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

Status
Not open for further replies.
Only 16 more days to go until AKL! :banana: I'm soo excited! I didn't get to read through all the pages, but is there a certain 'section' of the SV rooms I can ask for? This is our first time at AKL and our DD's first to WDW, so you can imagine the amount of photos we're gonna end up with. :love: :love:

Can you recommend a floor or if there's a specific section you loved? THANKS!!!! :grouphug:
 
we leave in 12 days!! Since we booked a standard room, but I would prefer not to be on the ground floor should I make a request as such or just hope for the best?
 

I have only booked a standard room as well. I wanted to request bunkbeds, but my TA said they are not available in standard rooms. But I thought I have read that these are available. Does anyone know for sure? It is not a big deal, but my boys would enjoy it. Thanks!

Kimmar this picture is to help redeem myself :teeth:
100_1125.jpg
 
Most of this information has already been posted. My TA sent this to me, so I thought I would share :)

Magical Resort Guide for Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000
Telephone: (407) 938-3000
Fax: (407) 938-4799


Resort Information: If you have ever want to experience an African Safari,
but were hesitant to do it without electricity, running water or indoor
plumbing, then this is the place for you. This is one of the most
incredible and beautiful resorts on Disney property and offers an absolutely
unique experience. Excuse me if I gush in this resort guide, but I cant
say enough wonderful things about this resort. It has something for
everyone.

The resort is built around a savannah, complete with giraffes, zebras,
wildebeest, ostrich and many other animals. You can reserve a room with a
gorgeous Savannah view, which means you will be able to gaze over the
savannah at all those animals from the comfort of your own private balcony.
Whenever we are there we dont want to leave - even to go visit the most
famous theme parks in the world! There are also viewing areas located
around the resort. The sunset savannah lounge is especially relaxing and
enjoyable. Also, dont miss the Arusha rock outdoor viewing area.

The lobby has a three-story wall of windows and is spectacular. Take time
to notice the hand carved African furniture, the African art and the African
music. The theming at this resort is wonderful.

The Savannahs: There are three savannahs found around the resort. The
Arusha Savannah, the Sunset Savannah and the Uzima Savannah. The animals
that are on each savannah vary, but giraffe are present on each savannah.
The animals are out on the Savannah all day, except for a small period of
time when they are taken inside in the afternoon. The animal care staff
uses this time to look over the animals and they also perform routine
maintenance on the Savannahs.

Rooms: There are three different views in the standard size rooms which
sleep 4 plus one child under three in a crib. Standard view rooms have a
view of the parking lots or other public areas. Pool views have a view of
the gorgeous zero-depth entry pool. Finally, Savannah view rooms have a
view of one of the Savannahs; this means you will have your own balcony
where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. Standard rooms can have two queen
beds, one King bed or one queen bed and bunk beds based on availability.
Rooms are furnished with a hand carved African armoire, table and chairs, a
vanity area with two sinks, and separate toilet area. Most rooms have a
balcony or patio. Guest rooms also include an iron and ironing board,
hairdryer, in-room wall safe (to hold money or jewelry), voice mail, and
data port on the phone. Coffee makers and cribs can be requested free of
charge. Refrigerators are in every roomno charge.

Some Deluxe rooms can sleep 5 with the addition of a day bed. Concierge
rooms and suites are also available. Just a note, the Animal Kingdom Lodge
has one of the nicest concierge services on Disney property - definitely
worth it if you are in the mood for a splurge.

Rooms spread out from the main lobby in a curved X pattern so that the
number of Savannah view rooms is optimized. Room locations are broken into
three locations: the Kudu, Zebra, Ostrich, and Giraffe trails.

Check-in time: 3:00 pm
Check-out time: 11:00 am

If you arrive before check-in time or will be staying after check-out time,
the resort will store your luggage free of charge. Its a great way to get
some extra time in the parks or at the resort pool.

**Magical tip: if you would like late check-out, call the front desk the
day before you will check-out, they may be able to extend your check-out
time until 1 pm, based on availability.

Dining:
Full service Restaurant: There are at least 2 table service restaurants
located at each deluxe resort.
Boma is the resorts more casual restaurant. It is a buffet style
restaurant that features foods with an African twist. At dinner, you can
find items like watermelon rind salad, Banana leaf wrapped sea bass,
rotisserie chicken and zebra domes for dessert. But dont worry; there are
choices for all the less adventurous diners in your party. Staples like
prime rib and childrens selections like chicken fingers, spaghetti and
macaroni and cheese are available to everyone. The soups and the desserts
are especially good, and there are quite a few selections for vegetarians as
well.
Breakfast has its own specialties including breakfast breads, pastries,
meats and a special Kenyan pressed coffee. This breakfast is filling and
fun.
Breakfast and dinner are served daily at Boma.
This is quickly becoming one of the most popular resorts on Disney property.

**Magical Tip: Try the soups, try the soups, and try the soups. Did I
mention you should try the soups? They are excellent!

**Magical Tip: If you are eating at Boma for Breakfast, dont miss the
signature juice-an African Frunch. It is a blend of lemonade, and guava,
orange, papaya and pineapple juices.

Jiko is the more formal of the two restaurants. It features expert cooking
in a beautiful atmosphere. It is not stuffy or fussy, but casually elegant.
You will find wonderful meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian entrées as
well as soups, salads and appetizers. This restaurant also features an
incredible list of African Wines. The servers are trained well and are
happy to help guide you through your dining experience.
This restaurant is open for dinner only.

Counter Service Restaurant: The counter service restaurant, Mara, serves a
variety of food. They have choices that appeal to adults and children, and
healthy options are available too. Look for soups, salads, sandwiches,
desserts and childrens items on the menu. They also have some more
interesting choices. Mara is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pool Bar: Uzima Springs is the spot to grab a drink by the pool. Choose
from traditional bar offerings or go for one of the yummy specialty drinks.
There are even non-alcoholic specialties for everyone to sample.

Lounge: Victoria Falls is a relaxing spot near a waterfall, and overlooking
Boma. It features mixed drinks, beer, wine and specialty drinks.

Room Service: There is a good room service menu available. Breakfast in
bed, or a special romance package dinner served on your balcony over looking
the savannah may be just the thing to make your stay complete.
Remember that a service fee and gratuity is added to each order, but
breakfast in your room is relaxing and a great way to start the day. Room
service is typically available from 6 am until midnight.

**Magical tip: if you have soda or coffee drinkers, you may save some money
by purchasing a refillable mug. The mugs can be purchased at the resort
and are good for unlimited refills of soda, coffee and iced tea at the
counter service restaurant, Mara, for the length of your stay.
Refillable mugs are available for approximately $12.00 a piece

Recreation:

Pools: The largest resort pool on Disney property is located at the Animal
Kingdom Lodge. Uzima Springs is the name of the pool area, and it is an
expansive zero-depth entry pool surrounded by rock formations. No climbing
down steps or ladders, you can walk right in, just like you would at the
beach.
There is a small wading pool for younger children, and two spas also located
in the pool area. Note that the slide is only open when lifeguards are
present, but the pool is open 24 hours.

Playground: There is a playground located at the resort so the kids can burn
up any extra energy. It is located by the pool area.

Health Club/Spa: Experience rejuvenating spa services including massage,
and more at Zahanati Spa. Your travel counselor will be happy to provide
more information and secure reservations for spa treatments. You can also
work out in the fully-equipped health club or schedule a Personal Training
appointment.

Shopping: Zawadi Marketplace is the spot where you can pick up Disney and
Animal Kingdom Lodge merchandise. They also have a good selection of
African art, knick-knacks, music and clothing.
Sundries and snacks are also available. Dont miss the opportunity to pick
up some African music or crafts. Some times an Africa Artisan is working in
the shop.

Arcade: Pumbas Arcade is located at pool level, near Simbas Clubhouse and
Mara. Its a fun arcade, and a great spot to use up any loose change.

Child Care: There is a child care club available at each of Disneys
Deluxe Resorts except the Boardwalk Inn. At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you
will find Simbas Clubhouse located at pool level near the arcade. Child
care clubs are open to children of all on-site guests. Children must be
potty trained and between the ages of 4 and 12. Prices vary, and
reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE

Child care can also be provided in-room for children of any age by the Fairy
Godmothers, or Kid's Night Out services. These are not Disney services and
prices and requirements vary. Arrangements can be made by calling:
Fairy Godmothers (407) 969-9847 and toll free 877-611-4314
Kids night out (407) 827-5444

Resort Services:

ATM: There is an ATM located in the lobby. There is a fee charged for most
transactions.

Laundry: Is located near the pool. You might as well enjoy the pool while
you wash your laundry! This is located near the Arcade and Simbas
Clubhouse. There is an area where you can watch TV while you wait for your
laundry.

Transportation:
Busses are also available to take guests directly to the 4 major theme
parks, the water parks and the Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island area. A Bus
Stop is located outside the front entrance in a covered area.
Busses run from about one hour prior to park opening to approximately 1- 2
hours after the last park closes. Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island busses
run until approximately 2 am. You will be given a current transportation
map and schedule when you check-in.
Taxi transportation can also be arranged. There is a fee for this service.
Call bell service from your room or check at the desk in-person.

** Magical tip: If you would like to travel to a destination other than
those listed above (say another Disney Resort) take a bus to the nearest
major theme park, and then transfer to a bus to the specific resort you are
looking for.

Staying Connected
If you need to access the internet while you are on vacation, there is a
data port located in each room. Contact you Internet Service Provider for
local numbers, but be aware that you will incur at least a .75 charge each
time you connect- even for local calls. Check with the front desk of the
hotel to determine the phone charges before making any call.

Bell Services: Full service Bell services are available when you arrive at
the resort. They are happy to help you unload, take your luggage, and
deliver it to your room. Bell services can assist with luggage, help with
valet parking, and provide you with directions
There is also a button on your resort room phone that connects you directly
to bell services. When you are ready to check-out they will be happy to
assist you with your luggage. On your check-out day allow bell services a
minimum of 30 minutes to come and get your luggage. It is normal to tip for
bell services and valet parking.

Parking: Free self-parking is available in a large parking lot at Animal
Kingdom Lodge. Valet parking is also available for approximately $6 per day
(this price does not include gratuity). The charge for valet parking will
be charged to your room.

** Magical Tip: You will only pay for valet parking once per day at the
Walt Disney World resorts. Once paid, you will receive a hang tag for your
vehicle that notes you have paid valet charges on that date. You can then
valet park at any other Disney resort without further charges on that day.

Magical Tips: You will see these tips scattered throughout this guide and
we have included some more great tips right here. These are the tips
assembled by out own team of Disney experts and we want to make sure that
you benefit from our experience ;)

**There are guides at the outdoor viewing areas to answer your questions.
They are very knowledgeable so dont be shy. They are a great resource.

**Make sure you check out the art located throughout the lobby. It is
beautiful and very unique.

**Many of the animals sleep during the day and much more active all night.
This is a great time to watch them. Bring a sweater or jacket for those cool
nights of sitting on your balcony or at Arusha Rock watching the animals

**There is an evening storytelling program at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Join an animated story teller, as he shares folklore, stories and tales.
This usually takes place around the fire pit outside of the resort. Ask for
a schedule at guest services

**There are so many activities that are offered at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Here are just some of the activities that may be offered during your stay:
Horticulture Activity, Animal feedings, Spirit of Africa Art Tour, Animal
Tracking-Arusha Rock , Medallion Crayon Rubbings, Cookie Decorating, Pool
Activities, Children's Arts & Crafts, African Rag Doll Making Culinary
Tour of Africa, The Music of the Savanna, African Games & Crafts, African
Folktales, and Animal Viewing with Night Vision goggles. Maker sure you
look at the back of your resort map when you check-in activities are listed
there.

**Make use of the sunset savannah lounge and overlook. It is a wonderful
spot to see Animals, especially at sunset.

**As a guest of an official Disney Resort be sure to take advantage of the
new early entry program. Each morning one of the 4 theme parks open early
just for resort guests!

**Let family at home know how to reach you - give them the number listed
above and the name of the lead person on your reservation.

**The Walt Disney World Florist offers floral arrangements, snack packages,
and more for delivery to your resort. Visit their website at
www.disneyflorist.com for more information.

**For a friendly awakening, touch wake-up calls on your room phone. If
you have kids with you, let them answer or put the call on speaker phone.

**Hair wraps are available near the pool.

** If your child needs assistance while swimming, ask one of the lifeguards
at the pool for a life vest.

**Leave a credit card imprint when you check-in to the resort - this allows
you to have express check-out which saves you a trip to the front desk on
your last day.
An itemized list of any room charges will be on your room door on check-out
day.

**Guests may have purchases shipped back to their resort, so you dont have
to carry those heavy bags all over the parks. Purchases will be delivered
to the gift shop.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
kimmar067 said:
....::yes::...of course, I mean that in the NICEST way.... :teeth: !!



:confused3 Well, I'm not sure what it "meant" in the first place.......... :teeth: I normally don't comment on what someone "looks" like, so forgive me if I'm not sure of what your point was! :thumbsup2
 
tinknme said:
I have only booked a standard room as well. I wanted to request bunkbeds, but my TA said they are not available in standard rooms. But I thought I have read that these are available. Does anyone know for sure? It is not a big deal, but my boys would enjoy it. Thanks!

Kimmar this picture is to help redeem myself :teeth:
100_1125.jpg


Janet ~ I'm only going based on my experience, but I booked standard too in Jan. However, I also requested a bunk bed room. Wether or not standard rooms have bunk beds, I really don't know. We were complimentary upgraded to a deluxe bunk bed savannah view room............ I think generally though, you should call and have ANY request noted on your reservation. It can't hurt!!! Good Luck, I know your boys will enjoy the bunk beds, my DS did!!
 
PracPerfPatricia said:
Don't mean to be repetitious but ...Does anyone know whether there are any scrapbooking supplies specially AKL/AK themed? I'd like to begin collecting them slowing before our trip....


Patricia

Hey Patricia ~~ I PM'ed the pics to you!!! ;) Here are a few of MY scrapbook pages. You guys be nice, I'm not a "pro" scrapbooker!!! LOL Actually, this is my first "real" scrapbook!!!


IMG_5365.jpg



IMG_5362.jpg



IMG_5363.jpg
 
Thank you! I think I will ask my TA to put this on my reservation, it can't hurt :goodvibes


wendypooh said:
Janet ~ I'm only going based on my experience, but I booked standard too in Jan. However, I also requested a bunk bed room. Wether or not standard rooms have bunk beds, I really don't know. We were complimentary upgraded to a deluxe bunk bed savannah view room............ I think generally though, you should call and have ANY request noted on your reservation. It can't hurt!!! Good Luck, I know your boys will enjoy the bunk beds, my DS did!!
 
wendy,
I think your pages are awesome and you made them? I'm just getting into the scrapbooking thing- are premade pages ever availabe for sale if you're looking for something special?


tinkme,

Was that amazing write up part of a printed piece you recieved-who ever wrote it is obviously a big fan of AKL-maybe they are even lurking on the board :surfweb: !

There is some great wording in there-I'm thinking scrapbooks, itineraries, etc.

Thanks so much for sharing. :grouphug:

Another round of zebra domes!

Patricia
 
Yes this is what I received from my TA. This is a resort guide they put together to share with their clients. I did not write it, just wanted to pass it along to my Wildbunch buddies :goodvibes



QUOTE=PracPerfPatricia]


tinkme,

Was that amazing write up part of a printed piece you recieved-who ever wrote it is obviously a big fan of AKL-maybe they are even lurking on the board :surfweb: !

There is some great wording in there-I'm thinking scrapbooks, itineraries, etc.

Thanks so much for sharing. :grouphug:

Another round of zebra domes!

Patricia[/QUOTE]
 
wendypooh said:
:confused3 Well, I'm not sure what it "meant" in the first place.......... :teeth: I normally don't comment on what someone "looks" like, so forgive me if I'm not sure of what your point was! :thumbsup2


...didja ever come across a DISer's photo of themself and wonder, "Wow, that's NOT what I pictured that person to look like!" I have even thought that several DISers were male and turned out to be FEMALE (and vice-versa)....I dunno, I guess I just get a 'mental picture' of what that person OUGHT to look like. However, you DO look like YOU, if you can understand THAT....you look like your username... :confused3 THAT'S all..... :teeth: !
 
kimmar067 said:
...didja ever come across a DISer's photo of themself and wonder, "Wow, that's NOT what I pictured that person to look like!" I have even thought that several DISers were male and turned out to be FEMALE (and vice-versa)....I dunno, I guess I just get a 'mental picture' of what that person OUGHT to look like. However, you DO look like YOU, if you can understand THAT....you look like your username... :confused3 THAT'S all..... :teeth: !


Yes, I actually thought at first you were your photo of Roy!!! I guess I took your post the "wrong" way.......... at least I hope so!! ;)
My uncle, (who by the way is the ONLY one who refers to me by that name)........ gave me that name when I was a baby. I ONLY used it here since this is a DISney board and "pooh" was in it, I thought it would be good to use.

It wasn't meant to describe me, I wouldn't describe myself as "pooh" like? However, if YOU think it means that I'm adorable, loveable, sweet, and just plain cute.......... well, then I CLEARLY :rotfl2: misunderstood!!! LOL

Seriously, I've been having a couple of "icky" days.......... I think I'm in a funk........ and I just took your post the wrong way......... consider it hormonal :crazy: .......... and lets get back to AKL and zebra domes!!! :flower3:
 
wendypooh said:
Hey Patricia ~~ I PM'ed the pics to you!!! ;) Here are a few of MY scrapbook pages. You guys be nice, I'm not a "pro" scrapbooker!!! LOL Actually, this is my first "real" scrapbook!!!


IMG_5365.jpg



IMG_5362.jpg



IMG_5363.jpg


Holy...well, I would like to see what a "pro" could do! You did a wonderful job. Two years ago when we went to WDW, I ran around and gathered all the scrap booking supplies I could find for my DD's...thinking that it could be the only family trip we had there...well..here it is two years later, and that stuff is all still in the Disney Bags that it came in and we are planning our second family trip.... party:

Wonder if they will use it this time???????? :confused3
 
stephwynn said:
Holy...well, I would like to see what a "pro" could do! You did a wonderful job. Two years ago when we went to WDW, I ran around and gathered all the scrap booking supplies I could find for my DD's...thinking that it could be the only family trip we had there...well..here it is two years later, and that stuff is all still in the Disney Bags that it came in and we are planning our second family trip.... party:

Wonder if they will use it this time???????? :confused3


WOW ~~ Thanks!!! That makes me feel GREAT!!!!

I know what you mean, I saw some fantastic scrap things in the shops!! DH was ready to lock me in the room!!! LOL I'm especially proud of the tree of life, I paper pieced that together from a template I made from a photo!!! YES, it was VERY difficult, but so worth it!!! I really appreciate your response, now get busy putting that book together!!!! ;)
 
PracPerfPatricia said:
wendy,
I think your pages are awesome and you made them? I'm just getting into the scrapbooking thing- are premade pages ever availabe for sale if you're looking for something special?


Patricia

Hi Patricia ~~ THANK YOU!!!! It's really nice to hear that people liked my pages. I put a lot of time and effort into them, and I LOVE them, but, it's nice to hear others think they are good too!!!! :grouphug:

Yes, you can get pre-made pages, it just depends on what you are wanting. I know you were interested in AK pages/items, you can find them a lot of places, ebay, scrap stores, etc......

I don't want to get into any trouble, and I'm not soliciting in anyway, but ***FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS*** Some diser's are interested in the extra pages I have, my plan was/is to list them on ebay, but since they are wanting to see them, am I allowed to publicly post a link to my album??? I'm not sure since they are "going" to be for sale, eventually, and I don't want to do anything I'm not suppose to do!!!
 
wendypooh said:
Yes, I actually thought at first you were your photo of Roy!!! I guess I took your post the "wrong" way.......... at least I hope so!! ;)
Roy, bless his sweet soul, was our resident "wetherman' for the WL FAQ thread; I am it's FOUNDING member. Unfortunately, he lost his long battle with cancer a little over a year ago, but he will not soon be forgetten. Majestic (aka Fred) designed that thing in my siggie, and wee original group of "WL VETS" had it there for a year to honor him, butr, alas, I cannot bring myself to delete it.... :rolleyes2

wendypooh said:
...It wasn't meant to describe me. However, if YOU think it means that I'm adorable, loveable, sweet, and just plain cute.......... well, then I CLEARLY :rotfl2: misunderstood!!! LOL

...of course! :teeth:

wendypooh said:
.... consider it hormonal :crazy: .......... and lets get back to AKL and zebra domes!!! :flower3:

....::yes:: Here, here! I'll drink to THAT.... :drinking1 !!
 
WendyPooh, I love you your scrapbook pages for AKL. They look so professional. You are very talented, the tree of life is my favorite place to sit, rest, look, and photograph. I am sure your pages are even more beautiful in person. So when will they be available to purchase? Thank you for sharing. :thumbsup2

Tinknme- What a great write-up on the lodge. I hope everyone who comes to this thread will see that. Thank you for posting it.

I really want everyone to know that all the rooms are really nice and comfortable. If you can afford to stay in a Savannah view or upgrade to concierge that is wonderful. However, if that is not possible there are so many things to see and do, so many viewing areas, activities, wonderful food and exceptional CM's that everyone can enjoy their visit regardless of the location of their room. I would hate to see people feeling that they can't enjoy AKL without a upgrade view location.

Scoutsmom - I have my DH working on finding the picture as we speak. :wave: He is such a sweetie, he will have to post it to a web site so I can upload it. Have never been able to do that in the past so I will have a bit of learning to do tonight. :goodvibes

Have a great afternoon everyone. I have place out a plate of zebra domes, some fresh-pressed coffee for those of us needing an afternnoon pick-me-up, and some fresh veggie with dip. Enjoy!

Angel
 
Status
Not open for further replies.












Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top