Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[JessiMommy]

Loving all the info on this thread! I just found this thread and immediately read 25 pages! Staying at AKL Jambo House Sep 19-26, this year. Never been to AKL, even just to visit or eat, and am so excited after doing some research about this hotel. The resort sounds incredibly beautiful and unique, and I'm also very excited to try all the restaurants there which seem to get great reviews!

You will love it!!

 

[JessiMommy]

For those who have their own vehicle and stay at AKL, do you prefer to drive to the parks or take the buses and why? We'll be driving down and am unsure which way we'd prefer. My boys are 2 and 4 so I can see some appeal in strapping them in their familiar car seats and turning a dvd on for the ride back to AKL after a long day at the parks. But it will come with the hassle of parking, etc. whereas with the bus you just arrive and walk in. Which to do?

There are pros and cons to the buses. For my family we usually prefer to drive. We prefer to not wait for the bus to arrive. We can just get there faster in our own car. We almost always do rope drop at the parks so getting there quick is important. The other con for us is if we stay at a park until close we hate fighting the masses for a bus. I'd rather sit in my own car then stand on a bus. For MK we usually will take the bus because we can avoid the extra travel time of the monorail or ferry. With that being said it is nice to sometimes kick back and let someone else do the driving. If we are having a more leisurely travel day we might opt for a bus. If you plan to use the buses just allow plenty of travel time.

 

[kimmar067]

I was able to get a reservation at AKL at a DVC standard view studio. Are they in a particular area or wing? It says it is at Jambo House. Also wondered what the requests would be when it comes to online check in.

....I am guessing that you will probably be in Giraffe Trail....

 

[kimmar067]

Just switched our reservation from CSR during free dining to AKL! Very excited that rooms opened up here for the promotion! We'll be there November 14th to the 22nd. You think the Christmas decorations will be up or go up during our stay?

.....yes, since they begin taking down the Halloween decorations directly after October 31 (or whatever that Sunday's date is)...

 

[kimmar067]

We just keep it simple and request a room close to lobby and elevators. That puts you in a pretty centralize location to everything.

...I was going to suggest something pretty similar....

 

[Ceryssa]

Hi all! We had to add a day to our trip due to flights not cooperating, and since we're doing AK as our first park AKL seemed like a perfect option! We've only been there briefly for dinner and didn't get to look around much, but I'm so intrigued by this place I decided not to plan anything arrival day and to just hang out and explore everything the resort has to offer. We land at 8:30 am, so we'll have all day (hopefully, as long as everything goes according to plan!) here. Since we won't be doing any parks or anything outside the resort, I'm considering upgrading to club level, especially if a good discount comes out for our dates. I don't know much about club level in general or at AKL in particular, but with us hanging around the resort all day would this be a good option? Thanks for any advice you have! I'm super excited to stay at this beautiful place!

 

[wmoon]

Hi
We have decided to switch our summer 2016 reservation to AKL after much chopping and changing of our minds. We will be staying 15 nights.
We had never considered it before as I was under the assumption it was too isolated but having read your thread from start to end I'm feeling very excited by AKL now. The food looks great, the pool looks brilliant and it's great we can use the splash area at kidani as well for Ds. We are also very tempted by the night safari.
Our budget won't stretch further than a standard room so will take what we get but by the sounds of it to avoid parking lot views I should request a room on kudu or zebra trails, is that right?
I'm thinking even if we are a bit away from everything it's probably not anymore of a walk than what we had last year at YC to get to buses or qs at beach club maker place.

Thanks for keeping such a great thread going, it's a great source of info.

 

[psac]

Just switched our reservation from CSR during free dining to AKL! Very excited that rooms opened up here for the promotion! We'll be there November 14th to the 22nd. You think the Christmas decorations will be up or go up during our stay?

The resort decorations go up around the World that week before thanksgiving. We usually stay at the BW in the fall (AKL in the spring), and the BW decorations usually go up the thurs or Fri of that week. So you should see them before you go for sure!

Staying CL in three weeks for the first time. Is there any need to put in a room request? Seeing animals is most important and that's guaranteed with CL right? Is there anything else to request ?

Yup, you'll be on Arusha Savannah which has great views. If anything, we liked being on Zebra trail, which put us near the elevators to the pool and The Mara quick service.

Hi all! We had to add a day to our trip due to flights not cooperating, and since we're doing AK as our first park AKL seemed like a perfect option! We've only been there briefly for dinner and didn't get to look around much, but I'm so intrigued by this place I decided not to plan anything arrival day and to just hang out and explore everything the resort has to offer. We land at 8:30 am, so we'll have all day (hopefully, as long as everything goes according to plan!) here. Since we won't be doing any parks or anything outside the resort, I'm considering upgrading to club level, especially if a good discount comes out for our dates. I don't know much about club level in general or at AKL in particular, but with us hanging around the resort all day would this be a good option? Thanks for any advice you have! I'm super excited to stay at this beautiful place!

I think it's a great idea. You'll have access to the club lounge all day even if the room isn't ready. There's also a Club thread that has more info.

 

[sndral]

....I am guessing that you will probably be in Giraffe Trail....

And I'm guessing that since only value villas are on Giraffe (and Ostrich) trail and OP has a standard (view, I assume) villa they will be on Zebra or Kudu trail where all Standard and Savanna view villas are.
IMO it's impossible to keep AKL/AKV rooms/villas views and booking categories straight - there are so many different ones

 

[pmaurer74]

I upgraded our stay in 2 1/2 weeks to club level, I saw one pop open for AP holders and it was only $27 per night more so I snagged it for DHs birthday present. The secret only lasted 24 hours though when my husband freaked out that we got upgraded for free to Club level... I was like "no, Happy Birthday and thanks for spoiling the surprise!"

 

[Ceryssa]

I'm debating whether to upgrade now or wait and see what's open when fall discounts come out. My head is telling me to wait and see; my gut is telling me nothing good ever comes from waiting to book when it comes to Disney lol.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

It has been a long time since I have been over to these boards, but do to some great luck and some very good people, we will be coming back home in August. We will be driving our son down for his senior year at UT and will be arriving a few days early. We were able to purchase some DVc points and will be staying in a deluxe studio from 8/16-8/21. Still not sure if we will drive back home or stay in Florida and fly. (I really think flying after the full week will be what we decide).

We are in Kidani Village. First time there. Not sure if we should let it be or try and change over to Jambo if anything opens up. I would never in a wonderful dream expect to be able to stay at AKL again. We are so blessed. Also we will be alone just DH and I for 3 nights. A first in a long time at Disney.

Need to figure out where to get our tickets now and decide on meals. Told our son to pick one of his favorites for his birthday. So nice to see so many familiar names still posting here.

 

[seven dwarves mine]

In two weeks we will be staying at Kidani Village for the first time (Very excited!). When going to the parks, particularly MK, do most people take the bus or drive? We'll have a car; I'm just wondering what is faster.

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi! We'll be staying at AKL from 9/7-9/22 for our honeymoon!!!! We've stayed at AKL back in 2013 and loved it! I'm so excited to be going back!

September

Smhwalker2011, 5th – 11th, AKL

JESSketeet, 7th – 22nd, AKL

Tiriggs1, 13th – 18th, Jambo House

Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL

wdwphan, 18th - 21st, AKL

dolphingirl47, 22nd – Oct 1st, DCL

punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

cuppie, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, 27th – Oct 2nd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Add me please,
AKL Pool View
9/21-9/28
Thanks

September

Smhwalker2011, 5th – 11th, AKL

JESSketeet, 7th – 22nd, AKL

Tiriggs1, 13th – 18th, Jambo House

Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL

wdwphan, 18th - 21st, AKL

dolphingirl47, 22nd – Oct 1st, DCL

Kel102, 21st – 28th, AKL

punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

cuppie, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, 27th – Oct 2nd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Please remove me from the roll call for 11/10 -11/17. With CBR opening up during our week, the savings were to much to pass up. I will miss the upgrade though.

Thanks for letting me know - I have removed you

 

[dgbg100106]

Loving all the info on this thread! I just found this thread and immediately read 25 pages! Staying at AKL Jambo House Sep 19-26, this year. Never been to AKL, even just to visit or eat, and am so excited after doing some research about this hotel. The resort sounds incredibly beautiful and unique, and I'm also very excited to try all the restaurants there which seem to get great reviews!

September

Smhwalker2011, 5th – 11th, AKL

JESSketeet, 7th – 22nd, AKL

Tiriggs1, 13th – 18th, Jambo House

Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL

wdwphan, 18th - 21st, AKL

DaisyMom09, 19th – 26th, AKL

dolphingirl47, 22nd – Oct 1st, DCL

Kel102, 21st – 28th, AKL

punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

cuppie, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, 27th – Oct 2nd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Only one month until our AKL CL stay, 6-12 to 6-15! It's been almost 8 years since our last Disney trip and we can't wait.

One question, on the morning of our arrival, our flight lands at 735 am and we are using the express service to the resort. I have booked an ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe at 910 am, is that cutting things too close?

June

Sinderelly, May 30th – 6th, Kidani

Dar-VM, 3rd – 10th, AKL CL

Metz172, 7th – 10th, AKL CL

ChgoMusicGirl, 8th – 13th, Jambo House

Jennifer Mattson, 12th – 15th, AKL

think-like-tink, 15th – 25th, AKL

Susiec, 15th – 27th, AKL – DH 50th Bday

Coogz, 17th – 25th, AKL

Carissa1970, 21st – 26th, AKV

 

[dgbg100106]

Just switched our reservation from CSR during free dining to AKL! Very excited that rooms opened up here for the promotion! We'll be there November 14th to the 22nd. You think the Christmas decorations will be up or go up during our stay?

November

RachelTori, Oct 28th – 4th, CSR-Business Class

PNO4TE, Oct 30th – 3rd, Coronado Springs

Nascargirl0829, Oct 31st – 6th, AKL

Sarahbelle341, Oct 31st – 7th, AKL

Caldisneymomof2, 6th – 11th, AKL

Busymommy2pink, 10th – 19th, AKL

Lacoccinelle, 11th – 18th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 13th – 18th, BCV

Rere101399, 14th – 20th, AKL

DevonsDisneyMom, 14th – 22nd, AKL

shameless3, 17th – 20th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 18th -22nd, AKL

1buckeyegirl, 21st – 24th, AKL CL

YoCoLifSavr, 21st – 28th, Jambo House

1buckeyegirl, 24th Disney Magic

Jbausch, 25th – 28th, AKL

JenniferLea

 

[dgbg100106]

We arrive Nov 14th - 21st Jambo House

November

RachelTori, Oct 28th – 4th, CSR-Business Class

PNO4TE, Oct 30th – 3rd, Coronado Springs

Nascargirl0829, Oct 31st – 6th, AKL

Sarahbelle341, Oct 31st – 7th, AKL

Caldisneymomof2, 6th – 11th, AKL

Busymommy2pink, 10th – 19th, AKL

Lacoccinelle, 11th – 18th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 13th – 18th, BCV

Rere101399, 14th – 20th, AKL

Huey578, 14th – 21st, AKL

DevonsDisneyMom, 14th – 22nd, AKL

shameless3, 17th – 20th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 18th -22nd, AKL

1buckeyegirl, 21st – 24th, AKL CL

YoCoLifSavr, 21st – 28th, Jambo House

1buckeyegirl, 24th Disney Magic

Jbausch, 25th – 28th, AKL

JenniferLea