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

[mmmears]

Here is a link for March 2006 Historical Park Hours

Thanks -- I was looking for this and couldn't find it!

 

[Nancyg56]

Mom update. Just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and ask if you could please continue them for a little while longer as she just came through her second major surgery in 15 days as she developed an abcess in her pelvis and wound up with a perforated colon. Hopefully she is now on her way to recovery.

, Prayers, and a little for good luck. Your Mom has been in my thoughts since your posting, and I am glad to hear that she is on her way to improved health.

 

[kimmar067]

Mom update. Just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and ask if you could please continue them for a little while longer as she just came through her second major surgery in 15 days as she developed an abcess in her pelvis and wound up with a perforated colon. Hopefully she is now on her way to recovery.

...my goodness...prayers on the way!

and: JAMBO! everybody!

 

[kimmar067]

I don't even know where to begin! This was our "treat" part of our 10 day trip. Since there are five of us we are required to stay in the deluxe view. We had originally planned on a non park day there but it didn't happen. The children loved exploring for the hidden mickey's. My 6 year old is an expert at this now. We didn't finish the list though. We loved our view so much that we didn't go on the safari ride at AK. I have probably over 50 pictures of our view. What would you like to see???

....uhhh, ALL of them....post away....

 

[tinknme]

That is what I was thinking

....uhhh, ALL of them....post away....

 

[Disney8704]

Is upgrading to a pool view worth it for an additional $15 a night or should I stick with a standard view? Also Im going in August 7 - 16, 2007 and just wondering but what are my chances are getting a free upgrade to savannah? I read posts where its pretty easy to get one in September but what about August? I just checked with Disneyworld.com and all the standard / pool rooms are booked for the whole month of August for this yr but not savannah yet. And I have been checking almost daily just to see how quickly it fills up. Since the standard / pool views are just now finally booked up, does this mean not to many people stay at the AKL?

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Mom update. Just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and ask if you could please continue them for a little while longer as she just came through her second major surgery in 15 days as she developed an abcess in her pelvis and wound up with a perforated colon. Hopefully she is now on her way to recovery.

Good thoughts and prayers for you and your whole family...

 

[Anc96]

Is upgrading to a pool view worth it for an additional $15 a night or should I stick with a standard view? Also Im going in August 7 - 16, 2007 and just wondering but what are my chances are getting a free upgrade to savannah? I read posts where its pretty easy to get one in September but what about August? I just checked with Disneyworld.com and all the standard / pool rooms are booked for the whole month of August for this yr but not savannah yet. And I have been checking almost daily just to see how quickly it fills up. Since the standard / pool views are just now finally booked up, does this mean not to many people stay at the AKL?

We've been upgraded before.. but there was more availability then.
We tried to re-book our room only rates as a package (without having them being taken over by the TA).. we were unable to do it. My TA tried for days in a row.. we couldn't get a savanah room. Now there are cancellations so maybe eventually we would have gotten lucky, but we just did a 'take-over' of our ressies (where she just uses our original reservations and takes them over. We had to sign papers and have them faxed to Disney). That was only a week ago. If there is availability now for the savanahs, I doubt that it's many. I would definately NOT count on upgrade availability.. it's really hit and miss as it is.

AKL is one of the 2 cheapest of the Deluxe resorts. With no ap rates for many of the other resorts (including AKL & WL), people who want to stay at a deluxe will most likely be choosing AKL or WL since it's a lot cheaper.

IMO I probably wouldn't pay extra for the pool view.. but I certainly would for the savanah view. Yes, pool view is pretty, but it's not a perk to me. But to sit out on the balcony and sip coffee watching the animals in the morning.. that's worth it.
On the other hand.. there are many very nice viewing areas to see the animals around the hotel.. I just wouldn't sit there in my pjs

Also.. AKL is a very popular resort.. wait till you get there, you'll know why

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I am not a regular poster to this thread but feel it's time to share some thoughts. First, this thread was great in helping us decide to pick AKL for our trip last year. Once there, AKL became our resort of choice for this year's 30th anniversary celebration. And now to my point.....shouldn't this thread be moved to the Community Board? People interested in learning about AKL have to now search through hundreds of non-relevant posts. Let the flames begin.

This board is fun and fabulous just the way it is.....

Actually, I have to say that I partially agree with this, calgarygary. I've often thought it might be nice to have the active resort boards almost as their own subforums under Disney Resorts...then you could have subects under threads like choosing room views, kid's activities, photos, and yes even ZEBRA DOMES-so that those of us who probably need a Zebra Dome 12 step program could get the help we need..

On the other hand, I've already read all the pages so I only need to read the new stuff and I enjoy the sense of community here and I'm not sure how changing the format would effect that...

Everyone is usually really good about answering questions...

But don't every put your zebra dome down and turn your back and when they are put out you better get there quick or there won't be any left ...

 

[wendypooh]

I agree with you Wendy. I don't think reading the entire thread is nescessary if you have a question(s) just post them as they might not even be covered yet(or up to date). Maybe kimmar can add that in the OP. One thing about reading a larger thread from the beginning is that a lot of things tend to change over time and some of it may not be as relevant as it once was.

There is also an Offical AKL FAQ Thread if people are looking for quick and basic resort information that is orgaznized in the first few posts I believe.

Everyone here is friendly and willing to answer questions (there is a lot of AKL experience here) so I'm sending out a to any lurkers or anyone else for that matter to come and join in.

Hey Lisa............ exactly!!!

Look....... we are almost at the 2 month point!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Hi there. I just wanted to do a quick post. I read this thread before our trip. We stayed on the fifth floor arusha savannah for three nights. It was awesome. I don't know when we will stay there again, but our view was great.

Thank You for the pics!!! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip, it is an awesome place!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks to everyone who's contributed info to this thread. I'm relieved to know I can just ask a question instead of looking and looking for the answer.

(I just wish I knew that a week ago )

Seriously, I think this thread has helped us tremendously in planning our next trip. We had never been to AKL before, went to dinner at Boma's, and were enchanted by the place.

If anyone has any photos / reviews of the kids resort activities I would love it if you could post them. We're going in March 2007 and my daughter has lots of questions about the resort.

Thanks again!

I do not have any photo's of the beads ~ we didn't really do any bead activities on our last trip. My DS did do the primal parade, he loved it. The kids meet at the Zawadi Marketplace at 7:50 pm, choose an instrument, then play it while they march around the lobby, when it's over, they are given a certificate of participation, it's really cute.

I assume you've seen the post with all of the activities listed and times, if not here it is again for you. I'm hoping we can do more activites this time.

REPOSTING for all those who are interested. HOWEVER --- PLEASE check the activities board near the front desk for correct times!!!!!


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.

 

[wendypooh]

Mom update. Just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and ask if you could please continue them for a little while longer as she just came through her second major surgery in 15 days as she developed an abcess in her pelvis and wound up with a perforated colon. Hopefully she is now on her way to recovery.

Thanks for the update. hope she's feeling better!!

 

[wendypooh]

This board is fun and fabulous just the way it is.....

Actually, I have to say that I partially agree with this, calgarygary. I've often thought it might be nice to have the active resort boards almost as their own subforums under Disney Resorts...then you could have subects under threads like choosing room views, kid's activities, photos, and yes even ZEBRA DOMES-so that those of us who probably need a Zebra Dome 12 step program could get the help we need..

On the other hand, I've already read all the pages so I only need to read the new stuff and I enjoy the sense of community here and I'm not sure how changing the format would effect that...

Everyone is usually really good about answering questions...

But don't every put your zebra dome down and turn your back and when they are put out you better get there quick or there won't be any left ...

 

[wendypooh]

Is upgrading to a pool view worth it for an additional $15 a night or should I stick with a standard view? Also Im going in August 7 - 16, 2007 and just wondering but what are my chances are getting a free upgrade to savannah? I read posts where its pretty easy to get one in September but what about August? I just checked with Disneyworld.com and all the standard / pool rooms are booked for the whole month of August for this yr but not savannah yet. And I have been checking almost daily just to see how quickly it fills up. Since the standard / pool views are just now finally booked up, does this mean not to many people stay at the AKL?

I would tell anyone interested in upgrading thier room to first decide what they can/cannot live with. If you MUST have savannah view, book it, or if you want a pool view, but can live without it, don't book it and hope for an upgrade, with that in mind however, don't be upset if you don't get upgraded. I think if you really MUST have a certain view book it to ensure you get it!! Yes, they do complimentary upgrade and it is wonderful, it happened to us. However, I do believe this is due to the time of year we went, it was value season, there was no free dining promo, and I doubt the resort was full. Do a lot of people stay at AKL.............. YES!!!! The AKL has 1293 rooms, so on occassion there is room for giving upgrades, however, I'd never "assume" I'm going to get one. I think the "trick" per se, is the request you have, I'd advise you to have any noted on your reservation. It has been said that the "not so desireable" standard rooms are the smoking rooms, which are supposedly located on the giraffe and ostrich trails-- ( I personally do not know this to be the case) but, only what I''ve heard. The odds of getting one of those rooms is probably only if you smoke. I also would say that if you get to the resort, and just cannot live with the view you get, go back and let a CM at the check-in know, and ask to be moved, or upgraded. I'd also advise upon check - in, regardless of what you booked, to ask if they have any comp. upgrades, if not then be prepared to pay for one if you must have one. There are tons of area's to see the animals. As for all the standard / pool rooms being booked in aug. that is probably due to the free dining promo going on, and I'd guess that they aren't all really booked, just the one's for the promo as they only allot so many rooms for that (at least that is what I've also read). If I read your post right, your trip is over a year away, that gives you plenty of time to plan and decide what you MUST have, but either way you will love the resort and I'm sure you'll not have any problems with your view!!! Good Luck and if you have any other questions ask away!!! Hope to see you around here a lot, soaking up all the AKL info you can!!!

Jambo ~~ here is a site that you might find helpful.






http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

 

[dreamer423]

We are booked with 4 rooms Sav view. I haven't yet made requests b/c wanted to read through thread. What is your advice about this-I'd like a great view prbably zebras and/or giraffes for the 2 little boys, plus convenientky near elevator/pool for the DGP's. Would love to request Bunk beds too on one of the connecting rooms.


SO-I was thinking to book a standard for one night just to have the day before everyone arrives for pool, flamingos etc.. or Sav view if I didn't have to move and could get the others who are checking in the next day connected, if you follow?

Advice welcomed [/QUOTE]
Bump

 

[kimmar067]

We are booked with 4 rooms Sav view. I haven't yet made requests b/c wanted to read through thread. What is your advice about this-I'd like a great view prbably zebras and/or giraffes for the 2 little boys, plus convenientky near elevator/pool for the DGP's. Would love to request Bunk beds too on one of the connecting rooms.


SO-I was thinking to book a standard for one night just to have the day before everyone arrives for pool, flamingos etc.. or Sav view if I didn't have to move and could get the others who are checking in the next day connected, if you follow?

Advice welcomed

Bump[/QUOTE]

...we were in room 5421, which had a great view of Arusha Rock (complete with zebras AND giraffes!), was near the elevators, AND had bunk beds. Since it was on the 5th floor, my guess is that this room was a concierge room - I would call AKL and ask if you could have this room, but one floor down (Rm #4421)....

 

[Disney8704]

I am booking my trip through AAA, so if I want a non-smoking room should I just have them let disney know when they go to book it or should I call the hotel myself and tell them. I also wanna have them put a note on our ressie that we are celebrating our 3rd anniversary while down there. Maybe that will increase our chances of getting a upgrade of some sort. After all we are going down for the year of a million dreams, so maybe they will take extra care to ppl who are celebrating a special occasion there like a free upgrade

I would tell anyone interested in upgrading thier room to first decide what they can/cannot live with. If you MUST have savannah view, book it, or if you want a pool view, but can live without it, don't book it and hope for an upgrade, with that in mind however, don't be upset if you don't get upgraded. I think if you really MUST have a certain view book it to ensure you get it!! Yes, they do complimentary upgrade and it is wonderful, it happened to us. However, I do believe this is due to the time of year we went, it was value season, there was no free dining promo, and I doubt the resort was full. Do a lot of people stay at AKL.............. YES!!!! The AKL has 1293 rooms, so on occassion there is room for giving upgrades, however, I'd never "assume" I'm going to get one. I think the "trick" per se, is the request you have, I'd advise you to have any noted on your reservation. It has been said that the "not so desireable" standard rooms are the smoking rooms, which are supposedly located on the giraffe and ostrich trails-- ( I personally do not know this to be the case) but, only what I''ve heard. The odds of getting one of those rooms is probably only if you smoke. I also would say that if you get to the resort, and just cannot live with the view you get, go back and let a CM at the check-in know, and ask to be moved, or upgraded. I'd also advise upon check - in, regardless of what you booked, to ask if they have any comp. upgrades, if not then be prepared to pay for one if you must have one. There are tons of area's to see the animals. As for all the standard / pool rooms being booked in aug. that is probably due to the free dining promo going on, and I'd guess that they aren't all really booked, just the one's for the promo as they only allot so many rooms for that (at least that is what I've also read). If I read your post right, your trip is over a year away, that gives you plenty of time to plan and decide what you MUST have, but either way you will love the resort and I'm sure you'll not have any problems with your view!!! Good Luck and if you have any other questions ask away!!! Hope to see you around here a lot, soaking up all the AKL info you can!!!

Jambo ~~ here is a site that you might find helpful.






http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

 

[wendypooh]

I am booking my trip through AAA, so if I want a non-smoking room should I just have them let disney know when they go to book it or should I call the hotel myself and tell them. I also wanna have them put a note on our ressie that we are celebrating our 3rd anniversary while down there. Maybe that will increase our chances of getting a upgrade of some sort. After all we are going down for the year of a million dreams, so maybe they will take extra care to ppl who are celebrating a special occasion there like a free upgrade

I've never booked through AAA, so I don't know if you can call CRO to add request. If I were you'd I'd call AAA and tell them your request and that you want it noted on your reservation. I would also call CRO and ask them if they can do it. I'd certainly try with CRO even if your AAA agent does it. Good Luck and Happy Anniversary!!

 

[kimmar067]

I've never booked through AAA, so I don't know if you can call CRO to add request. If I were you'd I'd call AAA and tell them your request and that you want it noted on your reservation. I would also call CRO and ask them if they can do it. I'd certainly try with CRO even if your AAA agent does it. Good Luck and Happy Anniversary!!

...Hmmmm,

what SHE said!