sounds like a lot, but it's worth it.... And AKL, WoW you couldn't have picked a better spot..This place is A M A Z I N G !. You actually feel like your on a secluded vacation from your vacation at times.

Have a great trip.
 
I'll be staying AKL for the first time of over 30 years staying on Disney property for two nights May 11 and 12. I drive down from Georgia and can't seem to find any info. on the parking there. I usually just self park, I can't tell from any of the maps I've been able to find what the distance is from the parking lot to the lodge. I'll be staying in a standard room in the lodge so I'm assuming my view isn't going to be too great but I figure it doesn't matter since I can wander around the hotel to get a view. Also, has anyone done the wine tasting they offer? I've had a few African wines and that sounds like it might be a fun thing to do.
 
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