Has anyone actually DONE the free activities at AKL?

[christophfam]

I will be at the AKL in December and am planning on checking in early (10AM) and spending our first day just relaxing at the lodge. I have read about a number of wonderful activities for the children such as the animal feedings, junior researcher, storytelling, track the animal, ect. I would love to hear from someone whose children did some of these activities. Did the kids like them? My children are ages 4 and 7 and my son is happiest when kept busy. I guess I am wondering if the activities are worth doing and if they will enjoy them. Or if maybe I should plan on leaving the lodge for a bit and find a few other things to do.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Praise2Him]

Our DD 10 did the cookie decorating at Boma and had lots of fun. That's all we had time for, but I bet the other things are fun too. I also think they have pool games during the afternoons.

 

[TerriP]

We watched the pool activities last week and the kids involved were having a BALL! The had all sorts of contests and games...lots of children were involved. If you have social butterfiles in your family I bet they'd LOVE it!

We (2 adults) did the culinary tour and it was WONDERFUL! There's no reason you couldn't take your kids on that one, too. You get to sample some of the items at Jiko and Boma's (including those yummy Zebra Domes!). Might help you decide if your family would like to eat at either place.

Our room was across the hall from "Simba's"...where they offer babysitting in the evening. Every time we passed by there were kids giggling and laughing in there....they sounded like they loved it!!

Have fun at AKL...we really enjoyed it!

 

[bridgettesmom]

TerriP- How did you sign up for the culinary tour.My husband is the chef of the house an I bet he will love this...

 

[beansmom]

I'd like to know as well, dh would love it. He's a 'closet chef' and does most of our cooking.

 

[bigsis1970]

hello - we will be there in early Dec (5th & 6th ) maybe we will see you there as we will be trying out some of the activities too as well as Simba's club house..

 

[dznyacct]

My son (12 at the time) and I stayed at AKL this past June and LOVED the resort and all its activities. In fact, when we return to WDW next July (with DH, DS's best friend and another family joining us at Vero and WDW) we want to stay at AKL again. We did the storytelling (which was held inside because it was raining - like it did every day of our trip !) and I did the lodge tour (almost a private tour until a woman and her two daughters showed up). Both were very interesting and gave me a greater appreciation for AKL. I hope we have time to do more of the daily activities next summer.

 

[TerriP]

When you check in you'll get a list of what tours/events are available, what time, and where to go. We had to meet at 4:30 at the fire pit in the lobby (can't think of the name of it right now...but you can't miss it). On the back of the list of activities is a map so all you have to do is see where you meet for the activity you want and flip it over to see how to get there. Very very easy...just the way I like it!!

 

[eeyorefanatic]

I did the art tour and it was wonderful. We were led through the lobby and given a more in depth explanation to some of the wonderful pieced of art found in AKL.

 

[christophfam]

Thank you! It sounds like the activities are a hit. I am really looking forward to just spending the day at the Lodge. We will just play it by ear and see when everything is scheduled. If we are up for it we will head to DD for a bit or if we are kept busy at AKL we will just hang out there until our Chef Mickey dinner ressies.

Can't Wait!!

Sorry, bigsis1970, we will just miss you! We will be checking out on the 3rd. I'll post a report when we get back about our experiences with the activities. Look for them on the 4th.

 

[bigsis1970]

OH shoot . I will have to read all about it.. thanks

 

[KelliR]

The WL tour is GREAT! I also HIGHLY recommend the Storytelling. It is usually around 7:30 pm near the Arusha fire pit. It is SUPERB! My DD 4 (turned 5 the next week) absolutely adored it.
She wanted to go back multiple times. The storyteller was very personable and really related to the kids. (I enjoyed it too and I am 44!).

What a great idea that you are just going to enjoy the resort on your arrival day. Although they are not free, the restaurants are great too. The whole family loved Boma, excellent desserts!

 

[Jinnyboom]

Can anyone tell me if the pool events are appealing to teens or younger children only??

Thanks so much in advance!!!

 

[queenofhearts]

Bump!

 

[TerriP]

It looked, to me, like only little tykes were interested in the pool games. But there are many lifegards on duty...grab one and ask if they offer activities for older kids. Maybe they do and I just watched only when they were focusing on younger ones.