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

[glewis1123]

SO, all that long and rambling said, at what point do I contact the IPO, just to let them know that we exist and will be there in 302 days?

We just got ours in the mail and we are arriving at AKL on June 9th.

 

[wideeyes]

 

[kimmar067]

kimmar...have you had a chance to add anything more to your trip report? If so...could you please link it. I am having trouble finding it. The search tool is NOT working for me right now. Ugh. Thanks!!!

...uhhhhh, errrrrr, ummmmmm, [ * cough * ] no I didn't.....

..but, here is a link to my TR....I don't know how far you have read, so, just scroll thru the pages...

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1206399

 

[luvfigment]

We leave Sunday and are staying at AKL. It is our first time at Disney and our 10th anniversary. DD4 tells anyone who will listen, "We're staying at ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE." I think she is more excited about this than going to the parks themselves!

Seriously, we are all so excited. We have a standard view booked, but we are planning to ask if there are any savannah rooms available so that we can pay for the upgrade. After reading this thread and seeing the pictures, I am more and more convinced we have to do this!!

Jennifer

CONGRATS and have a great stay...make sure you come back and post some pictures!!!!

 

[luvfigment]

I asked a little while back this question but I think it got lost and no one answered so I am going to try again....

Are the sunrise safari only on Thurs and Sun??? If not which days is it on?? Thanks!!!

 

[heather360]

I'd like to call my AAA TA tomorrow to change my ressie from POFQ to AKL standard concierge. This is a real spur of the moment thing and I really have never looked into staying concierge. It's going to be a surprise for DM.

What, if anything, should I have my TA request as far as room location or view? Or is this something that I request directly from the concierge staff?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[d4est]

I am on the phone with CRO right now!! Booking AKL for 4 nights in December!! Pool view bunk beds!!

Total w/ 4 day hoppers & dining for 2A, 1C is $1780.95!!

 

[glewis1123]

Hi all

We just got our planning package email from AKL Concierge Staff.

We've done the Sunrise and Sunset Safari's and now they have another one called Wildlife Discover Excursion.

Has anyone done the Wildlife Discover Excursion and if so, how did you like it. Sounds like a great photo opportunity off the somewhat beaten path.

Thanks for your viewpoints

 

[leighe]

Well, DH and I missed AKL so much that we're just sucking it up and paying not only rack but PEAK rates for concierge during Easter week just so we can do our safari! I about had a heart attack compared to what we'd paid before!

I'm really excited though.

 

[CJsMom]

I don't know if these are up to date, but they'll give you the idea.

AKL activities:

Activities at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Horticulture Activity-Arusha Rock @ 9am
Flamingo Feedings-Uzima Savanna @ 9:30am
Spirit of Africa Art Tour-Ogun's Firepit @ 10:30am
Animal Tracking-Arusha Rock @ 11am-2pm
Medallion Crayon Rubbings-Lobby @ 12:30pm
Cookie Decorating-Boma's @ 1pm
Pelican Feedings-Arusha Rock @ 1pm
Pool Activities-Sat thru Wed, Uzima Pool @ 2:15pm
Children's Arts & Crafts ($5)-Thursdays, Kiddie Pool @ 2:15pm
(limited space available)
African Rag Doll Making ($10)-Fridays, Kiddie Pool @ 2:15pm (limited
space available)
Junior Researcher-By flamingo pond at pool @ 3pm
Culinary Tour of Africa-Ogun's Firepit @ 4pm
The Music of the Savanna-Top of Grand Staircase, Lobby @ 5pm
African Games & Crafts-Uzima Pool Deck @ 4:30pm
African Folktales-Arusha Rock Firepit @ 7:30pm
Games with Savanna Guides-Sunset Overlook @ 6:30pm
Cultural Safari-Sunset Overlook @ 8:30pm
Animal Viewing with Night Vision-Far end of Arusha Rock @ 9pm-11pm
(note: we got there right before 11pm and it didn't end while we
were there, about 20 minutes, so I'm assuming they hang out until
people leave?)
Nightly African story-telling outdoors, next to a raging fire.

I don't know about you, but I really wouldn't want to miss the Horticulture tour !!!!!

From page 14 (or so) of this 400-page thread - it's getting me so excited to go to AKL in December! Flamingo Feeding? Cookie Decorating? Zebra Domes (ok, that's not from this list but so what), Animal Viewing with Night-Vision, Pelican Feedings - my DS's are going to go NUTS! Why is December so far away??

And yes, I am crazy enough to read through all the pages of this thread - you would think I had nothing better to do...
Thanks for all this info!

 

[pkdof]

We are booked for the sunset safari, which includes dinner at Jiko. Do you get to choose from the entire menu at Jiko, or is it a set meal?

 

[glewis1123]

We are booked for the sunset safari, which includes dinner at Jiko. Do you get to choose from the entire menu at Jiko, or is it a set meal?

I don't know if they discontinued the Sunset Safari or just renamed it to Wanyama. The three tours they mentioned in their email to me was the Sunrise Safari, The Wanyama Safari, and the Wildlife Discovery Expedition.

The following is what I received from the AKL Concierge Staff:

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you which may include a wine pairing. You will be greeted in the Kilimanjaro lounge around 4:00 p.m.. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per person for guests 10 and up and $80 per person 8 or 9 years old. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room but is an exclusive offering to concierge guests. Admission is limited to 14 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.


Hope that helped

 

[tiggrbaby]

We are booked for the sunset safari, which includes dinner at Jiko. Do you get to choose from the entire menu at Jiko, or is it a set meal?

Sunset Safari is the Wanyama. We went in November and loved it. It is a set meal, but it is a sampling. You get a little bit of everything and it is a lot more than you would get if you had ordered a regular meal. A chef comes out and explains every course, too. And there is wine pairings. This is on top of the ride through the safari!

 

[luvfigment]

I don't know if they discontinued the Sunset Safari or just renamed it to Wanyama. The three tours they mentioned in their email to me was the Sunrise Safari, The Wanyama Safari, and the Wildlife Discovery Expedition.

The following is what I received from the AKL Concierge Staff:

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you which may include a wine pairing. You will be greeted in the Kilimanjaro lounge around 4:00 p.m.. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per person for guests 10 and up and $80 per person 8 or 9 years old. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room but is an exclusive offering to concierge guests. Admission is limited to 14 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.


Hope that helped

Thank your for this. If it is not too much to ask can you write up what they sent you about the Sunrise and Wildlife Discovery??? (More so the sunrise) Thank you so much!!!!

 

[dee slack]

are there any animal based activities for us 'poor' people not staying in concierge?

 

[glewis1123]

Thank your for this. If it is not too much to ask can you write up what they sent you about the Sunrise and Wildlife Discovery??? (More so the sunrise) Thank you so much!!!!

no problem - it's as simple as copy and paste
*******

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The safari starts at 6:30 A.M. if the park opens at 8 A.M. & it starts at 7:30 A.M. if the park opens at 9 A.M.. You would meet in the concierge lounge at 6:15 A.M. or 6:45 A.M., depending on park hours & will check-in at the concierge desk. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience. An animal programs cast member will be meeting our guests in the Sunset Overlook to give a run down of the morning's activities. You will then take a private bus, which will go through some of the backstage areas at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You will then walk over to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction and board the first jeep onto the savanna. You will be able to ask the animal programs cast member questions and there will be frequent stops for you to take pictures. The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards, you will head over to the Tusker House Schoolroom where there will be a delicious breakfast buffet that awaits you. While you are enjoying your breakfast, there will be cultural representatives from Africa to answer any questions you have about their country or about Disney's Animal Kingdom. Afterwards, you will be issued a FASTPASS to go back on the Kilimanjaro Safari & compare it to your previous safari. You are free to go about your day, at this point. If you would like to go back to the resort, you will take the regular bus back. The cost is $55.00 for adults and $27.50 for children 3 to 9. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. The unpaved roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass through rough and rugged terrain. For your safety you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. If you have special needs (wheelchair or ECV) or dietary needs, please let us know so that we may accommodate you.

As of 10/01/06 Wanyama is open to all Animal Kingdom Guest**Mom,Wed,Fri and Sat…Concierge guest $160.00 *** Non Club level guest $210.00 Child 8-9 yr $80.00.

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you which may include a wine pairing. You will be greeted in the Kilimanjaro lounge around 4:00 p.m.. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per person for guests 10 and up and $80 per person 8 or 9 years old. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room but is an exclusive offering to concierge guests. Admission is limited to 14 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.

The Wildlife Discover Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experience to the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place every day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet at Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person. You spend about an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari. You may take non concierge guests with you on this experience.

***All prices are subject to change without notice***

The Sunrise Safari, Wanyama Safari, Wildlife Discovery Excursion are not included in any dining package

********************

There you go - Hope it helps

 

[andromedaslove]

are there any animal based activities for us 'poor' people not staying in concierge?

Glad to know I wasn't the only one thinking that!!

Well everyone, I am back. I don't know how I did it, but I convinced DH to go back to AKL this September. And.... instead of just the one night like we did for Michael's surprise trip we are staying either 4 or 5 nights and taking both of the boys. I can't wait. We were looking at taking a cruise this year, but since the little one won't even be three there really wasn't anything for him to do, so we decided WDW was the best bet, and HEY it was cheaper too. I can't wait to start reading and catching up on everything, and bringing back TONS of pictures when we return!!

"O" and for anyone who hasn't gone all the way back through the pages and wants to see some of the photos from our last trip... check them out here.

Michael's Surpise 5th birthday trip to AKL

Dana

 

[BensMom]

Okay, I can't stand it...what the heck is going on at one o'clock today? I am dying to call my friend, who is one of the fairy godmothers at MK, what is happening. Of course, she has been told, "If we tell you, we'll have to kill you." I know she told me there was a huge media event last night and this morning for the first family who stayed in Cindy's Suite...but I am dying here. Anyone else?

 

[kimmar067]

I asked a little while back this question but I think it got lost and no one answered so I am going to try again....

Are the sunrise safari only on Thurs and Sun??? If not which days is it on?? Thanks!!!

...yes, they used to be on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but it was switched almost 2 years ago...

 

[kimmar067]

I'd like to call my AAA TA tomorrow to change my ressie from POFQ to AKL standard concierge. This is a real spur of the moment thing and I really have never looked into staying concierge. It's going to be a surprise for DM.

What, if anything, should I have my TA request as far as room location or view? Or is this something that I request directly from the concierge staff?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

....if you are booking 'Std Concierge', then you will be given a parkg lot-view room....