ideas for resort "pool day" at AKL?

[JJsmama]

We stayed at AKL some years ago. Those were the days when we rope dropped and park hopped to Epcot every night for dinner, etc. So, I did not have time to explore the resort much. In early March, I am planning a stay with sons 14 and 21. I'm hoping for a pleasant, low stress trip, so because of crowd reports and awful recent Genie reviews, we'll be doing mostly evening hours and late Extended EMH hours. Middle day may be no parks, stay-at-resort day and evening. We are not Savannah view. Any tips for best viewing spots, best places to lounge around, good walking trails, yummy things to eat? I am gluten free/ celiac, but my boys are not. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nice Work Pal]

Just an fyi the Kidani pool is closed until April 22nd so the Jambo house pool will probably be extra crowded.

I’ve eaten at Jiko, Sanaa and Boma and all 3 are excellent. You might want to check out the menu to see which you like best. Boma has a pecan crusted salmon that is unreal
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/dining/
Beyond the lobby lies an outdoor area. There’s a fire pit and a trail which leads to the heart of the Savannah. Great viewing/chill spot. Also a bunch of look out spots with chairs on the second floor.

They do a Savannah tour which comes with food and drinks. It’s a bit pricey but everyone I know who’s done it felt it was worth the price
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/savor-savanna/

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am gluten free/ celiac, but my boys are not. Thanks in advance.

My sister has Celiac's disease and she was able to get gluten-free Zebra domes. They were delicious and much better than the ones containing wheat. Boma was great and took great care to provide her with gluten-free alternatives.

 

[ldo]

AKV does not really have walking trails except via parking lot from J to K. We take the bus over to DS and then walk the trail to SSR and/or OKW, or cross over to THV and walk around and then cross over to SSR and walk thru resort and back over the West side bridge to DS. We also take a bus to DHS and walk the path to the Boardwalk area and walk around the lake. Jambo has a nice steam room/sauna in the gym--ladies and gents separate.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Agree that Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko are all outstanding places to eat. But I would also add The Mara as a really good option, as well. And if you plan to spend time at the Jambo pool (and it is likely to be full with the Kidani pool being closed), I would recommend some chairs along the deck just outside of the fenced area. The Mara is an easy walk from the Jambo pool if you want lunch. If you walk past the pool bar, there are a couple nice places to observe the animals. Pre-covid, there would often be an ambassador standing at the lookout (just beyond the hot tub), there to talk to and answer questions (not sure if that has returned yet). Over the years, we've seen many animals from that observation point. You can also walk through the main lobby at Jambo to the Arusha overlook - many animals available there. It's also a nice walk from the Jambo lobby to the Kidani lobby - just outside the Sanaa entrance is another place to observe the savanna and many animals. We love a resort day at AKL - it's peaceful, relaxing, and the food is really good!

 

[DisneyDiana]

There are no walking trails but you can actually walk the halls of both Jambo and Kidani to check out all of the authentic African art. It really is spectacular and you can rack up several miles doing so.

 

[Miffy]

There's an amazing African art collection all throughout Jambo House. Walk down any corridor and you will eventually run into something extraordinary.

And . . . speaking of walking down any corridor . . . if you walk down the corridors in Jambo House, when you get to the end, at some of them (sorry, I forget which trails this works on), you can go outside onto a landing. These places aren't intended for viewing--they're exits--but there is some premium animal viewing from these locations.

OP, if you have a standard room booked at AKL, ask at check-in if you can get a partial savanna view. These are standard rooms and they have pretty nice views.

Enjoy your trip! AKL and AKV are wonderful.

 

[JJsmama]

Thanks everyone. These tips are welcome.
I did want to try Sanaa. I've been trying for a while, but I can't get ADRs at any of the restaurants recommended as good for gluten free for any of our nights -even at AKL. Disappointing. I thought the resort dining might be easier to get than the parks.
Hoping the pool won't be a madhouse with Kidani pool closed.
Trying to keep a good attitude for this, but after years of loving WDW and its planning, I am beginning feel like I am drowning in discouragement about this trip.

 

[pigletgirl]

Thanks everyone. These tips are welcome.
I did want to try Sanaa. I've been trying for a while, but I can't get ADRs at any of the restaurants recommended as good for gluten free for any of our nights -even at AKL. Disappointing. I thought the resort dining might be easier to get than the parks.
Hoping the pool won't be a madhouse with Kidani pool closed.
Trying to keep a good attitude for this, but after years of loving WDW and its planning, I am beginning feel like I am drowning in discouragement about this trip.

I think if you were to get to the pool by 10a, the crowds won't be at the pool yet and you can "claim your spot" so to speak. By 3-4 it'll start filling up and maybe by then you could be headed into the parks.

I know you can mobile order Sanaa, that might be a fun dinner prior to your evenings. Keep checking back for Boma reservations, we found quite a few (for breakfast and dinner) right before my trip in Jan. Chin up, you will have a great time!! AKL is one of my favs!

 

[Mousetopia]

Just an fyi the Kidani pool is closed until April 22nd so the Jambo house pool will probably be extra crowded.

I’ve eaten at Jiko, Sanaa and Boma and all 3 are excellent. You might want to check out the menu to see which you like best. Boma has a pecan crusted salmon that is unreal
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/dining/
Beyond the lobby lies an outdoor area. There’s a fire pit and a trail which leads to the heart of the Savannah. Great viewing/chill spot. Also a bunch of look out spots with chairs on the second floor.

They do a Savannah tour which comes with food and drinks. It’s a bit pricey but everyone I know who’s done it felt it was worth the price
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/savor-savanna/

Savor the Savannah is not at AKL it is at the park and requires admission.

 

[JJsmama]

I think if you were to get to the pool by 10a, the crowds won't be at the pool yet and you can "claim your spot" so to speak. By 3-4 it'll start filling up and maybe by then you could be headed into the parks.

I know you can mobile order Sanaa, that might be a fun dinner prior to your evenings. Keep checking back for Boma reservations, we found quite a few (for breakfast and dinner) right before my trip in Jan. Chin up, you will have a great time!! AKL is one of my favs!

Yes. that is my pool plan. I would LOVE to sleep late, but it will never happen. My boys will probably sleep until noon, and that will be a nice break for them.

You can order take away from Sanaa? If so, that's a great tip! I could definitely try that if I never get an ADR. I keep thinking that I surely will get one.