JAMBO! The UN-official AKL Thread ~ UPDATED(short film/pg 8 & slideshow/pg 12) Part 2

[plutospup]

We've been waiting to buy more DVC points.

Couple issues:

Not keen on distance from MK...when we stay @ the AS resorts the bus ride would take @ least 1/2 hour.

Architectural style reminds me (a bit too much) of WL.

Pool seems huge...is it large enough to handle the # of guests @ resort?

This thread is full of experts, please tell me what you like best about the AKL, sell me

1.AKL does not share a bus with any other resort. We found the AKL-MK bus to be about 15-20min.

2.The general style of AKL is similar to WL, but...it really does feel like a different world. The theming is truly unique. Our experience with the African CMs was wonderful, and unique as well. Oh yeah, they have animals, too! I honestly didn't expect much. Sure, I expected to see a giraffe, and some other hoofed animals, but it really did amaze me everyday. We stayed in a pool view room, and each day DD8 & I ran to the end of the hall to check out the animals. When we walked down the hallways we noticed how everyone instinctively turns their head, and looks out to see the animals...and promptly bumps into someone else watching the animals So, yes the general style is similar to WL, but AKL is a whole different world (I've stayed at WL 2x and really enjoyed it, but AKL is different experience).

3. The pool is huge, and it can accomodate the number of guests at the resort. Also it has two separate hot tubs. I really liked the pool area. It has a very tropical/oasis feel to it. Both hot tub areas are somewhat secluded from the rest of the pool area, surrounded by shrubs, trees, etc.

When this resort was first announced I didn't want any part of it. I'm glad I gave it a chance. I really did feel I had been swept away to some foreign land, far away from reality, and a happy place at that. ...and that's what I expect from a Disney vacation.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

There will be a new pool at the DVC building, so the DVC guests will have little impact on the current pool.

 

[SeaSpray]

Not keen on distance from MK...when we stay @ the AS resorts the bus ride would take @ least 1/2 hour.

Architectural style reminds me (a bit too much) of WL.

Pool seems huge...is it large enough to handle the # of guests @ resort?

This thread is full of experts, please tell me what you like best about the AKL, sell me

Hi! I'm not an "expert" but I've stayed at the AKL and the WL, so can offer my own personal insight

Personally, I think the only similarity between the AKL and WL are their large open lobbies. That's it. I did *not* think of the WL for the entire rest of my stay at the AKL, except for the initial moment of walking into the AKL lobby. And even there, the lobbies are not identical. While I loved the WL, I *really* loved AKL.

Our favorite resort is the Polynesian; we love the monorail access and the boat access to the MK. We usually choose our resort based on location and convenience to the parks. Having said that, this past May we decided to try AKL even though we were concerned about the location and bus-only transportation. Here's what I wrote on my web site about AKL transportation after I returned:

I've read on the boards that so many people are afraid to try this resort because it only has bus service. I have to admit that I was wondering how transportation would be; we're used to being on the monorail line, or at least have the boat to MK (WL). I have to say that the bus service this past week at AKL was EXCELLENT!!!!! All of the buses are direct, except for the stop at Blizzard Beach on the way to MGM. Also, Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney share a bus, but we never went to either place. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot are all direct buses. And there were plenty of buses, we never had a wait of more than a few minutes. In my own opinion, based on my own experience, I would NOT let the transportation issue keep you from trying out the AKL. The AK park is literally a 4 minute drive; Epcot was about 10 minutes, MGM (because of the stop at BB) was about 15 minutes, and the MK was about 15 minutes. The rides went very fast, and we only had to stand once. I really liked the fact that AKL doesn't share with another resort; this is something that really bothers me when we stay at the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, or Grand Floridian.


Regarding the pool: I LOVE the pool at the Polynesian, it's still my favorite, but AKL pool did not disappoint!! We LOVED the pool area there!!! Here are my comments about the AKL pool:

The pool area seemed nice and open; I was afraid it might feel too closed in since it's surrounded by the resort on 3 sides. The pool is pretty big, I didn't realize it was that big. It has a zero-depth entry and goes as deep as 4'11", over by the foot bridge, which is to the right of the slide. Ever since the AKL opened, I'd read that the water in the pool is warm. Well I have to say, they must've corrected that problem because the water was cool and very refreshing. The water itself was crystal clear, but the bottom of the pool must be painted with hints of brown and green, because it didn't look blue like pools usually do. I know some people have commented on the color, but it definitely was crystal clear water; only the paint on the floor of the pool was green. lol It didn't look dirty at all to me, it looked very much in keeping with the theme of the resort. We went to the pool 3 different times, put our things down at a table next to the pool bar. We had drinks each time... I can't remember the names of all the drinks, but they were good! LOL I do remember an extremely delicious frozen drink called "Nyami Nyami", which had Amarula, banana liqueur, and ice cream. It tasted like a pureed banana split, and I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend trying it! We also had the Victoria Falls Mist, which was a lime green color and had melon liqueur. I had a pina colada which was very good, and a drink called the Pretoria Punch something or other. lol The bar has a book with all of the specialty drinks that they can make, so if you don't see a favorite drink listed on the drink board, ask the bartenders. They have the recipes for many of the drinks that are available only at Jiko, Boma, and other resorts and parks.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Is the pool heated/warm enough to swim in 3 weeks. I know in January it was to cold for us at the BW but I was wondering what it would be like in mid November at AKL. Anyone have any experience in November with the pool?

 

[John's Mom]

Liz,

We spent the week of Thanksgiving at WDW in 1998 and 2000. In 1998 it was just like summer--shorts and swimming. In 2000, most of trip we wore jeans and jackets. We went to WDW in Dec. 2001 and 2002. In 2001, the temperature was in the eighties. In 2002, the first few days were cooler, then it warmed up. In Florida, you can expect any kind of weather.

Kathy

 

[disney1742]

JUST GOT ALL MY STUFF IN THE MAIL!!!!!!!

Down to double digits finally.


Just had to share!!!!!

Happy Holidays!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Looks like I am gonna be packing alot of clothes.

 

[jennz]

Has anyone done the culinary tour recently? How was it? Can you tell me the time it begins?

 

[Dusted]

Our swimming experience was COLD..... We went during the day on a 85+ degree day, but the water was really cold. My DD3 didn't mind, but there were several adults with that IM SO COLD look on their tense faces. We tried again the next night, it was even warmer that day, and it was a bit better. We convinced DD3 to keep us company at the hot tub. NOW, that was living. Ahhhh...

We stayed at BC last mo, and although maybe a bit hotter during the day, the pool at SAB was really warm. ALMOST not refreshing, but very nice to be in, and stay in as long as you wanted.

Hope that helps.

 

[TiggerAllie]

Ok! I finally began my trip report! (Ok, so I am slow.)
You can find it here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15144686
You can read all about my first AKL experience, and I'm trying to learn how to post pictures, so those will be up soon.
Enjoy!

 

[TiggerAllie]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1257569
I figured out how to put pictures in my trip report!

And I posted pictures of our first "bad" room 4382.

It's a bit of a novella; apparently I write a lot. Day 1 is complete... hopefully I'll get to Day 2 soon!

 

[dogsmom]

As we'll be there in December and arriving late, I'm taking note of these "definitely do not get " rooms. So far 2345 and 4382!! Thanks for the report!

 

[Cass]

dogsmom, what are your dates? we are at AKL Dec 13-19th

 

[dogsmom]

We'll be there Dec. 7 -12. You'll be arriving the day after we leave.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Has anyone done the culinary tour recently? How was it? Can you tell me the time it begins?

I haven't been yet .. but here's the info on times ..

Culinary Tour of Africa 4:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 3:45pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Jiko Podium

 

[Ronald Duck]

dogsmom, what are your dates? we are at AKL Dec 13-19th

We'll be there from 16-21, so we'll overlap, Cass. It'll be easy to spot us...3 generations of Disney freaks.

 

[Cass]

We will be 2 ladies with two girls 12/13. We will all have DIS green lanyards. Have a great trip!

 

[kimmar067]

We'll be there from 16-21, so we'll overlap, Cass. It'll be easy to spot us...3 generations of Disney freaks.

 

[kimmar067]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1257569
I figured out how to put pictures in my trip report!

And I posted pictures of our first "bad" room 4382.

It's a bit of a novella; apparently I write a lot. Day 1 is complete... hopefully I'll get to Day 2 soon!

...great report.....

 

[TiggerAllie]

As we'll be there in December and arriving late, I'm taking note of these "definitely do not get " rooms. So far 2345 and 4382!! Thanks for the report!

If you check out my trip report, I posted a picture of the map with these rooms marked-- you can tell where the back corner rooms are, where you don't want to be. I think it's X38even and X34odd rooms. (If you see the AKL room map, you'll figure out what I mean.)