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We returned home late last night from a 10 day WDW stay. We were at AKL CL 5/30-6/1. Here's where the construction stood then: All 6th floor rooms are closed, but construction hasn't started. The only 5th floor rooms open are Kudu. The 5th floor lobby rooms, Ostrich Trail, Giraffe Trail and Zebra Trail rooms are all closed. 5th floor on Zebra Trail is completely blocked off and that's where the construction was on the days we were there. The day we were at the pool, we could hear lots of noise; not sure how bad it was in the rooms because we were on the 5th floor Kudu Trail (room 5241).
From my conversations with AKL CM's, they admit that when this construction first got underway, there was lots of confusion and some very unhappy guests. They feel they have a much better handle on things now and from what I saw, I have to agree. They are not booking to capacity, leaving rooms available should guests have a problem with their room and need to be moved.
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to book AKL again - but I don't have any young children who need to nap (although my teenager wants to!!
I believe as long as you are aware of the construction and the possibility that, during the day, you might hear noise - request a room "away from the construction" and you should be fine!
We returned home late last night from a 10 day WDW stay. We were at AKL CL 5/30-6/1. Here's where the construction stood then: All 6th floor rooms are closed, but construction hasn't started. The only 5th floor rooms open are Kudu. The 5th floor lobby rooms, Ostrich Trail, Giraffe Trail and Zebra Trail rooms are all closed. 5th floor on Zebra Trail is completely blocked off and that's where the construction was on the days we were there. The day we were at the pool, we could hear lots of noise; not sure how bad it was in the rooms because we were on the 5th floor Kudu Trail (room 5241).
From my conversations with AKL CM's, they admit that when this construction first got underway, there was lots of confusion and some very unhappy guests. They feel they have a much better handle on things now and from what I saw, I have to agree. They are not booking to capacity, leaving rooms available should guests have a problem with their room and need to be moved.
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to book AKL again - but I don't have any young children who need to nap (although my teenager wants to!!
I believe as long as you are aware of the construction and the possibility that, during the day, you might hear noise - request a room "away from the construction" and you should be fine!
We asked to be moved.
On the construction, I just have to had that we were first assigned a second floor room at the absolute end of the Kudu trail (room 2363). We had paid for savannah view, but there was only about 20 feet of grass and then we had a GREAT view of construction vehicles, fences, dirt piles, etc.
The room itself was fine, and I didn't hear any noise, even at 1:00 in the afternoon, but I don't think that they should still have been counting it as a savannah view. That said, they moved us with no fuss or questions. So, I guess I would say that if you go, be sure to ask about the view as well as the noise, or worrying about what floors are closed.
Guess they missed a few. I'm glad to hear it was no problem changing rooms; the CMs are usually very helpful that way! 
was able to snag one of the savannah view studios for 1 night before our cruise in Dec.
. Looking @ resort map i don't see that name referenced; wonder where we'll be
. I'm going out on a limb but; think they wouldn't work during the 'midnight shift'.
i hope
Have never even visited the lodge; will read thru this thread when I have a chance.
Q: I'm told the room is in the jambo house
DVC CM did say i couldn't request a specific savannah and indicated that there would be construction noises. I laughingly asked if it would be 24-7 noise, she said she couldn't guarantee what the work hours are
It'll be fun to hear everyone's reviews. The first DVC trips start in July, right?!
yes, beginning early in July.
dh sez 'expensive & more expensive' lol
the complex is Kidani Village, poolscape to be Samawati Springs, Uwania Camp interactive water play area & new restaurant Sanaa.
i'm just confused as to the phrase jambo house - i thought the different areas of AK were designated by the savannah they were near; or am i mistaken.
looks like a big place, don't want to get lost
It is good-sized, but it is really easy to find your way around! Here's the link to the resort map:
I would imagine jambo house would be the existing building; 5th & 6th floors. The new DVC building won't be ready until 2009 (I believe). I wonder what the new building will be named? Pilferk, do you know?
Hey Wendy
