Is AKL very "Disney" ??

[Soccer Princess]

My mom does not want to try AKL b/c she feels it's not "Disney" enough? What do you all think??

 

[Butterscotch Baggins]

To some, it might be a tad less Disney-like, but the savannah view rooms more than make up for that. We've stayed at every Disney property except two (WL and GF), and we'd count AKL among our favorites. (And, by the way, WL and GF are on our schedule for this summer).

Cheers, and I hope you change her mind. She'll love it.

BB

 

[daannzzz]

Depends on what your Mom means by "Disney enough". I have stayed at the GF, WL, YC , Dolphin , all the moderates and ASMu as well as the AKL. It was as Disneylike as any of the others. The carpeting in the hallways has hundreds of tiny "hidden" mickeys. The drapes in the Deluxe rooms had "hidden" mickeys all over them. I thought the Yacht Club was less Disney inside though it was close to Epcot.

 

[Carnotaurus]

of all the resorts, only the all stars seem overtly disney to me. (with characters and references to disney movies.)

other resorts are disney to the extent that they provide themed experienced. and the animal kingdom lodge -- of the resorts i've stayed in -- is the best themed experience. you feel TRANSFORMED.

 

[disboo]

Although the Disney characters are very subtly included in the decor, the resort is "Disney" through and through. Think back to the wonderful Disney true life nature shows, and to Walt's passion for animals and different parts of the world. The themeing is incredible.

The savannahs of course are spectacular, but I love the inside as well. There are many well labeled artifacts from Africa, beautifully displayed. The general decor makes you feel as if you are in a deluxe African lodge.

There are many cozy and beautiful "nooks" throughout the AKL, both inside and out that are great for curling up with a book, people watching, or waiting for friends. And Boma and Jiko are unbeatable. If you can afford it, AKL would be my choice!

 

[skuttle]

I don't really consider any of the resorts "disney" except for the all-stars. Themed...yes, and VERY well! Disney...not really.

 

[Jinnyboom]

Haven't stayed at the AKL as of yet....will however in December


In my humble opinion...let me offer this....

Your mom WILL be in Disney...but will "live" as tho she is in Africa....many get to visit "Disney"....few get to visit Africa....

I've been lucky enough in my life...to do both...AND BOTH are worth doing....do the AKL!!!!

 

[WDW2002]

Originally posted by Carnotaurus
of all the resorts, only the all stars seem overtly disney to me. (with characters and references to disney movies.)

I agree only ASMo looks like a "Disney" hotel to me. The rest seem like themed resorts.

 

[AParabola]

Stayed at AKL in February '02 and thought it was one of the finest Disney hotels ever. If by "disney" you mean character breakfasts, then no, this is probably not the place for you. However, if you mean the incredible job Disney does in creating an entire environment that takes you out of the ordinary world and gives you something amazing, then definitely try AKL. The lobby itself takes your breath away when you enter. The African art and artifacts are fascinating without making you feel like you're in a museum (equally appealing to little ones and sophisticated adults) and the glass wall looking out at Arusha rock and the savannah is amazing. If you can afford it a Savannah view really adds to the experience. We got up early every morning and had breakfast in our room looking out at giraffe, zebra and wildebeasts. I've stayed at many of the Deluxe properties and this brought back the feeling I had my very first time. How do they do it?

 

[the Legend]

Originally posted by Soccer Princess
My mom does not want to try AKL b/c she feels it's not "Disney" enough? What do you all think??

I really dont understand the question as no resort bar ASMovies bare any resemblence to a Disney Theme. As mentioned before each resort is individually themed and the AKL is an shining example of how good a themed resort can be.

Having returned this week from stays at the WL, AKL and the Grand Californian at Disneyland Resort, I can tell that all are wonderful Themed Resorts and I cannot see where your Mom is coming from with that question.

Maybe some clarification is needed? If you have the opportuinity to stay there, please do as it really is one of the jewels in the WDW resort Crown.

 

[BobCT]

Just returned from our trip...my family stayed in AKL the whole time (7 days)...I stayed in the GF on business for 3 days. We all LOVED the AKL. In fact, we had originally planned to move to the Wilderness Lodge for the last three nights, but we arranged to stay put at the AKL because we were enjoying it so much.

We had a Savannah view room. On several nights, we slept with the sliding glass door wide open so we could enjoy the sounds from the savannah (we kept the shade drawn, and didn't have any problems with bugs!).

Had a great meal at Boma (buffet) on the first night of our stay.

The pool at the AKL is very large...the kids loved it.

The AKL is MUCH more Disney than the GF, in my opinion. The GF is beautiful, but is definitely more of an adult place.

I would give five stars (out of five) to the AKL.