Help with AKL please!

[mudnuri]

I read some of the AKL frequent questions thread but it seemed to end up more of a "im going in 2 weeks I cant wait" thread...so I'll ask here.

We're going in November '05 and the more I look at the different resorts, the more I think that AKL is the place to go. I thought this way in April, but being our total vacation then was 3 weeks (St. Augustine too) I couldnt justify it in the budget...so anyway- here's the questions.

Our check in date will be value season's start date- the 27th. AAA rates are about 160 before tax right now. Not bad, hoping for a code, but will be happy with that AAA rate for a standard view.

I'm not going to book a "savanah view" for the simple reason that we'll stilll see the animals etc... my kids are into animals, but they're not going to sit there for 7 days and look at animals!

The DD's will be 8 & 9, the pool looks FANTASTIC....is it?

Transportation- uses it's own buses I presume, whats the travel time to MK or MGM from there?....long waits inbetween buses?

We may rent a car upon arrival at MCO, Valet parking? Do we have to use it? How much is it?

Specific requests to add to a reservation?

Coffee makers in rooms?? We're flying this time, I have to limit my packing thats going to be HARD for me! Use to have a truck to fill up! LOL

thanks guys!

Brandy

 

[F1Julie]

I think you will be very pleased with AKL. I went with DD4 in August and we enjoyed it so much we are going back in December. We had a standard view the first trip and I have no complaints. I don't spend much time sitting on my balcony, so a view is not worth the $ for me. The pool is very nice. The bus transportation was great. Buses were always coming and going and we never had to wait more than a few minutes for a bus. I wouldn't bother renting a car. If you do end up renting a car, you don't have to use valet parking. We didn't so I don't know how much it is. As far as coffee makers go, I'm not sure. We didn't have one in our room, but I didn't ask for one either. Hope that helps!

 

[zakatak]

Hi Brandy!

I love AKL. This November will be my 5th stay there. We have also stayed at GF, POR and ASMu. AKL can't be beat. As far as views goes, I love the Pool View. It's less expensive than Savannah view and much better than Standard. Also, you are never far from the pool either for those late night runs or quickie pool dips. So book Pool View!

As far as transportation goes, I love it. We've never had to wait long, and I like the fact that you don't stop at other resorts. I have the map of AKL so you can look at the room layouts if you want me to email it too you (photo of it) or snail mail (actual) to you. Let me know! If you're a fan of AKL, you're a friend of mine!

Things to do at AKL:

1) Do the children's programs! Fun!
2) Do the Culinary Tour! You get a private tour of Jiko & Boma (not kitchen though) and get free samples of the foods! Highlights the infamous Zebra Domes and Soups! Yummy!
3) Night time viewing and Story Telling!

If you have any specific questions, please PM me. I love AKL!

Karen

 

[#1hockeymom]

I have had better luck with AKL buses than anywhere else on property so please don't fret about that! They don't share with anyone else so there are no stops and every trip seems very quick. Sorry, I never timed the buses, but they came in a timely manner and you went straight to your next destination.

Savannah view rocks! You'll love the fact you chose this view. We ended up spending so much time on our balcony. Probably too much, but it was nice to actually have a relaxing vacation! If someone was lagging behind getting ready, no one cared for they had a lovely view and it is so cool to watch the animals!

You can request a coffee maker and they will bring up a 4-cup model. It will have a starter packet of coffee so bring your own or buy some at Zawadi market place. I always bring my own as I seem to have a collection of coffee packets from different hotels which I store in my suitcase.

You don't have to valet park if you rent a car. There is plenty of parking in the AKL parking lot. We ended up reserving a town car for pick up and drop off, and getting a taxi for the few trips we needed or wanted one for. The price still ended up being cheaper than renting a small rental for our vacation.

I love the AKL pool as it seems to relaxing. There is a pool slide, but honestly my kids prefer the Grotto pool for "fun". The AKL pool they love for the uniqueness and the fact you can hop out and see animals, talk to the flamingoes, and the beauty of it. The pool bar is great! You'll have to try the drinks there!

I hope this helped some! As far as room requests, we all seem to have different preferences. See what savannah seems to interest you more and check out a map. Many like to be near the lobby, while there are others of us who prefer way out on the ends.

Happy planning!
Debbie