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

[zachsmom8899]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if someone could answer a question. I am heading to Disney in October with my family and a friend. My friend really wanted to stay at Animal Kingdom, but I didn't really want to (or really couldn't afford to). We have plans to stay at the Wilderness Lodge instead since we got a really great rate there. My question is, with the new fall rates they were offering a great rate on the standard view. My friend will only stay in a savanah view room. Is there a way to still get adjoining/connecting rooms, but have the different view? I would appreciate any help.

Thanks.

 

[skuttle]

First, I must say that this thread is great! Thanks for all the wonderful info.

DH and I are planning on staying at AKL in May. We're trying to decide between a Savannah view room or a pool view room. When we visited AKL last week, it seemed like almost any room in the pool area would offer a nice view since the pool is so beautiful. I'm afraid if we do savannah view that we could possibly end up w/ the "people pen" savannah...I would cry...it's so ugly looking. I've never made any special request when booking a room...are they normally fulfilled? THANKS!

 

[disnaholic]

Hello,
I just booked a room a AKL for December and I would like some opinions on the best floor to see the animals from AND I am really interested in some opinions on the best savannah. I have been looking at some online photos and was not to impressed by the sunset savannah. The Arusha savannah looked nice, but I would really like some opinions from people who have already been luicky enough to experience this resort.
Thanks for any info!!!!!

 

[Maleficent2]

bumping

 

[HookedOnDiz]

bump

 

[KelliR]

We stayed at the AKL on August 15, 2002 in room # 4348 in the Kudu Trail guest rooms. We had a savannah view booked and the only thing I requested was a room with bunk beds.

We love this resort! I think it is my favorite of all the Disney resorts. (I also love the Dolphin).

The room was quite a walk from the pool, restaurants, and lobby. Not really too far, but a hike for my 4 yr old when she was tired. But she never complained a bit because of the lookout points along the way to see the animals. It was quite an adventure for her. We took the elevator, but the 4th floor is only one floor up from the lobby.

We saw tons of animals. None in the afternoon, but when the animals were out we saw vultures, zebra, gazelle, etc. on our walk to the room. Right outside of our room was a giraffe feeding station so from our room ... we saw plenty of giraffe, many ankole cattle, greater kudu, ostrich, and other animals that I am not sure if they were bongo or blesbok or gemsbok. But we saw plenty. After awhile, we saw so many it lost the novelty for my DD4! We enjoyed walking out of the lobby and seein zebras, pelicans, etc.

We like Jiko and absolutely LOVED Boma! Lee, our server, was superb! The food was great and desserts were excellent! Mara was also a great place for a quick meal.

I truly enjoyed the lodge tour at 3:30 pm. (lasted about 45 minutes). Storytelling at Arush Rock Firepit at 7:30 pm was fantastic!!! It lasted about 45 minutes as well and my DD4 wants to go back. I highly recommend it.

I liked the 4th floor, the animals seemed close enough to me. I hope my thoughts have helped a little bit. The CM's are the greatest. Extremely kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable.

Enjoy your stay and I can't wait to go back again!

 

[disnaholic]

Thank you very much for the reply! I am very excited about our trip and your great review has made me that much more excited!

 

[A. Jr.]

This has been well worth the read...

AKL here we come!

 

[KelliR]

A. Jr.
Please post when you return from your stay at the AKL and let us know how everything went on your trip! Have a great time!

 

[A. Jr.]

Originally posted by KelliR
A. Jr.
Please post when you return from your stay at the AKL and let us know how everything went on your trip! Have a great time!

My pleasure!

Woo-hoo - One week to Go!

 

[ZuZugal]

We're off to AKL next month - concierge.

My questions are:

1. I'd love opinions on which room to request (though I know it may not be honored)

2. DS & DD are 7 & 9; anything we should definitely do while there and not miss?

3. We'll have a rental but it's cheaper to take the busses. How the transportation from AKL to other parks?

4. Anything you would like to add!

 

[kdibattista]

Just a quick FYI.... I called AKL directly because I heard a couple of rumors. The first being that there is construction happening on the savannahs. The truth (according to AKL) is that they ARE doing some work on one savannah at a time. If you booked savannah view, you will get savannah view. As of yesterday, they were working on Arusha savannah. The second rumor(s) I heard was about the bus transportation - that it was being monitored by a CM at the stop and was only being used "as needed" - not true according to AKL - they are running on a regular basis and are NOT being shared with any other resorts/parks (which is the other transportation rumor I heard).

Please keep in mind again that this is coming directly from the hotel - I don't know from personal experience. I will find out for myself next month

 

[disnaholic]

Zugal

I have not stayed at AKL yet (ressies in Dec) but I asked the very same question about where to stay at AKL on several different threads and I got a lot of replies for Zebra Trail, the area that came in second was Kudu trail. I beieve that Zebra Trail rooms are closer to the pool and restaurants. I hope this helps!

 

[jdkdorn]

We leave on Thursday, YAHOOO

We are looking forward to our trip. We have not been on Vacation in 2 years. I hope that the storms stay away

Wish us luck

 

[KelliR]

jdkdorn...HAVE A MAGICAL TRIP! Please make sure you enjoy everything the AKL has to offer. I recommend taking the lodge tour (in the afternoon, around 3:00)and going to the storytelling in the evening. I hope the storms do not intrude on your vacation! Let us know how everything goes.

 

[A. Jr.]

Upon arriving, the first thing out of my older son's mouth (7 year old) was
"Wow, Dad, this place is cool!"

We reserved a Savannah View Standard room. I requested non-smoking,
queen/bunk-bed and Zebra trail. It took some double and triple checking,
but ultimately they were able to find us a room that met all our needs.

Out room number was 2545. A bit of a hike from the lobby (3 minute walk).
And yes, we were quite close to a "people pen" but that didn't bother us
much. We had a great view of the animals and saw a lot of them throughout
the week. A bellman mentioned that our room was in an area where the
animals pass each day on their way to their daily vet check, so it worked
out nice.

In addition to the view from the room, there are plenty of savannah outlooks
that provide excellent viewing opportunities.

The rooms are not bright, but I wouldn't call them "dark" - it really is a
matter of the theme, and Disney has done a great job. The music, the art
and decor - the place is amazing. We found the dresser a bit small for a
family of four, I lived out of my suitcase for the week. Also, the bathroom
was very small, though the double-sink vanity space outside the bathroom was
a nice size.

The pool was beautiful. My sons (7 & 4) loved the water slide. There's a
"zero-entry" side and a pool-side bar. The "Mara" (cafeteria style
restaurant) is also right off the pool area. The pool is opened 24 hours,
though the lifeguards are on duty only until 10:00 PM. The slide is only
open when the lifeguards are on duty.

We ate at Boma a few times for breakfast - good food and good selection.
Never got to try Jiko, though it looked really nice.

Buses were great in the morning and during the day, though the evenings were
sometimes tough depending on where we were and the crowd volume. Overall,
though, I'd still recommend the buses. We'll do it the same way next time.

All in all it was a very nice place to stay - enough so, that we are
considering it for a return trip in two to three years.

 

[April in Disney]

Leaving in 2 days.

 

[Fridye]

Has anyone stayed in a concierge room? What savannahs do they overlook or what trails are they on? Are the views good? Is there one I should request?

Thanks for the help!

 

[msim]

Does anyone have any idea if there will be any codes or AP rates for AKL during peak season in April of 2003? Are there any rooms that would have a semi-savannah view that would be cheaper than the savannah view? Thanks.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

We go 12/31 with the first night at AS due to the holiday rate and then on to AKL (first time) for 2 nights then a Cabin until Sun. Will the Xmas decor still be up at the AK and other resorts/parks?

I usually plan comando style for our regular group of over 10, but this time it is just us 4 (including a 3 and 8 year old). Any planning ideas.

Do you think it is a must for MK on 12/31 or will it be too crowded?

The only idea I have it doing AK our first AM at the AKL.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.