Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Frequently Asked Questions (slight update 5/14)

[harperwi]

You are correct, the Arusha Savannah is inside the horseshoe. The Sunset is to the lower left of the map, and the Uzima is on the pool side of the resort.

The trails only refer to the hallways, not the savannahs, so one Trail can have views of more than one savannah.

Hope that helps!
Jon

 

[legs22]

Thanks! Is Arusha the nicest looking savannah to have a room on?

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by legs22
Thanks! Is Arusha the nicest looking savannah to have a room on?

We like it because it is the only savanna that has zebra and wildebeast(sp?) on it.

 

[Janet2k]

The Dis website (yep, the one that you’re currently on) has posted new photos and video of the Animal Kingdom Lodge: please click here. The link to streaming video is found at the bottom of that webpage. Enjoy!

 

[Aisling]

Does anyone know how many concierge savannah rooms are on the 6th floor? I would like to be on the 6th floor, close to the lounge, but are there any negatives about this? How would you compare the 5th and 6th floors?

Also,

I just read that a savanna view is not guaranteed when booking concierge, but I really want a savannah view! Have any of you been disappoined and not gotten a savannah view in concierge? I'm really sweating this, because I'd rather drop the concierge is I can be sure to get a savannah view in a standard room. But I really want concierge, too.

 

[Fridye]

I don't know how many rooms are on the 6th floor. I do know that AKL tries to put people with disabilities in those first so it is easier for them to get to the lounge. However, I've been told that the views from that floor are somewhat obstructed by the roof from the 5th floor. It was recommended to me by other DISers to stay on the 5th floor for a better view. We did, and we loved it.

A concierge CM should be calling you before your visit to see if they can be of any assistance. I spoke with her about wanting the zebra trail on the Arusha savannah. She said she usually recommends that view, that she would put the request into the computer, and that I shouldn't have a problem getting it. They do everything in their power to accommodate the concierge guests. We were very pleased with our view and with the lounge. I would highly recommend that you try concierge.

 

[jcemom]

Does anyone know how to arrange for a massage? Can you do that ahead of time, or do you need to schedule it there?

I was thinking of giving one as a gift to my DH, whose birthday falls in the middle of our trip. Any ideas as to how to arrange this?

Has anyone gotten a massage at AKL? How was it?

 

[barbeml]

jcemom:


I have had a post up for a day now asking if anyone has had the aromatherapy massage at AKL Spa, how was it, how much, etc. and no luck!

I'm glad you posted here--maybe we will get lucky! I was hoping to suprise my DH with one.

 

[jcemom]

This link shows what's available and the rates:
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/resorts/AKLodge/rec.htm

I didn't see anything about how to schedule one, though. I might just have to call and ask! (I get so used to doing everything online, not sure if I remember how to make a phone call...lol) It would be nice to know if they have gift certificates or something that we could give as a gift also, huh?

 

[barbeml]

Thanks so much for the link!

Barbe

 

[Alice42]

Hello everyone!
My DH and I are very excited for our first stay at AKL in January and all of this info has helped us tremendously!

We are arriving late and was wondering if anyone knew the hours that Mara is open? Is it a 24-hr. place?

Just wondering if we could get a quick bite to eat around 10:30 pm.

Thanks!!

 

[jcemom]

I know I've read somewhere (sorry, can't remember where) that they are open until 11:30 pm. Hopefully someone who can say for sure will happen along and read this!

Edited to add: Just checked TourGuide Mike, hours are 6:30-11:30 according to him! Hope that helps!

 

[Candice30]

i just went this past august. those hours sound correct to me (6:30 am to 11:30 pm). we never had a problem getting something late to eat.

 

[tobey sheahan]

i've stayed at akl with my son and loved it-the best time we had yet. should i stick with what i know or go for wl ??

 

[KelliR]

My mom thinks the AKL and WL look similar. They do have a bit of a similar feel. But I have stayed at both and I do prefer the AKL. It is just a personal preference, but I love the CM, the aninals, the activities, and the restaurants of the AKL. The things I did like about WL for you to consider: the boat to the MK ... very convenient!, the Electric Water Pageant going by in the evening and watching it fromthe beach, and the pool.

Hope this helps you.

 

[jlieblaw]

We stayed at AKL for the first time this past weekend. We originally had a reservation for ASMo but didn't really care for it when we checked in. We have stayed at WL before and tried to get the FL resident rate for it but they were sold out. AKL had availability so they transfered us there. When we walked in, my mother said "Now this is more like it." They gave us a std view room but when my mom walked in with my sleeping dd, there were already people in there so they upgraded us to savannah view for our inconvenience. We were in room 5341. There was some kind of striped antelope when we got to the room (around 11pm) and my dd thought it was a tiger. The next morning, we saw several giraffes. My dd loved it and so did we. The rooms seemed larger than WL, maybe because they had the extra arm chair? I called my dh and told him we would definitely be staying here again. My dd always went straight to the window to see what animals were out and she loved the giraffes. If you can afford Savannah view, go for it. It was great. The only thing bad I can say is that our room must have been about 20 miles from the lobby which is hard when you have a 2 yr. old. I would ask for something closer to the lobby next time but since we didn't even have a reservation for AKL to begin with, it was wonderful!

 

[Mary Ellen]

We were in room 5341.

Wow, that was some upgrade! The 5th floor rooms are the deluxe savannah view (and concierge) rooms. Your room was a bit larger than a standard savannah view room. Congratulations!

 

[jlieblaw]

We kept going back and forth on whether it seemed larger than the WL std room. I may have to book it from now on.

 

[Dana49]

Which savannah and trail would be best for an older adult couple?

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Dana49
Which savannah and trail would be best for an older adult couple?

My husband and I enjoy the Arusha Savanna the best but everyone is different. Zebra are my faviorate and they are only on the Arusha savanna.