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

[Viki]

OK, it would be good to have feedback from others, but here's what I think adults might enjoy:


Horticulture Activity-Arusha Rock @ 9am
Flamingo Feedings-Uzima Savanna @ 9:30am
Spirit of Africa Art Tour-Ogun's Firepit @ 10:30am
Animal Tracking-Arusha Rock @ 11am-2pm
Pelican Feedings-Arusha Rock @ 1pm
Culinary Tour of Africa-Ogun's Firepit @ 4pm
The Music of the Savanna-Top of Grand Staircase, Lobby @ 5pm
African Folktales-Arusha Rock Firepit @ 7:30pm
Cultural Safari-Sunset Overlook @ 8:30pm
Animal Viewing with Night Vision-Far end of Arusha Rock @ 9pm-11pm

Of course some are more fun than others given your interest in animal behavior, but they all appeal to me.

 

[roberrl187]

We stayed at AKL in August and I really enjoyed the Folktales. The storyteller was wonderful. We also did the night viewing of the animals, the African Art and the music at the staircase. It was all wonderful.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I thought I had read somewhere that there was a tour of the kitchen, or with the chef? Am I wrong?


How is the culinary thingy?

 

[Zandy595]

AKL on Travel Channel today at 5:00. They have Disney specials running from 3-7 (I think) check travelchannel.com

I thought it was just Animal Kingdom, not the Lodge.

 

[Viki]

Griswalds: I think the one listed above - culinary tour at 4 PM - might be the one you mean. I've definitely heard great feedback about it.


Zandy: Thanks for the reminder! Even though I've got one eye on playoff baseball, I'm going to go check that out. I think I've seen them all before, but who can get enough????

 

[Zandy595]

Has anyone just gone to Jiko for dessert? Someone posted a picture of the s'mores and DS9 asked if we could get that.

We'll be there next Wednesday!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I think I've decided how to trick my kids into thinking we're leaving Disney, but really switching resort to AKL...Get up and check out of POP, seacretly have bags transferred, then tell them we are going to AKL for last breakfast. Question is...Does AKL have breakfast ? Then I can just check in at AKL while going to "potty" and then I'l tell them we have to go see the view from one of the rooms for our next trip...Sound good? Only difficulty would be that AKL might not have a room ready, so maybe I'll think of a backup plan. Where should i book adr for breakfast or lunch there? Thanks

 

[Viki]

I think I've decided how to trick my kids into thinking we're leaving Disney, but really switching resort to AKL...Get up and check out of POP, seacretly have bags transferred, then tell them we are going to AKL for last breakfast. Question is...Does AKL have breakfast ? Then I can just check in at AKL while going to "potty" and then I'l tell them we have to go see the view from one of the rooms for our next trip...Sound good? Only difficulty would be that AKL might not have a room ready, so maybe I'll think of a backup plan. Where should i book adr for breakfast or lunch there? Thanks

You're good for breakfast at AKL at Boma. But neither Boma nor Jiko does lunch. Your only option there is Mara, the foodcourt.

But I like your idea - very tricksy!

 

[HarryLeg]

Last year (July 06) I surprised my DW (her Birthday) and DS with our second stay at the AKL. That was to be the year we were going to save some money and stay at POFQ (our favorite moderate). We drove down to Orlando on a Friday and stayed at the Holiday Inn Niki Bird (priceline $25) the first night. The next morning DS and I were up at the crack of dawn and went over to the AKL and checked in while DW was getting her 'morning time'. DS was excited when he realized we were staying at the AKL again and with the fact that he would be in on the surprise for Mommy. We picked up DW and the luggage and drove over to the AKL. DW thought we were going the wrong way for POFQ and I assured her that this was a new way to POFQ. As we turned in the driveway for the AKL DW asked why I tortured her by taking her here and why aren't we headed over to POFQ so that we can park the van and head for the parks. She didn't catch on to the fact that we were staying at the AKL until I pulled out the carefully hidden AKL Car pass to place on the dash while waiting in line at the security gate and said "Happy Birthday". She cried.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Last year (July 06) I surprised my DW (her Birthday) and DS with our second stay at the AKL. That was to be the year we were going to save some money and stay at POFQ (our favorite moderate). We drove down to Orlando on a Friday and stayed at the Holiday Inn Niki Bird (priceline $25) the first night. The next morning DS and I were up at the crack of dawn and went over to the AKL and checked in while DW was getting her 'morning time'. DS was excited when he realized we were staying at the AKL again and with the fact that he would be in on the surprise for Mommy. We picked up DW and the luggage and drove over to the AKL. DW thought we were going the wrong way for POFQ and I assured her that this was a new way to POFQ. As we turned in the driveway for the AKL DW asked why I tortured her by taking her here and why aren't we headed over to POFQ so that we can park the van and head for the parks. She didn't catch on to the fact that we were staying at the AKL until I pulled out the carefully hidden AKL Car pass to place on the dash while waiting in line at the security gate and said "Happy Birthday". She cried.

Two things,,,,,

One-- that is an awesome surprise! My husband would probably never be able to pull something off like that.
He knows that we're going for 11 nights, but thinks it's all at POP. My kids think we're just staying for 6 nights. I love to surprise them and we have for multiple Disney trips!

Two--we live in Ocean Pines! Howdy neighbor!

 

[HarryLeg]

I think I've decided how to trick my kids into thinking we're leaving Disney, but really switching resort to AKL...Get up and check out of POP, seacretly have bags transferred, then tell them we are going to AKL for last breakfast. Question is...Does AKL have breakfast ? Then I can just check in at AKL while going to "potty" and then I'l tell them we have to go see the view from one of the rooms for our next trip...Sound good? Only difficulty would be that AKL might not have a room ready, so maybe I'll think of a backup plan. Where should i book adr for breakfast or lunch there? Thanks

Hi Neighbor,
Why don't you slip away at some point and check into the AKL and rejoin the family. Plan on having Dinner at the AKL when you know the room is ready and pull the same sort of scheme. Maybe your luggage will be in your room by then.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Hi Neighbor,
Why don't you slip away at some point and check into the AKL and rejoin the family. Plan on having Dinner at the AKL when you know the room is ready and pull the same sort of scheme. Maybe your luggage will be in your room by then.

Great Idea!!! I know that may work too!

 

[John's Mom]

We took the Culinary Tour last November. We sat at the cooking place in Jiko and the chef made some dipping sauces for us to sample. She told us about Jiko and types of food they serve there. Then, we were escorted to Boma. One of the chefs there gave a brief description of the type of foods and gave us a sample of their soups and one of their desserts.

I would recommend taking this tour at the beginning of your trip.

 

[taximomfor4]

We took the Culinary Tour last November. We sat at the cooking place in Jiko and the chef made some dipping sauces for us to sample. She told us about Jiko and types of food they serve there. Then, we were escorted to Boma. One of the chefs there gave a brief description of the type of foods and gave us a sample of their soups and one of their desserts.

I would recommend taking this tour at the beginning of your trip.

is it daily? Do you make advanced ressies? ahnd how much does it cost?


Beth

 

[Laurajean1014]

We will be at the Concierge's level/lounge in 10 weeks!

Is the pool a zero entry?

 

[Viki]

We will be at the Concierge's level/lounge in 10 weeks!

Is the pool a zero entry?

Yes, it is. Let us know what you think of concierge; we're headed there for one night in Dec and 9 nights in August.

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

CIAOOOOOOOOOOO, Kim !!!!!!

HALLO everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!

DGH (Disney Grumpy husband) has just edited a short footage on our WONDERFUL staying at beautiful AKL last August !!!

If you are curious ( Kim, I know YOU ARE !!!) ... click on my signature !

ENJOY AKL ....... LIVE !!!!!!

Laura

 

[John's Mom]

Beth,

The Culinary Tour is everyday. No cost. There was sign for the tour near Jiko.

Kathy

 

[kimmar067]

We will be at the Concierge's level/lounge in 10 weeks!

Is the pool a zero entry?

.....in case you didn't read this whole thread, I am posting a pic of the pool...

Yes, it is zero-entry (great for the little ones!), and although you can't see it here, the zero-entry part is off to the right in this pic....also, don't be alarmed by the color of the water; it is supposed to resemble a watering hole, but is actually quite clear and clean in person!

Camping Griswalds ~
Wow, what an awesome surprise! I agree with the idea of you slipping away and checking in. That way, you can make ressies for Boma for, let's say, 4PM to beat the evening rush....it's such an incredible place to stay! (I can't wait to go back....*sigh* )

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Beth,

The Culinary Tour is everyday. No cost. There was sign for the tour near Jiko.

Kathy

Thanks so much! I just know husband will love this!