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

[#1hockeymom]

You're very welcome! Sharing my love for AKL is the next best thing to being there! Have a wonderful <i><b>wild</i></b> trip!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I still have questions. I am booked for standard pool view. What is the difference between standard and deluxe pool view? I have seen some pictures of pool views that are partially obstructed by views of the roof from Boma or something. I am trying to avoid that area so if you know what room numbers these are please let me know. I would really like something that might have animals somewhere in view. Is this possible? What floor is the best? I don't want much do I?

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Crazy Kanga
I still have questions. I am booked for standard pool view. What is the difference between standard and deluxe pool view? I have seen some pictures of pool views that are partially obstructed by views of the roof from Boma or something. I am trying to avoid that area so if you know what room numbers these are please let me know. I would really like something that might have animals somewhere in view. Is this possible? What floor is the best? I don't want much do I?

Hi,

The only difference between a "standard pool view" room and a "deluxe pool view" room is the size of the room. The "deluxe pool view" rooms hold five people and are on the 5th floor. A "standard pool view" room only holds four and one child under 3 and are on floors 1 through 4.

We have been in a pool view room on the Giraffe Trail and a pool view room on the Zebra Trail. We were able to see animals off in the distance from our Zebra Trail room.

I would suggest a room on either trail as the rooms that have the best chance of viewing the roof are the ones located in the main building on the 4th floor. Also, they might consider some of those rooms that have obstructed views as standard views as people who have paid for standard view rooms have reported being "upgraded" for free to "pool view" rooms but noted that if they had "paid" for a pool view room that they would have been disapointed.

I am sure you will have a great trip.

 

[Fooz]

Thanks for all this great info!! We'll be staying at AKL for 2 nights at the end of our trip, this thread is extremely helpful!!

Thanks to all who have contributed.

 

[Kes]

I haven't had time to read through all of this yet - just got AP rates for AKL for October so I'm just starting to research the resort more. But, if we want to see the zebras on the Arusha Savannah and have a standard savannah view room, what would some of you who have been there request? Do all of the savannah view rooms have balconies? I think I would like to be on the 2nd or 3rd floor so my 6 year old will have a good view. What do your think? She loves zebras and giraffes - can't wait to see her face when she sees them outside her window for the first time

Thanks for your help!

 

[johnsonet]

Kes
I would request Arusha Savannah, Zebra Trail. This will put you on the same side of the resort as the pool, the Mara ("food court"), Boma restaurant, main elevators, health club...
Last April we were on Zebra Trail and 2d floor. It was MUCH more convenient than the Kudu Trail we'd been on before...quite a hike to the pool, etc.
Good Luck!

 

[kwdietrich1]

Hi,
My DH, MIL and I will be staying at AKL 12/22 to 12/28! We are very excited to be staying here during Christmas. I read somewhere that some of the Deluxe resorts put a suprise Christmas treat on the outside door knob Christmas Eve. Is this true? My MIL has never been to Disney and I think that this would be such a wonderful introduction to the Magic that Disney often provides. I plan on ordering Christmas stockings through the Disney Florist regardless. I wonder if I could arrange for a special room service breakfast on Christmas morning. Do they do anything different for Christmas?

TIA

 

[jadedNYer]

kwdietrich1

We (me, 2 boys) will be AKL Dec. 21-29. I didn't know the Disney Florist had stockings. I will have to look into that.

We actually just returned from AKL onthe 25th. I had ordered gift baskets from Disney Florist for the boys and everything worked out well. We checked in, went to our room, went to MK and when we returned the gift baskets were waiting in our room.

We ended up being in the same room as last year somehow and had the same housekeeper. My kids think the housekeeper gave them baskets the. Ah, well. Wouldn't want to spoil the magic. Suffice to say, I was very pleased with the service and I will have to look into using them again at Christmas.

 

[kwdietrich1]

jadedNYer: That's great that we'll be there the same time. I'll have my lime green mickey head on, so just give a hollar if you see me. We ordered a wonderful gift basket from Disney florist in June to be sent to the WL. It was beautiful. You're right about the magic! How neat about the housekeeper! I know the mousekeepers prefer 'lodgekeeper' title, so I was wondering what the mousekeepers prefer at AKL. I want to put this on the tip envelopes. I booked standard view, but I am considering upgrading to pool view or savannah. I have to watch the budget this time because we really went overboard for our anniversary trip in June. The pool view is only about $100 more total. Do you think if I wait until check in and they have pool view rooms available, they will let me upgrade for the additional money? I requested lobby floor, and it is noted on my ressie confirmation, but I probably should have been specific 3rd floor close to lobby. Maybe I'll call back after they have time to recover from Frances.

Just 107 more days! How will I ever wait?

 

[jadedNYer]

We stayed at AKL in July 2002 and I had booked as standard room w/ AP rate. At check in we were upgraded to a pool view (we were also upgrade to a woods view at WL). We were on the giraffe trail and I found it very convenient. This August I booked a pool view and that's what I was given. For December I booked savannah. The boys are very excited but I really like the pool view.

I am really tacky about tipping. I fold a little piece of paper from the message pad in half over five dollars and write "housekeeping" and a thank you.

We really enjoy the AKL. The boys would be happy to just hang out there and not go to any parks. I thought about doing some nights at the Beach CLub but I can't rationalize the expense, plus AKL has REAL coffee which I need and worth every penny of the room service expense. Actually, they do have a great contintental breakfast for around 12 dollars (fresh fruit, croissant, a fattening great muffin) so sometimes I pay a few dollars extra for the Kenyan coffee and the food is more than enough for the boys.

If I were you, I would go for a pool view if it won't break the bank. It probably depends on how crowded they are so I wouldn't risk it if you want a pool view and if that is important to you. At first, I didn't think view was important to me but I don't think I would be happy looking at the parking lot as it detracts from the "atmosphere."

 

[jadedNYer]

Kwdietrich1
To clarify my answer. If you want to wait until check in than I am sure if rooms are available you can upgrade. Our upgrades were complimentary. Depending on what time you check in - we tend to check in the mornings - you will probably be given a choice of bed types - king, 2 queens, or queen and bunk beds.

 

[kwdietrich1]

JadedNYer:

ooooohhhhhhh REAL coffee! My DH and I are MAJOR coffee drinkers! That is a nice bonus to staying at the AKL. We are light breakfast eaters, so the continental breakfast sounds like a great idea! We booked Woods view at WL at the AP rate in June and were upgraded to Courtyard view. It might have had something to do with it being our anniversary, but we'll never know for sure. If you don't mind me asking, did you book this trip with an AP rate? Also if you don't mind me asking, what were you quoted for a Savannah room? I didn't bother asking, because I was afraid to let 1 of the only 2 standard view go. I wish I had asked now. I do this every time. I start standard and end up upgrading. DH really wants to have a lot of souvee money, but I'm wondering if the view might be nicer than souvees.

One more question (sorry I am bombarding you with so many ?'s) did you purchase the refillable mugs? If so, what size are they? I saw a pic of what seemed to be a larger than WL mug. A few gulps and it was gone! LOL

Thanks for all your AKL wisdom and help

 

[johnsonet]

Kelly~
AKL has 2 different -sized mugs. There is the one the same size as the WL mug (that will fit in your car's drinks holder) and a "fatter" mug - the one you must've seen a photo of...
The view is definitely worth it at AKL - especially if you've never stayed there!
On my first stay I realized that Pool view would be a great way to go as well...but it's been hard to give up seeing the animals from my balcony...I would definitely consider the upgradeif it's in your budget.
Also, I got an AP rate for a woods view at WL and was upgraded to Courtyard - and that was during the week before Easter this year so it's not as though they are stingy with upgrades to guests who secure AP rates

 

[jadedNYer]

I booked with the AP rate and I was quoted 121 for pool view and 151 for savannah. For what it's worth that is less than what I paid for August by four dollars.
Oh, the continental breakfast also comes with orange juice. You can also just have coffee delivered. As for the mugs - I got two for the boys - one got the chubby one and the other the "more refined" one. They probably hold the same amount because the chubby one is a tad shorter. I think they look deceiving and drink space is taken up by plastic/insulation. I remember seeing larger mugs which must be new. I am not sure if it is totally worth it but the boys like them and after paying a little over two dollars for a cup to get some Nescafe I was ready to "borrow" one of theirs. We didn't really eat at the Mara that much as we love Boma.
I can sympathize with the souveniers - my younger son is a Star Wars fanatic so it is difficult to come out of Star Tours. This summer they both discovered pin trading. My younger one wants "every classic Mickey pin." Sigh. Be forewarned about the AKL gift shop - they have incredible stuff. Even the AKL t- shirts are really nice.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Johnsonet: Thank you for the 'mug' info. I'm going to see if I can talk hubbie into less souvees and more of a view LOL!

JadedNYer: Don't get me started on pin trading! LOL DH became a pin nut last trip! I had to hold him back! (which didn't work, of course) I guess I will have to 'escort' him through the gift shop or send DMIL with him at all times!

 

[kwdietrich1]

One more thing:

JadedNYer: How is it that you were quoted $121 pool view and I'm paying 134 plus tax for a standard??? I'm only checking in one day later and both our check in dates fall under the Holiday rate time frame? I'm wondering if I am being overcharged? Hmmm me thinks a call to CRO is in order this tues.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Kelly>> At AKL the view IS your souvenier! If the money is in the budget and it just means moving things around, you might want to reconsider a lesser view and go for the savannah view. We end up spending so much time out on our balcony just watching the animals. A quick trip back to the room never is, but no one seems to care since the animals are the center of attention!

 

[jadedNYer]

Kelly -
I went to the passholders section on the disneworld site. They have an offer there and that is the number I called - the passholder number. I hope this helps you and if you have an AP you should call back because the rate is good for check ins thru 12/25. Let me know how it goes and if there is anything else I can do. 134/night sounds more like a pool view rate with tax included - not standard view.


I am sure that my boys and your husband will run into each by the pins at AKL. Japan in WS is also problematic for us - Pokemon and Yu-gi-OH cards galore.

 

[jadedNYer]

Kelly -
I just double checked the passholder site. When you get to the offer section click on the picture of POP. That will bring you to the hotel offers and it has 151 for savannah view. There is a number to call. I had to submit my info a few times to access that section.

You can also fiddle around with the general code on the disney site and see if those rates are any better than your current one. In an utter lapse of sanity I started playing with dates for CL - I can get it for the 21-29 w/ the public code but not for a few nights within that timeframe.

Have looked at allears.net? It looks like AKL has some great stuff scheduled for the holidays.

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by #1hockeymom
Kelly>> At AKL the view IS your souvenier!