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

[tinkerbeth]

I'm sure this is a frequently asked question and I haven't waded through all the pages of the FAQ...but i've read that only 10% of teh rooms at AKL are actually standard view and that you're likely to get bumped up to Savanah view???

We are going at the end of August. Does anyone want to speculate on the odds of that happening? It's also my birthday which I told them when I made the reservation...do you think that might help?

Also, just wondering - has anyone ever been upgraded to conscienrge? I know that this has been discussed on the boards but the search function isn't working.

Thanks!

Beth

 

[tinkerbeth]

I'm sure this is a frequently asked question and I haven't waded through all the pages of the FAQ...but i've read that only 10% of teh rooms at AKL are actually standard view and that you're likely to get bumped up to Savanah view???

We are going at the end of August. Does anyone want to speculate on the odds of that happening? It's also my birthday which I told them when I made the reservation...do you think that might help?

Also, just wondering - has anyone ever been upgraded to conscienrge? I know that this has been discussed on the boards but the search function isn't working.

Thanks!

Beth

 

[SeattleMark]

We just booked what will be our first stay at AKL!

One minor question: Are there Pepsi or Coke products available there? (I'm a Diet Pepsi junkie).

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Nathan's Grandma]

They do not have Pepsi products anywhere at Disney. It is all Coke. We were there over spring break and we had friends there who drink only Pepsi and had to drive to get them Pepsi products. We stopped at a few gas stations and it was all coke so we had to leave the disney area to get them Pepsi.

 

[SeattleMark]

Looks like we may have to pack our own then, thanks!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We just booked standard pool view for Oct 5-9. Does anyone have any experience with room numbers in this category that they would like to suggest? Also is there any chance of seeing animals from these rooms?
Thanks!

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Crazy Kanga
We just booked standard pool view for Oct 5-9. Does anyone have any experience with room numbers in this category that they would like to suggest? Also is there any chance of seeing animals from these rooms?
Thanks!

Hi,

Pool view rooms are located on the "Giraffe Trail" and the "Zebra Trail". We have stayed in pool view rooms twice and we were able to see animals on the "Uzima Overlook Savanna" from our pool view room on the Giraffe Trail. They are far off though.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great resort. There are many places to view animals through out the resort even if you do not have a savanna view room.

I would go with requesting a "trail" instead of a specific room number. The view from the 3rd or 4th floor of the "Giraffe Trail" is very nice. The pool area at the AKL is beautiful.

I am sure you will have a great trip.

 

[KELLY]

We are staying at AKL in September and were wondering if the Mayra served steak and cheese sub and meatball subs I looked on all ears menu and didn't see these items does anyone konw?

Thanks KELLY

 

[#1hockeymom]

Kelly>> Debs menu for Mara was updated in May and is very accurate. They also have a quick pick up area which includes other salads, fruits, desserts (zebra domes and chocolate mouse whateveryoucallthem!), and different bottled drinks along with sandwich choices. I don't remember any sub sandwiches there.

Crazy Kanga>> If you do end up with a true Pool view, I'd go with Zebra Trail so you have the windows in the hallway to look out of as you walk to and from your room. Sometimes those are the best animal lookout points!

Happy planning and have a <i>wild</i> time!

Debbie

 

[s&k'smom]

OK how does this sound? We have ressie for the HDD on the day we plan to go to TL. Now I figure we stay at TF until around 3:30 then take the bus to FW for the 5pm show. so to get back to AKL take boat to MK and then bus directly to AKL?

 

[BlueFairy]

I have a question about room configuration :
DH and I will be in a savannah view room for 1 night. Is this the larger size room or the same size as standard rooms? Are there 2 savannah rooms - regular size vs. deluxe size?
If we have the regular savannah rate, then what are our bedding choices? Would we have to pay more to get a king bed?
Just wondering what I should put on my request. I don't really care which savannah, as long as we see animals.
Thanks!!

 

[KELLY]

Is the vanitey area really dark? I read somewhere that it was very dark and when I look at the pictures of that area it dosen't look that bad. Also does the Pool area serve snacks like the pool area at CSR? Thanks KELLy

 

[exiles]

I need to get the room assignors fax number for a friend. Can anyone help?

 

[#1hockeymom]

There are two different sizes of rooms, regular and deluxe. Those can be with a savannah view or a pool view. You can have king, 2 queen, queen w/bunks in either of those room sizes. I am not sure if the daybed is only in the deluxe rooms, or can be found in the savannah rooms, too. Deluxe rooms are all on the fifth and sixth floor. Sixth floor houses concierge rooms, with some concierge rooms being on the fifth floor although if you go concierge you can request just about anywhere and they'll happily try to find the right room for you!

They do serve snacks at the pool bar but glancing at the menu I realized it was the room service menu, with prices to match! The pool area is right next to Mara which most people use to grab a quick bite to eat. It was definitely not strange to see people with trays grabbing lunch near the pool and near the bar area.

The vanity area isn't what I would call dark, but it wasn't the brightest either. You're on vacation! If it is a real concern I supposed you could bring a light to plug in, but it never bothered me. I love the lighting and the theming of the room.


The Animal Kingdom Lodge Address is: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830 The main number is 407-938-3000 and the fax number is 407-938-4799. The Zahanati Fitness Center phone number 407-938-4715. (from Deb's site!)

I am getting homesick for the lodge and I have only been home for just over a week! I hope you all have great vacations there as we have!

Debbie

 

[Maki Mouse]

First, let me just say that I love this thread! It is so nice of all of you to share your knowledge of AKL. We are heading there at the end of October (we switched from CBR when we got the email code discount). This thread always gets me excited about our stay there........ I should have never read the thread about "what you don't like about AKL" - what a downer!

I have actually read through ALL of these pages, but believe it or not, I still have a couple of questions!

1) Are the mosquitos/bugs really a concern there..... I've heard mention of them being troublesome near the pool, etc

2) We have a standard pool view room (which suits me just fine) - are they all pretty close to the restaurants, etc..... the last thing I want is a hike to the action. Any suggestions on what I should request?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[pandora174]

We're staying for the first time at AKL transferring from 5 nights at the WL were then going to AKL (pool view) 9/15 - 9/19. My question is, what room or bldg should I req for the best view. Also, do the rooms have coffee pots & newspapers ? Any other suggestions ?

Thanks

 

[MartDM]

Hi - I've read this entire thread and I think I'm more confused now than I was to start with I'm hoping someone can provide some guidance with regard to making room requests. We are booked at the end of October for 2 nights Concierge (so we can enjoy the services & do the Sunset safari) and then two nights regular Savannah View (so we can enjoy being closer to the animals).

From what I've read it seems it's best to request a 5th floor savannah view room for Concierge to avoid the obstructed views of the 6th floor, even if it means we have to travel to the lounge. Am I correct?

On the regular Savannah View room, I do know I'd like to request the Arusha Savannah and it seems that asking for a room on the second floor (which is actually the 1st floor but denoted by the 2000 #s?) would get us closest to the action, correct? Is there any advantage to asking for a room further out on the "horseshoes"...is there better viewing there or does it not really matter where you are?

I really appreciate any advice you experts can give us!

 

[Mystic7070]

We are going to the AKL Sept. 8-14, 2004. Have read these posts and need help. Sorry I am a smoker and would like to know where the smoking rooms are located.

Got a savannah view and would like Arusha savannah... say 3rd or 4th floor, but know from experience smoking is limited to certain areas.

Please can some one tell me what those areas are and what to ask for. Bought smokeless ashtray and am a "clean" smoker who ALWAYS picks up after herself.

Thanks for any help you can give!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Newspapers are out M-F for all rooms at AKL. Coffee pots and a starter set of coffee can be requested either at check in or from housekeeping. The coffee maker is a four cup model.

Fourth floor smoking reg savannah on Zebra Trail is the last wing (not part of the horseshoe). Fifth floor deluxe Zebra Trail is from that wing (but not including that wing) all the way to the end. These are Arusha Savannah and Uzima Savannah views depending on where you are located. I hope this makes sense! Sixth floor smoking rooms are the pool view concierge rooms which are located right off the concierge lounge. There are other smoking areas, but I only know about these. The pool bar is a great area, also.

I know there are many who prefer the lower views, but I've always asked for a higher view as I love the great expanse of savannah as I look out from my balcony. Many people also prefer to be near the lobby or the elevators, where I prefer to be near NOTHING so I feel like the whole savannah is "mine" without looking out at other balconies. Room location at AKL seems to be a very personal choice and there are no wrong decisions!

I've never been bothered by bugs at AKL, infact the only bug bites I received this past trip happened to be near the Poly's volcano pool when some of us "sorority girls" were strolling after our dinner at Ohana's. There was a bee near our balcony during my last trip (two bedroom suite, first wing, Zebra Trail), but it left us alone and disappeared in a few minutes. I know there are bugs out there, but they haven't seem to have found me at AKL!

I hope this helps!
Debbie

 

[Maki Mouse]

Thanks #1hockeymom!

I appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions!