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

[John's Mom]

Pilferk,

The views from the savannah concierge rooms on the 6th Floor have always been partially blocked by the roof. Most people do not want savannah view rooms on the 6th floor because of this. Disney8704 has these rooms mixed up with the rooms that are under construction.

 

[Dis Ohana]

I apologize in advance for asking a question that I know is buried somewhere on this thread, the "search" feature doesn't seem to be picking it up.

I am interested in booking a 2 bedroom suite at AKL - CRO told me they are all guaranteed savannah view rooms but didn't know the locations of the rooms in the resort.
- Where exactly are the 2 bedrooms located? I am particularly intereseted in the Arusha / Zebra Trail.
- Is concierge service included in the price of the room?

 

[SharonLowe]

I apologize in advance for asking a question that I know is buried somewhere on this thread, the "search" feature doesn't seem to be picking it up.

I am interested in booking a 2 bedroom suite at AKL - CRO told me they are all guaranteed savannah view rooms but didn't know the locations of the rooms in the resort.
- Where exactly are the 2 bedrooms located? I am particularly intereseted in the Arusha / Zebra Trail.
- Is concierge service included in the price of the room?

There is one near the pool/hot tub area but it overlooks the savannah with a large balcony off the LR/MBR that has a view of the hot tub and animals and a second balcony off the 2nd BR that has a direct view of the savannah. That suite is the only one that has bunk beds in the 2nd BR (bunks plus a queen sized bed). The other 2 BR suites are at the ends of each of the trails. Yes, they include concierge services so if you book one, you can talk to the IPO staff and request the location you prefer.

 

[John's Mom]

Bumping!

 

[MagicFam5]

Just back from AKL. We were there over Easter week. We had a great time. Really appreciated the fire pit while it was cold the first of the week! Here's a little bit about our experience. We originally had two deluxe CL rooms booked that were guaranteed connecting. We ended up in a 2 bdrm suite (5395) at the end of the 5th floor on Kudu trail and a Deluxe Arusha savanna room
(5237). The suite was huge. One balcony looked out on the end of the building, was accesible from master bdrm and the living rm. Yes, we could see the construction site for the new animal barn clearly from this balcony. I heard construction on Monday around noon while I was out there. Other balcony from 2nd bdrm looked out on Arusha Savanna. Didn't hear anything but animal noises on this one! The view from 5237 was the best. Just can't beat that Arusha Savanna.
The 5th floor Zebra Trail wing is closed off. That was the only construction going on inside that we saw. They haven't started converting the 6th floor rooms yet.
We went on the Sunrise Safari Easter morning-with coats on! Lots of animals out, though and the breakfast at Tusker House afterwards was worth it!

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

Called central reservations to inquire about rates for AKL for July, was told there will be ongoing construction for the villas from 9AM - 5PM, not sure if this applies for weekends.

 

[PolyAddict]

Just back from AKL. We were there over Easter week. We had a great time. Really appreciated the fire pit while it was cold the first of the week! Here's a little bit about our experience. We originally had two deluxe CL rooms booked that were guaranteed connecting. We ended up in a 2 bdrm suite (5395) at the end of the 5th floor on Kudu trail and a Deluxe Arusha savanna room
(5237). The suite was huge. One balcony looked out on the end of the building, was accesible from master bdrm and the living rm. Yes, we could see the construction site for the new animal barn clearly from this balcony. I heard construction on Monday around noon while I was out there. Other balcony from 2nd bdrm looked out on Arusha Savanna. Didn't hear anything but animal noises on this one! The view from 5237 was the best. Just can't beat that Arusha Savanna.
The 5th floor Zebra Trail wing is closed off. That was the only construction going on inside that we saw. They haven't started converting the 6th floor rooms yet.
We went on the Sunrise Safari Easter morning-with coats on! Lots of animals out, though and the breakfast at Tusker House afterwards was worth it!

Sounds great, I am assuming the suite was an upgrade?

 

[MagicFam5]

It was an upgrade. They didn't have our connecting rooms and they wanted us to take two different rooms and switch the next day to get the connecting but we had someone in our party who needed to be in the room during the day and that would have left them "homeless". The suite was their way of making it right for us. Big thanks to Wade. We couldn't have asked for better service. I forgot my phone charger. Melissa went looking for a loaner from lost and found and came back successful. Three of the kids left their swimsuits drying in their bathroom. I got them in the mail today! Thanks to Jim in Lost and Found. I asked lots of questions and if the person I spoke to didn't have an answer, they found someone who did. Disney magic all the way.

 

[kimmar067]

Request Zebra trail, 2nd or 3rd floor rooms. From the reports coming in, it seems like those hearing construction are on the 4th floor, and construction is going on above them OR at the end of Kudo trail and can see/hear the construction on the new animal enclosure.

...I was about to suggest the same thing.....

 

[kimmar067]

Some of the pool view rooms are smoking but most arent. Be sure to have it noted on your reservation non-smoking room and be sure to tell them at check-in that you need a non-smoking room due to medical reasons. I have the same request so I know how you feel. I have severe allergies as well plus asthma that acts up when Im around smoke.

...third floor Pool-view rooms are definitely NOT smoking rooms, so you might want to request those....the AKL (as does other WDW resorts) designates a certain FLOOR for "smoking rooms", not just random rooms....

 

[BensMom]

...third floor Pool-view rooms are definitely NOT smoking rooms, so you might want to request those....the AKL (as does other WDW resorts) designates a certain FLOOR for "smoking rooms", not just random rooms....

Yes, entire trails or parts of trails are designated smoking. You can tell when you get to those sections! Whooo!

 

[MickeysHouse07]

I received a pin code via email and the AKL Savannah View (requested a balcony)was the only availability for my dates. I wanted WL woods view but it's not available for my code nor free dining. Bummer!!!

My travel dates 9/16-9/22 Anyway, the CM failed to mention the construction and learned via the boards. NICE!!! I am having second thoughts because even though we are mpy planning on staying in our room much but you never know with two small children (2yo and 4yo) plus we are taking a rest day and plan to hang around the pool.

We want our first family trip to WDW and resort to be awesome. And staying in a deluxe resort isn't too important but we feel like we want that special treatment (whatever that is LOL). We have an option to stay at CBR and save over $800. Now I'm thinking if I'm going to be upset because the resort is being under construction is it work the $800?

Your feedback is welcome.

thanks,

 

[pilferk]

I received a pin code via email and the AKL Savannah View (requested a balcony)was the only availability for my dates. I wanted WL woods view but it's not available for my code nor free dining. Bummer!!!

My travel dates 9/16-9/22 Anyway, the CM failed to mention the construction and learned via the boards. NICE!!! I am having second thoughts because even though we are mpy planning on staying in our room much but you never know with two small children (2yo and 4yo) plus we are taking a rest day and plan to hang around the pool.

We want our first family trip to WDW and resort to be awesome. And staying in a deluxe resort isn't too important but we feel like we want that special treatment (whatever that is LOL). We have an option to stay at CBR and save over $800. Now I'm thinking if I'm going to be upset because the resort is being under construction is it work the $800?

Your feedback is welcome.

thanks,

1) All AKL rooms have balconies (even the pool and "parking lot" view rooms).

2) I wouldn't worry too much about construction just now. There are 3 construction projects scheduled over the next few years.

The first one is the building of a new animal barn at the end of Kudo trail. It's being built outside the lodge, and reports are that it CAN be noisy...but only for those rooms at the end of Kudo Trail. It also wouldn't surprise me (after seeing recent pics of the buid out) if they were finished long before your trip. In any event, they can't start building the new building until this project is complete.

The 2nd is the conversion of the 5th and 6th floor rooms into DVC accomodations. That construction is entirely (or nearly so, except for balcony conversion) interior. That could generate some noise between 9 AM and 5 PM, if you're staying on the fourth floor in an area being converted. Almost 1/2 that project (IE: all of Zebra Trail) is scheduled to be complete BEFORE your trip (as those rooms are actually "opening" on Sept 1st). Which leaves only the 5th floor rooms on Kudo trail, the 6th floor rooms around the lobby, and the Ostrich and Zebra trail rooms. Because of this, and because of the time you're going, I would put in a request to stay on Zebra trail, on the 2nd or 3rd floor (just in case). Heck, anywhere on the 2nd and 3rd floor and you're likely not to hear any of the interior construction.

The third is the building of the new Kidani Village building which will be DVC only. That building has not yet even started construction. When it does, it will be on the sunset savannah side of the lodge (completely OPPOSITE side of the resort from Zebra trail) and MOST of it is about 1/4 mile from the lodge itself, across the savannah. I doubt you'll hear anything from the site IF they've even begun construction. If they have, you might see some vertical construction out past the boundaries of the sunset savannah if you're looking out that way.

To summarize all that: Put in a request for a 2nd or 3rd floor room on Zebra trail and you'll likely not even notice there is construction going on. Obviously, things could change, but given the time table we have, and the reports that have come in....I don't think they will.

3) I"m an AKL/AKV enthusiast so, IMHO, it's certainly worth the extra $$, even IF there was construction going on. But I'm admittedly biased. Remember, with CBR, you're trading some amenities off with a deluxe, but you're also trading off "convenience". AKL has better transportation (because it's one bus stop, and they don't share), and while huge, it doesn't feel as "spread out" as CBR. JMHO.

 

[MickeysHouse07]

1) All AKL rooms have balconies (even the pool and "parking lot" view rooms).

2) I wouldn't worry too much about construction just now. There are 3 construction projects scheduled over the next few years.

The first one is the building of a new animal barn at the end of Kudo trail. It's being built outside the lodge, and reports are that it CAN be noisy...but only for those rooms at the end of Kudo Trail. It also wouldn't surprise me (after seeing recent pics of the buid out) if they were finished long before your trip. In any event, they can't start building the new building until this project is complete.

The 2nd is the conversion of the 5th and 6th floor rooms into DVC accomodations. That construction is entirely (or nearly so, except for balcony conversion) interior. That could generate some noise between 9 AM and 5 PM, if you're staying on the fourth floor in an area being converted. Almost 1/2 that project (IE: all of Zebra Trail) is scheduled to be complete BEFORE your trip (as those rooms are actually "opening" on Sept 1st). Which leaves only the 5th floor rooms on Kudo trail, the 6th floor rooms around the lobby, and the Ostrich and Zebra trail rooms. Because of this, and because of the time you're going, I would put in a request to stay on Zebra trail, on the 2nd or 3rd floor (just in case). Heck, anywhere on the 2nd and 3rd floor and you're likely not to hear any of the interior construction.

The third is the building of the new Kidani Village building which will be DVC only. That building has not yet even started construction. When it does, it will be on the sunset savannah side of the lodge (completely OPPOSITE side of the resort from Zebra trail) and MOST of it is about 1/4 mile from the lodge itself, across the savannah. I doubt you'll hear anything from the site IF they've even begun construction. If they have, you might see some vertical construction out past the boundaries of the sunset savannah if you're looking out that way.

To summarize all that: Put in a request for a 2nd or 3rd floor room on Zebra trail and you'll likely not even notice there is construction going on. Obviously, things could change, but given the time table we have, and the reports that have come in....I don't think they will.

3) I"m an AKL/AKV enthusiast so, IMHO, it's certainly worth the extra $$, even IF there was construction going on. But I'm admittedly biased. Remember, with CBR, you're trading some amenities off with a deluxe, but you're also trading off "convenience". AKL has better transportation (because it's one bus stop, and they don't share), and while huge, it doesn't feel as "spread out" as CBR. JMHO.

Thanks Pilferk for taking the time to answer my post. Can you please tell me about the pool? What is a zero entry zone? Thanks

 

[John's Mom]

The Uzima Springs pool at the AKL is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a "Zero-Depth Entry" pool, meaning there is an entrance without steps. It has a 67-foot long slide.

 

[pilferk]

Thanks Pilferk for taking the time to answer my post. Can you please tell me about the pool? What is a zero entry zone? Thanks

I means, rather than having steps or ladders to get into the pool, one edge has a gradually sloped entry. You can roll a wheel chair into it, since there's no "lip", or steps, or anything, for example. It's also especially nice for young kids, since it provides something of a splash area (though there's a splash pool, seperately, too) for them. The zero entry area is about 8 to 10 feet wide, so it's good sized.

 

[mdrob214]

1) All AKL rooms have balconies (even the pool and "parking lot" view rooms).

2) I wouldn't worry too much about construction just now. There are 3 construction projects scheduled over the next few years.

The first one is the building of a new animal barn at the end of Kudo trail. It's being built outside the lodge, and reports are that it CAN be noisy...but only for those rooms at the end of Kudo Trail. It also wouldn't surprise me (after seeing recent pics of the buid out) if they were finished long before your trip. In any event, they can't start building the new building until this project is complete.

The 2nd is the conversion of the 5th and 6th floor rooms into DVC accomodations. That construction is entirely (or nearly so, except for balcony conversion) interior. That could generate some noise between 9 AM and 5 PM, if you're staying on the fourth floor in an area being converted. Almost 1/2 that project (IE: all of Zebra Trail) is scheduled to be complete BEFORE your trip (as those rooms are actually "opening" on Sept 1st). Which leaves only the 5th floor rooms on Kudo trail, the 6th floor rooms around the lobby, and the Ostrich and Zebra trail rooms. Because of this, and because of the time you're going, I would put in a request to stay on Zebra trail, on the 2nd or 3rd floor (just in case). Heck, anywhere on the 2nd and 3rd floor and you're likely not to hear any of the interior construction.

The third is the building of the new Kidani Village building which will be DVC only. That building has not yet even started construction. When it does, it will be on the sunset savannah side of the lodge (completely OPPOSITE side of the resort from Zebra trail) and MOST of it is about 1/4 mile from the lodge itself, across the savannah. I doubt you'll hear anything from the site IF they've even begun construction. If they have, you might see some vertical construction out past the boundaries of the sunset savannah if you're looking out that way.

To summarize all that: Put in a request for a 2nd or 3rd floor room on Zebra trail and you'll likely not even notice there is construction going on. Obviously, things could change, but given the time table we have, and the reports that have come in....I don't think they will.

.

I cannot tell you how much better it makes me feel to have this information! I, too, was getting stressed about our upcoming trip to AKL. I even went so far as to book another resort--BC--at the same time (9/22-9/29) just in case. But to me the balcony is most important (and not sharing buses). I have a savannah room but am requesting Zebra trail and away from construction--hoping that takes care of everything!
BTW, DH thinks I am listening to his advice--don't tell him I trust the DISers more than him!

Denise

 

[pilferk]

I cannot tell you how much better it makes me feel to have this information! I, too, was getting stressed about our upcoming trip to AKL. I even went so far as to book another resort--BC--at the same time (9/22-9/29) just in case. But to me the balcony is most important (and not sharing buses). I have a savannah room but am requesting Zebra trail and away from construction--hoping that takes care of everything!
BTW, DH thinks I am listening to his advice--don't tell him I trust the DISers more than him!

Denise

Just a suggestion: I'd be very specific in my "request". Disney room assigners seem to do better with specific, simple, detailed requests over generalities like "away from the construction". I'm not sure exactly why that is, but...it's what we've found.

I'd request, specifically: Zebra trail, 2nd or 3rd floor room and whatever smoking preference you have (keeping in mind that if you want a smoking room, it may "overrule" the rest of your request...I'm not sure where the smoking rooms are, so I don't know).

That way the room assigners know exactly what you want. If it'll make you feel a bit safer, add the bit about being away from construction noise as a note, as well.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[mdrob214]

I do have NS as my first request, followed by Zebra Trail and away from construction. I thought that pretty much covered it! Guess I'll have to make a pest out of myself and call back to alter the requests. Thanks for all your help and information!

 

[MickeysHouse07]

Great thank you so much you have been a gem.

Ok talked with DH and he said we should keep the AKL savannah view being it's our first time at the resorts. next time we can either down grade or up grade. But who knows if we would get another discount code so let's live it up.

ok being that I have the ressie. Am I able to request the Zebra trail, 2nd or 3rd floor room. Are these animal views? thanks