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

[John's Mom]

"Happy Easter"

 

[RachelTori]

Hi RachelTori,

My Fiance loved the look of AKL so that was the only place we were really interested in. We've just had a look at WL and will call our tour operator tomorrow. We're both a bit sad about the possibility of moving restorts though, but we do want a peaceful holiday

I would see if your tour operator can get any reassurances first. The construction is in "phases" and 2 of the 3 phases are supposed to be completed by September. I don't know if that would make the resort any more peaceful or not.

Please let us know what you decide to do.

"Happy Easter"

Happy Easter!

 

[BensMom]

If anyone wants MY opinion, I would definitely take WL as a close second to AKL. I can't imagine Disney not doing everything humanly possible to keep its guests as comfortable as possible and inconvenienced as little as possible. They are professionals at getting the job done behind the scenes. So much goes on at every park and every hotel 24/7/365 while we are busy enjoying ourselves. I know this is major construction, but I can't imagine anyone at AKL booking people deliberately into rooms that would be intolerable to stay in. I would think they'd just shut certain trails/parts of trails completely down so that there are just fewer rooms available versus taking the chance of driving people to the brink of misery. But, again, what do I know.

 

[mdrob214]

I wish I knew what to do! We are booked 9/22-9/29 sav. view/bunkbeds. DH says "Just stay at AKL--it's Disney, do you really think it'll be bad?" I say "No, but...."

I just don't want to spend $350 per night (we are getting free DDP--hopefully) and not be happy. We loved WL but want to stay at a new resort. (Thought we'd work our way up the price scales! )

I now have asked TA for other options because I just don't want to be disappointed. Wish I had a crystal ball....

BTW--who can I call to find some answers on this

Denise

 

[BensMom]

I wish I knew what to do! We are booked 9/22-9/29 sav. view/bunkbeds. DH says "Just stay at AKL--it's Disney, do you really think it'll be bad?" I say "No, but...."

I just don't want to spend $350 per night (we are getting free DDP--hopefully) and not be happy. We loved WL but want to stay at a new resort. (Thought we'd work our way up the price scales! )

I now have asked TA for other options because I just don't want to be disappointed. Wish I had a crystal ball....

BTW--who can I call to find some answers on this

Denise

JUST LISTEN TO THE DH!! I concur. I would stay there. As I said, I can't imagine Disney throwing you into a room where you need a hard hat, especially on the top bunk!!

 

[2manypets]

I know this was asked somewhere in this thread, It's just to long to read it all!

DH & I are both smokers but would prefer not to share our smoke with children or anyone else who doesn't smoke. We would also prefer not to have to exit the resort each time we lite up.

Does anyone know which rooms are smoking? We have pool view booked and forgot to mention our request at the time of booking. I know that most resorts if not all have very limited smoking rooms.

Thanks,
Judie

 

[BensMom]

I know this was asked somewhere in this thread, It's just to long to read it all!

DH & I are both smokers but would prefer not to share our smoke with children or anyone else who doesn't smoke. We would also prefer not to have to exit the resort each time we lite up.

Does anyone know which rooms are smoking? We have pool view booked and forgot to mention our request at the time of booking. I know that most resorts if not all have very limited smoking rooms.

Thanks,
Judie

Sorry, can't help you personally. I am one of those awful, mean reformed ex-smokers and I find it doesn't matter where you light up at AKL. The pool is a free-for-all for smokers, so it just doesn't seem to matter where you want to smoke. Just light up.

 

[2manypets]

I'm one of these wierd smokers that can't bring myself to light up around a family that's trying to enjoy their fresh air. I'll smoke at the pool if no one is there.

But I was just wondering if anyone knew which room or section were smoking rooms, so I don't gross out anyone.

Judie

 

[BensMom]

I have no clue. You need to call AKL and ask. I do know we were discussing the issue just this past week being there. We don't even know what the smoking policy is around the pool area. It seems anywhere and everywhere is okay, which is not okay with us. We witnessed cigarettes, cigars. Ashtrays were available at Uzima Falls pool bar and were handed out and went mobil with their customers to vast parts of the pool areas. The designated areas around the resort are located just outside the doors to the restaurants and right in front of the arcade on the way to Simba's Cubhouse, which does not make sense to me at all. Every time someone opens the doors to the restaurant area, the smoke gets sucked into the lobby.

So, this is MY view of the smoking arrangements in the public areas of the resort. Sorry I can't answer you about the smoking rooms.

 

[kimmar067]

Save Room for the Zebra Domes!
by Steve Baker
(member of the MouseEarVacations.com® team)

An African Boma is defined as a large space which provides a safe and sheltered area for wild life and other animals within a naturally enclosed kraal fence. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, however, Boma, The Flavors of Africa is one of the hottest places on Disney property for experiencing eclectic, yet highly palatable African cuisine at it’s finest in an all you care to eat marketplace setting.

As you first enter the amazing lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the magnificent aromas emitting from Boma, which is just below the main lobby, begin to whet your appetite! Mediterranean spices such as cumin and curry coupled with the burning woods of the fire pit draw you in to the main dining area under circular thatched roofs. The bright open kitchen, which is set up exhibit style, is a culinary showcase for what is in store for diners.

While the menu often changes nightly, begin with sampling the unique stews, gumbos and soups offered which are freshly prepared at the each station. Offerings often include a Ginger Carrot Soup with a velvety rich creamy texture, a unique Coconut Curried Seafood Stew and a Chicken Corn Chowder with a bit of a spicy kick. Artisan breads and African flatbreads with sun dried tomato chutney are a delectable indulgence. Distinctive salad selections such as watermelon rind salad, traditional mixed field greens and dill cucumber salad round out the appetizer stations.

Grilled meats are a specialty at Boma. Typically a carving station with a spit fired prime rib selection or roasted pork tenderloin sliced to order is offered with accompanying dipping sauces (such as a chili or mustard sauce). Seafood lovers will absolutely delight over the incredible banana leaf encrusted salmon, and typically a spiced rubbed grilled poultry selection rounds out the meats.

Sides to accompany your meat selections are vast and vegetarians will find many selections suitable for their needs: saffron rice, the unique Fufu (sweet potatoes with spices), Pap (cornmeal) couscous and a slew of savory roasted veggies such as potatoes, lentils, and cobbed corn.

Wine lovers dining at Boma for dinner will appreciate the fine array of African vintages at Boma. Whites including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Rose and reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz are served by the glass or by the bottle. And for those looking for a non-alcoholic drink offering, ask for a glass of Frunch, Boma’s specialty breakfast juice blend is also offered at dinner!

Save room for a dessert (or two or three or four or…) as two entire stations are devoted to those of us who possess a sweet tooth. Offerings include bread pudding with vanilla sauce, apple crumble, fruited tarts, mini pineapple cheesecakes, Simba paw print brownies, Chocolate Mousse Crunch and Boma’s signature and most talked about dessert: the Zebra Dome, an amazing thin cake layer topped with a domed mocha chocolate mousse. Make sure to eat one for me!














--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[CJsMom]

Good question. But my question would be - who is the CM that gave that info? Often times CMs have mis-information, but then again, often times their info is correct. I do think WDW owes it to their guests to be honest and forthright about any inconveniences the construction may cause. Jeez, there are people on other threads tickled pink that they "got" AKL for next month and how wonderful and peaceful their trip will be. I have a feeling they haven't been keeping up!

You still have plenty of time before your December trip, but I would probably be making some phone calls next week. If you still feel uneasy about it, then maybe you should consider a different resort.

It's true - you could call back every day with the same question and get different answers. Really, how bad can it be? They would get so many complaints. Hey, BensMom says it'll be ok...I believe her!

 

[SharonLowe]

I'm one of these wierd smokers that can't bring myself to light up around a family that's trying to enjoy their fresh air. I'll smoke at the pool if no one is there.

But I was just wondering if anyone knew which room or section were smoking rooms, so I don't gross out anyone.

Judie

Just call and ask for a smoking room and then you can light up whenever you want. Please note, there is absolutely *no smoking on balconies facing the savannahs* so you'll do yoruself a favor by asking for a smoking, pool view room. That way, you would at least have the option of smoking on your balcony. I have seen people smoke on the balconies of their non-smoking savannah view rooms - call me mean, but I report them right away because I don't want their smoke going into my non-smoking room and I don't want them hurting the animals who get exposed to their smoke.

I appreciate your niceness about your public smoking - I wish there were more like you!

 

[stepdisney]

I hope it is not true that you can smoke anywhere. For medical reasons, my son cannot be exposed to smoke so smoking on a non-smoking balcony would be dangerous if the room was next to ours. Please tell me this does not happen often.

 

[Disney8704]

I know how you feel. DH cant stand the smell of smoke, and me not only can not stand the smell, but I have very bad allergies and asthma. Any time Im near someone who is smoking turn on the allergies and the hard time breathing. Ive already have it noted on my reservation non-smoking and will also mention it when we check in. I'll also tell them I have to have a non-smoking room due to medical conditions. I've heard they are VERY good getting people who have medical conditions when it comes to smoking, into a non-smoking room and not even near one. So you should call however you booked and have them note it on your reservation non-smoking and mention it at checkin as well.

I hope it is not true that you can smoke anywhere. For medical reasons, my son cannot be exposed to smoke so smoking on a non-smoking balcony would be dangerous if the room was next to ours. Please tell me this does not happen often.

 

[pilferk]

Absolutely can be heard from Zebra Trail! Wow, and it's long after 5 PM, unfortunately. Forget the mid-day nappy poos. Lots of construction trucks coming in and out at the end of Osceola Parkway. As I said, you can get a good view of the beginning of the construction and all the trailers as you look out on the balcony of that little sitting area to the left of the DVC desk.

I had no idea it was affecting some of the fifth floor as well. Very interesting. We didn't buy AKL points so we probably can't book right away, but as soon as we can book, I can see a good chunk of our 900 points will go to AKLV!!! They just gotta put those neo-angle hottubs in the rooms though!!!

Most (if not all) of the 5th and 6th floor rooms are being converted. The "new" AKL conceirge rooms will be standard sized on the 4th floor (but will have access to the lounge...which will be run by DVC and AKL will pay them a fee for their guests to use it).

They're SUPPOSED to stop at 5 PM...that's the "rule". If they were past that, I might have done some "talking" to the front desk.

AKV bookings, until the new building opens, might be pretty competitive at the 7 month window. As you can see by my siggie, we bought into AKV (our first DVC purchase!!), but from the posts on the DVC Misc board, it's looking like interest from DVC owners who DON'T own AKV is very high...and keep in mind until the new building starts opening the availability is close to that of the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge.

No neo-angle hot tubs, unfortunately. Good sized whirlpool tub, but not the same, meaning as big, as the ones in the other villas. However, in the new building (but not in the conversion rooms), you get an "extra" bathroom in the 1 BR (so you get 2 full baths) and 2 BR (so you get 3 full baths). In all but the "value" rooms, in both buildings, you can sleep 5 in the 1 BR and 9 in the 2 BR (as opposed to 4 and 8 at the other resorts). Lots of info and pics of the models over in the DVC Misc forum... In addition, I frequent this thread so I can try to answer anything I know about....or direct you to someone over on the DVC Misc section who might know.

 

[pilferk]

So..is it true that ALL of the deluxe 5th floor rooms will now be DVC? If so..where will a family of 5 stay if they can't get a deluxe room?

It sure looks that way by the documentation thats been filed.

 

[pilferk]

Well, I think you never heard anything because the standard rooms will not be turned into DVC rooms, which are Savannah rooms. There is certainly construction and you certainly hear it depending on where your room is located. We were in a Savannah room, way at the end of Zebra Trail. So, call ahead and book a standard room. This should cover you. Besides, by November, all the drilling will be done. I can't imagine they'd be still knocking down walls, etc. by then. Hakuna matata!

Actually, standard rooms ARE being converted (the few on the 5th floor). They'll be the "value" booking category at AKV.

 

[pilferk]

I saw a map on another site which shows when construction is happening and that is what concerned me.

The main building has construction until May 2008, which is classed as phase one. It will convert the rooms on the 5th and 6th floors to DVC rooms. From what I can see on the map some of the standard rooms may also be affected

IF they're on time, MOST of the interior construction is supposed to be done by December, with only the 5th and 6th floor rooms surrounding the lobby left to be completed. That's according to the "prospectus" map that's been circulating around, showing when the different areas of AKV open.

 

[BensMom]

They're SUPPOSED to stop at 5 PM...that's the "rule". If they were past that, I might have done some "talking" to the front desk.


AKV bookings, until the new building opens, might be pretty competitive at the 7 month window. As you can see by my siggie, we bought into AKV (our first DVC purchase!!), but from the posts on the DVC Misc board, it's looking like interest from DVC owners who DON'T own AKV is very high...and keep in mind until the new building starts opening the availability is close to that of the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge.

No neo-angle hot tubs, unfortunately. Good sized whirlpool tub, but not the same, meaning as big, as the ones in the other villas. However, in the new building (but not in the conversion rooms), you get an "extra" bathroom in the 1 BR (so you get 2 full baths) and 2 BR (so you get 3 full baths). In all but the "value" rooms, in both buildings, you can sleep 5 in the 1 BR and 9 in the 2 BR (as opposed to 4 and 8 at the other resorts). Lots of info and pics of the models over in the DVC Misc forum... In addition, I frequent this thread so I can try to answer anything I know about....or direct you to someone over on the DVC Misc section who might know.

Thanks, Pilferk. Yeah, the going over the 5 PM deadline wasn't that terrible to live with.

I've been keeping an eyeball on the floorplans. It seems pretty nice, although I like my big hottubs! Oh well. We were tempted to buy DAKLV, but we don't think it's crucial for the 12 month booking since we live so close, and we'll get there eventually, I'm sure. Do you have any idea what the maintenance fees are yet? They probably approximated for you just for budgeting. We have OKW and VB (Vero Beach very high due to ocean, etc.). My fiance was one of the first at OKW, and bought most of his points aftermarket, but he was tempted to buy some more at AKL. But he likes re-sales, doesn't finance, and that's that. So I don't argue. They were his points, and I'm certainly not going to tell him what to do, as long as they're spent with me tagging along!!! Although 900 points just doesn't seem to be enough some years! LOL

 

[pilferk]

Thanks, Pilferk. Yeah, the going over the 5 PM deadline wasn't that terrible to live with.

I've been keeping an eyeball on the floorplans. It seems pretty nice, although I like my big hottubs! Oh well. We were tempted to buy DAKLV, but we don't think it's crucial for the 12 month booking since we live so close, and we'll get there eventually, I'm sure. Do you have any idea what the maintenance fees are yet? They probably approximated for you just for budgeting. We have OKW and VB (Vero Beach very high due to ocean, etc.). My fiance was one of the first at OKW, and bought most of his points aftermarket, but he was tempted to buy some more at AKL. But he likes re-sales, doesn't finance, and that's that. So I don't argue. They were his points, and I'm certainly not going to tell him what to do, as long as they're spent with me tagging along!!! Although 900 points just doesn't seem to be enough some years! LOL

I'll double check the number to make sure, but I think the maint fees were 4.62 per point for '07 (we don't start paying dues until Sept, though, when the first batch of rooms opens). That's the actual number, not an estimate, for this year.