Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[maranara]

We're starting to plan our trip and Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our top choices. The downside that friends keep mentioning is travel times to the park. My daughter will be 7 when we travel, so it's definitely a consideration. I saw on some of the other resort threads a list of approx. bus times from the resort to the parks...I can't find the one for AKL...anyone have a link? THANKS!

 

[Dbktmc]

Can you add us to the list? We are staying June 15th-25th.

 

[Bobb_o]

We're starting to plan our trip and Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our top choices. The downside that friends keep mentioning is travel times to the park. My daughter will be 7 when we travel, so it's definitely a consideration. I saw on some of the other resort threads a list of approx. bus times from the resort to the parks...I can't find the one for AKL...anyone have a link? THANKS!

They're not that bad but I don't think any of the bus rides are terrible. AK is 5-10 min and all the other parks are somewhere around 20. They always stop at Kidani first and then Jambo so add an extra 5 min if you're returning to Jambo.

 

[uccats97]

What is the free program in which you get to sample food from AKL restaurants? Do you have to sign up in advance?

 

[RachelTori]

What is the free program in which you get to sample food from AKL restaurants? Do you have to sign up in advance?

That's the "Culinary tour" which is usually offered daily at Jambo. Even if it's not listed on the Daily Activities board, it may still be offered that day! No need to sign up in advance. Go to the Boma podium at 3:45pm. The tour includes a walk-through of Boma, with descriptions of the foods available at each of the pods - very helpful for those who have never eaten dinner there! Normally (and I say that because it can vary based on how pressed they are for time), but normally you will get a sample of one of their soups, followed by a Zebra Dome!

Then it's over to Jiko where the tour continues. If time allows, they will serve a sample of their bread service and dips. It's totally worth checking out, even without the samples!

 

[maranara]

They're not that bad but I don't think any of the bus rides are terrible. AK is 5-10 min and all the other parks are somewhere around 20. They always stop at Kidani first and then Jambo so add an extra 5 min if you're returning to Jambo.

Thanks! That's not bad at all. I'm guessing that wherever you stay you have at least one or two longer bus rides as part of your trip. Am also guessing that since AKL is further off the beaten path it's a bit quieter? Also, I'm looking at the beautiful pictures of giraffes (WOW!)...what about birds? My daughter is OBSESSED with birds...if we can see some cool birds out our window, it will be the perfect stay!

 

[OhThePain]

Thanks! That's not bad at all. I'm guessing that wherever you stay you have at least one or two longer bus rides as part of your trip. Am also guessing that since AKL is further off the beaten path it's a bit quieter? Also, I'm looking at the beautiful pictures of giraffes (WOW!)...what about birds? My daughter is OBSESSED with birds...if we can see some cool birds out our window, it will be the perfect stay!

AKL has a FEEL about it of being miles away from WDW without really being that far removed. You can sit out on your balcony or any of the other savannah viewing areas, where it is peaceful and quiet, and forget where you are for a few moments. There are a few different birds on the savannahs. Ostriches, Crowned Cranes, Flamingos and a few others. If you do a search for "animal kingdom lodge animal guide", you'll find the guides that are in the rooms that show what you MIGHT see (they do rotate animals around so not every animal is in all of the savannahs and there is no saying which will be where and when).

 

[ciera321]

Thanks! That's not bad at all. I'm guessing that wherever you stay you have at least one or two longer bus rides as part of your trip. Am also guessing that since AKL is further off the beaten path it's a bit quieter? Also, I'm looking at the beautiful pictures of giraffes (WOW!)...what about birds? My daughter is OBSESSED with birds...if we can see some cool birds out our window, it will be the perfect stay!

I agree with Bobb, they aren't bad at all! The bus rides are only a bit longer, and certainly not enough to really make a difference. I giggle when I read or hear that AKL is SO far away from everything,and that it took forever for the buses to get to the parks. As for quieter, I guess it is, though it really depends on who happens to be at the resort at the time. AKL is one of our top 3 resorts! It is absolutely gorgeous, and you will love it!

 

[maranara]

AKL has a FEEL about it of being miles away from WDW without really being that far removed. You can sit out on your balcony or any of the other savannah viewing areas, where it is peaceful and quiet, and forget where you are for a few moments. There are a few different birds on the savannahs. Ostriches, Crowned Cranes, Flamingos and a few others. If you do a search for "animal kingdom lodge animal guide", you'll find the guides that are in the rooms that show what you MIGHT see (they do rotate animals around so not every animal is in all of the savannahs and there is no saying which will be where and when).

That's kind of what I figured. We're from just outside of Washington DC so it takes 15-20 minutes to get anywhere around here - 15-20 minutes to get to Magic Kingdom is better than 15-20 minutes to get to the grocery store. Being able to see birds will make the trip for my daughter. Might have to start saving now so we can get a Savannah view...

 

[kimmar067]

That's the "Culinary tour" which is usually offered daily at Jambo. Even if it's not listed on the Daily Activities board, it may still be offered that day! No need to sign up in advance. Go to the Boma podium at 3:45pm. The tour includes a walk-through of Boma, with descriptions of the foods available at each of the pods - very helpful for those who have never eaten dinner there! Normally (and I say that because it can vary based on how pressed they are for time), but normallyyou will get a sample of one of their soups, followed by a Zebra Dome! Then it's over to Jiko where the tour continues. If time allows, they will serve a sample of their bread service and dips. ...

...worth the price of admission alone!

 

[Luv2Run]

We just returned last night from our 7-night stay AKL Jambo House. What an amazing resort! We felt so spoiled! All of our requests were met (early check-in, lower level, near the lobby). We were in room 2415, and it was the perfect spot for us. We have zero complaints about our stay, and cannot wait to come back "home". 2018 needs to get here FAST!

 

[kimmar067]

We just returned last night from our 7-night stay AKL Jambo House. What an amazing resort! We felt so spoiled! All of our requests were met (early check-in, lower level, near the lobby). We were in room 2415, and it was the perfect spot for us. We have zero complaints about our stay, and cannot wait to come back "home". 2018 needs to get here FAST!

....wow, so glad that you had such a wonderful stay! Can't wait for you to share pix!

 

[tcherjen]

We just returned last night from our 7-night stay AKL Jambo House. What an amazing resort! We felt so spoiled! All of our requests were met (early check-in, lower level, near the lobby). We were in room 2415, and it was the perfect spot for us. We have zero complaints about our stay, and cannot wait to come back "home". 2018 needs to get here FAST!

I requested upper level, near the lobby. Hoping to check in early too. Did you have a savannah view room? We are in a standard.

 

[kimmar067]

I requested upper level, near the lobby. Hoping to check in early too. Did you have a savannah view room? We are in a standard.

....since you are booked in a std room, you might get a 'people pen' view, but don't let that deter you since you WILL get to view plenty of animals....

 

[tcherjen]

....since you are booked in a std room, you might get a 'people pen' view, but don't let that deter you since you WILL get to view plenty of animals....

I am excited about our stay! Where is the people pen view room located? It would be awesome if our room was off the main lobby. I don't know anything about the room locations there.

 

[Luv2Run]

Well, since you asked, here are some pics! (My apologies in advance if these are ginormous, this is a new phone.)

Panorama view from our balcony:

Giraffe friends:

Wildebeest:

Sanaa:

Exploring the bridge in the lobby area:

 

[tcherjen]

Well, since you asked, here are some pics! (My apologies in advance if these are ginormous, this is a new phone.)

Breathtaking!!

 

[Luv2Run]

The view of the lobby from the bridge:

The view from the 5th floor looking across the lobby:

Giraffe

Lobby windows:

Back side of lobby & bridge above:

African art:

 

[tcherjen]

So was your room a savannah view??? I love the pictures-I am so excited about our stay.

 

[kimmar067]

I am excited about our stay! Where is the people pen view room located? It would be awesome if our room was off the main lobby. I don't know anything about the room locations there.

....the only std rooms off the lobby are in Ostrich and Giraffe Trails and they don't have any views of animals. However, there are some 'people-pen' views in Zudu and Zebra Trails, but they are definitely a ways from the Lobby.