Help me love AKL

[kandeebunny]

I never thought I would be posting one of these, but I just made last minute plans for Oct and the only available choices in deluxes were AKL and WL. I choose AKL, now help me love it and get excited! I have never stayed here and visited once and thought it was dark, plus I really wanted to be on the monorail line. Are the busses there quick? What is special that I just shouldn't miss?

 

[Samsma]

This is an amazing resort. We have to visit it each time we go, even if not staying there. From my experience the busses are very quick as you don't share them with any other resorts, and you have just one stop at AKL. Don't miss Boma, the storytelling, and asking questions of the nice people who work there. The Cast Members are mostly from African countries and are very friendly. The smell is wonderful, and even without the animals, this would be one of my favorite places anywhere. We stayed there after a 7 day cruise on the Magic, and my kids, DH, and I all agreed, we should have just spent all our time at AKL and forgotten the cruise. The pool is great, the bottom is green so it looks like a watering hole instead of a blue pool. The giraffes looking at you in your room are just icing on the cake! Try to request a room on the pool - food court side for less walking. This is a big resort. Have fun!

 

[johnsonet]

If you like it half as much as I do, you'll be thrilled!
I think AKL is the most incredibly-themed resort Disney has. I think the transportation is really good. I love the animals, the restaurants, pool area, animal viewing areas, etc. I love the music, the smells and the whole ambiance at the resort. And I love all the activities they offer for children and adults.
Enjoy!

 

[Tigger113]

You will Love it!!!! You can see the animals when the sun is setting and that makes for a great picture!!!!!! The rooms are great!

 

[Colinsmom]

Each time we turned the corner to enter AKL, I'd feel instantly transported. We absolutely loved the exotic feel of it, the peacefulness of watching the animals come out for breakfast from our balcony, the serenity that I didn't even know existed at WDW. Boma was amazing (we are moderately adventurous eaters) and I loved the African stew at Mara so much - won't tell you how many times I ate that!

We are trying the BC in a month and I'm having second thoughts about staying there instead of AKL again - but we agreed to try something different this time!

 

[disnut8]

Oh boy, we couldn't drag our daughter-in-law out of here when we took her just to look. We stayed here with a savannah room and I think we would have seriously considered just hanging out at the resort instead of going to the parks. Don't miss their hot tubs. Don't miss their gift shop. Don't forget to touch the wall hanging on the way out the front lobby doors (it gives you a safe journey).

The buses are very good. I wouldn't worry about that aspect at all.

And yes, it is dark. For the animals sake. You will be asked to keep your room curtained as much as possible. If this is a big concern, take some night lights with you.

Get you excited about the Lodge? Watching a herd of wildebeasts slowly moving across the savannah in the middle of a thunderstorm while the giraffes sprinted on by. Ever see a giraffe sprint? Totally amazing.

 

[ciera321]

We absolutely LOVE AKL...From the minute we walked into the lobby and the scent in the air hit us we know we'd made the right choice. We eat at Boma and Jiko whether or not we stay at AKL, they are both wonderful. We lucked out and got an upgrade from standard to deluxe savannah, but I would still have loved being there. So many places to sit and view the animals and so many beautiful pieces of art to look at. Lots of activities and the bus service was great when we stayed there. You will LOVE it!!!

 

[John's Mom]

disnut8,

On our first trip to the AKL in 2001, a lobby guide, Thabo, told us about touching the wall hanging for good luck. On our return visits, we didn't see anyone touching it. We felt kind of silly. Well, we still touch it and I'm glad that we are not the only ones.

 

[jonkatony]

Do not try to hard just relax and enjoy a wonderful experience, you are on holiday and you will have a great time at great place. The resturants, buses, decor etc are all very good.I am just back from there and would love to go again.

 

[stinkerbelle]

you know those people that just STOP in front of you to look at a map or something and you bump into them?

i was totally THAT PERSON when I walked into the AKL lobby. I just stopped and stared. It's AMAZING. I was entralled within 45 seconds of walking in...and I hadn't seen ONE animal yet!

ENJOY it!

 

[stenogoddess]

You are really, truely going to love it. I thought everything in the hotel was wonderful. I loved seeing the animals and going out and seeing them with the dark goggles. Also, I really enjoyed all of the mini exhibits set up around the hotel, great art and information. When I was there the buses ran great, no trouble. October is one of my favorite times to go, too, so that will help you enjoy it more. It's a little less hot, but still hot enough that you can get in the pool to cool off. The cafe area where everyone eats is well appointed with good food. You're going to have a great time.