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

[tinknme]

...wow, you sure can type really well for someone who is 2.....

 

[ronandannette]

Hi All,

We're booked in for "Mom's Dream Trip" to WDW in the AKL August 23 - 27. Every choice regarding this vacation has been made according to my preference and DH and DS are totally devoted to trying to make this as perfect as possible for me (what a GREAT pair of guys ). The other day my little boy said to me "Mom, I know you love giraffes more than anything, but what about Mickey"? It got me to wondering - is there much of a Disney influence at the AKL? As wonderous as the property looks, will we REALLY KNOW WE'RE AT WDW? This is very important and I guess I just took it for granted. If it's not going to be there I'd like to adjust my expectations in advance - I know we'll have the time of our/my lives/life regardless. Please advise.

Thanks,

Annette

 

[AKLGoofy]

AKLGoofy ~ Thank you for all the great into you have provided us on the concierge...you got me wanting to try the sunset safari after reading your trip report. Of course I will have to start saving now to be able swing that.

I am sure this that this has been covered but I forgot so....is the Sunset safari only offered certain nights? The sunrise is only certain days right?

If I remember correctly the Sunset Safari was only offered Mon. Wed. and Fri. or some such (at least that's what allears.net is saying ). I also see where they are listing a reduced price for children 8 -9 years old, too. Our guide had told us that they had been considering allowing children under 12 since management felt that that was what was holding attendence back somewhat. The picture on allears.net of the vehilce is not accurate, though. The new vehicles are larger and much more "open".

Also, I think I got a better idea of why the Sunrise safari is so better attended... I was watching "Undiscovered Disney" last night and they went into some detail about the Sunrise version. I guess it hadn't dawned on me (or I hadn't asked, actually) but the Sunrise is done in the park using the Kilimanro trucks. This, of course, means a far wider variety of animal life is seen (to include the "biggies" like lions, hippos, rhinos, etc.). Couple that with the fact that children are allowed AND you end up actually in the park after the breakfast at Tuskers and I can see where folks would consider that MUCH more convenient and desirable.

The Sunset version worked well for us since we were doing the Backstage Safari anyway one morning and I definately did not want us to miss having a dinner at Jiko. But, I can certainly see where for many folks the Sunrise would be a better choice. I'm pretty sure we'll do that one next time if for no other reason than so that I can maybe get a picture of the lions that isn't blurry!

Bob

 

[AKLGoofy]

Hi All,

We're booked in for "Mom's Dream Trip" to WDW in the AKL August 23 - 27. Every choice regarding this vacation has been made according to my preference and DH and DS are totally devoted to trying to make this as perfect as possible for me (what a GREAT pair of guys ). The other day my little boy said to me "Mom, I know you love giraffes more than anything, but what about Mickey"? It got me to wondering - is there much of a Disney influence at the AKL? As wonderous as the property looks, will we REALLY KNOW WE'RE AT WDW? This is very important and I guess I just took it for granted. If it's not going to be there I'd like to adjust my expectations in advance - I know we'll have the time of our/my lives/life regardless. Please advise.

Thanks,

Annette

I would say, yes. Although, because of the "theme" of an African safari lodge, you won't see lots of brightly painted walls with garish images of well-known cartoon characters on them, there are many references to Mickey throughout the lodge. As for "knowing you're in Disney"... heh, well... don't think you could possibly know you're anywhere else. The level of detail alone would just scream Disney I would think. No other place Susan and I have been has the same "completeness" in creating an illusion of fantasy of any type... whether it's cartoonish or realistic. Disney properties just seem to "feel" different to us.

You may find, though, that after a long day in the parks it's kind of nice to return to someplace that IS Disney, but doesn't scream it out of every pore... That was one of the things we liked the most about AKL was that it is TRULY relaxing after all the loud, go-go-go, bright colored music-filled spaces elsewhere in WDW.

Bob

 

[pooksma]

Bob I am soo glad you're here (of course, after reading your trip report I knew you'd be up)

Just wanted to publically say how much I enjoyed reading of your incredible anniversary celebration. The pictures were gorgeous and many times I had a lump in my throat while reading. Congratulationson your 10th anniversary. I would love to hear Susans side of the adventure if you an convince her to say a few words.

I am truly looking forward to a couple nights at AKL now!

 

[kimmar067]

...(And, btw, I had more than a couple of glasses of wine, but other than that I have no excuse!!!)

....as long as it was AFRICAN wine....

 

[briar*rose]

Thought you guys might enjoy some pictures from the Animal Kingdom Lodge....Sept/Oct 2005. Room #4547 Uzima Savanna/Zebra Trail....lots of savanna pics!! Can't wait to take more this year!!

First....We'll be driving up the driveway "Oooh look how pretty it is!"

Then....We walk up the walkway and there's the door!!

....hehe, Then we go in the door and depending on what time it is here's the Day-time Lobby

...and the nighttime Lobby....sorry about the blur

Then....we get our room and walk past the fireplace that SMELLS AMAZING!!!...

....a Looooong walk down a hallway....

A left turn...

AND THERE'S OUR DOOR!!!!!

ENTER THE DOOR!!! In the next post...hehe. Not like you guys don't know what the AKL looks like haha

 

[briar*rose]

Continued....

Our Room...

Let's take a look outside....shall we?

Morning Savanna....

Afternoon Savanna...

Hope you guys enjoyed my little photo tour of AKL (even if it is a little old)....I'll be sure to post my pics from this year here tooooooooOooo!!!! Only 66 more days to go!!

 

[Viki]

Briar Rose: Wonderful photos! Thank you so much for taking the time! What sweet memories the rekindle and we're headed back in a little more than a month!

 

[LAWalz23]

Thanks for the info on the buses, we will probably take a cab to save time.

Smilies are courtesy of my niece and nephew who were looking at some pics from AKL and Boma.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

briar rose-Ican't tell you how much I loved your photos.... between your resort shots and tinknme's food shots, I'm in pure AKL heaven...

 

[kimmar067]

Briar Rose ~

Thank you so much for sharing those fabulous pix with us..... (loved the narrative, too! )

 

[wendypooh]

AND I were a little tipsy too............

 

[wendypooh]

I know I can't believe we are going to be there so soon!!!! I feel like I have so much left to do. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I still need to call private dining and set something up through them, order a basekt through Peg, book a towncar, order a birthday cake through GF Private dining, pack, see if I can find any more doo dads for the trip (not like I'll use them), order my sun-block, get some more memory cards for my two cameras, oh and the list goes on!!!!

LOL ~~ I hear ya!! I did get DH all booked at the Magnolia course. Buuuutttttt I've got to order his B-day cake through the GF bakery, order DS's basket with Peggy, buy DH some crocs, yada yada............... not to mention an impending wedding....................

 

[wendypooh]

Briar Rose................. OHOHOHOH NOW I'm homesick!!! Great "Tour"!!! Loved the pics, Thanks for sharing!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hey folks! This is a WONDERFUL thread! I was tempted to read through all 231 pages, but skipped from page 16 to 222.

Anyway, my fiance and I are planning our honeymoon (and we are both 1st timers!) to WDW in October and we've been pouring over the info and options for the last few weeks. We have gone back and forth on resorts, but keep coming back to the AKL. The biggest constraint we have is money, we must keep this entire trip under 3k for the entire week, including air and spending money....as we are going to Israel a couple weeks later!

We are doing the "Magic your Way Plus Dining" and will have tickets to the parks each day, so I don't think concerige will be a big deal to us, as we won't be there a lot to take advantage of the food. What would you suggest for a room? Is the Deluxe worth the extra cost? Does every room have a balcony? Do any rooms come with a fridge? (I know I'll have leftovers)

After seeing the pics on this thread, esp. of the food, I CANNOT wait to be there!!!! Ahhh, the zebra domes sound amazing....drooooool....

 

[scoutsmom99]

Anyway, my fiance and I are planning our honeymoon (and we are both 1st timers!) to WDW in October and we've been pouring over the info and options for the last few weeks. We have gone back and forth on resorts, but keep coming back to the AKL. The biggest constraint we have is money, we must keep this entire trip under 3k for the entire week, including air and spending money....as we are going to Israel a couple weeks later!

to the Jambo thread! Congratulations on your upcoming nuptuials.

What would you suggest for a room?

I would suggest a savannah or pool-view room. Also try and requet the Zebra trail (IMHO both the Uzima and Arusha savannah are gorgeous).

Is the Deluxe worth the extra cost?

I believe the deluxe rooms are a little larger and have a few extras (phone in the bathroom I believe?). I haven't stayed in a deluxe, but I think the regular rooms would be just fine for 2.

Does every room have a balcony?

Yes every room has a balcony or patio.

Do any rooms come with a fridge? (I know I'll have leftovers)

Yes every room has a fridge in it. Also each room does have a coffee maker too.

After seeing the pics on this thread, esp. of the food, I CANNOT wait to be there!!!! Ahhh, the zebra domes sound amazing....drooooool....

Yes the Zebra Domes are amazing...I think we might have another ZDA member on our hands

 

[scoutsmom99]

LOL ~~ I hear ya!! I did get DH all booked at the Magnolia course. Buuuutttttt I've got to order his B-day cake through the GF bakery, order DS's basket with Peggy, buy DH some crocs, yada yada............... not to mention an impending wedding....................

Well I scratched town car off my list today!

How are the wedding plans coming? Are you still thinking about giving them the WDW honeymoon?

 

[scoutsmom99]

BriarRose Great Pictures!!! I just watched my home video I took of the lodge the other day to help me get more excited! Also this week Great hotels is doing AKL on the 26th.

 

[tinknme]

Very nicely said Bob & I agree completly

I would say, yes. Although, because of the "theme" of an African safari lodge, you won't see lots of brightly painted walls with garish images of well-known cartoon characters on them, there are many references to Mickey throughout the lodge. As for "knowing you're in Disney"... heh, well... don't think you could possibly know you're anywhere else. The level of detail alone would just scream Disney I would think. No other place Susan and I have been has the same "completeness" in creating an illusion of fantasy of any type... whether it's cartoonish or realistic. Disney properties just seem to "feel" different to us.

You may find, though, that after a long day in the parks it's kind of nice to return to someplace that IS Disney, but doesn't scream it out of every pore... That was one of the things we liked the most about AKL was that it is TRULY relaxing after all the loud, go-go-go, bright colored music-filled spaces elsewhere in WDW.

Bob