Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[Best Aunt]

Anything special I should know about club level in general or the club level rooms at AKL?

You will need to use your Magic Band in order to press the elevator button for your floor. You can do it on either side of the door inside the elevator. If Magic Band on left wrist, it might be easier to touch the thing on the right side of the door.

four of the DVC club level rooms are pool view, I believe, and six are classified as savanna view, but because you are all the way at the end of the building, you may find that very few animals wander down that far.

 

[DizDaD7]

Hello everybody! We just switched out resort from ASMu to AKL! This will be our first family trip to WDW. We have 2 boys aged 3 and 11 at the time of the trip. Our dates are 3/26/16-4/9/16. We are *beyond* excited!

to the disboards....

Wow talk about a way to start off your WDW journey... Staying in AKL/V will be awesome for you. Especially for a 2 week trip like you have planned..

Enjoy the parks, but also enjoy your down time at the resort...Usually what we say is that it's a vacation within a vacation..

 

[psac]

It's not at all only ethnic food..On the contrary...There's soooo much to choose from at Boma's , that it'll blow you away...Best Buffet * ( hate that word here ) in all of WDW IMHO.. Sanaa , I would say yes, but even Jiko's get top reviews, and there are plenty of options here. Even the Mara is great.

Also You aren't that far from EPCOT...True if you're staying at BC/YC or BWI/V you are within walkin distance. But if you were planning on staying at a monorail resort, it's literally around the same distance/ or maybe time wise on the buses, honestly.... Maybe 10 mins. or so.

That's what I figured thanks for answering.

We're only there for 2 nights, flying in for Food & Wine, so I'm pretty bummed we moved further from Epcot, but we weren't given a choice. My H is mad about the move because he doesn't like the ethnic food served at the AKL TS restaurants so I was hoping I could make the stay a little more enjoyable. Oh well. We never had any desire to stay here so thankfully it's only 2 nights, we'll make it work.

I agree with Diz, try Boma. My wife doesn't like spicy food or spices like coriander or curry flavors. But she really likes Boma! We also have had great meals at Jiko, but we make sure we say nothing spicy for her, and the waiter will tell her what not to order, or they'll leave off the spicy part. We haven't tried Sanaa though. Physically if you were going to be at WL, I think AKL is actually closer to Epcot!

 

[Visualauren]

How is the Simba's Clubhouse? We're thinking we might go eat at Boma one night (and take the 2 year old with us) and send the 2 5 year olds to Simba's clubhouse. They wouldn't eat anything at Boma (except whatever random kid things they have) so considering them having their own night out! We'd probably only do 2 hours for us to go eat.

We used Simbas Clubhouse for our 3 year old and 5 year old for two and a half hours so we could have an adult dinner at Boma and they loved it! It was so wonderful to have some time together and know they were safe, and happily playing. They played with puzzles, toys, watched movies they were allowed to choose. Upon entering we filled out a form indicating which meal they could have. They ate and were begging to go back to the clubhouse the next day! They do not let any adults other than castmembers enter all the way into the clubhouse for the safety of all children. This was good but it was hard to it run up to our kids to hug upon returning. So worth it in my opinion to have a non rushed stress free meal. If your booked a package (in the voucher booklet) or are a passholder you should receive a 15% discount. Make sure to tell them!

 

[OThopeful35]

I can't believe after a year of planning, we are under a week! I am beyond excited and I still have not told DS that we are moving over to AKL after 2 nights at POP. He thinks we are staying at POP for our whole trip. Boy is he in for a surprise. He is going to be so excited.

 

[Cando86]

You will need to use your Magic Band in order to press the elevator button for your floor. You can do it on either side of the door inside the elevator. If Magic Band on left wrist, it might be easier to touch the thing on the right side of the door.

Since I'm doing a split stay and my dining plan/tickets don't start until we check in to All-Star Sports (and our MagicBands will be associated with that reservation and have nothing to do with the AKL stay) will they give us MagicBands at AKL when we check in that will just be active for that night we are there?

 

[Best Aunt]

Since I'm doing a split stay and my dining plan/tickets don't start until we check in to All-Star Sports (and our MagicBands will be associated with that reservation and have nothing to do with the AKL stay) will they give us MagicBands at AKL when we check in that will just be active for that night we are there?

Did you activate your Magic Bands on My Disney Experience? If yes they should send you two sets if you are doing a split stay (assuming you live in US, not sure about sending Magic Bands outside US). if you didn't you will get them at check in.

 

[LashesandDashes]

Hi all, I just transferred my upcoming stay in December from Contemporary to AKL. First time staying on sight and first time back in over 15 years. I will be coming with someone who can not take an elevator to our room due to health issues. Can you explain, I know the lobby is on the 3rd floor, can you walk right into lobby from parking lot or is there an escalator? I am trying to figure out what I need to request. We are staying in a standard room. Thanks in advance!

 

[psac]

Hi all, I just transferred my upcoming stay in December from Contemporary to AKL. First time staying on sight and first time back in over 15 years. I will be coming with someone who can not take an elevator to our room due to health issues. Can you explain, I know the lobby is on the 3rd floor, can you walk right into lobby from parking lot or is there an escalator? I am trying to figure out what I need to request. We are staying in a standard room. Thanks in advance!

When you walk in the entrance you end up directly in the lobby floor, which is the third floor. You can take stairs up to the 4th or 5th floor (also more stairs up to the 6th club level floor but it's tricky), or stairs down to the lounge on 2 or the observation deck on 1. I'm sure there are also stairs somewhere to the first floor for Boma, Jiko, and the Mara and the Pool. No escalators at all that I'm aware of!

 

[Best Aunt]

No escalators. There are stairs. If you are in the lobby look for the bar area. You can take stairs down to the level where Boma is. You can walk outside from there to the pool, The Mara quick service restaurant, etc.

 

[kimmar067]

...off-topic, I know, but I'd like to let my Jambo friends that our brother, Keith, has finally lost his battle to overcome his various ailments that he has suffered during the past 3 years....may you be forever in that wonderful kraal in a better place....

 

[DizDaD7]

Adios hermano, y vayas con Dios....

 

[Cshel85]

We head to Kidani for an 8 night stay on Monday, this is our first trip to AKL and I so hope we enjoy it. A little nervous because my DH and I love BWI and WL.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hoping to book 2 nights at AKL CL after our April 2016 cruise. We already have 2 nights at AoA prior to the cruise.
Waiting to see if military discounts are released for next year in order to finalize the reservation!
I want to finally stay at AKL before our 5th family member turns 3 and then we are too big a family for a standard room.

 

[JnKinVA]

Hi there!

This will be the first time DH and I will be staying at AKL Kidani using our points.
My parents stayed for 2 nights (on our points) in a Savannah view in January this year, and DH and I loved it!
We will be there from 09/23 - 09/28

 

[psac]

...off-topic, I know, but I'd like to let my Jambo friends that our brother, Keith, has finally lost his battle to overcome his various ailments that he has suffered during the past 3 years....may you be forever in that wonderful kraal in a better place....

Sorry for the loss!

We head to Kidani for an 8 night stay on Monday, this is our first trip to AKL and I so hope we enjoy it. A little nervous because my DH and I love BWI and WL.

If you're not driving, my biggest suggestion would be to request a room near the lobby at Kidani. The hallways are looooooonnnnnngggggg! If you are driving, the parking is actually very convenient, so location won't matter. Make sure you go over to Jambo as well. I hope you enjoy!!

 

[PNO4TE]

Adios hermano, y vayas con Dios....

Awwwwwwwwwwwww... I am so sorry, you two.

 

[dgbg100106]

Hello everybody! We just switched our resort from ASMu to AKL! This will be our first family trip to WDW. We have 2 boys aged 3 and 11 at the time of the trip. Our dates are 3/26/16-4/9/16. We are *beyond* excited!

March

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi there!

This will be the first time DH and I will be staying at AKL Kidani using our points.
My parents stayed for 2 nights (on our points) in a Savannah view in January this year, and DH and I loved it!
We will be there from 09/23 - 09/28

September

Smhwalker2011, 5th – 11th, AKL

JESSketeet, 7th – 22nd, AKL

Suruat68, 11th - 13th, AKL

Tiriggs1, 13th – 18th, Jambo House

Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL

Novamickey, 16th – 23rd, AKL

wdwphan, 18th - 21st, AKL

DaisyMom09, 19th – 26th, AKL

Kel102, 21st – 28th, AKL

dolphingirl47, 22nd – Oct 1st, DCL

JnKinVA, 23rd - 28th, AKL

luvthemouse71, 24th – Oct 4th, AKL

punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

cuppie, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, 27th – Oct 2nd, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2015 & 2016

If you have any updates please let me know...



2015

July

Denamac, 20th -26th, Jambo CL

Octoberbaby, 23rd – Aug 2nd, Jambo House

Cshel85, 27th - Aug 4th, Kidani

OThopeful35, 28th – Aug 7th, AKL

Dizzycrazy, 29th - Aug 1st, AKL



August

Octoberbaby, Jul 23rd – 2nd, Jambo House

Cshel85, Jul 27th - 4th, Kidani

OThopeful35, Jul 28th – 7th, AKL

Jennifur25, Jul 31st – 7th, AKL

anjalee6, 2nd - 10th, AKL CL

MICKEY'S DREAMERS, 3rd – 13th, AKL

Broncobill, 7th – 16th, AKL

anjalee6, 10th – 13th, BC

ColinCodyMom, 10th – 14th, AKL

Ebonyeyes, 10th – 21st, AKV Kidani

DizDaD7, 15th – 26th, BWV

Pandv_2000, 15th-29th, AKl CL

Drusilla, 18th – 24th, AKL

MissDisneyDora, 22nd – 26th, AKL

amberjean15, 23rd – 30th, AKL

RachelTori, 23rd – 28th, AKL CL

NatalieMT, 24th – Sep 1st, AKL

DizDaD7, 26th – 28th, HHR



September

Smhwalker2011, 5th – 11th, AKL

JESSketeet, 7th – 22nd, AKL

Suruat68, 11th - 13th, AKL

Tiriggs1, 13th – 18th, Jambo House

Sailored, 15th – 22nd, AKL

Novamickey, 16th – 23rd, AKL

wdwphan, 18th - 21st, AKL

DaisyMom09, 19th – 26th, AKL

Kel102, 21st – 28th, AKL

dolphingirl47, 22nd – Oct 1st, DCL

JnKinVA, 23rd - 28th, AKL

luvthemouse71, 24th – Oct 4th, AKL

punkin413, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

cuppie, 26th – Oct 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, 27th – Oct 2nd, AKL



October

luvthemouse71, Sep 24th – 4th, AKL

punkin413, Sep 26th – 3rd, AKL

stitchfan75, Sep 26th – 3rd, AKL

cuppie, Sep 26th – 3rd, AKL

lelesansan, Sep 27th – 2nd, AKL

beckykarstetter, Sep 30th – 3rd, AKL

dolphiongirl47, 1st – 5th, ASM

CatManDoo, 1st – 7th, Jambo House

I’mfarfaraway, 6th – 14th, Jambo House

dizneegirl71, 17th – 24th, Kidani

LJSquishy, 21st – 30th, AKL

RachelTori, 25th – 28th BC

PNO4TE, 25th – 30th, BLT

Wellesleyprincess, 28th – 31st, AKL

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

TeeterTots, 31st – Nov 3rd, AKL CL

Nascargirl0829, 31st – Nov 6th, AKL

Sarahbelle341, 31st – Nov 7th, AKL



November

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

PNO4TE, Oct 30th – 3rd, Coronado Springs

TeeterTots, Oct 31st – 3rd, AKL CL

Nascargirl0829, Oct 31st – 6th, AKL

Sarahbelle341, Oct 31st – 7th, AKL

brittbrat63, 5th – 9th, Kidani

Caldisneymomof2, 6th – 11th, AKL

brittbrat63, 9th – 11th, Jambo House

Busymommy2pink, 10th – 19th, AKL

Lacoccinelle, 11th – 18th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 13th – 18th, BCV

Libmom333, 13th – 21st, AKL

Rere101399, 14th – 20th, AKL

Huey578, 14th – 21st, AKL

DevonsDisneyMom, 14th – 22nd, AKL

Deannaf87, 16th – 21st, AKL

shameless3, 17th – 20th, AKL

VeronicaBride, 18th -22nd, AKL

RobynPrincess, 20th – 26th, AKL CL

1buckeyegirl, 21st – 24th, AKL CL

YoCoLifSavr, 21st – 28th, Jambo House

1buckeyegirl, 24th Disney Magic

Jbausch, 25th – 28th, AKL

RobynPrincess, 26th – Dec 9th, AKL

JenniferLea



December

RobynPrincess, Nov 26th – 9th, AKL

Disneyfirsttimer10, 5th -12th, Jambo

Sndral, 2nd – 5th, Kidani

Sndral, 5th – 10th, Jambo House

Aladora, 9th -16th, AKV

KanataDad, 10th -12th, AKL

Traceylee, 11th – 19th, AKL

PrincessHeather92, 12th - 18th, AKL

Stephaniesnyder, 12th – 18th, AKL

Lovinallthingsdisney, 13th – 23rd, AKL

Nuts4Dale, 20th – 27th, Jambo House

Chrisc88, 24th – 27th, AKL



2016



January

Abbey1, 31st - Feb 6th, AKL

February

Abbey1, Jan 31st - 6th, AKL,

Eeyoreandtink, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

Lustergirl, 5th – 8th, AKL

Luv2Run, 18th – 25th, AKL



March

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

April

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

May

Karlius, Apr 26th - 10th, AKL

Hokieinpa, 1st - 8th, Jambo House

Mster425, 7th - 16th, AKL

June

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL