Resort Thread Jambo! Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

[Shellyb84]

Just switched from CSR to AKL - we will be there June 21-24 in a Standard room, then moving to BC until July 2nd. I've always wanted to stay here. Can't wait to get home tonight and tell DD7 the news!

 

[The Lucky Bug]

Please add us to the list we just booked AKV - Jambo Value Studio Jan 21-27, 2018. We are Disneyland annual passholders but this will be my husband's first trip to Disney World and my first trip since 2004 (during hurricane Charlie)! I barely remember Animal Kingdom and have never been inside this hotel but I have a feeling both are going to be my husband's favorites. Very excited!

 

[Pkltm]

That's weird because we had a Savannah view room last year and I had a few balloon's and mickey doll sent to the room for my mother's birthday, we had it in the room the entire trip with no issue. This was ordered straight from Disney and delivered to the room while we were at Disney Springs.

I wondered about this too, what do they do take away a kids balloon coming back from MK?

 

[sndral]

I wondered about this too, what do they do take away a kids balloon coming back from MK?

I wonder if they've relaxed the no balloon @ AKL/AKV rule. Early on you were even told no balloons at check in. I even have a vague memory of the front desk 'holding' balloons till check out (but maybe I dreamed that?)
Last time I was there a kid had a balloon on the bus from one of the parks, got off @ AKL, walked through the lobby in plain sight of multiple CMs and no one confiscated his balloon.
Irrespective of the current policy, the reason for the rule - choking hazard to the animals - remains, so I'm an advocate for responsible balloon ownership at AKL.

 

[Pkltm]

I wonder if they've relaxed the no balloon @ AKL/AKV rule. Early on you were even told no balloons at check in. I even have a vague memory of the front desk 'holding' balloons till check out (but maybe I dreamed that?)
Last time I was there a kid had a balloon on the bus from one of the parks, got off @ AKL, walked through the lobby in plain sight of multiple CMs and no one confiscated his balloon.
Irrespective of the current policy, the reason for the rule - choking hazard to the animals - remains, so I'm an advocate for responsible balloon ownership at AKL.

I agree with the rule, just wondering how they enforced it, could totally picture a child having a meltdown, or the parent who paid for the balloon lol

Our local zoo is balloon and straw free!

 

[sndral]

I agree with the rule, just wondering how they enforced it, could totally picture a child having a meltdown, or the parent who paid for the balloon lol

Our local zoo is balloon and straw free!

Yes, I've volunteered at an aquarium for 10 years and we are straw free (more to avoid debris into the ocean & the negative impact on critters living there) - balloons aren't a big thing in the area, so we don't deal w/ that issue.

 

[rcraw45425]

I wondered about this too, what do they do take away a kids balloon coming back from MK?

At the park entrance, they tell the parent that they have to discard it. I watched an irate father pitch a hissy fit once. The child didn't care but the dad was furious that he had to pop his $20 balloon. It was all about the $$$

 

[vikster1]

I have 2 questions:

Now I'm seeing several posts about being people moved to other resorts and getting a room-category upgrade, others were offered gift cards or discounts. I didn't complain when all of this happened, so I didn't really get any sort of "let us make this better" from Disney. How realistic is it to hope for an upgrade to a Savanna view? My only request at the time of booking was a king-bed and a note of celebrating my birthday. Should I contact my TA and see if they can do anything?

Myself and others who were booked business class at CSR have been upgraded to AKL CL. CSR was the only resort with a business class so there was now lateral move option. Moving to another mod would have been a down grade from what we booked. Also, AKL is the closest resort to CSR with a CL.

 

[Lilysmom]

I wondered about this too, what do they do take away a kids balloon coming back from MK?

It used to be that when you arrived if you had a balloon it was held by bell services and not allowed up to your room. We've never attempted balloons during our stays there because of animal safety

 

[Choppygirl]

Hello all,

We are coming from the uk to stay at AKL from 19th August to 2nd September. We had previously stayed at SSR but found it a bit soulless so decided to stay at POR this time. After reading pages and pages of info about CBR on a uk forum it seemed like everyone was getting a free transfer to POR/POFQ so what was going to be a quiet resort would be quite busy. We decided to see if we could afford to move to AKL which was our preferred resort originally but we just couldn't seem to get the numbers to work. As we booked a 14 night stay with Disney tickets we got free qsdp and upgraded to the full ddp and also paid for a river view. I called Wdwtc and explained our situation and said that we are not asking for any fee upgrades but how much would it be to change our booking to AKL. The cast member was lovely and came back with a price we could afford (even thought when I priced it up a couple of months ago it was way too much) so we are now staying at AKL. Sooooo excited We visited for a meal at boma and fell in love with the resort.

I do have a couple of questions as I have spent a year researching POR but don't know so much about AKL

1) Is it hard to get a sunlounger by the main pool in the afternoons?
2) are there separate bus queues for each park or is it a free for all?
3) we have only booked a standard view room - if we get a truly awful view is it cheeky to go back and ask for something a bit better (within the same category of course).

Thank you and did I mention we were excited??!!!

 

[rcraw45425]

Hello all,

We are coming from the uk to stay at AKL from 19th August to 2nd September. We had previously stayed at SSR but found it a bit soulless so decided to stay at POR this time. After reading pages and pages of info about CBR on a uk forum it seemed like everyone was getting a free transfer to POR/POFQ so what was going to be a quiet resort would be quite busy. We decided to see if we could afford to move to AKL which was our preferred resort originally but we just couldn't seem to get the numbers to work. As we booked a 14 night stay with Disney tickets we got free qsdp and upgraded to the full ddp and also paid for a river view. I called Wdwtc and explained our situation and said that we are not asking for any fee upgrades but how much would it be to change our booking to AKL. The cast member was lovely and came back with a price we could afford (even thought when I priced it up a couple of months ago it was way too much) so we are now staying at AKL. Sooooo excited We visited for a meal at boma and fell in love with the resort.

I do have a couple of questions as I have spent a year researching POR but don't know so much about AKL

1) Is it hard to get a sunlounger by the main pool in the afternoons?
2) are there separate bus queues for each park or is it a free for all?
3) we have only booked a standard view room - if we get a truly awful view is it cheeky to go back and ask for something a bit better (within the same category of course).

Thank you and did I mention we were excited??!!!

That's awesome that you were able to get a rate that was manageable. Enjoy your planning and your visit!

 

[Somnia]

Hello all,

We are coming from the uk to stay at AKL from 19th August to 2nd September. We had previously stayed at SSR but found it a bit soulless so decided to stay at POR this time. After reading pages and pages of info about CBR on a uk forum it seemed like everyone was getting a free transfer to POR/POFQ so what was going to be a quiet resort would be quite busy. We decided to see if we could afford to move to AKL which was our preferred resort originally but we just couldn't seem to get the numbers to work. As we booked a 14 night stay with Disney tickets we got free qsdp and upgraded to the full ddp and also paid for a river view. I called Wdwtc and explained our situation and said that we are not asking for any fee upgrades but how much would it be to change our booking to AKL. The cast member was lovely and came back with a price we could afford (even thought when I priced it up a couple of months ago it was way too much) so we are now staying at AKL. Sooooo excited We visited for a meal at boma and fell in love with the resort.

I do have a couple of questions as I have spent a year researching POR but don't know so much about AKL

1) Is it hard to get a sunlounger by the main pool in the afternoons?
2) are there separate bus queues for each park or is it a free for all?
3) we have only booked a standard view room - if we get a truly awful view is it cheeky to go back and ask for something a bit better (within the same category of course).

Thank you and did I mention we were excited??!!!

1) No different than any other resort from what I've experienced.
2) Kidani and Jambo share the same bus and the buses typically go to Kidani first, but we never had a problem.
3) I mean it wouldn't hurt to ask, just know there's no guarantee

 

[RachelTori]

1) No different than any other resort from what I've experienced.
2) Kidani and Jambo share the same bus and the buses typically go to Kidani first, but we never had a problem.
3) I mean it wouldn't hurt to ask, just know there's no guarantee

A slight correction to #2: during busy times, Jambo and Kidani will both have their own buses.

 

[Somnia]

A slight correction to #2: during busy times, Jambo and Kidani will both have their own buses.

Ahh nice, I typically don't go in busy time periods so didn't know that!

 

[sndral]

Hello all,

We are coming from the uk to stay at AKL from 19th August to 2nd September. We had previously stayed at SSR but found it a bit soulless so decided to stay at POR this time. After reading pages and pages of info about CBR on a uk forum it seemed like everyone was getting a free transfer to POR/POFQ so what was going to be a quiet resort would be quite busy. We decided to see if we could afford to move to AKL which was our preferred resort originally but we just couldn't seem to get the numbers to work. As we booked a 14 night stay with Disney tickets we got free qsdp and upgraded to the full ddp and also paid for a river view. I called Wdwtc and explained our situation and said that we are not asking for any fee upgrades but how much would it be to change our booking to AKL. The cast member was lovely and came back with a price we could afford (even thought when I priced it up a couple of months ago it was way too much) so we are now staying at AKL. Sooooo excited We visited for a meal at boma and fell in love with the resort.

I do have a couple of questions as I have spent a year researching POR but don't know so much about AKL

1) Is it hard to get a sunlounger by the main pool in the afternoons?
2) are there separate bus queues for each park or is it a free for all?
3) we have only booked a standard view room - if we get a truly awful view is it cheeky to go back and ask for something a bit better (within the same category of course).

Thank you and did I mention we were excited??!!!

1) FYI, there are 2 pools you can use @ AKL. The larger pool at Jambo house (where your room will be) and the pool at Kidani - which is by the DVC villa building and a 10 minute walk from Jambo or you can hop on the shuttle van. If sun worship is in your plans then be sure to try both pools out. Don't forget to spend some time on the Sunset savanna overlook behind Kidani's lobby or sitting in the nearby rocking chairs overlooking Sunset savanna - the small zebra herd is fun to watch over there.
2) There aren't seperate bus queues, but IME it is not a free for all, most folks are pretty relaxed about boarding the buses in an orderly fashion.
3) When you get your room assignment take a look at the location and if it isn't what you'd hoped for it doesn't hurt to ask for, say, a room with a partial or obstructed savanna view on, for example, Kudu trail (study the map to know what you'd like.) You might even mention that since you are staying so many nights you'd be happy to move to a better view on a later night if that could be accommodated.
Consider trying out Sanaa restaurant in Kidani as well. Victoria Falls, the Jambo house bar is a fun place for an evening cocktail & the rockers around the Arusha overlook fire are a nice place to relax as well.
Do the culinary tour, talk w/ the African CMs and have a blast!

 

[Choppygirl]

Thank you - you have all been very helpful. I noticed from pictures that there are a few covered areas on a line for the buses at Jambo - does this mean there is one for MK, Epcot etc? My husband tells me off for being too polite at places like bus stops etc. Luckily we were at the first bus stop at SSR but I did tend to let people board in front of me who were at the bus stop after us. Maybe us Brits just like to stand in line (queue as we call it!).

The Sunset Savanna overlook sounds like a great place to visit - when we came for our meal last time we just had a quick look at the animals through through the giant doors at the back of the lobby area and didn't have much time to explore. With 2 weeks there (and I have factored in a lot of rest time in the plans) we should have plenty of time to explore. I have an adr booked for Sanaa, it will be great to try the different style of food - we also have adrs for breakfast and dinner at Boma as the family love a buffet style meal.

Thanks for the tip about the room - not sure what was the done thing and didn't want to appear to be overstepping the mark at reception.

Oh, just thought of another quick question - are you allowed to take drinks in the view areas or in the hotel lobby. It would be lovely to sit in that fantastic lobby with a nice drink and book (in the air con as we are not used to the heat!) but looking at the pictures no one seems to have a drink. We would take food from the Mara etc but would you be allowed to take your refillable mug in there or maybe a drink from Victoria Falls if that area if full - or even the pool bar? I am not sure what the licensing rules are in the US. I sound like a lush but you have to have a cocktail or wine when you are on holiday!

 

[vikster1]

I know I can walk from Jambo house to Kidani. I'm trying to figure out where the path is. Does it just along the road or is it like a nice trail to walk?

 

[Lvsdisney]

Thank you - you have all been very helpful. I noticed from pictures that there are a few covered areas on a line for the buses at Jambo - does this mean there is one for MK, Epcot etc? My husband tells me off for being too polite at places like bus stops etc. Luckily we were at the first bus stop at SSR but I did tend to let people board in front of me who were at the bus stop after us. Maybe us Brits just like to stand in line (queue as we call it!).

It is one large covered area, but there are signs for each destination and you kind of wait in the area around the sign. Most of the time, there wasn't a huge crowd when we waited and people were kind getting on the bus. A lot of "you go first" gestures. Not sure how everyone else's experience was, but ours was pleasant!

 

[xlsm]

I know I can walk from Jambo house to Kidani. I'm trying to figure out where the path is. Does it just along the road or is it like a nice trail to walk?

We walked from Jambo to Kidani in December when we were headed to a reservation at Sanaa. We were not staying at AKL, but went over to see the holiday decorations.

If it is a hot day, take the shuttle. It's not a short walk, and it isn't all that pretty. It's a sidewalk that goes along the parking lots and parking garages. If the weather had been cooler the day we were there, maybe I wouldn't have such a strong opinion, LOL!! But it was one of the warmest days of our trip, and I didn't like feeling gross and sticky when we got to Kidani for our reservation.

There is a sign out the main entrance that directs you, and then there are a few more signs here and there along the path to let you know you're going in the right direction.

 

[RachelTori]

I know I can walk from Jambo house to Kidani. I'm trying to figure out where the path is. Does it just along the road or is it like a nice trail to walk?

It's on the sidewalk. There are 2 streets to cross, but one is an entrance for employees and service vehicles; the other is an entrance to the parking lot, so no real traffic to worry about.