Going to AKL in Sept! A Few Questions...

[eclectics]

Hi,
Planning our first trip back since 2001 (we were there on 9/11. I still remember the kindness of the CM's as we tried to get back to N.Y.). I decided to treat the two of us to a Deluxe this time (POFQ last trip). The free dining deal cinched it! Hope it's not too crowded as it seems like a lot of people are taking advantage of the dining plan. No matter, Disney is Disney and we'll have fun as always! I'm booking a savannah view room for 10 nights and I seem to remember some of you saying there is one wing to avoid as it's not as nice as the others. I forget which one it was. Any suggestions on a nice quiet location? Not really interested in Concierge rooms, doesn't seem to be worth it, especially with the free meals we'll be getting anyway. Also, is the room safe large enough to hold a laptop? Do you think it will be safe to just leave in a dresser drawer? Not a big deal to leave it home. Just wondering about the safe. POFQ safe wasn't very large if I remember right. Can't wait to try AKL! Was considering the Poly but couldn't seem to justify the extra $100 a night (there doesn't seem to be even a hint of a upcoming room code for Sept). Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[SleepingUgly]

We stayed at AKL in May, and we had "only" a standard-view room, and I know we faced the Giraffe Trail, so I'm sure you don't want that! I've heard people say the Zebra Trail is quite nice. And the Arusha Savannah is highly recommended (I think that is off the Zebra Trail, but don't quote me on that). I think if you get a savannah-view room, most likely, things will be quiet for you since you will be far from the lobby/front area, so you will not be subjected to some of the noise from those areas. Although we were near the lobby and FACED the front of the building, and we still weren't bothered by the noise, so I'm sure you will be safe from any noise in your lovely savannah-view room.

As for the safe, it is set inside the wall in the closet, and no, I'm afraid you can't fit your laptop in there. It's very thin; you can probably fit a wallet and some ID documentation, such as passports, and maybe your house keys. We also brought our laptop, and we simply left it inside its carrying case and propped the case up against the wall, next to the bed, on the floor, as far from the door as possible. It was never touched by mousekeeping. I've heard some people put their laptop in a suitcase, and then close the suitcase. The beds at AKL are set up high enough that you can then slide the closed suitcase under your bed. No one will be the wiser ...

Have a great trip! You will love AKL!!!

Linda

 

[SqueakyMouse]

During our AKL (and other WDW resorts) stay, I just left my laptop (and other assorted charging electronics -- cameras, Palm Pilots, etc.) on the table. I've never had anything bothered during a stay. My philosophy is that I don't take anything that I'd worry about losing or damaging. Why stress during a vacation?

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

at AKL, we left the laptop on the table or on the night stand. No one bothered a thing. Have a fun trip!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Oh, please tell me the laptop is for pleasure, not business?!?! I hate the thought of folks laying out the money for a vacation, and having to work through most of it.

 

[DisneyWisher]

http://allearsnet.com/acc/aklmap3.jpg

Here is a map of AKL. We didn't get a Savannah view room but a pool view and I think Zebra is the best trail. Everything is on that side(the pool, Mara's, and the arcade). I would hate to be put on Kudu trail and be all the way down at the end. What a walk that would be. When you decide what you would like to request make sure to call Disney and have it added to your reservations. I loved our room (#1456) it was on the first floor the closest room to the pool, arcade and Mara's) Loved it Loved it Loved it!!!


We were also at POFQ during 9/11. I remember it like it was yesterday. Walking into the lobby and seeing the TV in the lounge area and everyone's eyes glued to it. We had just gotten off HM and were ordering water when over a loudspeaker we were told to exit MK. I thought it was a drill. I remember getting on the bus when a woman next to me said "Do you know the Twin Towers"? I said "yes" and she said they were gone. I thought "gone, where could they have gone?" Who would have ever thought that could happen. Disney was wonderful. They brought characters and bands to the hotels to entertain the guests. We stayed in our room. We were lucky enough that we only had a short 3 hour drive home. Back then I used to always rent a SUV. It was my 3 DDs and I and my car was just a bit small for a trip with all our luggage. I returned the SUV 3 days early because I knew someone would need it to get home to love ones.

Shirley

 

[Laurajean1014]

Try Jiko's while you are there. And have the flatbread and a glass of wine and think of me. I am sure thinking of it now.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Have a bowl of pepperpot chicken soup and a zebra dome for me. We just got home from AKL last week and I am missing it so much.

 

[eclectics]

Thanks so much for the info. I'll try for Zebra Trail. I heard so many great things about AKL so I'm sure I'll love it wherever I end up. Yes, there is a piece of flatbread and a zebra dome (or two) with my name on it! Laptop is just for a silly project I thought I would fiddle with. Not a big deal. Will probably leave it home. Also a great excuse not to check my emails! I'll probably come up with a few more questions before we go. Hope nobody minds if I post some more AKL questions. Thanks again! John

 

[eddieras]

During our AKL (and other WDW resorts) stay, I just left my laptop (and other assorted charging electronics -- cameras, Palm Pilots, etc.) on the table. I've never had anything bothered during a stay. My philosophy is that I don't take anything that I'd worry about losing or damaging. Why stress during a vacation?

ditto for me-- we just got back-- ask away!

 

[eclectics]

Actually I do have another one. I keep hearing the term "People Pen" being tossed around when referring to AKL. I have no idea what that means. Could someone fill me in? Thanks.

 

[eddieras]

people pen refers to an area adjacent to the lodge that is fenced in to protect you from the animals-- in the event of an emergency and you had to vacate the lodge.

 

[eclectics]

Thanks. Got very curious about that one! I have some smoking questions to ask, but I guess I'll start a new thread for it.

 

[Jalva22]

I would guess that if people are talking about avoiding any particular wing with a savannah view, it must be Ostrich Trail which only looks out on Sunset Savannah or the parking lot. We booked a parking lot view and were upgraded to savannah view, but overlooking Sunset instead of the main savannah. We were on the 5th floor at the far end of Ostrich Trail, looking into Sunset Savannah. I thought it was wonderful. We saw gazelles, giraffes, some form of African cattle and crowned cranes. The main savannah is larger and nicer, but we loved our view. AKL's just an awesome place. If I was going back, I'd book a free day just to hang around the resort and take in everything.

We also took a laptop and just left it in its bag each day. It was untouched (even by us, except to load pictures from our camera on it at night!).

 

[quiteblonde]

Oh, please tell me the laptop is for pleasure, not business?!?! I hate the thought of folks laying out the money for a vacation, and having to work through most of it.

Many Universities have online classes, hence my laptop at my side this October.

 

[metta4]

we were there late april/early may 2005 and received an upgrade...

we were in rooms 2315 and 2316 on the kudu trail and loved it.....lots of animals....simply wonderful