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

[pixiesnake]

Hi. I will be at AKL in just 15 days - I am so excited!! I am working my way through this forum (up to page 41) and just wanted to say thanks for all the good info and pics. I have a question that I'm sure has already been answered, but it may take me days to find it, so can you please answer it for me.

The question . . . How long does the culinary tour last? It starts at 4pm correct? I'm just trying to figure if I have time for it before my ADR that night.

Thanks

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi. I will be at AKL in just 15 days - I am so excited!! I am working my way through this forum (up to page 41) and just wanted to say thanks for all the good info and pics. I have a question that I'm sure has already been answered, but it may take me days to find it, so can you please answer it for me.

The question . . . How long does the culinary tour last? It starts at 4pm correct? I'm just trying to figure if I have time for it before my ADR that night.

Thanks

The time varies. When I was there, it was 3:45 during the week and 4 on Saturday. I think that it took about 1 hour, but it was well worth it.

 

[pixiesnake]

Thanks Nancyg56. I will soulbe check the time when I arrive. Just trying to get a general idea how long it lasts. I should have plenty of time for it. I still can't believe I'm going to AKL!

 

[scoutsmom99]

we fell to page 2..how is the tag fairy gonna find us??!?! I just saw over on the restaurants board that the TF seems to like desserts...maybe the TF would like to become a ZDA charter member?

pixiesnake-I hope you have a wonderful vacation

 

[stephwynn]

Bump..........Out here in the west we are up a little later...want to keep our thread near the top so that we might attract a little attention!!!!

C'mon tag fairy...see our lovely tickers!!! We are the AKL Wild Bunch!!!

Can't wait to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Samsma]

Does anyone have a recent "times" guide for the events at AKL? Times, places, descriptions? Thanks!

 

[dmaz]

Hi everyone,
This will bump us up.
Does anyone have a reccomendation for which number is best to call to ask for room preferences? When I called to ask for some requests I forgot when I made my ressie, the CM seemed slightly bothered by it.
I asked for non-smoking, bunk beds and a crib(didn't know pack-n-plays were in the rooms). All which seemed pretty important to me to have on my ressie.
I'm not sure why she seemed bothered. I'd like to add a little more since everyone says they try to be accomodating.
We have a standard savvannah room booked. I was thinking about adding close to lobby. With 3 kids under 6 it'll be easier after the parks if we have a short trip to the room. What do you guys think?

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Good luck kimmar, keeping all parts crossed LOL...

I know I read somewhere that you can get turn down service in stardand savannah view for an extra $5 a night... My DD who is 11 thinks turndown is absolutely the unlitmate Do you just request upon arrival?

Also, I've been working on my itinerary and I would really like to spend more time than previously in the Animal Kingdom (especially since we're staying in the Lodge...
Can't let the page fall...........

How do the rest of you split your time between the parks? We'll be there for 7nights, but our first afternoon/night I don't think we'll do a park at all-just probably hang out at the Lodge-the same the morning of our departure. eat breakfast at Boma, etc....We've never done more than one day at Animal Kingdom but now with Everest and if we do a Character Meal at Donalds...?

For our full six days I was thinking about going to MGM and Epcot each one day and splitting the other 4 days between the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom including the MVMCP....

Hey, also when it gets closer I plan to do a Disney Film Fest for my kids focusing particulary on AK related films, ie, Lion King (of course), Tazan, Bugs Life, Jungle Book even though its India, it ties into the park, any other ideas?

Patricia

 

[plutospup]

We stayed in a Std Pool View room last year, and there was no extra charge for turn down service. Upon arrival simply call "Mousekeeping" and request turn down. I had to wrestle DD8 for the chocolates they left on the pillow! Sometimes I even won!

 

[kimmar067]

To add to my AKL 'saga' ~
I mentioned that my DS-in-L and her family might join us at AKL [they've NEVER been!] I called WDW to get a quote for her.....6 persons (2 adults, 1 13y-o, 2 10y-o, and 1 9y-o) w/2 std rooms, free dining, and 5-day PH passes came to $3,804.40 WITH tax and gratuities [for dining]!! They may not be able to afford it, so I called WDW again yesterday to get a price on a value resort[blech! - sorry, I've become a "Deluxe Snob" ....hey, my DH and I work very hard all year long, so it's our little 'reward'...], since the values are the closest to AKL. The ASSp and ASMo are both available for the exact same options as above, for $2,302.84!! Let's hope it warks out so that I can start making those dinner ressies.....

 

[luvfigment]

To add to my AKL 'saga' ~
I mentioned that my DS-in-L and her family might join us at AKL [they've NEVER been!] I called WDW to get a quote for her.....6 persons (2 adults, 1 13y-o, 2 10y-o, and 1 9y-o) w/2 std rooms, free dining, and 5-day PH passes came to $3,804.40 WITH tax and gratuities [for dining]!! They may not be able to afford it, so I called WDW again yesterday to get a price on a value resort[blech! - sorry, I've become a "Deluxe Snob" ....hey, my DH and I work very hard all year long, so it's our little 'reward'...], since the values are the closest to AKL. The ASSp and ASMo are both available for the exact same options as above, for $2,302.84!! Let's hope it warks out so that I can start making those dinner ressies.....

Sending a little Pixie Dust your way.

Does this mean your DH broke down and you are staying AKL???

 

[ktink]

Guess What Gang? I"M BACK!!! We've actually been blessed and decided to go ahead and upgrade back to a deluxe. I've got a poll going and we were actually looking at Poly, BC, & Contemporary. Well DH and DD's all want AKL and I'm sooooooo excited. When they weren't that upset w/ us having to go back to a mod I thought maybe they just weren't as excited as me. Well I'm EXCITED

 

[kimmar067]

...Does this mean your DH broke down and you are staying AKL???

....so far......YESSSSSS!!!!!!!

 

[kimmar067]

Guess What Gang? I"M BACK!!! We've actually been blessed and decided to go ahead and upgrade back to a deluxe....

...yeah, yeah, yeah, you just did it for the cool ticker....

 

[Enna]

Just stopping in to say that my lovely olive IPO envelope arrived yesterday. I felt so special!

There is a listing of the daytime activities, but not a time schedule. I guess we'll all just have to check the board in the lobby when we get there so we don't miss any of the wonderful offerings.

 

[plutospup]

...yeah, yeah, yeah, you just did it for the cool ticker....

...and the Zebra Domes!

Congrats ktink, and Kimmar!!! Hope you have a great time!

 

[pixiesnake]

I've managed to read all 107 pages and I can't wait for this trip! Thanks for all the great info and pics. I still can't believe I'm going in just 14 days. Okay, I don't want to sound really stupid, but I need you to answer a question for me. I have never stayed at a deluxe resort. What should I expect when I arrive? Will they take my luggage? Will they take my car or can I self park? I would appreciate info on this and what kind of tipping is expected for different services. I guess I'd rather sound stupid here, than look stupid when I arrive. TIA

 

[ktink]

...yeah, yeah, yeah, you just did it for the cool ticker....

I have been in LUST of ya'lls AKL ticker and by george I'm sporting one now.

Thanks Plutospup. It feel so good to join this thread again, before it was a little too depressing but now bring on the

 

[scoutsmom99]

How do the rest of you split your time between the parks? We'll be there for 7nights, but our first afternoon/night I don't think we'll do a park at all-just probably hang out at the Lodge-the same the morning of our departure. eat breakfast at Boma, etc....We've never done more than one day at Animal Kingdom but now with Everest and if we do a Character Meal at Donalds...?

For our full six days I was thinking about going to MGM and Epcot each one day and splitting the other 4 days between the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom including the MVMCP....

Hey Patrica,

I have the hardest time trying to decide where I'm going to spend my park days. I have TGM which is a godsend (I think I have seen you over there as well?!?!), but I'm always so wishy washy. Anyways I agree with you about spending more time at AK. Last fall I spent 2 days at AK and there was so much to see and take in for me I loved it. Of course I think MK always gets most of my days and MGM and Epcot fall about even with AK last.

As far as having only 1 day at MGM and Epcot...maybe you could consider a full AK day and then head back at Epcot in the evening and enjoy some of the world showcase area more(If you like Epcot). I think my plan would look like this:

1 day MGM
1.5 days AK
1.5 days Epcot
2 days MK

I love breakfast at Boma on departure day it is a great way to end a trip to WDW. Happy planning

 

[scoutsmom99]

To add to my AKL 'saga' ~
I mentioned that my DS-in-L and her family might join us at AKL [they've NEVER been!] I called WDW to get a quote for her.....6 persons (2 adults, 1 13y-o, 2 10y-o, and 1 9y-o) w/2 std rooms, free dining, and 5-day PH passes came to $3,804.40 WITH tax and gratuities [for dining]!! They may not be able to afford it, so I called WDW again yesterday to get a price on a value resort[blech! - sorry, I've become a "Deluxe Snob" ....hey, my DH and I work very hard all year long, so it's our little 'reward'...], since the values are the closest to AKL. The ASSp and ASMo are both available for the exact same options as above, for $2,302.84!! Let's hope it warks out so that I can start making those dinner ressies.....

Oh my gosh Kimmar I'm keeping everything crossed and sending more PD your way