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

[eddieras]

we stayed there in 01 and are going in may === my son 6 at the time and daughter 2 loved it - that's why we're returning.

they have:
flamingo feedings
animal tracking
junior researcher
music
games
cookie decorating
ostrich egg decorating (real eggs)
story telling
nite vision goggles
african games/ crafts

the kids can earn beads to make a necklace with participation in these things

not mention just viewing the animals!
the slide (fromwhat i remember) is fairly basic - but probably good for your kids' ages

 

[Abra Cat]

Where was the ostrich egg decorating? I didn't see it listed during our December 2004 visit.

we stayed there in 01 and are going in may === my son 6 at the time and daughter 2 loved it - that's why we're returning.

they have:
flamingo feedings
animal tracking
junior researcher
music
games
cookie decorating
ostrich egg decorating (real eggs)
story telling
nite vision goggles
african games/ crafts

the kids can earn beads to make a necklace with participation in these things

not mention just viewing the animals!
the slide (fromwhat i remember) is fairly basic - but probably good for your kids' ages

 

[eddieras]

Where was the ostrich egg decorating? I didn't see it listed during our December 2004 visit.

don't know!

when we booked our trip for this May they sent us some info on the lodge and it was in there-- plus the concierge told me. when are you going? if it's after May i can give you more info from our trip!

 

[madge]

Where was the ostrich egg decorating? I didn't see it listed during our December 2004 visit.

does that list look fairly up to date, since you were there in December?

This is verrrry tempting....

 

[#1hockeymom]

DO IT! I can't think of a better place to spend a non park day! AKL has so much to do. The whole resort just exudes calmness and serenity. I still need to start playing, so I can win, the lotto so I can go every trip! You'll love it, Madge!

Activities, with their times, are posted on a bulletin board on the lobby level by bell services/valet and on the first floor near Jiko and Boma.

 

[madge]

DO IT! I can't think of a better place to spend a non park day! AKL has so much to do. The whole resort just exudes calmness and serenity. I still need to start playing, so I can win, the lotto so I can go every trip! You'll love it, Madge!

Activities, with their times, are posted on a bulletin board on the lobby level by bell services/valet and on the first floor near Jiko and Boma.

Debbie!! I was going to PM you about this...you know my love affair with the Swan/Dolphin I'm so torn! LOL....it's a night at the Swan or a night at the AKL...I'm afraid the grotto pool won't be warm enough to swim in (early April) and what will I do without those chocolate criossants? help!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I can't help you with the grotto pool, as I truly love it too! I can tell you that the Uzima pool and pool bar is a lovely area and makes fantastic drinks! While "half watching" your children who are under the watchful eye of the life guards, you can walk a few steps and go talk with the flamingoes! That restful feeling you get at the Swan? It is at AKL, too!

It is ok! You can still be a sorority sister and love the AKL! I've done it... and I even have been with Disbug there... more than once! *had to show off my two bedroom suite last July! We stopped in for a visit last January... which had me immediately on the phone trying to change resorts but they were full up!

I think your kids will love it! Are you booking a savannah room? My favorite rooms are at the end of the wings, though some people don't like that walk. Even though I am dead tired at the end of the day, Going to sleep and waking up in the morning and feeling like the entire savannah is MINE is worth it!

 

[cocowum]

OMG... I just read all 50 pages I am definitely addicted to these boards. I originally booked a standard view room and by the time I got to page 15 I called back and changed to pool view. After seeing all those depressing links of parking lot or wall views. Anyway I was just wondering if you have a standard pool view and are offered an upgrade, what kind of room are you offered? I really don't want a savannah view over a pool view. So has any one been offered a deluxe pool view room?(not CL) I was just curious?

 

[NC Belle]

OMG... I just read all 50 pages I am definitely addicted to these boards. I originally booked a standard view room and by the time I got to page 15 I called back and changed to pool view. After seeing all those depressing links of parking lot or wall views. Anyway I was just wondering if you have a standard pool view and are offered an upgrade, what kind of room are you offered? I really don't want a savannah view over a pool view. So has any one been offered a deluxe pool view room?(not CL) I was just curious?

My dh and I were upgraded from pool view to pool view deluxe last week (2/13-17). It was a great location and spacious. We did not request an upgrade when we checked in early--- we had room 5470 on the Zebra trail.

We don't have kids, but I noticed that it was a short walk and elevator ride to Simba's clubhouse and to the Mara (if you walk outside).

 

[cocowum]

Thanks NC Belle I will keep my Fingers crossed

 

[tinkerb]

how fast time flys...we were just there, we had a 2nd floor room overlooking the sunset savannah, and i would never change a thing....it was perfect....the animals were there at night, sleeping, when we got back late from the parks......how i wish i could have that view right now......

 

[madge]

I can't help you with the grotto pool, as I truly love it too! I can tell you that the Uzima pool and pool bar is a lovely area and makes fantastic drinks! While "half watching" your children who are under the watchful eye of the life guards, you can walk a few steps and go talk with the flamingoes! That restful feeling you get at the Swan? It is at AKL, too!

It is ok! You can still be a sorority sister and love the AKL! I've done it... and I even have been with Disbug there... more than once! *had to show off my two bedroom suite last July! We stopped in for a visit last January... which had me immediately on the phone trying to change resorts but they were full up!

I think your kids will love it! Are you booking a savannah room? My favorite rooms are at the end of the wings, though some people don't like that walk. Even though I am dead tired at the end of the day, Going to sleep and waking up in the morning and feeling like the entire savannah is MINE is worth it!

thanks, Debbie!!

We are staying at the S/D this fall, so I'll get my fix then

 

[kimmar067]

...I'm bac-c-c-c-c-k! BOy, our trip to AKL was simply:

AMAZING!!!!

We wound up ditching the Ft W cabin ressies and stayd at AKl for the whole week!!! The concierge staff were FABULOUS! The animals were awesome! Buses ran constantly, so we never waited more than 10 minutes!

Any questions, bring it on....!

 

[mariamouse]

Kimmar- I'm glad you had a great trip, we were there the same time too

We had a great stay at the Lodge as well (and would definitely return!), although unfortunately, we had bad luck with the busses-- we often waited at least 20 minutes, but oh well It's still an amazing resort and experience-- nothing like seeing animals out your window... and Boma was just incredible!


mariamouse

 

[kimmar067]

Kimmar- I'm glad you had a great trip, we were there the same time too

....Boohoo, too bad we couldn't have met in the beautiful lobby!

We had a great stay at the Lodge as well (and would definitely return!), although unfortunately, we had bad luck with the busses-- we often waited at least 20 minutes, but oh well It's still an amazing resort and experience-- nothing like seeing animals out your window... and Boma was just incredible!

mariamouse

There was only ONE instance where we were a bit annoyed with the bus service. We were headed to Le Cellier (BTW ~ OUT OF THIS WORLD!), so we boarded the "Epcot" bus. We were already running late (it was 5:52 PM, and our ressies were for 6PM!) when we realized, to our surprise, that we were headed for AK first! Now, I KNOW we didn't mistakenly get on the WRONG BUS, because there were several guests looking at each other, rather dumbfounded, wondering what was going on!!! (Oh yes, Boma was amazin' - we ate there last night!)

 

[sweet angel]

Any questions, bring it on....!

Did you get the recipes? Huh, huh? Didya? Didya?

 

[skelred]

Do i need to book for breakfasts?
What about meals at night at the AKL? Do I need to book for either of the restaurants? Is there a timeframe you must book but If I arrive later I won’t need to book? Any/All hints appreciated

 

[Tiffany]

Do i need to book for breakfasts?
What about meals at night at the AKL? Do I need to book for either of the restaurants? Is there a timeframe you must book but If I arrive later I won’t need to book? Any/All hints appreciated

There is a foodcourt and two sitdown places to eat at the AKL. Mara is the foodcourt and is open from 6am to 11pm or so. Boma is the buffet that is open for breakfast and dinner. I would suggest making a piority seating as there is always a crowd in the waiting area when we have gone by.

Jiko is only open for dinner and is the more upscale place for dinner at the AKL. I would also suggest making a piority seating to ensure you eat at or close to the time you like.

 

[skelred]

Thanks!
So if I was to book breakfast before going to Disney, AK, Epcot - to get there RIGHT at opening - what time would be a good guess?

 

[bard721]

Here's the question, DH and I are arriving two days prior to the rest of the family for our parent's 50th wedding anniversary. These two days we will not have park admissions. We will be driving to WDW from Atlanta (7 hours at least) and will arrive on Sunday June 29th. It seems this would be a great opportunity to really enjoy what AKL has to offer at the resort. To switch our ressie from CSR to a standard view at AKL would be $75 per night up to $148 per night more for savannah view. We already plan on an evening meal at BOMA, which we loved on our last trip, for one of these nights. What would you do? Would you switch? Thanks for your input.