Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[busymomma123]

Can someone tell me about bus service at the AKL? We stayed there, when it was just AKL, and the bus service was awesome. I am wondering how it works with kidani and jambo house now? Thanks

 

[Regan117]

Was this a dvc room or regular room? Thank you

This was a cash reservation.

 

[DizDaD7]

Can someone tell me about bus service at the AKL? We stayed there, when it was just AKL, and the bus service was awesome. I am wondering how it works with kidani and jambo house now? Thanks

Pretty much still the same...

If heading to a park It'll stop at Kidani 1st, then proceed to Jambo, then off to the parks.....It also drops off at Kidani 1st then at Jambo 2nd...

Reverse this if heading to DS...

NOTE: If traveling to and from each resort, you can usually navigate the buses to get you from A to B & back...( Eg.)for the pools, or dinner etc. etc..

 

[dreamseeker9]

Hi all - I'm planning my first stay at AKL for this September for 4 nights. It will just be me until I switch to the Contemporary and join my parents for 2 nights.

I know I want to be at Jambo House, but I can't decide if I want a studio or a regular AKL room. What's the main difference? They are very similar in price. I'm leaning toward a standard view to save some money, since I want to take advantage of being at AKL to dine at Jiko and Boma.

Thanks for the help!

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi all - I'm planning my first stay at AKL for this September for 4 nights. It will just be me until I switch to the Contemporary and join my parents for 2 nights.

I know I want to be at Jambo House, but I can't decide if I want a studio or a regular AKL room. What's the main difference? They are very similar in price. I'm leaning toward a standard view to save some money, since I want to take advantage of being at AKL to dine at Jiko and Boma.

Thanks for the help!

Room size is the same...The DVC rooms @ Jambo were converted hotel rooms.. I think the Hotels still have 2 beds as opposed to the studio which is a sleeper sofa & queen....Probably better 4 you..More room... Studio also has a kitchenette...Studio & all DVC rooms are on the 5th floor & CL on the 6th floor. Might I suggest requesting close to elevators & Main lobby ( Ostrich Trail..It's a short walk to the Elevator which will take you down to the pol area, also the lobby, and a shortcut to the buses too.... BTW all 4 food locations are very good..Jiko, According to Kimmar is Excellent too.

 

[imthemamahere]

Hi all - I'm planning my first stay at AKL for this September for 4 nights. It will just be me until I switch to the Contemporary and join my parents for 2 nights.

I know I want to be at Jambo House, but I can't decide if I want a studio or a regular AKL room. What's the main difference? They are very similar in price. I'm leaning toward a standard view to save some money, since I want to take advantage of being at AKL to dine at Jiko and Boma.

Thanks for the help!

My understanding is that the studios (which are DVC villas, but can be reserved like normal hotel rooms for non-DVC customers) are slightly bigger than the standard hotel rooms. Not huge, but slightly. If you really want to stay in a villa, you might want to look into renting points - a lot of people swear by that because you get a cheaper price, by far. There are pros and cons to renting someone else's DVC points, and I'm sure there's someone who could give you a clear rundown on the pluses and minuses better than I can! As far as what you'll have in the room, it isn't too different when you book a room vs. a DVC studio. I think the biggest difference is the pull-out couch that's in the studio, but not in a standard room.

We love having the savanna view from our room, but there are plenty of places around the resort where you can look out for animals. The animal care staff place food very strategically to keep the animals moving around their savannas throughout the day. So you can still enjoy the views even if you don't have them from your room...

And I'm sure you know this already, but Jiko and Boma are both so yummy!

 

[dreamseeker9]

Room size is the same...The DVC rooms @ Jambo were converted hotel rooms.. I think the Hotels still have 2 beds as opposed to the studio which is a sleeper sofa & queen....Probably better 4 you..More room... Studio also has a kitchenette...Studio & all DVC rooms are on the 5th floor & CL on the 6th floor. Might I suggest requesting close to elevators & Main lobby ( Ostrich Trail..It's a short walk to the Elevator which will take you down to the pol area, also the lobby, and a shortcut to the buses too.... BTW all 4 food locations are very good..Jiko, According to Kimmar is Excellent too.

Thank you! I do like the idea of having a kitchenette if I want to take back to my room leftovers for another day. And thanks for the recommendation for the Ostrich Trail.

My understanding is that the studios (which are DVC villas, but can be reserved like normal hotel rooms for non-DVC customers) are slightly bigger than the standard hotel rooms. Not huge, but slightly. If you really want to stay in a villa, you might want to look into renting points - a lot of people swear by that because you get a cheaper price, by far.

Thanks for the advice! I have an AP and am hoping that discounts will come out later that I can apply to either the AKL room or a studio villa, which I calculated to be less expensive than renting points, but I'll check on that again to be sure!

ETA: Wow, I just checked the price for renting points, and you were right! Even with an AP discount, it will still cost more for 4 nights than if I rent points. I'm definitely going to consider that now, thanks!

 

[cjhudson]

I rented points for the first time for our trip in May. We would not have been able to stay in a deluxe without renting. If this works out as well as I think it will then I will probably never book regularly again. The DVC member has to book under your name and they have to get dining plan for you also. I bought my tickets through the Disney site but the rental places will offer those too.

 

[DJFan88]

I want to try Sanaa and I know my husband will find food easy. Not sure about the kids, however. But they are teens and perfectly capable of going to Mara to eat by themselves or do whatever if they didn't go. Do they have options or substitutions for picky eaters or should I make this a reservation for 2?

 

[DizDaD7]

I want to try Sanaa and I know my husband will find food easy. Not sure about the kids, however. But they are teens and perfectly capable of going to Mara to eat by themselves or do whatever if they didn't go. Do they have options or substitutions for picky eaters or should I make this a reservation for 2?

Sanaa is one of those Restaurants that just...Gets it....It's so unique & we love the food....When we went last we had a large group. Some picky some adventurous. Everyone came out happy...I'm sure HOW picky your kids are, but I'm sure you'll be fine.....Here's a link that'll give you an idea..https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/sanaa/menus/dinner/

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi all - I'm planning my first stay at AKL for this September for 4 nights. It will just be me until I switch to the Contemporary and join my parents for 2 nights.

I know I want to be at Jambo House, but I can't decide if I want a studio or a regular AKL room. What's the main difference? They are very similar in price. I'm leaning toward a standard view to save some money, since I want to take advantage of being at AKL to dine at Jiko and Boma.

Thanks for the help!

1 more thing I forgot to add...

If in a reg. hotel room, you get maid service everyday, ( just like any other resort ) If you rent or own DVC points & use it for studios, or villas, then they only come once a week, with a paper goods refill on the 4th day.... Just an FYI.

 

[dgbg100106]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2016

If you have any updates please let me know…

2016



February

Bethan92, 16th - 18th, AKL

Luv2Run, 18th – 25th, AKL

Tmiller33, 12th - 20th, AKL

NKHarris329, 27th - Mar 3rd, AKL



March

Happymommy, 26th - Apr 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

Mmjones021, 28th - Apr 2nd, AKL

Kamcole, 30th - Apr 5th, AKL



April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 5th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL



May

Karlius, Apr 26th - 10th, AKL

Hokieinpa, 1st - 8th, Jambo House

Sdsatl, 5th - 9th, Kidani

Hibiscus, 8th - 12th, AKL

Mster425, 7th - 16th, AKL

Rer1972, 15th - 17th, VB

Rer1972, 17th - 21st, AKL

Arjones31, 22nd - 27th, AKL

Wishicouldgomoreofte, 27th - 31st, AKL

Pixie36, 30th -Jun 11th, Jambo House



June

Pixie36, May 30th - 11th, Jambo House

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL

huey578, 11th-18th, kidani

Ipuffyheartdisney, 11th - 18th, AKL Kidani

ZOOMAMA, 11th - 18th, AKL

Debelfish, 23rd - 30th, AKL



July

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

August

Willeve, 9th - 19th, AKL

September

October

PghPiratesGirl, Sep 29th - 6th, AKL

Ruth B, 20th - Nov 1st, AKL

November

Dkrauss, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

TeeterTots, 9th - 12th, AKV CL

December

#1eeyogirl, 17th - 26th, AKL

2017

January

 

[lovetotraveltx]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2016

If you have any updates please let me know…

2016

Hi, we are staying November 13 - 19 AKL Club Level




February

Bethan92, 16th - 18th, AKL

Luv2Run, 18th – 25th, AKL

Tmiller33, 12th - 20th, AKL

NKHarris329, 27th - Mar 3rd, AKL



March

Happymommy, 26th - Apr 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

Mmjones021, 28th - Apr 2nd, AKL

Kamcole, 30th - Apr 5th, AKL



April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 5th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL



May

Karlius, Apr 26th - 10th, AKL

Hokieinpa, 1st - 8th, Jambo House

Sdsatl, 5th - 9th, Kidani

Hibiscus, 8th - 12th, AKL

Mster425, 7th - 16th, AKL

Rer1972, 15th - 17th, VB

Rer1972, 17th - 21st, AKL

Arjones31, 22nd - 27th, AKL

Wishicouldgomoreofte, 27th - 31st, AKL

Pixie36, 30th -Jun 11th, Jambo House



June

Pixie36, May 30th - 11th, Jambo House

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL

huey578, 11th-18th, kidani

Ipuffyheartdisney, 11th - 18th, AKL Kidani

ZOOMAMA, 11th - 18th, AKL

Debelfish, 23rd - 30th, AKL



July

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

August

Willeve, 9th - 19th, AKL

September

October

PghPiratesGirl, Sep 29th - 6th, AKL

Ruth B, 20th - Nov 1st, AKL

November

Dkrauss, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

TeeterTots, 9th - 12th, AKV CL

December

#1eeyogirl, 17th - 26th, AKL

2017

January

 

[cjhudson]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2016

If you have any updates please let me know…

2016



February

Bethan92, 16th - 18th, AKL

Luv2Run, 18th – 25th, AKL

Tmiller33, 12th - 20th, AKL

NKHarris329, 27th - Mar 3rd, AKL



March

Happymommy, 26th - Apr 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

Mmjones021, 28th - Apr 2nd, AKL

Kamcole, 30th - Apr 5th, AKL



April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 5th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL



May

Karlius, Apr 26th - 10th, AKL

Hokieinpa, 1st - 8th, Jambo House

Sdsatl, 5th - 9th, Kidani

Hibiscus, 8th - 12th, AKL

Mster425, 7th - 16th, AKL

Rer1972, 15th - 17th, VB

Rer1972, 17th - 21st, AKL

Arjones31, 22nd - 27th, AKL

Wishicouldgomoreofte, 27th - 31st, AKL

Pixie36, 30th -Jun 11th, Jambo House



June

Pixie36, May 30th - 11th, Jambo House

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL

huey578, 11th-18th, kidani

Ipuffyheartdisney, 11th - 18th, AKL Kidani

ZOOMAMA, 11th - 18th, AKL

Debelfish, 23rd - 30th, AKL



July

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

August

Willeve, 9th - 19th, AKL

September

October

PghPiratesGirl, Sep 29th - 6th, AKL

Ruth B, 20th - Nov 1st, AKL

November

Dkrauss, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

TeeterTots, 9th - 12th, AKV CL

December

#1eeyogirl, 17th - 26th, AKL

2017

January

We are visiting May 31-June 3

 

[dgbg100106]

November

Dkrauss, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

TeeterTots, 9th - 12th, AKV CL

Lovetotraveltx, 13th - 19th, AKL CL

 

[dgbg100106]

We are visiting May 31-June 3

June

Pixie36, May 30th - 11th, Jambo House

Cjhundson, May 31st - 3rd, AKL

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL

huey578, 11th-18th, kidani

Ipuffyheartdisney, 11th - 18th, AKL Kidani

ZOOMAMA, 11th - 18th, AKL

Debelfish, 23rd - 30th, AKL

 

[pixie36]

We are doing a split stay and have a question about magic bands and transfer to new hotel.

1. Flying late on 29MAY so decided to stay 1 night at AOA. Will they transfer our bags to AKL for us without us having checked in over there? Plan to do online check in for AKL ahead of time.
2. Will our magic bands work for us at the park for entry and fast passes and purchases? We plan to go from AOA directly to one of the parks as long as our bags will be transferred for us.
3. We are renting points at AKL Jambo do we get 2 sets of magic bands one for AOA 1 night stay and then 1 for AKL 12 night stay?

TIA!

 

[kamcole]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2016

If you have any updates please let me know…

2016



February

Bethan92, 16th - 18th, AKL

Luv2Run, 18th – 25th, AKL

Tmiller33, 12th - 20th, AKL

NKHarris329, 27th - Mar 3rd, AKL



March

Happymommy, 26th - Apr 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, 26th - Apr 9th, AKL

Mmjones021, 28th - Apr 2nd, AKL

Kamcole, 30th - Apr 5th, AKL



April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 5th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL



May

Karlius, Apr 26th - 10th, AKL

Hokieinpa, 1st - 8th, Jambo House

Sdsatl, 5th - 9th, Kidani

Hibiscus, 8th - 12th, AKL

Mster425, 7th - 16th, AKL

Rer1972, 15th - 17th, VB

Rer1972, 17th - 21st, AKL

Arjones31, 22nd - 27th, AKL

Wishicouldgomoreofte, 27th - 31st, AKL

Pixie36, 30th -Jun 11th, Jambo House



June

Pixie36, May 30th - 11th, Jambo House

Brooke789, 2nd - 12th, AKL

huey578, 11th-18th, kidani

Ipuffyheartdisney, 11th - 18th, AKL Kidani

ZOOMAMA, 11th - 18th, AKL

Debelfish, 23rd - 30th, AKL



July

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

August

Willeve, 9th - 19th, AKL

September

October

PghPiratesGirl, Sep 29th - 6th, AKL

Ruth B, 20th - Nov 1st, AKL

November

Dkrauss, 6th - 12th, Jambo House

TeeterTots, 9th - 12th, AKV CL

December

#1eeyogirl, 17th - 26th, AKL

2017

January

Update for me -- We are now staying through 4/6.

 

[dgbg100106]

Update for me -- We are now staying through 4/6.

April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 6th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL

 

[DizDaD7]

April

Happymommy, Mar 26th - 2nd, AKL Kidani

MoominMamma, Mar 26th - 9th, AKL

Kamcole, Mar 30th - 6th, AKL

MrsHammer, 9th – 15th, AKL

TeeterTots, 17th - 23rd, AKL

Karlius, 26th - May 10th, AKL

MissyPooh5890, 27th - May 2nd, AKL

Mousemommy1, 29th - May 1st, AKL

Csmolu, 30th - May 8th, AKL CL

Hey Brandi....If ya can add us too..Thnx...Nov 4th-12

But trying to sneak in a last minute trip possibly in April......Will let you know.