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

[LAWalz23]

Happy belated birthday, scoutsmom99! I love your birthday present to yourself. I might just do that next year myself.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Ok now on to what I missed:

pixiesnake Glad you had a great trip to AKL. I will keep my fingers crossed that you have are able to convince your hubby for a weekend anniversary trip.
Syrreal Hope you have a wonderful trip
ktink I agree with what Angel posted that you should give up Whispering Canyon for Kona and hit it on another trip. I posted my pics of Kona food in the food porn thread over on the Restaurants Board Here is a link to the Post You vertainly have been on a resort roller coaster. Maybe you need to show the little ones the video of AKL from the vacation planning video and some pictures...Don't forget that ASMO does not have a pool slide and the AKL pool has the nice zero entry feature as well. Whatever happens I know you guys will still have a great tripOT: I have to say I like your Keith Urban tag...I got the a cd for my birthday and I have really been enjoying it.
tinknme If the Kona menu looks enjoyable to you I would go for it.
I Heart Piglet Have a good stay and remember to take pics and fill us in on your stay
taekwondo mom welcome to the Jambo thread. As far as room transfers go just tell them at POP you want to have your luggage transfered to AKL and they will take care of everything for you. Make sure you pack a day bag of what you need as your luggage will not arrive at AKL until between 1-3pm. As far as room suggestions I think Zebra trail is a nice location (close to the pool and mara).
BraveMom3 Enjoy your night stay at AKL
Princess Dinah Welcome to the Dis and the Jambo thread
LAWalz23 Welcome to the Jambo thread I will keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers. I'm gald we are able to help you de-stress.
Kimmar How is your planning coming have you booked all of your ADRs?

Ok I think that covers everything

 

[scoutsmom99]

Happy belated birthday, scoutsmom99! I love your birthday present to yourself. I might just do that next year myself.

Thanks

 

[ktink]

Scoutsmom, We have been on a resort rollercoaster. We did sit down and watch the new planning DVD and the kids do want to stay at Music now. We also went to allears.net and watched all the slideshows. I'm trying to look to the bright side of this and remember how MAGICAL our first stay was and how wonderful we thought Pop was. Those were the days before I found dis and became such a resort snob, imagine what kind of monster I'll turn into once we do stay deluxe. But we are very excited that my parents are coming along and if that's what it takes then it serves a good purpose.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Scoutsmom, We have been on a resort rollercoaster. We did sit down and watch the new planning DVD and the kids do want to stay at Music now. We also went to allears.net and watched all the slideshows. I'm trying to look to the bright side of this and remember how MAGICAL our first stay was and how wonderful we thought Pop was. Those were the days before I found dis and became such a resort snob, imagine what kind of monster I'll turn into once we do stay deluxe. But we are very excited that my parents are coming along and if that's what it takes then it serves a good purpose.

Ktink-I think that is wonderful AKL will always be there for a future trip and you can always stop by and check out the grounds and animals for something to do with the kids. That is so awesome your parents are able to go. I would love to get my grandma (maternal) to WDW and bring my dad back (he hasn't been in about 10 years), but I have not been able to do it yet..so I know what you mean when you say if that is what it takes. Hopefully, we will still see ya around the parks

 

[taekwondo mom]

Quote:taekwondo mom welcome to the Jambo thread. As far as room transfers go just tell them at POP you want to have your luggage transfered to AKL and they will take care of everything for you. Make sure you pack a day bag of what you need as your luggage will not arrive at AKL until between 1-3pm. As far as room suggestions I think Zebra trail is a nice location (close to the pool and mara).

Thank You Scoutsmom!!!! Great info..

I'm really lovin this thread.. :

 

[kimmar067]

Well part of me is on due to the fact that my parents and DNephew may be going to the world w/ us this Sept. But DN and now my youngest have seen pics of ASMO they are DN 6 and DD 5 and they want to stay there. It's true the larger than life theming really appeals to the younger children but I have my heart set on AKL. Papaw, my dad, will hear nothing of staying anywhere but where the kids want and I agree w/ that to a certain extent. Now DH has realized we'll save around $900 and is on the bandwagon w/ the grandparents. I thought this was all set in stone but it is really making me sad. My oldest DD has been looking at all the planning w/ me and has become quite the little resort snob, like me, DH says we need to quit being so critical of the All Stars. All he sees is $$. But we'll see what happens. I told my parents the free dining has to be booked by June 4. Wish me luck. We've changed resorts so many times and I really want to go w/ AKL but DH says maybe we'll stay there instead of the Poly when we go in Feb 07, men, they just don't get it.

...just tell 'em that you and your DD will meet them in front of MK/Epcot/MGM/AK first thing every morning...... But, seriously, how about a split-stay?? I've done it and it's not that bad - REALLY! Then everyone is happy!

Lisa ~
I made my ressies but I might change them again..... WHo knows? Just color me FICKLE !!

 

[plutospup]

Brave mom 3 We are leaving in 13 days for AKL for 9 days. Our 2 boys don't know where we are staying it is a total surprise. We want to wait until we arrive to tell them. Any suggestion since you are surprising yours also?

Last year DD8 kept guessing where we were going to stay. All I would say is..."Maybe we are, and maybe we aren't". When we arrived at the airport DW "let it slip" that we were staying at All Star Music . As we drove toward AKL we kept passing signs for All Stars. DD8 was convinced that's where we were staying. Finally, when we passed the All Stars exit, I pretended that I accidentally missed it. Shortly thereafter we came upon AKL! I asked DD8 if she would rather stay at AKL. She was thrilled, and quite surprised!

 

[AKLGoofy]

OK folks, I've been reading stuff all OVER the web and this seems to be one of the most active boards for "Disney Experts". I am, therefore, begging a small amount of your time and attention in helping me insure as perfect a surprise for my wife on our 10th as possible.

First let me appologize for not using (or caring to learn) all the acronyms you all seem so fond of. The only ones I know are GF (Grand Floridan) and AKL (Animal Kingdom Lodge). Guess I'm just too old, but I like to actually be able to read things...

That aside, this trip is to be a surpise for my wife. We have lived in Florida for 10 years and got burnt out on Disney loooong ago (long lines, traffic jams, etc.), prior to the Animal Kingdom area opening. When it opened, the wife began dropping hints which I dutifully ignored until she moved on. Allowing her to think me an uncaring cad was not fun, but necessary. We are leaving Florida for good on June 1 (not soon enough for me) and I'm sure that, while she has a clue that she'll need the week of July 4th off, she probably thinks we're going to Ireland or maybe on a whale watching cruise or something.... certainly NOT returning to Florida. Sneaky devil, ain't I...

Anyway, I have pre-paid a Concierge level room at AKL for July 2 - 8 with the Magic Your Way Platinum Package. I tried to make the reservations online at Disney's website, but kept having trouble so I just called. The reservations person told me that the Platinum package and concierge level rooms gave me access to itinerary planning assistance and that all I had to do was call a number and someone could help me plan every detail of the trip (i.e. dining reservations, special events, flower deliveries, etc.). This was just before the end of April and everything I had read told me that I was waaaay behind the curve on trying to get certain reservations and so I was anxious to get with my "personal planner" and get things set. The reservations person said if I had any trouble to call them back and they would try and help.

When I tried the number I had been given it turned out to be for the GF planning folks and the person I spoke with gave me the correct number. At that point things went downhill quickly... I tried for 48 hours to actually speak with someone.. anyone... I left messages with return call numbers and times my wife wouldn't be here to intercept. I tried speed dialing repeatedly... they NEVER answer the phone, period. Apparently their service is based on outbound only... anyway, I eventually called reservations back and the only thing they could do was try the same number... with the same results. They suggested I just start making my own reservations by calling things individually. Sadly, I'm not a "Disney Expert" and have no clue as to what all is available, what things are possible and what aren't as far as time to go between "here and there", etc.

I did finally suck it up, ran out and bought a Birnbaum's and started trying to do my own "planning". The second place I called to try and make a reservation, I was getting depressed and told my story to the person on the phone... I know she wasn't there for that, but .. it was a good thing I did. She asked me to hold and about 30 seconds later my "angel of mercy" came on the other end. I don't know just what her primary job function is, but I'm betting she's way up the food chain from your normal "planner". Autumn proceeded to do a VERY professional job easing my concerns, taking me through step-by-step on what could be done and what couldn't, what was available, what we might want and things we should probably skip. It took about 2 hours but when all was said an done, I finally believed I had a truly "magical" experience planned.

Eventually I DID receive an email from "Sue" at AKL conierge and she and I have a fine tuned a couple things. You STILL cannot get a live human on the phone, period.

So, I now have the limo's, various flower deliveries, private fireworks boating, special spa treatments, etc., etc., etc. What I DON'T have (and where you fine folks with all your knowledge and experience can help me), is certain knowledge on what concierge room to try and get. I realize it's pretty much a crap shoot... from al I have read on various boards and in various reviews there are some really BAD experiences out there at AKL and I want to try and avoid that if at all possible. I'm dropping probably somewhere around $15,000 on this and I don't want it to be spoiled by having to return to a room that overlooks the freakin' dumpster or something.

While price is not really a problem, I refuses to pay the exhorbitant amounts they want for their suites (knowing what you get for your money), just as a matter of principle. So, I'm stuck in the single room scenario. We won't realy have THAT much time in the room anyway, but I want to at least TRY and make everything as perfect as possible for the wife. She is a REAL animal lover (we have 5 critters we care for) and the whole reason for choosing this (aside from her earlier hints) rather than the GF (where I KNOW how to get excellent service), is so that she can have lots of animal viewing. I have seen a wide variety of first hand reports and suggestions but rarely do those suggestions link the concierge floors with specific viewing areas. I tried to read this thread but my eyes glazed over quickly (just WAY too much "gushing" for me, sorry) and so if this information is to be found here already, please accept my appologies in advance.

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I know I can't ask for a specific room. What I want to do is be armed with information if we show up and get put in a worn down room overlooking the parking lot and I have to put the wife in the lounge with a glass of wine while I go and try to wheedle my way into something more appropriate for an anniversary trip. I already have my backup plans for leaving the place all together in the event of impasse' on room changes but am still fairly clueless on what to at least ask for in room location for our current reservation.

Thanks in advance for anything you might offer.

Bob

OH, terribly sorry, I suppose I should put one of thse things in here, too. Hmmm... how about:

 

[John's Mom]

Bob,

It sounds like you are planning a wonderful anniversary surprise for your wife.

When we have stayed on the concierge level, our rooms were located on the Arusha Savannah, Zebra Trail. This is the main savannah overlooking Arusha Rock. The restaurants and pool are on the Zebra Trail side of the building.

The concierge level offers a Sunrise Safari (AK/breakfast) and a Sunset Safari (AKL/dinner). Both safaris are great experiences. Check with the concierge staff to see if there are any openings for these safaris. They are really popular.

Jiko, Boma and Mara are all great places to eat. For a romantic dinner, make reservations for Jiko--excellent food and great wine. Boma has great dinner and breakfast buffets. Mara is a counter service restaurant.

I hope this helps getting you started. If you have any particular questions, feel free to ask. There are plenty of AKL lovers here to assist you.

Kathy

 

[AKLGoofy]

Thank you kindly for your information. We are already reserved for the Sunset Safari on our last evening which includes the dinner at Jiko. Afterward we'll be limo'ed over to Ft. Wilderness for a carriage ride.

The Arusha savannah seems to be where we would want to be then. Something tells me this will be sheer luck if I pull this off, but I can only try. Now, should I call the reservations folks to have them make some kind of note or send email to "Sue" at AKL concierge office with that request? Something tells me that if I just walk up to the desk on arrival and ask I'm going to be SOL. From what I've seen, the 4th of July week is more than extremely busy and I'm sure that all rooms will be spoken for...

 

[TinkTatoo]

We will be staying for our first ever AKL stay in December - I changed the ressie from Pop and it is just the kids and I (DH can't join us until after we have moved to the Contemporary) and we are really excited.

We are staying for 5 nights and I wondered what activities there are for kids to do in and around the resort (sorry if this is posted somewhere within the previous 148 pages )

 

[John's Mom]

I "myself" would call the Concierge staff. But you could call or email them.

Tell them you would like to make requests for your room. Since you are celebrating your 10th anniversary, you really want this to be a trip you and your wife will always remember.

5th Floor, Arusha Savannah, Zebra Trail
Smoking or nonsmoking
King or two queens

I always felt better when I talked to them directly. Occasionally, I would email them about some reservations I wanted, and Don would call me almost immediately.

Any more questions?

Good luck!

Kathy

 

[tinknme]

Bob I have no advice beings I have never stayed concierge, but I just wanted to say that what you are planning sounds wonderful! Your dw will be so surprised Wish my dh would surprise me with something like this

 

[tinknme]

Hello & welcome! Here are a few activites that might interest your children:

**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.


I am surprising my 2 ds with a stay here, they think we are staying at PC. I can't wait

We are staying for 5 nights and I wondered what activities there are for kids to do in and around the resort (sorry if this is posted somewhere within the previous 148 pages )

 

[tinknme]

I received my dvd's today that I purchased on Ebay.The ones I have watched so far are awesome! I am watching FOTLK right now. Feel like I am cheating though, beings I have not seen this yet lol Oh is it Oct. yet

 

[kimmar067]

Bob ~

First and foremost, let me give you a big "JAMBO!" to our neck o' de woods! [insert smilie HERE: ] Boy, it sounds like you are OOAK ["One Of A Kind"] and your wife is a very lucky lady! There are 2 major things to consider when requesting a concierge room - 6th floor rooms have views of the Sunset Savannah (on the left, or 'above' the check-in counter) or the pool area (the section over Boma). The advantage to a 6th fllor room is that it is the floor with the concierge lounge and NO ONE but concierge guests may access this floor. For a slightly BETTER view, you can request 5th flloor - Zebra Trail, but when you want to visit the lounge, you must use the elevators or the private staircase. Be assured that you definitely WILL NOT get a view of the garbage cans, parking lot, or any other less-tha-desireable view....and CONGRATS on your 10th anniversary!

 

[Cass]

Hey Bob, if things don't work out with your current wife, will you marry me?

 

[Angel16]

WOW !!!!! After 2 days I finished reading all 147 pages..
I wanted to say Thank You to everyone for the great info and wonderful pictures...

I booked our first Christmas trip Dec. 17-19 Pop... Then moving to AKL Dec. 19-25 ( DD13 Christmas present)..What is the best way to transfer resorts.. ( no car)


I only have one concern . I have to use a ecv due to back problems I can only walk a short distance, So any room suggestions.. ( I booked savannah view and requested non smoking)

Thank You..

First Welcome Taekwondo! I just wanted to address your ECV use at AKL, and maybe set your mind at ease. My DH used one on our last visit due to leg problems. The AKL is very user friendly for ECV's. You will be able to place your ECV in the room over next to the TV. Just make sure you set up the area first for the charger and a plug near by. I would request a room on the main savannah not too far from the lobby.

The only problem we ran into at AKL is the elevators are very quick to shut. It was good that I was there as I could hold the door while DH pulled into the elevator. Everyone was very nice and we never got any strange looks. My DH can walk, just not for long distances.

I hope you have a wonderful vacation.

 

[AKLGoofy]

Thank you for your advice, but I'm afraid that the concierge folks do not answer the phone, at least that has been my experience. I tried calling a few more times after talking to my "angel of mercy" and always the same response, no matter what time of day. I will try the email, though, at least I have gotten what I THINK are non-canned responses that way (our Sunset Savannah reservation).

I read somewhere that this is extremely busy for them and there are only 3 folks working there or something... rather odd for a known situation to be so poorly anticipated by one of the world's leaders in service... but what do I know...

Hopefully "Sue" will respond in a couple days or a week and let me know if there's anything she can do.

As to additional questions, actually, yes. I have heard that there are areas at night that have employees standing around with night vision glasses for your use. Do you know how late in the evening they are available and if, with appropriate large amounts of money of course, one could possible "rent" or reserve a set for a week? I think Susan would really enjoy that after soaking in the tub post-activities for the day.

Thanks again

Bob

I "myself" would call the Concierge staff. But you could call or email them.

Tell them you would like to make requests for your room. Since you are celebrating your 10th anniversary, you really want this to be a trip you and your wife will always remember.

5th Floor, Arusha Savannah, Zebra Trail
Smoking or nonsmoking
King or two queens

I always felt better when I talked to them directly. Occasionally, I would email them about some reservations I wanted, and Don would call me almost immediately.

Any more questions?

Good luck!

Kathy