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

[ktink]

Wendypooh, Congrats on DS engagement I tell ya, I really like his idea of the BBQ.

Scoutsmom, It's so funny that I've kept this from my family because I'm soooo excited and I keep thinking that they won't know until we get on the ME bus. DH saw me posting over the weekend and he saw WL and thinks we're staying there.

bjakmom, Glad to hear you had a nice trip.

 

[wendypooh]

wendypooh Congratulations on your DS's engagement. That is so awesome you and your DH are giving them a disneymoon

Hey Lisa........... Thanks!!!

We are getting there girl.......... slowly but surely.......... 2 mths and less than 3 weeks!!! SO, have you started packing yet............
hoping you have an easy rest of the week.

 

[wendypooh]

Wendypooh, Congrats on DS engagement I tell ya, I really like his idea of the BBQ.

Hey Karen.......... Thanks!!! Yeah, come on over, we'll have plenty!!! LOL
I do hope that is what they want to do!!!! I'm ready for that!!!


Looks like the 3 of us, you, me and lisa are at a snails pace.............. sheesh!!! DH keeps telling me to hurry up and wait!
I'm glad you decided to come back to AKL...... it wouldn't have been the same if all 3 of us weren't there!!!

 

[ktink]

Hey Karen.......... Thanks!!! Yeah, come on over, we'll have plenty!!! LOL
I do hope that is what they want to do!!!! I'm ready for that!!!


Looks like the 3 of us, you, me and lisa are at a snails pace.............. sheesh!!! DH keeps telling me to hurry up and wait!
I'm glad you decided to come back to AKL...... it wouldn't have been the same if all 3 of us weren't there!!!

wendypooh, you are so right about the time. It's going by soooo slow.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Scoutsmom, It's so funny that I've kept this from my family because I'm soooo excited and I keep thinking that they won't know until we get on the ME bus. DH saw me posting over the weekend and he saw WL and thinks we're staying there.

In fall of 2004 I suprised my mom and sister with 4 nights at AKL. They thought we were staying at CBR the whole time, but on the plane I gave my mom three of those nice postcards from the AKL giftshop (I actually got them there in 2001 when AKL opened who knew they would come in handy) and my mom was breathless. It was so much fun to suprise her after all the suprises she always did for me.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hey Lisa........... Thanks!!!

We are getting there girl.......... slowly but surely.......... 2 mths and less than 3 weeks!!! SO, have you started packing yet............
hoping you have an easy rest of the week.

I love the idea of a nice simple at home wedding(especially the bbq part). I can't believe how much weddings cost these days

I haven't started packing per say, but I have purchased stuff that is specifically for the trip. I need to get to the Target Dollar Spot as I have been reading on the boards there is some good stuff there right now. I picked up some shirts for the trip (for some reason I love having new clothes for vacation) at Old Navy on clearance. I have slowly been gathering some stuff together to give to my mom and sister as welcome gifts in addition to the basket. I decided to do a spa theme and got them all sorts of mini spa stuff from Beauticontrol and some other assorted items.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Looks like the 3 of us, you, me and lisa are at a snails pace.............. sheesh!!! DH keeps telling me to hurry up and wait!
I'm glad you decided to come back to AKL...... it wouldn't have been the same if all 3 of us weren't there!!!

Ktink I'm glad you came back to AKL as well. Maybe we will all have to meet up for a Victoria Falls Mist or some Zebra Domes pool side

 

[stephwynn]

[stephwynn How is the planning going?

Hi Scouts...
slowly but surely, I'm getting there, I've been able to finally make some sense out of TGM site, thanks to your great advice. My family nearly choked when I told them that we would have to be up and AT the parks before rope drop! I am thinking that we may have to go in a couple of shifts, cause I'm not waiting and missing out, and waiting in lines that I don't have to!!!

I was all set to book a Character meal, but after reading the advice on the other site, I'm not so sure....Arggg...too many decisions, and I don't want to get there and have everybody telling me I'm some sort of control freak....

I've half a mind to make a plan for DS15, her friend and I, and let the two 17 yr olds and hubby do as they please! ha!!! Like that would go over well...NOT....

anyway, counting down, I dug out my rain ponchos from our last trip, bought them at the first site of drops, and then the rain quit, I carried them back and forth each day, and they are still unused...if we could be so lucky this time...probably not!

 

[stephwynn]

Okay, I am sure this isn't the best place to post this question, but...given all the time I spend pouring over this thread, I am beginning to feel like you are all friends!

I am planning to order a few things from one of the online grocers to be delivered and waiting for us, things such as bottled water, small snacks (cause I know my family will prefer Mickey Bars and Zebra domes to much healthy stuff!) I had a brainstorm in the middle of the night...I thought about ordering toiletries, you know shampoo etc, the stuff that takes up so darn much space and has a potential to leak in my suitcase on the way down (we are flying). Has anybody ever done this? How do you find the prices of these places? I will have to keep in mind that I will be paying exchange etc, but I am still thinking that it might be worth it...

Any comments?

 

[shyjade]

Hi Wendy,

I've decided to surprise my DD8 with our stay at the AKL in September. That was our first choice, esp. the Savannah, but not in the budget as a single (divorced) mom. Now that the Standard rooms have opened up for the free dining package, I switched our resie yesterday from ASMo to AKL. WOO HOO!! It just about killed me to not tell her last night, as she's a HUGE animal lover, with ZEBRAS being her very favorite (she collects zebra stuff). I'm hoping to spring it on her where we're actually staying when we get there, or sooner if she hears it while checking in at the ME desk. Crossing my fingers for an upgrade but not expecting it so I won't be too disappointed.

 

[ktink]

In fall of 2004 I suprised my mom and sister with 4 nights at AKL. They thought we were staying at CBR the whole time, but on the plane I gave my mom three of those nice postcards from the AKL giftshop (I actually got them there in 2001 when AKL opened who knew they would come in handy) and my mom was breathless. It was so much fun to suprise her after all the suprises she always did for me.

Lisa, that was so sweet. My dds have been on me trying to find out and I've not told them anything afraid I might crack. Anyway I'm planning on telling them tonight that we'll be staying at Pop again and hopefully that will work. I'm just soooo excited and I know it will be a BETTER surprise for them if I continue to keep the "secret". So I'm holding strong.

 

[ktink]

Ktink I'm glad you came back to AKL as well. Maybe we will all have to meet up for a Victoria Falls Mist or some Zebra Domes pool side

Sounds good to me

 

[wendypooh]

Hi Wendy,

I've decided to surprise my DD8 with our stay at the AKL in September. That was our first choice, esp. the Savannah, but not in the budget as a single (divorced) mom. Now that the Standard rooms have opened up for the free dining package, I switched our resie yesterday from ASMo to AKL. WOO HOO!! It just about killed me to not tell her last night, as she's a HUGE animal lover, with ZEBRAS being her very favorite (she collects zebra stuff). I'm hoping to spring it on her where we're actually staying when we get there, or sooner if she hears it while checking in at the ME desk. Crossing my fingers for an upgrade but not expecting it so I won't be too disappointed.

How nice!!! I'll tell you, she will love it!!! My DS6 just enjoyed it so much. When is your trip in Sept?? Make sure you check out the activities board near the check in desk....... there are TONS of things for the kids to do, my DS really enjoyed the Zawadi Parade each night!! We are going to let him do the Adventure Camp too this time. I told DH that I want to spend a little more time at the lodge this time, since there are so many things to do, not to mention just a day hanging out by the pool would be fun for DS.......... he's so excited to get on the slide!! Also, don't worry too much about booking standard, there are tons of places to view the animals. I would have any request you may have noted on your reservation if you haven't already. Have you made your ADR's yet??? I was very suprised yesterday when I called to change some of mine, I again got everything I wanted at the times I wanted........ I'm happy and hoping that it is a good sign as far as crowd level!!! I'm glad you decided on AKL......... but be prepared........ you're gonna fall in love with it!!!

If you have any questions ask away......... there are a lot of very knowledgable AKL people here. Welcome to the Jambo!!!


EDIT ** I saw your post about Simba's. We haven't used Simba's, but it looks neat, I peeked in while doing laundry!! We have used The Neverland Club, it is awesome and I'm hoping to use them again this trip!!! I'd feel comfortable saying that I believe all the sitting services are good, and I would recommend them to anyone. Your DD would probably love it!!

 

[wendypooh]

In fall of 2004 I suprised my mom and sister with 4 nights at AKL. They thought we were staying at CBR the whole time, but on the plane I gave my mom three of those nice postcards from the AKL giftshop (I actually got them there in 2001 when AKL opened who knew they would come in handy) and my mom was breathless. It was so much fun to suprise her after all the suprises she always did for me.

How nice of you!!! What a great suprise!!!

I love the idea of a nice simple at home wedding(especially the bbq part). I can't believe how much weddings cost these days

Oh my gosh!!! I know!!! We will gladly do whatever we can to help. I know her family can't afford to do a big wedding, but luckily they don't seem like that is what they want anyway. I just feel like whatever we can do to help or to support what they want then we'll do it!!! If that's a bbq here, then that is fine with me!!!

I haven't started packing per say, but I have purchased stuff that is specifically for the trip. I need to get to the Target Dollar Spot as I have been reading on the boards there is some good stuff there right now. I picked up some shirts for the trip (for some reason I love having new clothes for vacation) at Old Navy on clearance. I have slowly been gathering some stuff together to give to my mom and sister as welcome gifts in addition to the basket. I decided to do a spa theme and got them all sorts of mini spa stuff from Beauticontrol and some other assorted items.

LOL ~~ I was "kinda" kidding......... I haven't started packing yet either, but, I've been buying stuff too!!!! I bought a bunch of clothes (I'm with you, gotta have new stuff for vacation) this weekend and bath and body was/is having this huge sale........ DH wasn't too happy when I went in there.......... but, he just held the basket and cringed!!! LOL Hey, when they have Tutti Dolce on sale....... well, what's a girl to do........... LOL

 

[wendypooh]

Ktink I'm glad you came back to AKL as well. Maybe we will all have to meet up for a Victoria Falls Mist or some Zebra Domes pool side

Sounds good to me

Count me in!!!!

 

[Disneyanajc]

We fell in love with the AKL and decided to split our stay next year. Has anyone stayed in the one bedroom suite? What is the view like? Is it roomy enough for a family of 5 (4 adults one child)? Is the pool zero entry?
Thank you for any answers.
JC

 

[shyjade]

Thanks Wendypooh! We'll be there Sept. 27-30 (I know, entirely not enough time to enjoy it ).

You mentioned ZAWADI PARADE & ADVENTURE CAMP but I haven't heard of either...please fill me in!

 

[gems_smiling]

Nancyg56 - Thanks for the info on the culinary tour. I have some more questions about it. Do you have to book the tour? How long is the tour? Do you have to pay for it?

 

[gems_smiling]

Disneyanajc - Yes the pool is zero entry. I haven't stayed in the one bedroom suit (so wish i had, it looks beautiful) go on this site for a 360° look around the one bedroom suit and all around the hotel: http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/movie.asp?request=listMovies&cat=resort&location=AKL

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks Wendypooh! We'll be there Sept. 27-30 (I know, entirely not enough time to enjoy it ).

You mentioned ZAWADI PARADE & ADVENTURE CAMP but I haven't heard of either...please fill me in!

Hey ~~ I know, there's never enough time........ About a week or so ago I added another day!!!

Actually I said it wrong, it's the Primal Parade from the Zawadi Marketplace, that is the gift shop at the resort. (Which if great!!! We had to stop there everyday!!!) Each night the kids meet up at Zawadi, choose musical instruments and parade around the resort lobby playing the instruments, it's really cute. Then when it's over, they get a certificate for participating. You can check the activities board for the times, but if I remember it was 7:50?? I think....... but just check. We are going to also try to be there for the cookie decorating, DS really wants to do that.


Activities

Morning Actvities:
-Horticulture Activity 9:00am Arusha Rock (Every Wednesday)
-Flamingo Activity 9:30am Flamingo Pond (Bead activity)
-Animal Tracking Activity 11:30-1:00pm Arusha Rock (Bead Activity)
-Arts and Crafts With Lifegaruds 12:00pm Uzima Pool Deck
-Medallion Rubbing 12:30pm Lobby
-Cookie Decorating 1:00pm Boma Restaurant
-Spirit of Africa Art Tour 2:30pm Ogun's Firepit
-Garden Safari 2:00-4:30pm (Bead Activity)

Afternoon Activites
-African Games or Crafts 3:00pm Uzima Piool Deck
-Culinary Tour of Africa 4:00pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 3:45 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Jiko Podium
-Music of the Savannah 5:00pm Sunset Savanah Lounge (Bead Activity)
-Family Fun and Games 6:00pm Contact Lifegaurds for more info
-African Folktales 6:30pm Arusha Rock Firepit
-Wildlife Games 7:15pm Sunset Savanah Lounge (Bead Activity)
-Primal Parade 7:50pm Zawadi Marketplace
-Cultural Safari 8:30pm Sunset Lounge
-Animal Viewing With Night Vision 8:30-11:00pm Uzima Savanah


** Adventure Camp Info **

AKL Adventure Camp...$70 (includes $30 cost of ostrich egg). Children 6-14 will love this interactive adventure. Camp includes real ostrich egg painting, private Lodge tour with special animal viewing, and buffet lunch (not in Boma, but includes sandwiches & wraps) overlooking the Savannah. Currently takes place on Wednesday.


****Just make sure you check the activities board daily for correct times or any time changes. Have fun!!!!