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

[kwdietrich1]

Okay, I figured it out! We have an extra adult so that explains the extra $$ on the quotes. An extra adult (MIL) is an additional $25 per nite. I should have known that. DH is in agreement with upgrading to the pool view. He is not sure about upgrading to the savannah view. It would be a total of $233 more we would owe on our balance. That would give us $600 in souvee money. DH is not sure he would like to forfeit $200 in souvee money. He has his eyes on some things we didn't purchase (artwork etc) in June. He and I are really into collectibles (steiff from Germany, Donald duck artwork) but I would be willing to forego it if he was. Personally it would be nice to have those things, but we really don't have the space for them. DH and MIL want to do the main bath in Pooh garden style. That sounds nice, but it is not necessary because we re-decorated our bath 2 years ago. I guess I'm just trying to be practical.

Now here is the question. If I can talk DH into upgrading to the savannah view, what would you folks recommend. We would like to be on the 3rd floor lobby with close proximity to Mara or lobby area. Oh, why do I do this to myself?!

 

[lvp49]

Are the bunk bed rooms the same size as the standard rooms, or are they smaller? And if they are the same size, they should seem a little roomier, because it would only take up a twin bed space, right? Thanks

 

[#1hockeymom]

Zebra Trail savannah view rooms, near the lobby, would be the closest to Mara and the pool. Depending on how far out you are on the wings, the opposite trails with a room close to the lobby might be just as close. (I hope this make sense )

A standard size room with a bunk bed, or a deluxe room with a bunk bed will be the same size room as its "sister" room with two queens, just with a bit more floor space around the room due to the size of the bunks. They are located in all areas of the resorts. Deluxe rooms are all in the fifth and sixth floor *sixth being concierge only* and can include savannah view or pool view, depending on what you reserved.

 

[jadedNYer]

Kelly -
Glad you figured out the rate discrepancy.

At the very least, I would go for a pool view. If you don't get a savannah view you will still be able to see the animals from the various viewing areas. Don't forget to do the night vision viewing too.

At least at AKL if you have a bit of hike it will be inside. Good if it's raining.

Once you see the gift shop you might want to do your bathroom in an African theme - they sell books in the gift shop about how to decorate home so that it looks African.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Okie dokie: I'm calling CRO tomorrow and upgrading to Pool view. It will only be another $80 total, so it's a no brainer! Can't talk DH into spending $233 more. I'll just have to use that $$ to decorate our Bathroom in an African theme Actually, african colors would be close to our dark fall leaf motif we already have. Probably wouldn't even have to get new towels! I'm going to request lobby floor close to Mara or lobby area. Does that sound Ok? Maybe a little pixie dust might be sprinkled on us and maybe we'll receive an upgrade. Might not happen because of being Christmas week, but one can dream, right?!

Thanks for all your help,

 

[jadedNYer]

Kelly -
You won't regret a pool view. And I commend you for sticking to a budget - it is difficult to do. I look at every 45-50 dollars as a character meal or dinner at Boma - that's without tip.

Now you can start thinking about those PSs. . And who knows, if the AKL isn't filled up you might get an upgrade.

 

[s&k'smom]

Doing the double digit dance for AKL whoo hoo

 

[kwdietrich1]

JadedNYer,
Thanks for the encouragement! Now PS's are another thing. I teach, our school day begins at 7:30, I have to be at school at 7:00. It will be a challenging week. I'm not worried about most PS except Chef Mickey's and the Tea. It is almost impossible to get a decent time. Those are the days that I must be on the phone @ 6:58! But the excitement is all part of the process!

 

[Tig-girl]

Where are all the AKL Lovers?

Hello out there........!!!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

tig girl>> I'll trade you some AKL info for some CBR info! Seriously, is there anything I can try to help you with?

 

[Tig-girl]

Hi HockeyMom!!! Nice to see somebody online that wants to talk resorts!
Now, for my questions..............no just kidding, I've been reading so much, and you really know a lot about AKL. We have requested a room on the Zebra Trail, near the elevator above Mara, and we have a Savannah view. Any idea if that is going to give us a nice view? We needed to be close to the elevator for one of our party with a medical issue, and looking at the map, it seems like an alright place to be. Also, does Victoria Falls have snax or just drinks. It seems that it's just drinks, which is ok, since Mara seems to be pretty large compared to RF at WL. ????
As for CBR, I have stayed there, but it's been a while. If there is anything I can tell you, I'd be happy to!

 

[storybookmum]

Originally posted by jadedNYer


Once you see the gift shop you might want to do your bathroom in an African theme - they sell books in the gift shop about how to decorate home so that it looks African.

Oh, that is VERY exciting! DH and I are redoing the girls' bedroom in an African theme this winter!! I'll be buying that book at the gift shop on our first day, for sure!

Thanks for mentioning it, now I'll be sure to look for it!

Kris

 

[#1hockeymom]

I don't remember snacks being at Victoria Falls, but Mara is very close so you could always bring something up. The Pool bar menu is the room service menu, so if you want to save money, take the VERY short walk to Mara and order there! Zebra Trail near the elevator is a great location. If you take that elevator down to the first floor you can get right out to the pool/Mara area. From what I have heard, Mara is bigger than RF, but I haven't been to RF! I have been to WC, but we didn't wander much inside while there. You're going to love AKL!

Zawadi Marketplace rules! That place is addictive! Every time I walk in I end up spending more time (and money!) in there! My house decor is slowly changing with each trip!

 

[Tig-girl]

Thanks Funny! How do you think my decor got the WL theme? I just said to my DS yesterday that the gift shop is supposed to be outstanding, and that I guess we will have to add a few AKL themed items! He rolled his eyes...............I wonder why? Thanks for the info!

 

[jadedNYer]

. From what I have heard, Mara is bigger than RF, but I haven't been to RF! I have been to WC, but we didn't wander much inside while there.

Yes, the Mara is much larger than RF. Also, it seems a little more "civilized" in terms of operation than RF.

 

[Disney01]

Confused about the rooms, floors and numbers for AKL...We have a savannah view and a I requested Zebra Trail, lower floor. He put down ground floor. What I really want is to be on the same level as the lobby-Which would be 3rd floor? Is that considered ground floor? Do the room #'s start with a 3 or a 1? If the room number starts with a #2, is that below the lobby? If I want 4th floor, what do I request? Help!! We want Zebra Trail, 3rd or 4th floor, close to a rock???

 

[#1hockeymom]

LOL You don't want "close to a rock" but I love the line! ; What it sounds like you want is Zebra Trail, Arusha Rock Savannah, third for fourth floor. Zebra Trail also has Uzima Savannah and pool view rooms depending on what side of the trail you are on and how far down you are on the trail. You are correct about third floor being lobby level. Savannah view rooms don't go lower than the second floor. You can get first floor rooms if you are pool view. If you want to be specific about Arusha Savannah rooms (which also are on Kudu Trail on the other side of the lobby), I would ask for a room near one of the watering holes. They usually have "action" near by at all times of the day!

I hope this doesn't confuse more. Please have a look at an AKL map and it will make a lot more sense, I promise!

 

[hannacanna]

jambo! i'm just back from a magical week at AKL!

full trip report to come, but i thought i would include some resort information now to this thread.

we booked standard view, hoping for an upgrade. after a HUGE stressful 30 minute "adventure" we got upgraded to a pool view. zebra trail room 3466. interestingly, our pool view was actually nicer than some of the savannah views i saw. pool view worked out great for us, because as soon as we opened the sliding door onto the balcony, we could hear the african music playing by the pool! this made our experience so great.

the thing i liked best about this resort was how all-encompassing it was. the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of africa...it all added up to a terrific adventure. we learned SO MUCH! we visited the WL, GF, and Poly, and i couldn't help but feel that the AKL was a much more involved experience because of the wonderful cast members and savannah guides. there was so much to do, so much to learn, so many nice people to talk to!

usually it takes me about a day to get into vacation mode. at the AKL it took us 4 hours to completely relax. it's a world apart, let me tell you. i so wish they had the actual resort music on CD, and candles of the AKL smells---the music and the smells changed depending on the time of day....it was so magical.

if you are planning a trip to the AKL, you are in for a treat. it is an adventure on top of the WDW experience...like 2 vacations in one. if you have any questions, i'll be glad to answer!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Great description of the AKL experience! Frequently I would be on the more pool view side balcony of my suite just so I could listen to the African music drifting up. AKL is all encompassing and oh so relaxing! Glad you had a wonderful time! *I am homesick*

I have asked about getting the music and so far have not had any luck. I agree... candles and CD's could help transport us back to our "happy place"!

Thanks for the review!
Debbie

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by hannacanna
the thing i liked best about this resort was how all-encompassing it was. the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of africa...it all added up to a terrific adventure. we learned SO MUCH! we visited the WL, GF, and Poly, and i couldn't help but feel that the AKL was a much more involved experience because of the wonderful cast members and savannah guides. there was so much to do, so much to learn, so many nice people to talk to!

usually it takes me about a day to get into vacation mode. at the AKL it took us 4 hours to completely relax. it's a world apart, let me tell you. i so wish they had the actual resort music on CD, and candles of the AKL smells---

Well said!! So glad you enjoyed it! This place is just my favorite...AMAZING resort!

Debbie 50 bucks says you're going to end up at AKL this trip!