Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[ny0090]

Going to be there Nov. 12-16

 

[Lovinallthingsdisney]

What is the thought of the Night Safari? I am trying to decide if I should pair this with Jiko on our anniversary night (she has already demanded Jiko that night). We have done the Wanyama before (probably our all time favorite WDW experience) and we have used the night-vision goggles at the resort before, so I am just wondering if the Night Safari is going to be a different enough of an experience to be worth the cost.

Any opinions?

TIA!

We did this in December 2013 and really liked it. It was brand new back then and we were the only ones on the safari. It was very cool to see the animals in a "different" setting. We had zebra that came right up to our vehicle. The giraffes were laying down just a few feet from where we were stopped. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

 

[OhThePain]

We did this in December 2013 and really liked it. It was brand new back then and we were the only ones on the safari. It was very cool to see the animals in a "different" setting. We had zebra that came right up to our vehicle. The giraffes were laying down just a few feet from where we were stopped. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Thank you for sharing.

Those who poo-poo AKL have no idea what they are missing out on. We had a bit of a close encounter with a nosey giraffe when we did the Wanyama. (I hope the pictures show up)

It locked eyes...

It got into position...

It came in for the kill!

 

[kimmar067]

Thank you for sharing.

Those who poo-poo AKL have no idea what they are missing out on. We had a bit of a close encounter with a nosey giraffe when we did the Wanyama. (I hope the pictures show up)

It locked eyes...

It got into position...

It came in for the kill!

....I can't see your pix!

 

[gottalovepluto]

....I can't see your pix!

I was able to see them on an iPhone & internet explorer on my desktop if that helps...

 

[ariane37]

Hi! Can you add us to the list for January? I posted the dates but it was quite awhile ago. January 15-18th

 

[MissyPooh5890]

We'll be there from April 27th-May 2nd!!

 

[firstwdw]

Are there outdoor tables near the quick service where you can eat outside? If so, can you see the animals from them?

 

[pepperandchips]

Are there outdoor tables near the quick service where you can eat outside? If so, can you see the animals from them?

Yes there are plenty of outdoor tables at the Mara, but they are next to the pool and the building, so you cannot see the Savannas from them. After eating, you could walk around the pool area to the Savanna overlook on that same side.

For a great view of the animals in a fairly casual restaurant atmosphere, try Sanaa. The view of the animals is incredible there and the food was amazing and honestly not too much more expensive than quick service if you're just getting sandwiches or something anyway. (I mean at lunch, it might be dark at dinner time anyway)

 

[firstwdw]

How is Saana for picky eaters, non adventuresome eaters? Thinking we might just share a naan platter to have the experience of dining with animals?

 

[sndral]

Are there outdoor tables near the quick service where you can eat outside? If so, can you see the animals from them?

Yes there are plenty of outdoor tables at the Mara, but they are next to the pool and the building, so you cannot see the Savannas from them. After eating, you could walk around the pool area to the Savanna overlook on that same side.

For a great view of the animals in a fairly casual restaurant atmosphere, try Sanaa. The view of the animals is incredible there and the food was amazing and honestly not too much more expensive than quick service if you're just getting sandwiches or something anyway. (I mean at lunch, it might be dark at dinner time anyway)

I've taken my Mara food over to the Uzima savanna overlook where there are a couple of tables. Just walk to the left around the pool. You can't see the animals really well sitting down - but it's a nice spot to sit and there's usually a CM from Africa standing at the overlook who'll identify which animals you are looking at for you.

 

[OhThePain]

....I can't see your pix!

After all this time I still don't know how to really post pictures. I took them off my old ladies FB album.

To sum up the pictures, the giraffe eyed us, came closer and then stuck its head INTO our safari vehicle. It was kind of funny, our CM guide was trying to keep everyone calm, telling us it was just looking around and wouldn't hurt us. I wish my picture was better but as I went to take it, the giraffe started to focus on me.

I was able to see them on an iPhone & internet explorer on my desktop if that helps...

I'm glad you were able to see it!

 

[Lacoccinelle]

I was looking on touring plans and it seems no standard rooms connect. Is this just an oversight or has anyone had standard connecting rooms. If you did, where were they? Thanks!

 

[ZOOMAMA]

Brandi,

Can you add us for June 11-18? Thank you!

-Tess

 

[pepperandchips]

How is Saana for picky eaters, non adventuresome eaters? Thinking we might just share a naan platter to have the experience of dining with animals?

There was a chicken sandwich served on naan - the server asked if we wanted sauce on the side which I think would have been good for a picky eater. There was also a burger, the super yummy bread appetizer, and butter chicken which might be good for less adventurous palates. Honestly our server was fantastic and I'm certain I saw others explaining the dishes as well - they should be able to steer you toward more familiar flavor profiles. One of the best restaurant experiences we've had at WDW in the last year!

 

[kimmar067]

I was able to see them on an iPhone & internet explorer on my desktop if that helps...

...OH! Now I see them....weird....

 

[DisMom829]

Add us to the list for November please! We arrive at AKL-Kidani Nov 14-22 for DD's 10th bday! Our first DVC stay and our first time at Kidani! So excited!

 

[kimmar067]

How is Saana for picky eaters, non adventuresome eaters? Thinking we might just share a naan platter to have the experience of dining with animals?

....worse case scenario, if there is absolutely nothing on the menu for the pickiest of eaters, ask the CM if the chef can accommodate the taste buds of that eater. They will be more than happy to please and make sure that that person gets SOMETHING to eat that they will enjoy!

 

[2013Frozen]

Sorry, new to this thread. What is the Wanyana? Is that something offered at AKL?

 

[OhThePain]

Sorry, new to this thread. What is the Wanyana? Is that something offered at AKL?

The Wanyama Safari is only offered to AKL guests. The first part is you go on a safari through the savannahs at both Jambo and Kidani. The guides (one guide does most of the talking, the other does the driving) are CMs that work with the animals at the lodge, which is nice because they have a relationship with the animals they work with. I think we were out there for a good 90 minutes. After the safari, you go to Jiko for a HUGE feast, which includes wine pairings with each course (and they will refill your glass as you wish). A chef comes out and presents what each item being served is. The bread service, appetizers and entrees were all served family style. The amuse bouche, palate cleanser and desserts are served individually. There are three appetizers, three entrees and three desserts. My wife has a peanut/tree nut allergy and couldn't have one of the appetizers so they served her another appetizer (which she was happy to share to those who wanted a taste).

We did this 4 years ago (4 years to the date this Wednesday actually, I only remember because we got engaged about 20 minutes before we had to check-in for it). I don't know if it has changed at all. The price then was I think $199 per person, tax and gratuities included, but between the guided tour and the feast at Jiko, it was almost a bargain at that price.