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

[Disney8704]

Its not our actual anniversary, we are just celebrating it then. Our actual anniversary is Aug 7th. Actually we are celebrating it for 2 years. Last yr and this yr. Last year because DH wasnt even here. He was in Iraq at the time. And this year will mainly because we just dont have the money to actually go anywhere cuz its all tied into bills and our disney trip. We might do a movie and dinner but thats about it. So we decided to just celebrate it when we go to disney in december. As for Boma, from what I've heard there is some regular food like chicken fingers, Spagetti, Mac and Cheese, etc. so you could bring that up to your family. That way you can still eat there, and you can eat your food and the rest of your family can eat the regular food. That way everyone wins. And who knows, maybe someone that isnt very adventurous will still eat the other food still. I know I am not a adventurous person when it comes to food. I am always so scared to try anything new. But yet, Im gonna be brave and dig into the african food. Last night I even changed our Intenary around a little so we could fit in Jiko. I just keep hearing so many good things about Jiko and Flossbolna trip report is what did it. I was finally like I give up, we are eating there.

AKL seems to give a lot of upgrades so you just may get one! Especially since it's your anniversary. That's great that you are staying for 10 days!! We'll be there from 12/9 - 12/16. Probably not eating at Boma since no one in my family will eat "different" food except me.

 

[ms_mckenna]

Ok it is eating at me and I have to know. For those of you that have gotten upgrades what did you say when you check in? We are checking in on a Monday and I am figuring we will get to AKL for check in at 2. If I can get there earlier I will. Both of the kids have bdays the week we check in, so if that helps us the trip is thier bday present. I am not going expecting to be upgraded by any means but it's not like I won't at least try anyway. Do I just flat out ask for one or is there a way to make this have a little more finess?

 

[Disney8704]

Call your TA or Disney (however u booked) and have them note it on your reservation that your kids will be celebrating their birthdays while down there. When you check in, ask them if theres any notes on your reservation. If there isnt, just calmly say ok, just wondering cuz I did have my TA or disney put on a note on there that my kids are celebrating their bdays. Or just ask them if theres any chance that you could have an complentary upgrade. The worse they can say is no.

Ok it is eating at me and I have to know. For those of you that have gotten upgrades what did you say when you check in? We are checking in on a Monday and I am figuring we will get to AKL for check in at 2. If I can get there earlier I will. Both of the kids have bdays the week we check in, so if that helps us the trip is thier bday present. I am not going expecting to be upgraded by any means but it's not like I won't at least try anyway. Do I just flat out ask for one or is there a way to make this have a little more finess?

 

[CJsMom]

Its not our actual anniversary, we are just celebrating it then.

Well, the actual date doesn't matter - all that matters is that you are celebrating!

As for Boma, from what I've heard there is some regular food like chicken fingers, Spagetti, Mac and Cheese, etc. so you could bring that up to your family.

Yes, I figured that my kids would be able to find stuff they like on the kids' part of the buffet. I was more worried about my DH! But I guess he could eat the chicken nuggets too! But what a waste - I wish we could use kids' credits for his meal!

 

[Flossbolna]

Yes, I figured that my kids would be able to find stuff they like on the kids' part of the buffet. I was more worried about my DH! But I guess he could eat the chicken nuggets too! But what a waste - I wish we could use kids' credits for his meal!

When we were there, the prime rib tasted very basic to me, the "exotic" thing about it were the different sauces you could add. So, this might be an option. Also I think there are some soups that are not too strange, I tried the potato and bacon soup and it was delicious but not at all exotic.

 

[Flossbolna]

thanks to everyone for the nice comments on my trip report! I am glad you enjoyed it. I loved reading others' reports during the recent months and am glad to be able to contribute now myself.

And the suitcase arrived today!! So, pictures are on their way!!

 

[John's Mom]

Flossbolna,

Thanks for the great trip report. Can't wait to see your pictures!

 

[brookelizabeth]

And the suitcase arrived today!! So, pictures are on their way!!

Yea! I look forward to your pics! (and glad you got your suitcase back!)

I loved your report too, I so wish we could go back this year! Just looking at my pictures made me sad...

DH and I were just down the hall from where you stayed-a great spot of the hotel and a perfect pool view!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Call your TA or Disney (however u booked) and have them note it on your reservation that your kids will be celebrating their birthdays while down there. When you check in, ask them if theres any notes on your reservation. If there isnt, just calmly say ok, just wondering cuz I did have my TA or disney put on a note on there that my kids are celebrating their bdays. Or just ask them if theres any chance that you could have an complentary upgrade. The worse they can say is no.

DH and I didn't get an upgrade from pool view on our honeymoon, but I know they knew it was our honeymoon because the CM at the counter instantly congratulated us and handed us both a Just Married! pin. I know they have birthday buttons too-this might be a neat thing for your kids. If you ask for these, then they would SURELY know you are celebrating, and maybe drop a hint about how excited your kids are to see the animals...might help???

DH and I did not expect an upgrade, and didn't really do anything to try to get one. We LOVED our pool view, as we are not huge animal people, and saw enough for our taste just by the viewing areas throughout the lodge.

 

[luvfigment]

Flossbolna ~ great trip report!! Thanks for sharing and can't wait to see your pictures!

 

[scorp111]

Great Trip report Flossbolna! Thanks!

Just 51 days until we depart, 53 until we check in to the AKL, and I can't wait!

 

[jaycns]

Flossbolna,

Thanks for the great trip report. Can't wait to see your pictures!

I second that!! Great report! And I am looking forward to the pictures!!

 

[d4est]

OT, but jaycns I was reading your tags & about spit my coffee on my keyboard! The one about the shoes, lol. I have a pair of LL Bean sandals, they are like fake Birks, and they make a fart noise when I walk. I thought I was the only one....

 

[jaycns]

OT, but jaycns I was reading your tags & about spit my coffee on my keyboard! The one about the shoes, lol. I have a pair of LL Bean sandals, they are like fake Birks, and they make a fart noise when I walk. I thought I was the only one....

Nope...you have company!

I have a pair of garden clogs and when I walk around in them after they get even the smallest bit wet....well...the tag says it all!

The things I get caught saying.

Watch me come back from AKL and say something about savanna poo and get a tag from that too!

 

[jaycns]

It just hit me that I could share some AKL photos from previous trips with you all! Doh!

This first one is of the sweet treat they brought out for our anniversary at Boma. We also got a card that was signed by a bunch of servers and had an African saying in it. It was really a special little bit of magic!!

I love these chairs! What a wonderful place to people watch and relax after a day in the park!

And of course...a ton of assorted shots!

Thanks for letting me share!

 

[CJsMom]

Jaycns - thanks for the pictures! Those anniversary sweets look yummy!
I've also been enjoying your trip report - sounds like you all had so much fun!

 

[kimmar067]

....And the suitcase arrived today!! So, pictures are on their way!!

....we are waiting ever-so-patiently.....

 

[denise5374]

Jaycns-Thanks for sharing your pics!

Flossbolna-Can't wait to see yours!1 Loved the trip report!

Less than 6 months until I get to see AKL in person!!!

 

[Mommaof3]

I have tried to get a room at AKL Dec. 10-18 and no rooms for 5 are available. Anyone have a clue? Is it tied to the construction? Melissa

 

[jaycns]

Jaycns - thanks for the pictures! Those anniversary sweets look yummy!
I've also been enjoying your trip report - sounds like you all had so much fun!

Those strawberries...oh they were GOOD! The rest we gave the boys....dh and I were too full from the entire amazing buffet to have even a few bites more left of room!

We did have an amazing time on our last vacation to WDW!! It really was my dream come true trip! And I just loved writing the trip report about it. I wish I could get paid to take trips and write reports about them! Wouldn't that be the best job ever?! Thanks for reading it!!

After such a great time this past vacation I didn't think anything could ever "touch it". HOWEVER, I am now looking forward to our next trip just as much! I just spoke with Juanita at AKL's IPO and I must say that woman is the sweetest...most helpful Disney employee I have ever spoken with! She made me feel like the only vacationer in the world...she took time to go over our plans, our options, gave mini reviews...she just outdid the Disney standard!!

HOW OH HOW will I be able to wait until our AKL dream vacation?!!!

AHHHHHH.