I booked CR and AKL. What do I need to know??

[Aristomommy]

I used the AP code to stay at CR and AKL for my September stay. I have never booked a deluxe and I am VERY excited. Both rooms are the standard rooms, as I don't care what I see out the window. Any tips for either one hotel that anyone might share with me?

Jen

 

[Jinnyboom]

Well ... my memory fades but just a bit ... stayed at the AKL in December, 2002. You will absolutely love it here ! We did have a Savannah room ... but you will still find tons of "viewing options" just walking down the hallways !

Tons of evening activities for the kiddies and DO do the hidden mickey's at the AKL ... it is truly a lovely resort.

Have fun !!

 

[dialane]

We were at AKL in May, 2005, savannah view. It is a wonderful resort. Plenty of options for viewing the animals both form the hallway look-outs and from Arusha Rock. Also lovely viewing spot with big ole rocking chairs just off the lobby area. Don't miss eating at Boma - breakfast or dinner or both. If you have to choose, make it dinner. You'll love the desert selection!!! The resort itself if lovely and the CM's very friendly and service oriented. We found bus service to be prompt and efficient. A couple of years ago we booked a standard view room at AKL but were upgraded to a pool view upon check in. The pool view was every bit as lovely as the savannah and we could see animals in the distance as well. Wouldn't hesitate to go back again any time.

As for CR, I am not a true fan. Stayed once. It wasn't my cup of tea, but there are many who wouldn't stay anywhere else. Wherever you stay, have a magical time!!

 

[Aisling]

Last summer, we did a split stay, first AKL for 5 days, and then the Contemporary for 2. My family LOVED both hotels. What a great choice, because they're both so different, you'll have completely different experiences.
When we first walked into AKL, the first thing we noticed was the scent in the air, a light aroma of...I can't describe it, but it gave me a feeling of warmth. So did the very quiet background sounds of drums beating and African music. The hotel is not bright inside, just dark enough to be inviting after a bright, hot day at the parks. I can go on and on about this place. My only regret is that I didn't spend much time exploring or taking advantage of all that's offered there, like CMs giving you night goggles to view the animals, and African craft-making. My only tip would be to find out all that's going on and see if you want to participate. Also, make sure you call each morning for turn-down service for that night...it's totally free, and the CMs leave chocolates and African proverbs on cards on the beds. They arrange the pillows and turn down the covers, dim the lights and put on soft music, and put any stuffed animals they find in the room into cute positions. It's very welcoming. The pool at night is awesome, with the lighting. You really could feel like you were in Africa, if you let your imagination run free.

When we first walked into the Contemporary, we thought WOW, this place is cool!!! It has a more vibrant and exciting atmosphere than AKL. The gift shops there are the best on property, and even though I hardly bought anything, I went in everyday just to look at everything. Some people say the pool is dull, but it's shaped like Mickey's head, and it overlooks the lake. It's nothing super duper special, but remember it's Walt's baby, this hotel. At night, when it's all lit up, it's spectacular. The rooms are bigger here than at AKL, and you do feel the extra space. My tip/advice would be to try not to compare the two while you're there...see them for the two magically different places that they are.

Have a wonderful trip; I wish I were going!

 

[AJKMOM]

I read that some rooms at the Contemporary have been renovated, so make sure you ask for one. Supposed to be very nice.

 

[Aristomommy]

Last summer, we did a split stay, first AKL for 5 days, and then the Contemporary for 2. My family LOVED both hotels. What a great choice, because they're both so different, you'll have completely different experiences.
My only tip would be to find out all that's going on and see if you want to participate. Also, make sure you call each morning for turn-down service for that night...it's totally free, and the CMs leave chocolates and African proverbs on cards on the beds. They arrange the pillows and turn down the covers, dim the lights and put on soft music, and put any stuffed animals they find in the room into cute positions. It's very welcoming. The pool at night is awesome, with the lighting. You really could feel like you were in Africa, if you let your imagination run free.

When we first walked into the Contemporary, we thought WOW, this place is cool!!! It has a more vibrant and exciting atmosphere than AKL. The gift shops there are the best on property, and even though I hardly bought anything, I went in everyday just to look at everything. Some people say the pool is dull, but it's shaped like Mickey's head, and it overlooks the lake. It's nothing super duper special, but remember it's Walt's baby, this hotel. At night, when it's all lit up, it's spectacular. The rooms are bigger here than at AKL, and you do feel the extra space. My tip/advice would be to try not to compare the two while you're there...see them for the two magically different places that they are.

Have a wonderful trip; I wish I were going!

Thanks for all the info. The CM who booked us thought it was strange that we would split our stay. I thought more people do that ? We will have a day at AKL without parks so we will definately explore the hotel and see the animals more.

 

[snuggles]

I think you will have a wonderful time at both resorts. As the others have said, they are different and both offer lots of fun. Enjoy your stay!