JAMBO! The UN-official AKL Thread ~ UPDATED(short film/pg 8 & slideshow/pg 12) Part 3

[WendyisDarling]

I checked online and there was not an offering of Savannah View with Bunk Beds. There was Savannah View and there was Pool View with Bunk Beds. I was checking for August '08 so I would be surprised if they were booked already.
I haven't been keeping up with this thread, so sorry if it has already been asked (but I know you guys are really nice about redundant questions). Is Savannah View with Bunk Beds an option? I'm hoping it was just a technical glitch or sometihng. Life is so much more peaceful when the kids don't have to share a bed. I wish all resorts offered bunk beds.
I'm already really bummed about not having Deluxe rooms, but I guess I'll live
TIA for any info.

 

[Marshay]

We just got back yesterday from AKV, Zebra trail, room 5453. We love the resort and will go back again, esp when the new bldg is ready. The AKV room seemed huge (particularly the bathroom!! and the bedroom.) There seemed to be much more closet/drawer/cubicle space than other places (i.e., BCV).

However, we were the first room on this trail (Uzima savannah) so our balcony abutted next to our neighbors (made it interesting as when they were standing out on their balcony, they could see right into our room and vice versa...).

We definitely saw less animals this time (at most we saw 2 giraffe, 3 eland and 4-5 wildebeest) but never all at the same time. Since we were a corner room, we had to look down the row to see the animals.

We never heard any construction noises or even saw any workers. Since we were on the 5th floor (previously we were 2 or 3), we could see over the treetops and see all the lights of I-drive, roads, etc. I admit that was a bit disappointing as before when all you see are animals and trees, it allows you to immerse yourself in the savannah better.

BTW -- if you were in 5453 right before us (we checked in 9/23), you left your photopass card in the wash machine...I handed it in to the front desk with the hopes that they can get it to you!

 

[pilferk]

I checked online and there was not an offering of Savannah View with Bunk Beds. There was Savannah View and there was Pool View with Bunk Beds. I was checking for August '08 so I would be surprised if they were booked already.
I haven't been keeping up with this thread, so sorry if it has already been asked (but I know you guys are really nice about redundant questions). Is Savannah View with Bunk Beds an option? I'm hoping it was just a technical glitch or sometihng. Life is so much more peaceful when the kids don't have to share a bed. I wish all resorts offered bunk beds.
I'm already really bummed about not having Deluxe rooms, but I guess I'll live
TIA for any info.

There ARE Savannah view Bunk bed rooms.

I've seen the online booking system be a bit "flaky" with inventory. You're best bet is to call CRO....you'll probably have better luck.

That being said, with the ongoing (though it's slated to be done FAR in advance of the time you're talking about) construction, they may be holding on to some inventory that they've not yet released for booking "just in case". You never know.

 

[kimmar067]

WANYAMA SAFARI
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The Wanyama Safari began several years ago as a unique add-on experiece for concierge guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A small group of guests ride in an open air van and explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannas. In addition to your driver, an animal keeper provides information and answers questions during the ride. This is a very unique adventure that is worth considering.

The great news is, the Wanyama Safari is now open to any guests (ages 8 and older) staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas (although expect to pay a higher price than the concierge guests). Be sure to have your cameras, extra batteries and extra memory cards with you. Upon the conclusion of the savanna portion of the safari, you then dine at Jiko, where a wonderful three-course meal (with wine pairings) is yours to enjoy. Contact the Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of your stay at 407-938-4755.

 

[John's Mom]

added a new ticker to my signature!

I'm so jealous of you--returning to the AKL. I hope you have a great vacation in Disneyland Paris. Take plenty of pictures and don't forget to write a trip report. I really enjoyed reading your AKL TR.

 

[newjmom]

why is the W. safari limited to 8 and up? eems like kids would enjoy it?

 

[WendyisDarling]

Thank you pilferk. That is a relief. I wish we could make it there sooner than next summer but the chances of a spring trip are slim. I'll live vicariously through all of you though!

 

[Flossbolna]

I will certainly report back from AKL, we are staying 9 nights, so I really hope to take advantage of the things offered by the resort. I was so sorry that I missed the cultural tour last time and hope to be on it this time!

The news about the Wanyama safari made me think that I need to check this out. We were planning to eat a Jiko one night anyway.... I just wonder what the price for non-concierge guests will be...

So much to plan!!!

 

[JCTurner]

WANYAMA SAFARI
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

The Wanyama Safari began several years ago as a unique add-on experiece for concierge guests at Animal Kingdom Lodge. A small group of guests ride in an open air van and explore the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannas. In addition to your driver, an animal keeper provides information and answers questions during the ride. This is a very unique adventure that is worth considering.

The great news is, the Wanyama Safari is now open to any guests (ages 8 and older) staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas (although expect to pay a higher price than the concierge guests). Be sure to have your cameras, extra batteries and extra memory cards with you. Upon the conclusion of the savanna portion of the safari, you then dine at Jiko, where a wonderful three-course meal (with wine pairings) is yours to enjoy. Contact the Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of your stay at 407-938-4755.

I couldnt get Concierge for my December trip and thought i would miss out on tihs - so I called IPO 5 minutes ago and the 2 eligible nights Im at AKL its fully booked

Oh well.....

 

[lilyv]

I couldnt get Concierge for my December trip and thought i would miss out on tihs - so I called IPO 5 minutes ago and the 2 eligible nights Im at AKL its fully booked

Oh well.....

That's too bad it was booked. Might it be worth checking again when you arrive? Maybe someone's plans will change.

A quick couple of questions-how far ahead can you call, and how much is it per person (non-concierge)? I'd love to try to go with DH. Thanks in advance for any info.

I'm sort of wondering, too, if they will handle billing this Safari in a similar was they they do Backstage Magic. (They bill the credit card is charged in advance for the tour.) I'm so looking forward to hearing more on this!!

 

[monami7]

I am so excited we booked our flights and our room. AKV!!! for 6 nights in April.
I am already excited.
Heidi

 

[Flossbolna]

I am so excited we booked our flights and our room. AKV!!! for 6 nights in April.
I am already excited.
Heidi

Have a great trip! I am just now in the the just booked a trip mood as well! It's great, isn't it??

 

[kimmar067]

That's too bad it was booked. Might it be worth checking again when you arrive? Maybe someone's plans will change....

.....great idea....

 

[DisneyBride'03]

**pilferk**

Thanks for that info!!! I believe we will have the best of both worlds splitting our stay at AKV w/ SV and Concierge
I am going to reserve the Sunrise Safari....although I am not a morning person..lol.. however, the Wanyama Safari...would anyone recommend that one over the other for DD11 and I? It could be her xmas present...or would the Sunrise be adequate?

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[tiggrbaby]

Unless your daughter has a more sophisticated dining preference, I would stick to the Sunrise. My sister and I did both in 11/06, and while we loved both, I do feel that the Sunset is more of an adult experience. There is a wine pairing with the different courses that your daughter would not be able to enjoy. The breakfast was a buffet, which I think kids tend to prefer. There was also a larger variety of animals. But if you can swing both.....

**pilferk**

Thanks for that info!!! I believe we will have the best of both worlds splitting our stay at AKV w/ SV and Concierge
I am going to reserve the Sunrise Safari....although I am not a morning person..lol.. however, the Wanyama Safari...would anyone recommend that one over the other for DD11 and I? It could be her xmas present...or would the Sunrise be adequate?

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Sophisticated..nope! Wine pairings...I will enjoy that Thanks for the help....it does seem more of an adult experience! I'd rather do the Sunrise, make a mimosa in my room and have extra $$ to shop with I dont care if we see the animals at night or in the morning..thanks for your opinion!!

 

[pilferk]

**pilferk**

Thanks for that info!!! I believe we will have the best of both worlds splitting our stay at AKV w/ SV and Concierge
I am going to reserve the Sunrise Safari....although I am not a morning person..lol.. however, the Wanyama Safari...would anyone recommend that one over the other for DD11 and I? It could be her xmas present...or would the Sunrise be adequate?

Thanks in advance for any input

I'd stick with the sunrise safari.

The Sunrise Safari involves a VERY slow paced ride (with extra explanation, vehicle stops, etc) of Kilamanjaro Safaris at AK.

The Wanyama Safari involves a ride and walk around of the savannahs at AKL. Likely, that's why the age restriction...

They're pretty different products, and both worth doing (and POPULAR), but I think the kids would prefer the Sunrise Safari.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Thanks...we are sticking with the Sunrise

 

[TKDisneylover]

Hi Everyone!

DH & I will be staying at the AKL for the first time 12/1-12/8. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this year and wanted to put a magnet/ picture on our door. I had gotten the idea from a fellow Dis'er who made them for their land(Pop)/sea vacation. Unfortunately I came to the realization that the doors at AKL are probably wood and would not hold magnets.

Could someone please clarify that for me? If they are wood, does anyone have suggestions about putting up lime green mickey heads & other such decorations on our AKL door? And is it even allowed by the resort.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[amcjeep4life]

First off, I would like to apologize. I have been home for four days and have yet to post here. Trying to catch up with everything that happened while we were gone.

We had a wonderful week at the AKL, concierge level. We were in room 4421, and the view was phenomonal! We saw plenty of animals almost anytime we looked, and saw no evidence of construction, other than the black drapes. We did see a crane when the bus pulled in our first day, but that was it. I didn't get a chance to really look around, since everything in our room was so perfect, so can't tell you what other areas were like. We had a bunk bed room, which made my nieces (and me!) very happy. We really loved the whole atmosphere, and were very sorry we didn't leave enough time to spend at the resort. We did have breakfast and dinner at Boma, and did the Sunrise Safari. And may I say, I just don't understand all the fuss about the Zebra Domes. I made every one try one, and none of us were that impressed. Sorry Kimmar. They had some awesome layered trifle-like dessert with whipped cream and coconut that was way better, and the plain chocolate mousse was fantastic. Breakfast was good there, nothing that stands out as superb except the pork loin. A pleasant change from sausage! The Sunrise Safari was the best experience of the whole trip! We saw the baby giraffe, and she stopped right by the truck and posed for pictures. She was quite cute. We also saw the baby rhino hanging out on his mom, literally! I will try and figure out how to post pictures. The lion decided to talk to us, and the lioness was on top of the highest rock, just hanging out. It was awesome. Breakfast was good, too! My DH enjoyed the trip, and has suggest returning. He had wanted to do a cruise next year, and I suggested returning in 2009. But he said he would rather do a land & sea vaction next year. So, it looks like we will be doing 4 nights at AKL, then 3 nights on board the Wonder in November of 2008. I may have finally managed to convert him to the Disney way! I am waiting for the official word to cancel our cruise and get our deposit back, then book the Disney trip insted. Everyone think good thoughts for me!