I'm at AKL for dinner...what can I see/do while at AKL

[Sandy22]

I'm staying at another resort but I have an ADR for Jiko for dinner. Is there anything I can visit while I'm at AKL? Can guests from other resorts see the animals? LOL - I hope this isn't a bad question - I don't want to do anything like pool hop - I just want to know if there are things worthwhile seeing or doing while I'm there (and that guests from other resorts are allowed to do).

 

[ducklite]

You can see the animals from any of the public viewing areas, go to storytelling at the fire pit, and shop in the incredible gift shop. Also, a little known fact, the AKL has the largest collection of African art outside of Africa, and it's scattered throughout the resort. DH and I spent about five hours looking at it all one relaxing morning a few years back. IMHO that alone is the most unique thing about the resort.

Anne

 

[aksunshine]

We are staying at AKL one night. Curious if anyone knows what time the storytelling at the fire pit is. We'll be there in early May. Thanks!

 

[henrylovespooh]

I believe storytelling is at 7:30 p.m., but don't hold me to that.

We had a PS at Boma last March, and we went over early to check the resort out. If you walk in the hotel, go directly to the back and bear left, shortly on your right you will come to doors that will take you out to an open balcony with rocking chairs. Sit down, relax and watch the animals. I believe there is also a balcony to the right.

You can also go down the stairs at the back of the hotel and check out some animal viewing areas.

Inside on the lobby level, there is also an indoor firepit where you can sit.

AKL is a great place to hang out, relax, shop and feel like you're far away from home.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Curious if anyone knows what time the storytelling at the fire pit is.

I think the storytelling time changes throughout the year, depending on when sunset is (I think it takes place around dusk.)

 

[disnut8]

DEFINITELY check out the gift shop. It's not the typical Disney shop. Lots of really unique things in there.

You are allowed to roam around the grounds as much as you want. In fact, we tell the gate guard just that - we want to look around the resort. There's no problem at all.

 

[rlduvall]

WDW Poly Princess is right about the storytelling. It changes constantly. You might call a few days before you leave to find out what time they are having it then. I stayed there last December and also ate at Jiko's. The filet mignon with macaroni and cheese was INCREDIBLE.

 

[Stitches]

At night they have a set of night vision goggles you can use to view the animals. Be aware there is jut one set (very expensive) so you may have to wait your turn.

 

[eleanor]

There are two spots to view the animals. One is straight out the big glass doors and the other is around the far side of the pool area. There is a guest guide in the small room to the left of the lobby telling you about the area in which they live. Very interesting.

 

[stinkerbelle]

There are two spots to view the animals. One is straight out the big glass doors and the other is around the far side of the pool area.

much more then just 2!

if you take the "wings" off the lobby...towards rooms...you'll find viewing places along the savannah as well. (with, if I remember correctly, binoculars and rockers)

be sure to walk ALLLLLLL the way to the ends of the wings and check out the view from the fire stairs in the back...I've gotten some great pictures of giraffes back there!

I could, easily, get lost in AKL and totally enjoy myself!

 

[FBandA]

We did this and it was a nice break from all the rush. Talk to the CM's one of them told us about the 4 day old flamingo, and where we could see it, wish I knew how to post pictures to show you.

 

[nliedel]

I really appreciate this advice. We are going to Boma in October with the boys and since we are only in Disney one day we had to choose which park to visit. I was outvoted 3 - 1 for the Magic Kingdom (my husband sold me out I tell ya). So they graciously agreed to take me to dinner at the AKL. I want to get there early and hang out and watch the animals.

How long should we plan for the Disney Transportation to get us from the Contemporary to the AKL? I suspect that we will take the monorail to the TTC and a bus from there.

 

[ducklite]

Take the bus to the AK and then switch there for the AKL. It will be faster. if the AK isn't open, walk to the MK bus stop and take the AKL bus from there.

Anne