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

[Disney8704]

OK I guess I must be having a forgetful moment here, LOL, but what is CRO?

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]

Central Reservations Office...

 

[wendypooh]

Yeah, what she said!!!

 

[NJBILL]

My neighbor and I are taking our families to AKL for the first time in August. He has a hot button issue with kids in the pool hot tubs (he thinks they should not be allowed). I told him there is no restrictions on that to my knowledge. He was complaing that last year (at PO) kids were jumping over adults unsupervised into the hot tubs etc...
My question , is there a different level of oversight by the life guardss or CM's at AKL (as it is a "deluxe resort"), and have you experienced this at AKL when you are there?

Thanks..

 

[kimmar067]

My neighbor and I are taking our families to AKL for the first time in August. He has a hot button issue with kids in the pool hot tubs (he thinks they should not be allowed). I told him there is no restrictions on that to my knowledge. He was complaing that last year (at PO) kids were jumping over adults unsupervised into the hot tubs etc...
My question , is there a different level of oversight by the life guardss or CM's at AKL (as it is a "deluxe resort"), and have you experienced this at AKL when you are there?

Thanks..

...there are two hot tubs at AKL - one is located in the area of the children's 'jungle-play-area', located "sorta" behind the pool. The other one is in a more 'romantic' spot, beyond the flamingo pond, as you are walking to a public viewing area (it's surrounded by flora and is set back a bit). Because of their locations, they are not really manned by the lifeguards, as, say the one at WL. Also because of their locations, I would tend to think that parents wold not allow their children near those areas, since they aren't clearly visible for parental overseeing.

 

[Angel16]

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.

Oh my. I am so sorry to hear your mom had to have another surgery. She continues to be in my prayers.


Hello everyone, I have been working some very long hours. Therefore I have not had time for much posting. We are still in the planning stages for our Nov/Dec trip. Does AKL have any "special Christmas activities or things to do during the holidays"? This will be our first visit to WDW for Thanksgiving/Christmas. You all must have ideas for me. Please?

Angel 16

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hello everyone, I have been working some very long hours. Therefore I have not had time for much posting. We are still in the planning stages for our Nov/Dec trip. Does AKL have any "special Christmas activities or things to do during the holidays"? This will be our first visit to WDW for Thanksgiving/Christmas. You all must have ideas for me. Please?

Angel 16[/QUOTE]

Angel, since we're going in mid December, I'm curious about this too. I know I've seen pictures of a huge tree in the the lobby of AKL with an African theme of course and a kind of gingerbread village that looked really cool-the photos might even be back in this thread somewhere-lol

Although it isn't the lodge, the Animal Kingdom itself has a Christmas themed parade and the characters at Donald's breakfast are all dressed in holiday attire... I don't know if I've missed anything at the Lodge or Animal Kingdom. All of WDW has all kinds of special decorations and shows...but as for AKL, I don't know and am also curious...Anyone?

 

[John's Mom]

Angel 16,

We were at the AKL the week before Christmas. Each night there was some sort of entertainment in the lobby. We saw bell ringers and singers. Two days before Christmas they served cookies and punch in the lobby. There was a large chair for Santa near the Christmas tree, but we never did see him. I'm assuming he was on some type of schedule. We should have checked the activities board when we arrived.

Kathy

 

[kimmar067]

Angel 16,

We were at the AKL the week before Christmas. Each night there was some sort of entertainment in the lobby. We saw bell ringers and singers. Two days before Christmas they served cookies and punch in the lobby. There was a large chair for Santa near the Christmas tree, but we never did see him. I'm assuming he was on some type of schedule. We should have checked the activities board when we arrived.

Kathy

(Hey, cut the 'red' guy some slack...after all, it IS his busy season!)

I think stories are told around the fire pit too, at least they used to be...

 

[scoutsmom99]

My neighbor and I are taking our families to AKL for the first time in August. He has a hot button issue with kids in the pool hot tubs (he thinks they should not be allowed). I told him there is no restrictions on that to my knowledge. He was complaing that last year (at PO) kids were jumping over adults unsupervised into the hot tubs etc...
My question , is there a different level of oversight by the life guardss or CM's at AKL (as it is a "deluxe resort"), and have you experienced this at AKL when you are there?

Thanks..

Like kimmar said there are two hot tubs at AKL. Last time I did notice quite a few kids in the one by the main pool slide. The other one is a little more hidden and I have not seen kids in that one. It also seems to be the emptier of the two.

 

[DisTeach1]

My husband and I agree with your neighbor. I hate it when kids are in the hot tubs. I wish WDW would designate at least one at each hotel "adults only". At Wilderness Lodge, the kids and the mom in the hot tub were singing nursery rhymes and talking in baby voices. It was unbearable! For some reason, I can't picture the hot tubs at AKL. Are they right next to each other-like at Wilderness Lodge?

 

[DisTeach1]

I'm referring to the discussion several pages back (no flames please) about non-relevant posts and such. What I've noticed, and what I've experienced, is that sometime questions do not get answered. In fact, someone posted a few pages back and no one answered. I've posted about best views to request, and my post was ignored. Yet, I notice all these posts about Zebra Domes, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love this thread, and would love to see more pictures. I just wish I could ask a question and actually get it answered!

 

[scoutsmom99]

I'm referring to the discussion several pages back (no flames please) about non-relevant posts and such. What I've noticed, and what I've experienced, is that sometime questions do not get answered. In fact, someone posted a few pages back and no one answered. I've posted about best views to request, and my post was ignored. Yet, I notice all these posts about Zebra Domes, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love this thread, and would love to see more pictures. I just wish I could ask a question and actually get it answered!

I'm sorry your question didn't get answered. Maybe no one knew the answer at the time? I know I have posted on threads and not gotten an answer or a complete answer. Usually I just end up posting a new thread about the topic or re-asking the question in the same thread. I don't think anyone would mind if you asked the question again.

I have a question about "Arusha Rock" view? Can that be bad? Like would I be looking out at a rock? I had Uzima before, which I loved. I would like Arusha Savanahh but don't really want to look out over a rock!

It looks like you posted it back in April if I'm looking at the right post. I have never stayed in one of the Arusha savannah rooms so I do not know how the views would be there. I would guess if you were in one of the 2nd floor rooms you might have some trouble looking over the rock depending on your room location.

 

[kimmar067]

My husband and I agree with your neighbor. I hate it when kids are in the hot tubs. I wish WDW would designate at least one at each hotel "adults only". At Wilderness Lodge, the kids and the mom in the hot tub were singing nursery rhymes and talking in baby voices. It was unbearable! For some reason, I can't picture the hot tubs at AKL. Are they right next to each other-like at Wilderness Lodge?

...no, they are not. There is a walkway that goes around the pool. As you pass the health and fitness center (which would be on your right, with the pool on your left), you approach the first hot tub. It is, indeed, located "behind" the AKL pool slide, near the children's play area. As you keep walking around the pool, and you are now at the 'far side of the pool', you continue straight to walk towards the public viewing area (which is beyond the Zebra Trail section of the building). On your way there, off tp the right, is the other hot tub. It is more secluded and 'out-of-the-way'. In fact, I don't think that many folks realize that it is there....which is a good thing, if you want more 'privacy' for your hot tub experience!

 

[kimmar067]

Quote:
Originally Posted by DisTeach1
I have a question about "Arusha Rock" view? Can that be bad? Like would I be looking out at a rock? I had Uzima before, which I loved. I would like Arusha Savanahh but don't really want to look out over a rock!


It looks like you posted it back in April if I'm looking at the right post. I have never stayed in one of the Arusha savannah rooms so I do not know how the views would be there. I would guess if you were in one of the 2nd floor rooms you might have some trouble looking over the rock depending on your room location.

__________________


On behalf of the several few that earnestly try to respond to those of you who have a legitimate question regarding the AKL, I apologize for the lack of an answer to your particular query. I stayed in romm #5421, which, indeed, included a view of Arusha Rock, but NO, you are not just looking at a rock, but an expansive area of the savannah. Here is a pic I took:

While, yes, you can see Arusha Rock, this is but a sampling of the wonderful view you experience. Every morning we would see three giraffes, a few zebras, and other animals, as they grazed on the savannah...(hope this helps.... )

 

[AKLGoofy]

And so our story begins....

Some time ago someone had evinced an interest in seeing when I let Susan know where we were going for our 10th anniversary. Here's a couple shots I took last night when I "sprung" it on her. I think I've found a place to host a website when I get back so I can put up the complete tale and all photos and will come here to post a link for everyone.

Here's the photos (I hope):

The Layout

And, "The Look"

We leave Sunday morning. Last minute details have been "tweaked" yet again by the famous Don & Co. and everything seems to be in place. I will cross my fingers now and hope for no hurricanes...

Bob

 

[kimmar067]

Oh my, Bob! You certainly have MY curiosity piqued! More, more, MORE.....

[LOVE the 'Tigger' theme, and, those keychain mister/fans look like a GREAT idea.... ]

 

[kimmar067]

My, oh my, THEY certainly look COMFY:

(Thanks again, daannzzz!)

 

[scoutsmom99]

Beautiful pic kimmar. I wouldn't mind waking up to that every morning. Thanks for all you do here

 

[scoutsmom99]

Bob everything looks great. I love the note that ears must be worn to board the plane!!! I got one of those mini water misting fans too for our trip...you will have to let me know if you liked it. I hope you guys have a fabulous trip. I will be awaiting a trip report when you come back