First time at Animal Kingdom Lodge

[EPCOTDUDE]

Just booked 4 nights 9-13 Jan at AKL. I got a standard room at the AP rate. It's my first time there and I could use some advise on meals, services and fun at the resort. Are there Mickey waffles DD loves them. Hows the transportation? Can you get much animal viewing in during Jan? Is Jiko worthe the money?

 

[raven69david]

Go to the main thread for everything AKL. There's ALOT of reading to do, but you're a little over 2 1/2 months out so you should be able to find out alot about the resort. Trust me, you're gonna love it. Alot of activities to do and the restaurants are top notch. The entire "feel" ambience of the resort is something that beckons me back. I'm about 30 days away from my trip and i can't hardly stand it any longer.

 

[spiceycat]

think both the food court/ and Boma has the waffles.

well the transportation to the EMH early morning for the AK was horrible. waited over 25 minutes (always start my stop watch when I arrived at the bus stop) - some people waited 35 minutes.

while buses for Epcot and studio came and left - no one there to even get on them.... have been assured that DIsney will go back to their prior policy - if no one is there when the bus arrives the driver can change his sign and pick up the guests who are waiting. Now at most resorts they can't do this - too many stops. but AKL has only one stop.

the MK EMH was excellent. we just missed one and I though a long wait - no another bus was there in around 10 minutes.

 

[BC1836]

A great place to stay! And Boma is wonderful.
However, the bathroom lighting in our room needed added illumination---at least when we were there years ago.

 

[mdrob214]

Just booked 4 nights 9-13 Jan at AKL. I got a standard room at the AP rate. It's my first time there and I could use some advise on meals, services and fun at the resort. Are there Mickey waffles DD loves them. Hows the transportation? Can you get much animal viewing in during Jan? Is Jiko worthe the money?

Congrats! You'll love it.

Boma breakfast was yummy. We didn't see Mickey waffles there, but they did have them at the CS, the Mara. Boma dinner is not to be missed, imo. We all loved it and I admit I was pleasantly surprised that my kids enjoyed it as much as DH & I.

Jiko--Def. worth the money. Ask your server for wine recommendations. We had a diff. wine with each course and all of our waiter's recommendations were right on. He was very a very knowledgable sommelier, asking what we liked and finding something to pair with our courses. Of course, we dined without kids so that helped! There is childcare at Simba's Clubhouse and there are lots of activities (we never actually did most of them, but they were posted on an activity board). We happened to be at the pool during game time and we all had a ball playing games with the lifeguards and other guests--fun!

Check out the Jambo! thread on this resort board, that's where I learned all my info and everyone over there is happy to answer questions. It's pretty long, but worth going back a bit and reading through.

 

[EPCOTDUDE]

Thank you all so much. Sounds like I'll have a great time. That is a great picture, how did you get such a shot with all the characters?

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Just upgraded from POR to AKL and it will be our first time to WDW, so of course will be our first time to AKL. I can't wait!! I got AKL for $60 cheaper than POR to the discount code for January!

 

[Flossbolna]

AKl is a fantastic resort in my opinion. Just as someone else has pointed out, have a look at the Jambo-thread for AKL (unofficial FAQ). I wrote a review of AKL for those guys there of our stay in February 2007 which can be found here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1484743 There are quite a few pictures on that thread as well. We will be returning in February 2008!

 

[busymomma123]

AKL is a lot of fun. There is so much to do just at the resort. We never waited more then 10 minutes for a bus but one time. Its kind of a long bus ride, but the not too bad. Be sure to check out the animals at night with the night vision goggles. That was way cool.