Is it correct that you can travel over to visit AKL to check it out???

[Figaro30]

I know pool hopping was a no-no there...but can you just go to see what it looks like? I'd love to do that.

 

[kamgen]

We went over there last week. the guard was very nice and just waved us in when we showed him our DVC parking permit.

Have fun, it is really beautiful!

 

[drusba]

The current rule is actually that no one can visit AKL unless they are staying there, are actually visiting a guest who is staying there and that can be confirmed at the gate, or have a confirmed restaurant reservation. It sounds like from the above post that the rule is not necessarily being enforced.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I thought it was OK to visit if you used Disney transportation and not your own vehicle. ??

 

[bicker]

That's possible. I think the best advice for folks interested in this is to just be prepared to be turned away, no matter how you try to get to the resort, unless you have PS or room reservations.

 

[Peggy Sue]

We checked into OKW on 4/28 and went over to the AKL that evening to check out the resort. We had made dinner reservations at JIKO's. When we got to the security gate, the guard asked why we were coming in, we advised dinner at JIKO's..he gave us a temporary parking pass and waved us through. He did NOT check to confirm we had a PS. Valet parking was quick and efficient. (We had heard that when making PS you may be asked to give a Credit Card to hold the reservation and would be charged $10. if you didn't cancel/keep the reservation..this did not happen either)

The resort is beautiful, and the animal viewing areas are staffed with CM's to answer your questions about the animals in the different areas. We saw a large variety of animals out and about. The pool area was nice, but nothing that made you sit up and say "wow"..however, the lobby is stunning, although we immediately thought of the WL when we walked in.

JIKO's was excellent. Service was very attentive and their African wine list was very good. We tried several selections, and all were excellent.

We really enjoyed our evening at the AKL. It's worth a visit, and JIKO's is great. Lots of people were waiting for their seating at BOMA's..the buffet. We didn't have any wait at JIKO's, in fact when I called for a PS earlier that afternoon I was offered over 5 different available time slots for our PS. However, I think once the word gets out about this place, PS will be difficult to come by.

Enjoy your visit!

 

[Penny12]

Just to let you know, AKL changed their policy about keeping it a closed resort. It is official - any guest is free to visit AKL to look around.

I did this last week and can confirm that it is a really beautiful resort, with 3 separate Savannah's (each with atleast one CM on duty to tell you about the animals). We got close views of several Giraffe, Emu's, various Gazelle's, Zebra, etc, etc.

I would definately like to stay there one day! However, I wouldn't (and I'm sure that it's the same for alot of other people) have wanted to pay all those Dollars unless I had seen the hotel first - I think perhaps that is why they changed to their 'open-door' policy.

Penny!

 

[KathyK]

We were still seeing people turned away at the gate when we left on Sunday. In fact, as we were leaving the resort for the airport, we saw the guard at the gate house shaking his head at a car full of people who were turned around and not admitted in.

It is true that people can get there easily on WDW transportation. The bus drivers do not check resort IDs or anything. However, at the gatehouse, they were still being selective as of 5/13.

--Kathy

 

[Beachangel]

I read somewhere on the DIS that the public is welcome but that the parking lot is resticted to Disney guests, registered guests and guests with PS. Once the parking lot is full, the parking is for registered guests and PS only. Something like that. If you want to check it out - take Disney transportation so you won't be turned away at the gate. I believe it works like the parks during Christmas.

 

[KathyK]

The parking lot was more than half empty on Sundaywhen people were still being turned around at the gate. Your best bet is to use Disney transportation.

 

[wdwfreak]

We were there last weekend (May 10-13), and caught the bus to AKL from MK, no problem. We were able to walk around, check out the pool, eat at Boma, etc.

 

[DebbieB]

We had PS for breakfast at Boma on Monday (9:00am). I stopped at the guard gate waiting to be questioned, but he looked at my OKW Parking Permit and waived me through, no questions asked. I even hesitated and he said "go ahead ma'am"! There were lots of spaces, I guess alot depends on the number of spaces and the time of day. The resort is beautiful!

 

[Peter Johnson]

Since I have a PS at Boma, made while AKL was still restricted, I wonder if they'll still charge my credit card if I don't show up?

 

[LindaDVC]

What kind of food do the restaurants serve?

Linda

 

[JudithM]

When we checked into the AKL on Friday, May 11 the guard checked out name on a reservation list. We had not sen the resort until that moment. Be prepared to say, "WOW" when you walk into the lobby! When we returned (we were now at OKW) to the AKL on Thursday, May 17 for dinner at Boma's, the guard waved us in. We told him we had dinner reservations with friends & he never asked for the name or the number. I asked several cast members about this & was told consistently that now all WDW resort guests could visit the the new AKL. If you have the time, be sure to check it out! It is wonderful! We took the 3:30 p.m. lobby tour & went to the 7:30 p.m. storytelling - both were well worth the time!