Resort Thread Jambo! Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

[Momtwofour]

The last 2 Disney trips I did I was very specific with my room requests, and I have to say they accommodated them all. At AKL I asked for King bed, Zebra trail, and even requested a specific blocks of rooms to be further out from the lobby but not all the way down at the end of the trail. When I went to GF we stayed CL and I didn't want to hear all the noise in the morning so I asked for a king bed, non-handicap accessible room, not off the lobby, preferably on the 3rd or 4th floor, and no adjoining rooms. I always feel like the door for an adjoining room lets in extra noise from the neighbors. And we got exactly what was requested.

I'm at AKL May 8 - 11 and I called in my room request yesterday for a king bed, 4th or 5th floor, Arusha view, and no adjoining door. I'm trying to decide if I want to ask for Zebra trail again or just leave it Arusha view and if I want to request a specific block of rooms again. I don't like being too close to the lobby or pool because of noise.

With all that said, they can't guarantee anything and when I check-in I may have double-beds on the first floor with an adjoining door! LOL! But it never hurts to call and make the request!

Sometimes I am sure they think I am crazy with my long lists of requests

Check back and let us know how your requests go for your May trip

 

[loveshak22]

Check back and let us know how your requests go for your May trip

Will do! Since I'm reporting back on how accommodating they are to room requests, that is encouraging me even more to call back with more specifics - LOL!! I always assure myself that when it comes to Disney planning, I'm not the craziest person the CSR talks to in a day!

 

[Momtwofour]

Will do! Since I'm reporting back on how accommodating they are to room requests, that is encouraging me even more to call back with more specifics - LOL!! I always assure myself that when it comes to Disney planning, I'm not the craziest person the CSR talks to in a day!

Lol I am probably right there behind you
I know a request is just that, a request but it never hurts to try!! Not everyone that goes to Disney plans and strategizes the way we do Can you believe some people just go?? *gasp*

 

[loveshak22]

Lol I am probably right there behind you
I know a request is just that, a request but it never hurts to try!! Not everyone that goes to Disney plans and strategizes the way we do Can you believe some people just go?? *gasp*

I agree!!! Just to prove that point, when I booked our trip the package deal only came up 2 of the 3 nights we were there for the savannah view room. But the 3rd night did show availability but at regular room rate. So I could do the package for 2 nights or 3 nights at regular price. So I called and asked if I could do the 2 nights at the discount rate and add the 3rd night at the regular room rate. I didn't want to pay full price for all 3 nights and I didn't want to change my room category. The CSR told me I'd have to pay full price all three nights or book the third night separately but at the time I had the dining plan and that would have messed it up because she said you can't get the DP for one night. And I didn't want to deal with the chance there'd be an issue with changing rooms or having 2 reservations. So...I asked if a supervisor could help and she told me no and I said "well, could we ask? it wouldn't hurt?" and she seemed annoyed but transferred me to the supervisor and voila! So, I always ask! Nicely of course!!

And what, there are people out there who just show up at WDW

 

[Mousemommy1]

Quick question about the 1 bedroom villas in Kidani...do they have 2 bathrooms? Thanks!

 

[FireflyTrance]

I decided to pop in on this thread. We have a stay at Animal Kingdom Jambo House this May, I am super excited about it. We stayed there last year for one night to check it out and loved it. I am glad we have a longer stay this time. I’m hoping we can actually use the pools this time since when we went in January it was much too cold to do so.


A few questions if anyone can help:


My husband and I are going with our 4 year old daughter. I’ve been wanting to try Jiko but wasn’t sure it would be good for a 4 year old since it seems like an upscale restaurant and my daughter isn’t great at sitting quietly for long periods of time. Thoughts on if this restaurant would be ok for a younger child? We did book Sanaa and Boma also.


Also regarding the new Bush Camp for Kids, what age is this for/recommended for? It sounds fun but also sounds like it might be aimed at slightly older children. Thanks!

 

[Tonyz]

I decided to pop in on this thread. We have a stay at Animal Kingdom Jambo House this May, I am super excited about it. We stayed there last year for one night to check it out and loved it. I am glad we have a longer stay this time. I’m hoping we can actually use the pools this time since when we went in January it was much too cold to do so.


A few questions if anyone can help:


My husband and I are going with our 4 year old daughter. I’ve been wanting to try Jiko but wasn’t sure it would be good for a 4 year old since it seems like an upscale restaurant and my daughter isn’t great at sitting quietly for long periods of time. Thoughts on if this restaurant would be ok for a younger child? We did book Sanaa and Boma also.


Also regarding the new Bush Camp for Kids, what age is this for/recommended for? It sounds fun but also sounds like it might be aimed at slightly older children. Thanks!

Jiko is maybe the best restaurant on property (not counting Victoria & Albert's) but I would not suggest taking a 4 year old there. It's for a more mature palate and a signature dining so it's more expensive. Boma and Sanaa are also for fairly adventurous eaters. I love that you're having a 4 year old experience this type of food so young... it'll will make her be more willing to try new things when she gets older! The Mara (the quick service) has good stuff for kids too.

 

[beesly]

I decided to pop in on this thread. We have a stay at Animal Kingdom Jambo House this May, I am super excited about it. We stayed there last year for one night to check it out and loved it. I am glad we have a longer stay this time. I’m hoping we can actually use the pools this time since when we went in January it was much too cold to do so.


A few questions if anyone can help:


My husband and I are going with our 4 year old daughter. I’ve been wanting to try Jiko but wasn’t sure it would be good for a 4 year old since it seems like an upscale restaurant and my daughter isn’t great at sitting quietly for long periods of time. Thoughts on if this restaurant would be ok for a younger child? We did book Sanaa and Boma also.


Also regarding the new Bush Camp for Kids, what age is this for/recommended for? It sounds fun but also sounds like it might be aimed at slightly older children. Thanks!

I haven't been to Jiko, but I would vote no on taking your daughter to a signature restaurant if you know she won't sit quietly for the meal. There is a childcare center on property - Simba's Cubhouse - where you could drop her off while you and your husband enjoy a meal at Jiko.

 

[Lvsdisney]

Quick question about the 1 bedroom villas in Kidani...do they have 2 bathrooms? Thanks!

Yes!

 

[Lvsdisney]

Hi! this might be a silly question but i'm a disney resort newbie.

This will be my first time at AKL, we are staying for one night to explore the resort. A question about Check in, where would we be staying? at Jambo house or Kidani Village? I'm assuming Jambo house?

Also I know requesting a room view is nearly impossible, but do they usually grant location requests based on needs? like Upper floor or Near lobby easily? The only thing I'm sure that I want is an upper floor. Otherwise I don't know what I should check off in room requests.

EDIT: ALSO follow up question, Are the pools gated and you need your magic band to get in? Just need to know to make sure we have our bands out.

You stay wherever you booked. If it is a regular room (not studio, 1 bedroom, etc) you will be at Jambo House. I also believe MDE will specify which resort you are at to confirm.

 

[mousegear]

A few questions if anyone can help:
My husband and I are going with our 4 year old daughter. I’ve been wanting to try Jiko but wasn’t sure it would be good for a 4 year old since it seems like an upscale restaurant and my daughter isn’t great at sitting quietly for long periods of time. Thoughts on if this restaurant would be ok for a younger child? We did book Sanaa and Boma also.

I also vote for no on taking your daughter if she cannot sit through the meal at Jiko. Since it is signature restaurant, it takes time eating 3 course meal. Even if you do two course, it does take time. Atmosphere is very mature, quiet most times we've been there. However, it really depends on your child and you know your child the best. My DS would sit through 2 hour meals at signature restaurants when he was 5 because he loves to eat and pretty adventurous and he was used to sitting and being quiet on restaurants. As for food, they do have basic kids meals , so the menu should not matter.

 

[FireflyTrance]

I also vote for no on taking your daughter if she cannot sit through the meal at Jiko. Since it is signature restaurant, it takes time eating 3 course meal. Even if you do two course, it does take time. Atmosphere is very mature, quiet most times we've been there. However, it really depends on your child and you know your child the best. My DS would sit through 2 hour meals at signature restaurants when he was 5 because he loves to eat and pretty adventurous and he was used to sitting and being quiet on restaurants. As for food, they do have basic kids meals , so the menu should not matter.

My daughter is a fairly adventurous eater but isn't good at sitting for long periods and I can't guarantee she will be quiet So I guess we will skip Jiko this time and revisit the idea in a few years.

She did fine at Boma last time and tried a fair amount of things so looking forward to that again. I hope Sanaa will be ok, like you mentioned they will have kid options.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

You stay wherever you booked. If it is a regular room (not studio, 1 bedroom, etc) you will be at Jambo House. I also believe MDE will specify which resort you are at to confirm.

It is a standard view room booked on the Disney website under AKL. Awesome, thank you so much!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

The last 2 Disney trips I did I was very specific with my room requests, and I have to say they accommodated them all. At AKL I asked for King bed, Zebra trail, and even requested a specific blocks of rooms to be further out from the lobby but not all the way down at the end of the trail. When I went to GF we stayed CL and I didn't want to hear all the noise in the morning so I asked for a king bed, non-handicap accessible room, not off the lobby, preferably on the 3rd or 4th floor, and no adjoining rooms. I always feel like the door for an adjoining room lets in extra noise from the neighbors. And we got exactly what was requested.

I'm at AKL May 8 - 11 and I called in my room request yesterday for a king bed, 4th or 5th floor, Arusha view, and no adjoining door. I'm trying to decide if I want to ask for Zebra trail again or just leave it Arusha view and if I want to request a specific block of rooms again. I don't like being too close to the lobby or pool because of noise.

With all that said, they can't guarantee anything and when I check-in I may have double-beds on the first floor with an adjoining door! LOL! But it never hurts to call and make the request!

Sometimes I am sure they think I am crazy with my long lists of requests

When I stayed at CSR they granted my requests easily however I don't think any of them were super demanding or highly sought for. I don't mind if they can't grant all of my requests, however I MUST have a higher floor not ground floor. Just because of a bad experience one trip elsewhere I'll never stay ground floor again!

 

[iona]

My daughter is a fairly adventurous eater but isn't good at sitting for long periods and I can't guarantee she will be quiet So I guess we will skip Jiko this time and revisit the idea in a few years.

She did fine at Boma last time and tried a fair amount of things so looking forward to that again. I hope Sanaa will be ok, like you mentioned they will have kid options.

Sanaa will definitely be fine - there have always been lots of kids when we've eaten there. The food and service are both very good and the atmosphere's pretty relaxed.

 

[suse66]

Hi everyone! I just booked a trip for this summer at AKL and am so excited! This will be my 6th Disney trip and my second solo trip. So looking forward to learning more about AKL as I plan for this trip.

 

[dgbg100106]

Super excited for our first stay at AKL, Aug 23-29. We haven't told the kids yet so we can't wait to see their faces light up when we arrive. We plan to surprise them when we land at MCO.

August

OThopeful35, 1st - 12th, AKL

Izzylovesmickey, 3rd - 6th, AKL

JodyLynC, 8th - 10th, AKL

Arden01, 16th - 23rd, AKL

DizDaD7, 19th - 22nd, VGF

Choppygirl, 19th - Sep 2nd, AKL

Grmnshplvr, 23rd - 29th, AKL

Minnieloves4, 23rd - 29th, AKL

 

[dgbg100106]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2017 & 2018

If you have any updates please let me know…

2017



April

Katiedid36, 1st - 8th, AKL

Mousegear, 8th - 14th, AKL & Dolphin

Momtwoboys, 17th - 24th, AKV

Euby, 22nd - 29th, AKL

May

Xlsm, Apr 30th - 6th, AKL

Mindeola, 1st - 4th, AKL

Jessrose, 4th - 12th, AKV

Disney1474, 6th - 13thAKV & Poly

Traceylee, 6th - 14th, AKL

Katriscari, 6th - 16th, AKL

Loveshak22, 8th - 11th, AKL

CanadianAli, 15th - 22nd, Kidani

Jbcheerchick93, 18th - 21st, AKL & WL

Got15, 18th - 23rd, AKL CL

Ml sumner, 20th - 25th, AKL

PoohNFriends, 28th - Jun 3rd, AKL

Rlduvall, 29th - Jun 5th, AKV

June

Mlunsford, May 28th - 3rd, AKV

Capang, 6th - 14th, AKL

Rcraw45425, 9th - 12th AKL

NatureBoyChris, 9th - 15th, AKL

GeraldineW, 10th - 15th, AKL

Cluelyss, 11th - 14th, AKL

Momtwofour, 12th - 21st, AKL

Shellyb84, 21st - 24th, AKL

Kamikazecat, 22nd - Jul 6th, Jambo House

Tanyali26, 28th - Jul 3rd, AKL

July

Disneyvoice, 15th - 22nd, AKL

Karenklo, 23rd - 29th, AKL

August

OThopeful35, 1st - 12th, AKL

Izzylovesmickey, 3rd - 6th, AKL

JodyLynC, 8th - 10th, AKL

Arden01, 16th - 23rd, AKL

DizDaD7, 19th - 22nd, VGF

Choppygirl, 19th - Sep 2nd, AKL

Grmnshplvr, 23rd - 29th, AKL

Minnieloves4, 23rd - 29th, AKL

September

Rhody Red, 5th - 15th, AKL

Wdw4rfam, 10th - 18th, Kidani

Rlk0875, 13th - 17th, Jambo House

October

Dgbg100106, 1st -4th, BCV

Pkltm, 2nd - 11th, AKL

Hi Pluto, 4th - 5th, Kidani

Luvfigment, 14th - 21st, AKL

Kristenrice, 15th - 20th, AKV- Jambo

Karen1987, 15th - 29th, AKL CL

Bigskip, 28th - Nov 11th, AKL CL

November

DizDad7, 3rd - 11th, SSR

TaraPA, 11th - 13th, AKL CL

RmeDad, 14th - 21st, AKL

December

Rlduvall, 2nd - 9th, AKV

Lumee23, 2nd - 9th, Kidani

Somnia, 6th - 15th Jambo CL

Sunset7132, 8th - 17th, AKL

New Hamp, 9th - 12th, AKL

Sndral, 9th - 15th, Jambo

LvsTnk, 10th -19th, Kidani

Sndral, 15th - 19th, Kidani

2018

January

TeeterTots, 5th - 8th, AKL

Gillep, 3rd - 10th, AKL

The Lucky Bug, 21st - 27th, AKV

February

March

 

[shanethesaint88]

Staying at AKL for the first time this Sept. Sept 9-17th to be specific. We are very excited. We are renting DVC points and staying in a studio in Kidani Village. Cannot wait!

 

[Cinderelly911]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2017 & 2018

If you have any updates please let me know…

2017



April

Katiedid36, 1st - 8th, AKL

Mousegear, 8th - 14th, AKL & Dolphin

Momtwoboys, 17th - 24th, AKV

Euby, 22nd - 29th, AKL

May

Xlsm, Apr 30th - 6th, AKL

Mindeola, 1st - 4th, AKL

Jessrose, 4th - 12th, AKV

Disney1474, 6th - 13thAKV & Poly

Traceylee, 6th - 14th, AKL

Katriscari, 6th - 16th, AKL

Loveshak22, 8th - 11th, AKL

CanadianAli, 15th - 22nd, Kidani

Jbcheerchick93, 18th - 21st, AKL & WL

Got15, 18th - 23rd, AKL CL

Ml sumner, 20th - 25th, AKL

PoohNFriends, 28th - Jun 3rd, AKL

Rlduvall, 29th - Jun 5th, AKV

June

Mlunsford, May 28th - 3rd, AKV

Capang, 6th - 14th, AKL

Rcraw45425, 9th - 12th AKL

NatureBoyChris, 9th - 15th, AKL

GeraldineW, 10th - 15th, AKL

Cluelyss, 11th - 14th, AKL

Momtwofour, 12th - 21st, AKL

Shellyb84, 21st - 24th, AKL

Kamikazecat, 22nd - Jul 6th, Jambo House

Tanyali26, 28th - Jul 3rd, AKL

July

Disneyvoice, 15th - 22nd, AKL

Karenklo, 23rd - 29th, AKL

August

OThopeful35, 1st - 12th, AKL

Izzylovesmickey, 3rd - 6th, AKL

JodyLynC, 8th - 10th, AKL

Arden01, 16th - 23rd, AKL

DizDaD7, 19th - 22nd, VGF

Choppygirl, 19th - Sep 2nd, AKL

Grmnshplvr, 23rd - 29th, AKL

Minnieloves4, 23rd - 29th, AKL

September

Rhody Red, 5th - 15th, AKL

Wdw4rfam, 10th - 18th, Kidani

Rlk0875, 13th - 17th, Jambo House

October

Dgbg100106, 1st -4th, BCV

Pkltm, 2nd - 11th, AKL

Hi Pluto, 4th - 5th, Kidani

Luvfigment, 14th - 21st, AKL

Kristenrice, 15th - 20th, AKV- Jambo

Karen1987, 15th - 29th, AKL CL

Bigskip, 28th - Nov 11th, AKL CL

November

DizDad7, 3rd - 11th, SSR

TaraPA, 11th - 13th, AKL CL

RmeDad, 14th - 21st, AKL

December

Rlduvall, 2nd - 9th, AKV

Lumee23, 2nd - 9th, Kidani

Somnia, 6th - 15th Jambo CL

Sunset7132, 8th - 17th, AKL

New Hamp, 9th - 12th, AKL

Sndral, 9th - 15th, Jambo

LvsTnk, 10th -19th, Kidani

Sndral, 15th - 19th, Kidani

2018

January

TeeterTots, 5th - 8th, AKL

Gillep, 3rd - 10th, AKL

The Lucky Bug, 21st - 27th, AKV

February

March

We are August 27 to September 3 at Jambo!!!!