Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[sprmom]

Small change of topic...Does anyone know the brand of the night vision goggles used at AKL? They were incredible and I want to buy a pair for the my husband just like them. Let me know, thanks!

 

[kimnmiah]

I'm thinking of taking advantage of a passholder spring discount and adding on to my stay and doing a split stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I've never stayed there before and had a question I hope doesn't sound too silly. I probably won't be able to afford a savannah view room, is it difficult to get to see the savannah and the animals if I do not have that view? Will I be disappointed? I don't mind an early morning walk with my coffee to go somewhere and see the animals/savannah. Sorry if it does sound silly but I've never been to AKL (yet)

We have never been but are staying for thirst time next week! Everything I have read there are numerous public viewing areas around the resort and I believe that each floor has a viewing area. Plus there is a large area off the lobby. Everything I have read said that it's not THAT big of a deal not to have a savannah view.

 

[kimmar067]

I'm thinking of taking advantage of a passholder spring discount and adding on to my stay and doing a split stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I've never stayed there before and had a question I hope doesn't sound too silly. I probably won't be able to afford a savannah view room, is it difficult to get to see the savannah and the animals if I do not have that view? Will I be disappointed? I don't mind an early morning walk with my coffee to go somewhere and see the animals/savannah.
Sorry if it does sound silly but I've never been to AKL (yet)

.... ARE YOU KIDDING???!?! Get that booking PRONTO! [ ] There are plenty of 'public' viewing areas which will give you many great opportunities to see the animals. Even just walking along the Trails (except Giraffe Trail) you will be able to see animals as you go from 'pod' to 'pod'....

 

[kimmar067]

For Billy Dee Williams his queue started at like 3-4 *AM* the night before. If you wait till the buses start going 1 hour before opening the line might be capped already....

OMG....wow.

 

[kimmar067]

Small change of topic...Does anyone know the brand of the night vision goggles used at AKL? They were incredible and I want to buy a pair for the my husband just like them. Let me know, thanks!

.....let's put it THIS way: you could stay at AKL for a week for the price of a pair of those night-vision goggles.....

 

[DekrRini]

DekrRini, you might want to have a rental car if getting an autograph is one of the things you want to do at Star Wars Weekends.

For Billy Dee Williams his queue started at like 3-4 *AM* the night before. If you wait till the buses start going 1 hour before opening the line might be capped already.

OK you might not have to get there that early for the cartoon voice actors, but still by the time the buses get you there the queues will be quite long.

Also having a car will make going to Downtown Disney, other resorts for dining, getting supplies, or eating cheaper off-site so much easier. Yay free parking when staying on property!

Rach

Thanks for the advice. I'm not big on collecting autographs so I don't have to worry about getting there at 3AM. I'm mostly going for the ambience--and the Storm Troopers.

This is actually a second trip for 2015. I try to go the end of November/first part of December for my birthday. That trip is when I hit DTD and the nicer restaurants. This trip I'm going for the Star Trek breakfast on Monday since the weekend itself was booked up already, but everything else is going to be quick service.

 

[cantthinkofaname]

Thanks for the help. I've never been to Animal Kingdom Lodge and only seen the pictures online, so I'm not familiar with what it's like and think its about time that I am lol. What are the requests you can make with a standard view room when you do online check in? And in the main lobby, are those rooms that are off the balcony's that overlook it? I'm just going by the photo's I've seen online so I'm not sure if they are rooms there or just corridors to the rooms. If you're staying at AKL can you use both or does it depend on which part of the hotel you're staying at? Sorry for the questions.

 

[tinkerone]

Small change of topic...Does anyone know the brand of the night vision goggles used at AKL? They were incredible and I want to buy a pair for the my husband just like them. Let me know, thanks!

how do you get use of the goggles? are they in the room, do you have to go to the front desk, are they attached to something somewhere and can't be removed?
tia

 

[dgbg100106]

Would love to be added to the 2015 list!

12/20/15 - 12/27/15 (Jambo House)

We recently cancelled our August 2015 trip at the Poly because our son will be starting college sooner than we anticipated. Our kids (18, 16, 13, 10) are getting older and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a date that works for the entire family. As a result, we are doing something I swore we would never do...we are going over Christmas!! I must admit that I do have a little anxiety about this...I mean, I've seen pictures and I've read stories that scared me! We are used to going at slower times of the year, so the busier pace will likely be a bit of a challenge for us. But...I'm a researcher and a planner, so I feel that if I go about this with some thought, we'll be okay.

In addition to being first-timers over Christmas, we are also first-timers to AKL! In 20+ trips to WDW, we've never had an opportunity to try out ALK. Despite never actually staying at AKL, we've visited the resort numerous times because Boma (breakfast) is our absolute favorite place to eat in all of WDW!

As a first-timer, it is definitely reassuring to know that there is a place I can come with my questions. I look forward to getting to know you all a little better in the coming months.

Thanks!

December
Sndral, 5th – 13th, Jambo House
Lovinallthingsdisney, 14th – 22nd, AKL
Nuts4Dale, 20th – 27th, Jambo House

 

[dgbg100106]

Just had to share my excitement with people I know will appreciate it. We are booked for our very first stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House in a savanna view studio villa (renting DVC points from a friend) for September 26-October 3 this year.....248 days!!!!! I'm stoked! My hubby and son (who will be 5 during the trip) have never even seen AKL with their own eyes and I've only eaten at Boma twice, so this will be fairly new to all of us. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

September
VeronicaBride, 11th – 18th, AKL
Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL
punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Brandi, I know you already have us for DVB.. but can you add us for the remainder,

VB Aug 15-18, BWV Aug 18-26, HH Aug 26-28 Thanks..

August
Octoberbaby, Oct 23rd – 2nd, Jambo House
anjalee6, 3rd -10th, AKL CL
MICKEY'S DREAMERS, 3rd – 13th, AKL
Ebonyeyes, 10th – 21st, AKV Kidani
DizDaD7, 15th – 18th, VB
Pandv_2000, 15th-29th, AKl CL
DizDaD7, 18th – 26th, BWV
NatalieMT, 24th – Sep 1st, AKL
DizDaD7, 26th – 28th, HH

 

[dgbg100106]

HI! I would LOVE to be added to the list. AKV is our new DVC home and we plan on spending as much time there as Possible!!!

MAY: Disneyfirsttimer10 May 16-20 BLT/ 20-24 AKV Kidani

DEC: Disneyfirsttimer10 Dec 5-12 Jambo

Cant wait!

May
AspenLL, Apr 29th – 6th, AKL
Mickeymedic, 1st – 4th, AKL Expedition Everest Challenge
Moon Dreamer, 3rd – 8th, AKL
ah10is, 4th – 11th, AKL
DgBg100106, 5th -8th, BCV (Flower and Garden)
ThisIsJason, 5th – 11th, Kidani
Dolphingirl47, 11th – 14th, BCV
The Sunrise Student, 14th – 25th, AKL CL
Disneyfirsttimer10, 16th -20th BLT
Disneyfirsttimer10, 20th-24th, AKV Kidani
Josh704, 23rd – 30th, AKL
Sinderelly, 30th – Jun 6th, Kidani

December
Disneyfirsttimer10, 5th -12th , Jambo
Sndral, 5th – 13th, Jambo House
Lovinallthingsdisney, 14th – 22nd, AKL
Nuts4Dale, 20th – 27th, Jambo House

 

[dgbg100106]

Hello all. Just booked an Arusha View room for 10/1 - 10/7. Really looking forward to learning as much as possible from you experts.

October
punkin413, Sep 26th – 3rd, AKL
CatManDoo, 1st – 7th, Jambo House
dizneegirl71, 17th – 24th, Kidani
LJSquishy, 21st – 30th, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Just booked our trip for Novmeber 21st-28th at AKL Jambo House with Savannah View. We have never been to AKL before so this should be a real treat when we arrive.

November
shameless3, 17th – 20th, AKL
YoCoLifSavr, 21st – 28th, Jambo House
JenniferLea

 

[siskaren]

how do you get use of the goggles? are they in the room, do you have to go to the front desk, are they attached to something somewhere and can't be removed?
tia

They have them out at the public viewing areas. I'm guessing that if they're as expensive as kimmar067 says they are, they must be attached to something.

 

[lilpnutmama]

We had a standard view and still saw tons of animals from our balcony: giraffes, zebras etc.

 

[DizDaD7]

They have them out at the public viewing areas. I'm guessing that if they're as expensive as kimmar067 says they are, they must be attached to something.

Yes like maybe attached to A few Extra FP+'s...lol

 

[crystalk]

I couldn't find a spot for this question elsewhere.

In the gift shop do they still have plush animal print ear headbands? if not are there any pictures of what is available for earbands?

Friends of ours will be heading to WDW soon and I'd like her to pick me up an earband so I have something to wear on boarding my Disney Cruise.

It was several years ago when we got our first sets, my kids got giraffe print and pink cheetah. It's probably discontinued but if anyone would know, you people would

 

[ssmurphy28]

Thanks for the help. I've never been to Animal Kingdom Lodge and only seen the pictures online, so I'm not familiar with what it's like and think its about time that I am lol. What are the requests you can make with a standard view room when you do online check in? And in the main lobby, are those rooms that are off the balcony's that overlook it? I'm just going by the photo's I've seen online so I'm not sure if they are rooms there or just corridors to the rooms. If you're staying at AKL can you use both or does it depend on which part of the hotel you're staying at? Sorry for the questions.

We are here right now and requested a "Kudu Trail - Upper Floor" room and have a great view of the savannah. I think it's called a partial savannah view, but we have seen all kinds of animals right off of our balcony. We are also just a few rooms down from the lobby, so it's very convenient!

 

[BestVacaEver]

We are here right now and requested a "Kudu Trail - Upper Floor" room and have a great view of the savannah. I think it's called a partial savannah view, but we have seen all kinds of animals right off of our balcony. We are also just a few rooms down from the lobby, so it's very convenient!

That's awesome! We are hoping for something similar next week....can you let us know how the lobby floor refinishing job is going and how the weather is? This time of year can be so hard to pack for.