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

[Oh_the_anticipation!]

I've seen 2 posts on this page about "Discount Codes". What's the scoop on that? ANY discount can help. I tried to use my AAA discount, but couldn't for a total package booked through Disney. I have to say that I'm still confused by the bunk bed thing. On the WDW web site it says bunks ARE available as a queen and bunk option in a Savannan view room, but when I called for reservations, the RS said I would have to upgrade to a DELUXE Savannah view room. Another $500+. I know they are changing it in '07, but it's still 2006. I think I'll take my chances and see if an upgrade is available at check in. Has anyone ever done this? And please let me know about any possible discount. Thanks!

 

[tinknme]

My ME tags arrived today

 

[Nik's Mom]

You know, we had a savannah view with the "people pens" that some hate, and it really didn't bother us at all. In fact, the animals seem to hang out quite a bit in that area, for some reason. It's hard to believe that there is a bad savannah view.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

tinknme I am so excited for you. How is the ME. We have always had a car and this is our first time using it.

 

[Disney8704]

At the hot tubs, can you see the animals? If so, which hot tub? Both or just one of them? Also what time does the Mara open and close? Also what is the culinary tour and does it cost anything? How long is it?

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I dont remember seeing any animals other than the Flamingos near the hot tub but I could be wrong about that. The culinary tour is free you just need to sign up I think. The mara was open at 6 am 2 weeks ago but that could vary depending upon the season. Maybe check out all ears net faq sheet.

 

[purpliequeen]

Hello All!

Just got back from an amazing stay. My family and I are obsessed with the resort. Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip as magical as possible.

1) Magical Express was great- they really handled the crazy free dining crowds well. We checked in on the infamous day when Pop was expecting basically everyone checking in on Sun (first day of free dining).

AKL shares the Magical Express with Pop and Coronado. AKL was the last stop, however it took only about 45 min total. Returning, we were the first to be picked up and then picked up those at Pop. The bus was never completely crowded so that every seat was taken, even during the free dining period.

2) We only saw flamingoes near the hot tub but a couple CMs told us that that savannah by the hot tub area also hosts the baby giraffe. We never saw him- we were more infatuated with our view from Arusha Rock.

3) There didn't seem to be any holding pens on the Arusha Savannah, we did see them on the Sunset Savannah (left side of the resort).

4) Culinary tour is free. It met at 3:45 and 4pm at the Jiko podium for the entire past week. The activities were great- always hopping with things to do.

5) Not sure when the Mara's hours are. Def check out the All Ears faq.

Hope this helps. Thanks again!

 

[tinknme]

I have only used it once, we had no problems at all. At the airport we did not have a long wait to get on the bus. The buses are very nice & have a Disney movie playing. On the return trip to the airport it is a little sad though. You watch a video with Mickey & the gang telling you bye & they hope to see you again soon As long as they offer ME, I will definetly be using it! I also loved not having to worry about my luggage. Just look for the big Mickey hands at the airport

tinknme I am so excited for you. How is the ME. We have always had a car and this is our first time using it.

 

[Disney8704]

I have. It doesnt say. I have checked resort faqs, the menu on allears and the menu on the disboards and it doesnt say anywhere. All I've seen is open morning to night. That doesnt help me any.

Not sure when the Mara's hours are. Def check out the All Ears faq.

 

[tinknme]

Welcome back, glad to hear you had a good time!

Hello All!

Just got back from an amazing stay. My family and I are obsessed with the resort. Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip as magical as possible.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

disney 8704 call and ask I am sure this is probably the best way to find out, I had to call and ask a few questions and the cm's were very helpful in finding the answers.

Another ME question. Can you get your luggage at the carosel and take it with you on the bus. We will have baby things that need to be with us and I have herd some people call it the not so magical express because it took so long to get their luggage. Just wondering what that was about. TIA.

purpliequeen thanks for the awesome review.

 

[lookingforward]

Hi everyone! I have been avoiding this thread because I had to cancel my free dining trip in mid September due to a work conflict. It hurt too much to think of what I was missing We had planned to do the sunset safari through concierge and I had all my dining reservations made MONTHs ahead, so it was painful to give all that up.

Thankfully, we rebooked the last few days of September (lost the free dining though, but got a great discount) and are now set to be there for three nights. We booked concierge again because it was our absolute favorite family vacation the last time we stayed there. Of course, because free dining is so popular, I had the worst luck at getting any good reservations. But with perserverance and some luck I did manage to rebook Le Cellier and Boma.

We plan to take it easy. We are going to renew our FL annual/seasonal pass and use the one day tickets towards that. I can't wait to be there. The AKL is truly a great vacation. I hope everyone who is getting ready to leave soon has a fantastic time! Post reports when you get back!

 

[IMN2DSNY]

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to drop by and say I hope you all are having a great day. My stay at AKL is getting closer and closer. Soon I'll be at the 30 day mark I can't wait!!! I also wanted to thank you all for the info within this thread. I don't post much, but I always check this thread everyday so I can catch the latest and greatest. Because I've learned so much, I have to try and find a way to fit everything I want to do at the resort. It's going to be tough, but how can I miss doing those things

I see a couple of you will overlap my 10 day stay there. I hope to see you there. I'm going solo, so I'll be the one in my Mickey baseball hat staring at everything when I walk through the lobby. I may just "bump" into you Hopefully, I'll be able to pay attention to where I'm going. I'll try to remember to anyway. We're going to have the best time!!

 

[tinknme]

I have not done this myself, but I have read where others have. Sorry I'm not much help!

Another ME question. Can you get your luggage at the carosel and take it with you on the bus. We will have baby things that need to be with us and I have herd some people call it the not so magical express because it took so long to get their luggage. Just wondering what that was about. TIA.

purpliequeen thanks for the awesome review.

 

[tinknme]

Happy to hear that you were able to rebook

Hi everyone! I have been avoiding this thread because I had to cancel my free dining trip in mid September due to a work conflict. It hurt too much to think of what I was missing We had planned to do the sunset safari through concierge and I had all my dining reservations made MONTHs ahead, so it was painful to give all that up.

 

[tinknme]

Looks like we will be there about the same time as you I will keep an eye out for someone wandering aimlessly around with a ball cap

I see a couple of you will overlap my 10 day stay there. I hope to see you there. I'm going solo, so I'll be the one in my Mickey baseball hat staring at everything when I walk through the lobby. I may just "bump" into you Hopefully, I'll be able to pay attention to where I'm going. I'll try to remember to anyway. We're going to have the best time!!

 

[disneytraveler]

I will be there soon to! September 9th for me

 

[wendypooh]

Not really unless it something I dont want anymore. What are the fees now? Its been like 2 yrs since I sold anything.

Well, the fee's vary depending on your pricing, they just seemed high to me.

At the hot tubs, can you see the animals? If so, which hot tub? Both or just one of them? Also what time does the Mara open and close? Also what is the culinary tour and does it cost anything? How long is it?

From my understanding, NO, you cannot see the animals from the hot tubs.
Mara's hours see below.
The Culinary Tour starts at the Jiko podium, times/day will be listed on the activities board in the lobby. You will meet a chef from either Jiko or Boma, and discuss the african food culture, ingredients, etc.... and taste food from both restaurants. I have to say I've not done this tour yet, I do plan on doing it this trip however. Then I can report back with more firsthand knowledge. There is NO cost for this tour.

I have. It doesnt say. I have checked resort faqs, the menu on allears and the menu on the disboards and it doesnt say anywhere. All I've seen is open morning to night. That doesnt help me any.

Here is the FAQ sheet from Allears -- http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

The hours for Mara are listed on the faq sheet. I put them here as a reference.
Hours at Mara are usually 6:00am to 11:30pm.

Ooh, that's awesome! My DD8 LOVES zebras!!! Is the chair design the same (zebras) on ALL the balconies, regardless of the room level? Hope so!!

Yes, the chairs and tables are the same on all the balconies!!!

Would I be a total creep if..........

I took my mug back with me. I just went to AKL the end of July and am going back in November. Can I take my mug back with me or should I buy another one at the Mara. Just wondering what your opinion is. DH said to pack it and I feel a little weird about it. What to do???

We were just there in Feb. and will be back in less than 2 weeks......... The best advice I can give you, DO NOT discuss such a "HOT" topic on the boards!!!! Do what you think is right, but, mugs in general are such a prickly topic, I'd not discuss what you are going to do one way or the other!!!!

OK, it's getting serious NOW!!! AKL here we come ...

Happy Anniversary Viki!!! 7 days!!! Cool ~~ Have fun!!!!

Hello everyone. I hope you don't mind me joining the party.
Now, I have a question and I wonder if someone can help me. 95%(at least) of the reviews I've seen for this hotel have said it was wonderful especially the savannah views, but there a few that have said the savannah view wasn't that great and they would have a view of a dumpster or trucks coming in and out or something along those lines. Is this true? Does anyone know of any room numbers that might not be the best ones to get?

I'm sure every room is going to be fantastic and I know I am probably worrying needlessly but if I didn't worry... well I probably wouldn't be me! (it's what I do)

Hi Welcome!!!! Glad you joined the party ~ Jambo!!!! If you get there and your room/view is not what you want, ask to be moved!!! Seriously though, I've read a lot of reviews where some have said that Savannah views weren't worth it ~~ well, if you want to see the animals and that is why you are going, then YES, it is worth it, we LOVED our view of the animals every day! That said, there are TONS of animal viewing areas, and for US, if we don't get a Savannah view this time, it won't be the end of the world!!!! We love the lodge, and a pool view would be just fine with me. Some people who do not spend a lot of time at the lodge, or viewing the animals may think it's not worth it.......... I say, if you MUST MUST MUST see the animals from your room, then book Savannah!!!! otherwise, unless you get a parking lot view.......... Enjoy!!!! You won't be disappointed!!

I've seen 2 posts on this page about "Discount Codes". What's the scoop on that?

Discount Codes can be found at www.mousesavers.com, and are posted here almost immediately when they come out. I know that there was a room only code, and a few days ago I think the AP codes came out. As for others, I don't know of any right now. But, you can check mousesavers for any updates or codes. I usually check once a week!!!

My ME tags arrived today

Hey Janet!!!! COOL ~ you are getting there!!!!!

Hello All!

Just got back from an amazing stay.

Welcome back!!! Glad you had a great time!!!! I'm counting down the days!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Hey Lisa.................

Look at us!!!! UNDER 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tinknme]

I will be there soon to! September 9th for me