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

[kimmar067]

THANKS!

Hey, whoever wishes they were HERE

right now, raise your hand....

 

[padisneylover]

me me me me

 

[kimmar067]

Ahhhhh, to be back 'home' again.....

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Well, you can count me as part of the lucky ones who get to finally discuss the AKL. I booked a trip for me and my boys (8, 6, and 3) for the end of March, beginning of April. After much consideration, I decided to upgrade to Savannah view. I have a pretty decent AP rate. Now, here is the deal. I have no idea what to request.

I did request non-smoking and bunkbeds. Which Savannah should I shoot for? I would love to see Zebras, but I saw another poster say (on a different thread) that she was on Zebra trail and barely saw any animals .

Where are we going to see the most activity? Thanks so much for your help. We have never stayed at AKL and I really want this to be great. My DS6 has been begging to try AKL for 2 years.

 

[jp1216]

Ditto for me... We are going late April. I've already reserved AKL/savannah view. Called ahead for bunkbeds and a crib. Any other 'special' requests I need to make? Now or when I arrive???

thanks

 

[Nik's Mom]

We stayed on the Uzima Savannah (which I believe is on the zebra trail). We saw plenty of animals, but were on the oposite side of where the zebras were. We had a 3rd floor room, which is the same level as the lobby. It was a great location for us. Here is a picture of our view.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Nik's mom: Thanks for the pics. They look great. I went ahead and requested Zebra Trail, but I didn't bother with a particular Savannah. I figure, whatever we don't see from our room, we will be able to catch from the public viewing spots. Also, I don't want to sound too picky on my requests .

Thanks again for the help. Only 46 days to go....

 

[plutospup]

There are so many great "public" viewing spots! In an odd way I was almost happy that we didn't get a savannah view room. I looked forward to my morning walks, before my family awoke, as I checked out the activity on all savanahs! There are a lot of things to see at AKL. While I'm sure savanah rooms are great, remember to check out the other savanahs, and AKL sights.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Thanks Plutospup! I know about the storytelling at the Firepit, but what else do you suggest for the kids (and me)? I heard something about collecting beads and a scavanger hunt. Are these something I need to ask about or are they offered somewhere? Thanks so much for all of the help.

Since I am taking this trip without my DH (he's a Navy Pilot and just couldn't take the time) I want to make sure that I have enough things to do to occupy my 3 boys at the resort. KWIM?

 

[plutospup]

I know about the storytelling at the Firepit, but what else do you suggest for the kids (and me)? I heard something about collecting beads and a scavanger hunt.

Activities for kids - where do I start?! DD8 and I (a slightly older kid-hey DW says she's forced to travel with two kids! ) enjoyed lots of AKL activities. Check the back to the AKL map you receive at checkin. It lists many of the activities. You can also find this list and the times on a message board near registration.

Bead Activities...Several activities throughout the day and week. For each completed activity the child receives a bead. The activities include "animal tracking", "flamingo & pelican feeding", "garden safari", "The Music of the Savanna", and "Wildlife Games". Each activity may take up to 30 mins.

In addition to the Bead activities: Arts & Crafts-near the pool/The Mara(depending on craft there may be a $10 charge-some are free), cookie decorating in Boma, Primal Parade from Zawadi Marketplace, Cultural Safari, Medallion Rubbings in lobby, Horticulutre Activity, Family Fun & Games-Pool deck, Spirit of African Art, African Folktales-firepit.

Also...Culinary tour of Africa. Tours, info & samples in Jiko, and also Boma. DD8 was bored with the info in Jiko. I loved the flatbread & dipping samples!!! Boma part of the tour is a good intro for kids(and parents) to see if they would enjoy dining there. I loved it, DW didn't care for it, DD8 really enjoyed her PBJ sample. Parents...you know your children so plan accordingly. Overall though, a great tour...and FREE! (and free zebra dome samples!!!)

Last but not least..."Night Vision-Animal Viewing". DO THIS! Take a few minutes out of your vacation some evening. First look out onto the dark savanah. Of course you see nothing. Look through the night vision goggles, and the savannah comes to life!

Aside from some of the craft projects, there is no extra charge for the activities. Ok, now after reliving all of these activites...I WANT TO GO BACK TO AKL NOW!

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Plutospup - Thanks so much! Exactly the info I was looking for. Getting really excited now!!!

 

[Janet2k]

Here is the link to the on-line version of the WDW Vacation Planning Video: click here. Once you’re on that webpage, click on the RESORTS button. The webpage will rearrange itself and some new buttons regarding the Resorts will appear. Put your mouse over the Disney Deluxe Resorts Overview entry and select “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.” A video window will open and the Animal Kingdom Lodge video will begin to play.

It’s a nice way to experience a little bit of Disney magic without leaving the comfort of your home.

 

[kimmar067]

Here is the link to the on-line version of the WDW Vacation Planning Video: click here. Once you’re on that webpage, click on the RESORTS button. The webpage will rearrange itself and some new buttons regarding the Resorts will appear. Put your mouse over the Disney Deluxe Resorts Overview entry and select “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.” A video window will open and the Animal Kingdom Lodge video will begin to play.

It’s a nice way to experience a little bit of Disney magic without leaving the comfort of your home.

....ooooooh, thank you soooo much. I'm gona click on it RIGHT NOW....

 

[kimmar067]

....Ahhhhhh! Thanks again, Janet2K!

 

[kimmar067]

(Just stole this from Dznefreek..... )

The flamingo pond, at the far end of the pool. The building in the background is the end of Zebra Tail!
Thanks, Dznefreek!

 

[kimmar067]

HEY!!! The AK is on Travel Chaannel RIGHT NOW.....

 

[tiggrbaby]

Thanks, Kimmar! We just enjoyed the disney fix!

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks, Kimmar! We just enjoyed the disney fix!

....me too, ME TOO!!

 

[scoutsmom99]

(Just stole this from Dznefreek..... )

The flamingo pond, at the far end of the pool. The building in the background is the end of Zebra Tail!
Thanks, Dznefreek!

I wish I was there right now!!!

 

[scoutsmom99]

Here are a few animal pics from my trips

Flamingo:

Uzima:

Uzima (this guy was always roaming near my balcony):