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

[HauntedMansionFan]

Wow there is a ton of information to take in on this thread! I just booked a Savanah view for two night and we leave in a week! Does anyone have any room number, trails, or savanah advice? I've seen pictures of some of the savanah rooms and they don't seem to be that secluded or very close to where the animals are, but then I've seen some pictures of room that look they are right in on the action. Anyone have any recommendations of room numbers or areas that I should request or stay away from? Thank you!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey!!

Last March we stayed on Zebra Trail, ARusha Savannah, in room 2437. This room was near the elevator and ice machine, and we felt that the second floor was a great location to see the animals!!!

We were also right next to a neat outdoor balcony available to anyone, with mounted viewers to see the animals close-up!

Down one floor is the door out to the pool, the Mara, and a short walk to Boma, Jiko. Up one floor and down the hall was the lobby and out the front door and to the left, the bus stop. We were about a third of the way down the Zebra Trail hallway, so we didn't have *too* much of a hike!!

Everybody says asking for specific room numbers is a no-no, but you can probably ask for second floor, Zebra Trail, Arusha Savannah, near the elevator and get pretty close!

 

[imallset]

Hello, new here, trying to decide on Concierge or deluxe Savannah room. We have previously always stayed at the Beach Club with our three children (ages 11 and twins 7) loving the pool area, but decided this time to try Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am confused completely about the concierge level experience. We have always stayed at "deluxe" type resorts and I am wondering if the amenities are really worth it. The breakfast type assortment itself sounds like we would be saving a fortune for 5 ppl.
thanks!

 

[deb305]

Never stayed at AKL, but have stayed at concierge. Since the incremental cost depends on time of year you go and special rates you may get - we did the math as follows. For us concierge was $75 per Day. For that we got a full breakfast for 4, unlimited beverage service, and we were usually around for at least one snack each day. Our biggie was the breakfast. The time we saved being able to bring a well balanced meal to the room while everyone got dressed was priceless. The breakfasts at all the concierges usually have ceral, toats, pastries, fruit and sometimes a hot dish.
Given how much we spent on the total trip (transportation, room, park tickets) it was a small percentage increase in costs but a biggie on helping us start our day. Kids had us given up character breakfast on last half of trip because they preferred to sleep in and grab a quick one.
Also the concierge staff is able to get you hard to get reservations at last minute, though they would never guarantee it.

 

[imallset]

Thanks, thats what I was figuring. I know that staying at the BC we have sent Dad out for pastries and coffee/juice and each time for 5 it was usually $50 or so just for that, so I am figuring that it will save a bunch with 3 young kids!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

We love the AKL club level. The breakfast itself was my primary draw for staying on that level. With 4 kids and myself it was always somthing I considered worth it. However I never anticiapted how much I would love having the access to the snacks for the kids during the day. I love popping up from the pool and having the kids grab a snack, Usually they get some fresh fruit and goldfish, and some gummies. I guarantee if we went to the Mara or the shops they would never grab the fruit. This way it is what is out and available. Less junk to choose from. Also, they will drink Lemonade or the Mango smoothies VS another coke. It's a great place to relax and have somthing while the kids watch tv. Last December the staff was great... One morning the kids all got little animal sipper cups. another puzzles, or koosh animal balls. The day they left they got little finger puppetts. They loved it and it really made them feel welcome. It was great.

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Just back!!! What a great time I had, the resort is beautiful! I had seen it featured on Great Hotels but even still, the lobby took my breath away. We stayed on the Kudu trail with a room that faced the Sunset Savanah, room 3281. It was great! On the "U" portion of the hotel there are two sections that jut out from the sides, we were in the first section that "jut" out. Is jut even a word? Lol... Anyway, we had the far corner room at the end of the hallway, so it was nice and quiet. Also our balcony had a view of the animals from the front and side... it was nice.

 

[kume]

We will probably arrive at AKL early in the AM. I guess it's a good chance our room won't be ready and we'll have to check our luggage. Has anyone had a problem with this as far as theft goes? I think I've read on other threads where this has happened but I forget the exact circumstances. My DSIL had his watch stolen last year from their luggage in the Bahamas so we know it can happen.

 

[ciera123]

We always arrive early and have to check or baggage. The staff locks it in a room near the bellmen station and nothing has ever been taken. I think Disney is really good with security issues!!

 

[Kajunswty]

can anyone help me with the time of the storytelling? I read that it was at 6 then somewhere else @ 7:30. We are going in April ~ if that matters.

also, what time is the night viewing of the animals with the guides? I don't recall what the "official" name of that is...lol

one more, what are the pool hours?


I think that is all for now I am trying to schedule all the not to miss stuff without making us so busy that we don't spend enough time enjoying the resort......

thanks in advance!!!

**edited to add ~ I thought of something else. I've read that there are afternoon activities for children by the pool. Can anyone tell me what time this takes place and what age group it might attract?? I have 2 girls 11 & 9.........that's all (again), really

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Originally posted by Kajunswty
can anyone help me with the time of the storytelling? I read that it was at 6 then somewhere else @ 7:30. We are going in April ~ if that matters.

It depends on the day, all of the activities that you mentioned, storytelling and pool activities, are usually posted right in the lobby.

The night viewing usually starts on Arusha Rock a couple of hours after sundown and usually lasts about two hours. But they post the hours for this also.

And the pool is open 24 hours!!! But the slide and lifeguards are there only until 9 I believe.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Kajunswty

During check-in, you will receive a map of the resort. On the back of this map, they list the resort activities, with times for each.

During our stay last March, Storytelling was @ 6:30 p.m., Night Vision Tracking was @ 10:00 p.m., Poolside Activities was @ 4:30, Junior Researcher @ 3:00 p.m., etc. DD(14) says she believes the pool games are for ages to 11 or 12, but not sure.

We are also going in April - but looks like the week before you! If we're back before you leave, I'll try to answer any questions!!

 

[lillygator]

Oh my - I just read all 21 pages~~


I booked for savannah view for our upcoming trip.
Can anyone tell me what floors these rooms are on?
I am assuming it is the standard savannah rm as the rate was the FL resident rate of $200/night.

I didn't request a specific area as I wasn't sure what to request. For those who didn't request a particular savannah - were you pleased with your room? Should I put in a request anyway?

I will be traveling with DH and DD 18 months....I think our main goal is to definitely see the animals.

 

[lillygator]

anyone?

 

[KelliR]

I never requested a particular savannah ... and I was happy with the view I had every time. It was fun to see which animals would be out when I went on the balcony. My experience is that I liked what I saw from the room, then we would go out to the firepit area and see different animals, and then we would see other animals from the viewing area in the hallways. (The first stay our room was a very long walk from the lobby). Then we sould go to the pool and see more.

I know some people like to know and select exactly where they want their room to be ... but at the AKL I just took the room assigned to me. And I enjoyed being in different areas of the
resort every time I stay there.

Kelli

 

[kume]

Just got back from a beautiful week at AKL. My daughter and her family and my wife and I had connecting rooms (4527,4529). They were great rooms but I don't think paying the extra $507 for 7 nights was worth it but I got out voted. I also had to pay $41 for a couple of phone calls. One was a minute long and another was 5 minutes. I was told to buy calling cards so that was my fault. We also were disappointed in Bowma's but went twice to Jiko's which we thought was great especially the monk fish. Everyone loved the pool and I especially liked the hot tub. A couple of days the air was cool but the pool was well heated. No problem with the busses either. In fact one day we had a ps for the character breakfast at Cape May. Your supposed to take the bus to MGM then the boat but since we were the only ones on the bus the driver took us straight to Cape May. I wish I had got his name but he's from North Jersey (Trenton) and a Phillies fan so we got along great. Tell him thanks for me if you get the chance. I had a couple of complaints but overall I loved AKL and would go back in a minute.

Jack

 

[Bute]

New question.
I love my coffee in the morning. I know there are refillable mugs but the thought of sitting on my balcony with a fresh cup in my pjs or whatever appeals to me. Must I request a coffee maker be placed in my room? Is there a daily fee charged? Thanks

 

[Aisling]

Just got back from a beautiful week at AKL.

I'm so happy to read positive posts about AKL. I'm so excited about our upcoming trip, getting closer every day.

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[BambiTamby]

another AKL LOVER here!
just back from another AWESOME stay there!

That place has the most themeing and they'll do anything to keep you coming back for more!

Aisling, you made a great choice between splitting your vacation between the CR and AKL. Two totally different "animals"!

 

[lillygator]

I can't wait to try it!! I am so hoping and praying we get to see lots of animals from our room!!