Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[OhThePain]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see why everyone is getting so panic-y or upset about. A little bit of banging on the floor, during the day, when you'll most likely be in the parks? Seeing rolled up carpet in the hallway? This is what is causing people to change resorts or be worried about where their room is? I'm sorry, but I just don't get what the big deal is.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

No, I have been through this before and it's definitely more than that, particularly when they inevitably get behind schedule. We were awakened before 6 to tack strips being shot into concerete. Hallways were blocked by construction supplies, hammering went in into the night. Not to mention those with small kids who need a nap. The noise was incessant during the day to the point we couldn't hear the tv in our room on our rain day where we stayed at the resort. I cannot imagine trying to nap a child in that. It was not pleasant.

 

[DizDaD7]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see why everyone is getting so panic-y or upset about. A little bit of banging on the floor, during the day, when you'll most likely be in the parks? Seeing rolled up carpet in the hallway? This is what is causing people to change resorts or be worried about where their room is? I'm sorry, but I just don't get what the big deal is.

When people spend a lot of money, this can be a big concern...For you it might not be. As well as myself it might not be, but some others don't go commando all day to the parks. Some leisure around the resort and explore & relax.... Especially at AKL/V...This is one of the best places to do that, because this is truly one of the resorts that is a vacation within a vacation....

For all that are dealing with this, I'm hoping it isn't as bad as expected to be...Good Luck all.

 

[hollydolly08]

What is the current best way to make room requests with AKL? It's been over a year and a half since we've gone to WDW and last time, I faxed in a written request (to POR where we stayed) and it was pretty effective. Is that still the case? If so, what's AKL's address, fax, and other contact info? My requests are fairly simple: not ground floor, and we're a family of 4, so we'd like a room with either 2 queen beds, or the queen and bunk beds. I'm also assuming they won't put us in a room with the king and a sleeper sofa, but it would be nice to have the bunk. I'd also like to request an early check in as we'll most likely be arriving in the morning.

It's not DVC, if that makes a difference. Just an AKL Standard View Room. Should I fax those requests, or is that just something I should phone in and have them note it on my reservation?

We just got back (last night) from a 7 night stay in a standard room. I called the resort # on the 1st page of this thread, about 5 days prior to arrival day, and requested a standard room that had/has a partial (or obstructed) savannah view and upper floor. We got room 4271 on Kudu trail and it was awesome! It had the queen bed with bunk beds and a view of the animal care pens. We were able to see all kinds of animals from the balcony at different times everyday. (Never in the pens tho)

I did try calling the 407 WDISNEY # about a month before or arrival day to put in a room request... But, the person I spoke with had broken English and thought I was trying to upgrade to a savannah view. I didn't want to do that... Just wanted to increase our chance of a non parking lot view.

 

[tarak]

When people spend a lot of money, this can be a big concern...For you it might not be. As well as myself it might not be, but some others don't go commando all day to the parks. Some leisure around the resort and explore & relax.... Especially at AKL/V...This is one of the best places to do that, because this is truly one of the resorts that is a vacation within a vacation....

For all that are dealing with this, I'm hoping it isn't as bad as expected to be...Good Luck all.

I agree with all of this. When we stay at AKL, we spend a lot more time at the resort. I hope this isn't terribly disruptive to everyone. We're checking into Kidani Village on 1/19. I'll try to check out what's going on over at Jambo House and report back.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see why everyone is getting so panic-y or upset about. A little bit of banging on the floor, during the day, when you'll most likely be in the parks? Seeing rolled up carpet in the hallway? This is what is causing people to change resorts or be worried about where their room is? I'm sorry, but I just don't get what the big deal is.

Some PP's have already outlined the issues, and we've been through it twice. Once at WL and once at BC. In all honestly, at WL it was fine. We occasionally saw a construction person but it was not disruptive. However, at BC, it was a whole different story. We decided to stay there despite the construction because of our good experience at WL but the issues at BC were far worse.

Loud banging for long hours (we do hang out at the resort quite a bit, and like naps). Construction workers EVERYWHERE. Electricity being turned off. Hot water being disrupted. Every time we went to the elevator we had to look at construction walls and dust everywhere. Just not relaxing at all. Very in your face. So, especially with a 1 year old who will definitely need a nap, we are not willing to just roll the dice again...because we know it can go either way.

 

[BelleBee]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see why everyone is getting so panic-y or upset about. A little bit of banging on the floor, during the day, when you'll most likely be in the parks? Seeing rolled up carpet in the hallway? This is what is causing people to change resorts or be worried about where their room is? I'm sorry, but I just don't get what the big deal is.

We don't pay all that money to sleep there. We pay the exorbitant prices to enjoy the resort. Construction noise can be a big deal. I am hoping it won't be the case for us in 10 days, but if it is, we'll deal with it through the proper channels at the time.

 

[OhThePain]

Some PP's have already outlined the issues, and we've been through it twice. Once at WL and once at BC. In all honestly, at WL it was fine. We occasionally saw a construction person but it was not disruptive. However, at BC, it was a whole different story. We decided to stay there despite the construction because of our good experience at WL but the issues at BC were far worse.

Loud banging for long hours (we do hang out at the resort quite a bit, and like naps). Construction workers EVERYWHERE. Electricity being turned off. Hot water being disrupted. Every time we went to the elevator we had to look at construction walls and dust everywhere. Just not relaxing at all. Very in your face. So, especially with a 1 year old who will definitely need a nap, we are not willing to just roll the dice again...because we know it can go either way.

We don't pay all that money to sleep there. We pay the exorbitant prices to enjoy the resort. Construction noise can be a big deal. I am hoping it won't be the case for us in 10 days, but if it is, we'll deal with it through the proper channels at the time.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I get how there can be some inconveniences and trust me I understand that we don't pay all that money just to sleep there but to enjoy the resort. We also thoroughly enjoy our mid-afternoon naps. But when you are paying the prices it costs to stay there, for the resort, it's to be around the resort like the pool(s) or any of the areas you can view the animals or just relaxing in the lobby, not really just sitting in the room all day. We like to spend time at the resort in areas where the refurb isn't really affecting. Even sitting out on the balcony having conversation or listening to music, in theory, shouldn't affect the overall resort experience, for the most part (I am sure sitting outside wont mute all the work going on). To be fair, we have never stayed at a resort going through a "soft goods" refurb before and we aren't staying DVC in Jambo, so we won't have to deal with seeing construction workers so much, but we are staying on the 4th Floor (CL) so we will have to deal with any re-carpeting on the 5th. I guess we will have to wait until May to see if it something to avoid in the future. I am not looking to start a fight or debate, just looking at it from a different point of view I guess.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I get how there can be some inconveniences and trust me I understand that we don't pay all that money just to sleep there but to enjoy the resort. We also thoroughly enjoy our mid-afternoon naps. But when you are paying the prices it costs to stay there, for the resort, it's to be around the resort like the pool(s) or any of the areas you can view the animals or just relaxing in the lobby, not really just sitting in the room all day. We like to spend time at the resort in areas where the refurb isn't really affecting. Even sitting out on the balcony having conversation or listening to music, in theory, shouldn't affect the overall resort experience, for the most part (I am sure sitting outside wont mute all the work going on). To be fair, we have never stayed at a resort going through a "soft goods" refurb before and we aren't staying DVC in Jambo, so we won't have to deal with seeing construction workers so much, but we are staying on the 4th Floor (CL) so we will have to deal with any re-carpeting on the 5th. I guess we will have to wait until May to see if it something to avoid in the future. I am not looking to start a fight or debate, just looking at it from a different point of view I guess.

I totally understand. Definitely not looking for a fight, lol. To each their own, but we were staying CL too...and you do realize the lounge is being redone and moved to a temporary spot, right?

Anyway, I have felt the same as you in the past, until it sucked and now I don't, lol

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I get how there can be some inconveniences and trust me I understand that we don't pay all that money just to sleep there but to enjoy the resort. We also thoroughly enjoy our mid-afternoon naps. But when you are paying the prices it costs to stay there, for the resort, it's to be around the resort like the pool(s) or any of the areas you can view the animals or just relaxing in the lobby, not really just sitting in the room all day. We like to spend time at the resort in areas where the refurb isn't really affecting. Even sitting out on the balcony having conversation or listening to music, in theory, shouldn't affect the overall resort experience, for the most part (I am sure sitting outside wont mute all the work going on). To be fair, we have never stayed at a resort going through a "soft goods" refurb before and we aren't staying DVC in Jambo, so we won't have to deal with seeing construction workers so much, but we are staying on the 4th Floor (CL) so we will have to deal with any re-carpeting on the 5th. I guess we will have to wait until May to see if it something to avoid in the future. I am not looking to start a fight or debate, just looking at it from a different point of view I guess.

But you don't know any of this about what it will or will not effect. As you said you haven't been through this before, we have. The last room refurb we stayed through shouldn't have effected any of these things, but it did. You heard and saw construction workers, supplies, and equipment pretty much everywhere around the resort. Their "stuff" takes up a lot if space, the demo necessary will generate construction waste and necessitate dumpsters outside the building. All the old carpet, padding, wallpaper, and fixtures have to go somewhere. The new stuff going in has to sit somewhere until it's used. Workers will be constantly in and out of the buildings, through guest areas. Because of the animals and the Savannah, all of this will have to go in and out of the front of the building.

 

[MainMom]

Received a letter, but we are not switching. Stayed at BWV in DVC while the refurb/soft goods replacement was going on this summer. Wasn't bothered at all and wouldn't have even known about it had I not read it here.

We are staying in a pool bunk room in the lodge in February. We will take our chances.

 

[mcallisk]

Non-Construction Question:

I've been doing a lot of research on the resort but there is a minor detail I can't seem to find out. We are staying in Jambo house from January 27th to February 2nd and we have reservations at Sanaa in Kidani Village the first night. I'm trying to find out how we get there? Is it like CSR where the Disney Springs bus stops at the main building first unlike the others? Anyone know?

 

[TeeterTots]

Non-Construction Question:

I've been doing a lot of research on the resort but there is a minor detail I can't seem to find out. We are staying in Jambo house from January 27th to February 2nd and we have reservations at Sanaa in Kidani Village the first night. I'm trying to find out how we get there? Is it like CSR where the Disney Springs bus stops at the main building first unlike the others? Anyone know?

It's a short walk, say 10 mins or there is a van shuttle that runs continuously.

 

[Bellanota]

I am staying for the first time in 10 days and I am wondering if it's possible to request a room with king bed? We are honeymooning and in a standard view room. Looking at the online check in the room lay out isn't an option and we really don't need bunk beds. Has anyone had any luck with this?

Thanks for the help. I tried scrolling back but didn't find an answer.

 

[OhThePain]

I totally understand. Definitely not looking for a fight, lol. To each their own, but we were staying CL too...and you do realize the lounge is being redone and moved to a temporary spot, right?

Anyway, I have felt the same as you in the past, until it sucked and now I don't, lol

Yeah I know. I asked IPO about it when I got the letter. They told me that when the lounge is unusable, it is moved to the Presidential Suite. From the pictures and videos I have seen the suite looks amazing. It will be even better if they allow access to the huge balcony that overlooks the savannah (which is something they should have planned for when they were planning CL, instead of sticking the lounge where you can't see any of the savannahs).

I guess this is one of those live and learn experiences that you have to deal with a time or two to fully understand.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Yeah I know. I asked IPO about it when I got the letter. They told me that when the lounge is unusable, it is moved to the Presidential Suite. From the pictures and videos I have seen the suite looks amazing. It will be even better if they allow access to the huge balcony that overlooks the savannah (which is something they should have planned for when they were planning CL, instead of sticking the lounge where you can't see any of the savannahs).

I guess this is one of those live and learn experiences that you have to deal with a time or two to fully understand.

Just FYI, upthread someone else reported that in a similar situation at another resort only the foyer area and one other room of the presidential suite was accessible as the CL lounge and access to other areas of the suite was blocked.

 

[sndral]

We just got back (last night) ...We got room 4271 ...It had the queen bed with bunk beds and a view of the animal care pens. We were able to see all kinds of animals from the balcony at different times everyday. (Never in the pens tho)
...

That's because the animal care occurs in the barns which are pretty well hidden in the back of the savannahs. The round pens you saw on what sounds like Sunset savannah are actually there for people to be evacuated to if needed thus the nickname of people pens and why they are always empty.
Glad you had a great time & a nice animal view from your balcony - where both baby zebras out on Sunset?

 

[Ravenne]

We just got back (last night) from a 7 night stay in a standard room. I called the resort # on the 1st page of this thread, about 5 days prior to arrival day, and requested a standard room that had/has a partial (or obstructed) savannah view and upper floor. We got room 4271 on Kudu trail and it was awesome! It had the queen bed with bunk beds and a view of the animal care pens. We were able to see all kinds of animals from the balcony at different times everyday. (Never in the pens tho)

I did try calling the 407 WDISNEY # about a month before or arrival day to put in a room request... But, the person I spoke with had broken English and thought I was trying to upgrade to a savannah view. I didn't want to do that... Just wanted to increase our chance of a non parking lot view.

Oooh thank you so much for the info and great tip! I'll have to do that. I really appreciate your help.

If you want the queen and bunk beds, reserve that room category.

According to WDW's website for AKL:
"Standard View
Views of Rooftop or Parking Area
2 Queen Beds or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Bunk Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults"

Is that not accurate? Am I missing a "Standard View - Bunk Bed" category? I'm not interested in a Pool, Savanna, or Arusha View with bunk.

 

[kimmar067]

...there aren't that many of them...

 

[marinejjh]

Oooh thank you so much for the info and great tip! I'll have to do that. I really appreciate your help.





According to WDW's website for AKL:
"Standard View
Views of Rooftop or Parking Area
2 Queen Beds or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Bunk Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed
Sleeps up to 4 Adults"

Is that not accurate? Am I missing a "Standard View - Bunk Bed" category? I'm not interested in a Pool, Savanna, or Arusha View with bunk.

Those are all options, but I paid for a pool view with bunk so I would be sure to get it.