Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[JohnDaleswife]

Well even though the AKL was our first choice for a possible trip in February, I got a deal at the Beach Club for an average of $275 a night. Unless Disney can beat that I guess we will be there, but I really wanted to stay here.

 

[sndral]

Does anyone know if you book a standard view one bedroom villa cash CRO , what the view is? I've read if you book on points it's either pool view or partial savannah. I was wondering if you book cash CRO is it parking lot?

Thanks! Yes I meant Jambo standard one bedroom view CRO cash. I got nervous because the website had the views listed as grounds or parking lot.

At Jambo the only DVC units w/ a parking lot view are the value villas - there are very few of them and they are usually booked on points. I don't think the value villas are part of the CRO inventory - if it says sleeps 5 then it can't be one of those value villas as the 1 br.s in the values only sleep 4. The description is probably from the standard view rooms description - which could be parking lot view.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

56 days to go! Fast passes are selected and I did the online check-in making Kudu Trail my only request in the hopes that we will be graced with a partial savanna view on our standard view room. I'm so happy just to be getting to stay here, so I'll be thrilled with our room no matter what. This resort has been on my Disney bucket list since my husband and I started going regularly in 2009 and it will be our first time ever staying deluxe! I just had to share some of my excitement!

Excited for you! It's been on our bucket list too since we walked into the lobby on our first visit. It will be here sooner than you think! We've still got a while to go and since we're doing a split stay I'm thinking of not even telling the kids we are staying there until we get there. Thinking of going for lunch, plan to hang around pool then as they are ooh-ing and awing and wishing again we could stay there, will let them know then. Although dh is brutal, I'm sure something will come out of his mouth well before then by accident!

 

[larissawbb]

At Jambo the only DVC units w/ a parking lot view are the value villas - there are very few of them and they are usually booked on points. I don't think the value villas are part of the CRO inventory - if it says sleeps 5 then it can't be one of those value villas as the 1 br.s in the values only sleep 4. The description is probably from the standard view rooms description - which could be parking lot view.

Wonderful! I got a really good pin code for the early winter. I'm going to change my reservation from SSR to AKL Jambo Villas. I'm really excited because I've always wanted to stay there. I just didn't want to end up with a parking lot view.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Wonderful! I got a really good pin code for the early winter. I'm going to change my reservation from SSR to AKL Jambo Villas. I'm really excited because I've always wanted to stay there. I just didn't want to end up with a parking lot view.

Does your pin code apply to the first of the year reservations by chance? Maybe I need to keep in check with Disney to see if we have any pin codes available. That is what it would probably take to match the great price I got at the Beach Club.

 

[larissawbb]

Does your pin code apply to the first of the year reservations by chance? Maybe I need to keep in check with Disney to see if we have any pin codes available. That is what it would probably take to match the great price I got at the Beach Club.

Yes. It starts from January 7 to March 3 2017. 40 percent room only. I was wondering about your TA for a quick May trip.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Hmmm, maybe I need to give Disney a call to see if I have any pin codes. The TA I am using has not released the May discounts just yet. But I will PM you the name.

 

[stepdisney]

Excited about our upcoming trip. Refuse to change my Tag Fairy Tag even if it didn't transfer correctly..... Will always be a Jamborino from the Wild Bunch Gang. Hey Kimmer!! AKL July 16-23

 

[dgbg100106]

I'm so excited to stay here for the first time in January 2017 for a short solo trip (Jan. 28-30). I rented DVC points and will be staying in a standard view room.

January

10MoreMinutes, 28th - 30th, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Excited about our upcoming trip. Refuse to change my Tag Fairy Tag even if it didn't transfer correctly..... Will always be a Jamborino from the Wild Bunch Gang. Hey Kimmer!! AKL July 16-23

July

LSG85, July 9th -16th, Kidani

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

DisneyMamato4, 16th - 22nd, AKL

Mickeymomtx, 16th - 22nd, AKL

Fwizard, 16th - 22nd, Jambo House

Stepdisney, 16th - 23rd, AKL

Wzwild, 16th - 23rd, AKL

Twinmom2002, 21st - 28th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Yes. It starts from January 7 to March 3 2017. 40 percent room only. I was wondering about your TA for a quick May trip.

I called and was told there was no pin codes out yet for that time frame. Imagine that.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

July

LSG85, July 9th -16th, Kidani

Weaves18, 10th - 16th, AKL

DisneyMamato4, 16th - 22nd, AKL

Mickeymomtx, 16th - 22nd, AKL

Fwizard, 16th - 22nd, Jambo House

Stepdisney, 16th - 23rd, AKL

Wzwild, 16th - 23rd, AKL

Twinmom2002, 21st - 28th, AKL

LvsTnk, 24th-29th, AKL

I'll be there July 14-17

 

[2girlsR2good]

Another bus-related question: I have a 8:15am ADR at DHS (park opens at 9am). Should I just drive to the park since bus runs only 1 hour prior to park opening?? Is it easy to drive from AKL to DHS??

They will have busses running early for ADR. I would personally drive though. You will get a parking spot really close to the entrance. It's nice to just be able to get in the car and go when you are done at the park.

To answer your question about driving: We park and never get into the car again until we leave!

Liz

This is definitely one of those "opinions differ" topics! I like driving to the parks b/c after a long day, the inside of the minivan feels like an escape and we get the feeling that downtime has started. When we're on the bus, downtime doesn't start until we get back to the hotel. Now--if we want to have a couple of beverages, or its the day before a long drive home, we may take the bus. Boats and monorail seem better

 

[ilovejsparrow]

I have a question regarding QS options at Kidani- am I correct that there really isn't one? When I'm at WDW I love a hot breakfast at my resort in the morning but I'm not sure I would be a fan of hiking to the Mara for it. Can anyone provide me some info regarding this? Thank you!

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks Kimmar!! This trip is all about snacks and drinks! Good to know we can grab something at Mara and enjoy it on the balcony. I've actually bought the DFB snack guide and made a list of where to visit in the parks!

....oh yes, the SNACKS! If I may, I'd like to suggest the cinnamon and cream cheese-filled pretzels from the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland at MK - OMG, they are soooo good!

 

[kimmar067]

This is definitely one of those "opinions differ" topics! I like driving to the parks b/c after a long day, the inside of the minivan feels like an escape and we get the feeling that downtime has started. When we're on the bus, downtime doesn't start until we get back to the hotel. Now--if we want to have a couple of beverages, or its the day before a long drive home, we may take the bus. Boats and monorail seem better

.....I can see how your 'down time' begins in your own vehicle.....however, don't underestimate the value of boarding a nice A/C-cooled bus vs. jumping into a hot, sweltering minivan that's been baking in the Florida sun all day long!

 

[kimmar067]

I have a question regarding QS options at Kidani- am I correct that there really isn't one? When I'm at WDW I love a hot breakfast at my resort in the morning but I'm not sure I would be a fan of hiking to the Mara for it. Can anyone provide me some info regarding this? Thank you!

....if someone has definitive answer feel free to jump in - I'm guessing that, since Kidani is basically an all-DVC resort, where most guests save $$ by preparing their own breakfast (and probably lunch too) there isn't an immediate need for a QS-type of eatery. Of course, the Mara is located at Jambo House, where most guests do not have access to a kitchenette.....

 

[maranara]

I found a website that has the current month's activity schedule for AKL...does anyone have the activity schedules saved from this past January & February? I would love to see them to give myself a better idea of what to expect while we're there! THANKS!

 

[larissawbb]

I called and was told there was no pin codes out yet for that time frame. Imagine that.

Keep calling!!!

 

[fwizard]

I have a question regarding QS options at Kidani- am I correct that there really isn't one? When I'm at WDW I love a hot breakfast at my resort in the morning but I'm not sure I would be a fan of hiking to the Mara for it. Can anyone provide me some info regarding this? Thank you!

This is correct no breakfast QS for you....either we stocked up or took the three minute ride by courtesy shuttle right outside front entrance...

Btw--we really enjoyed Kidani and found that to be a minor thing