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

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hi all, hope there area at least some stale zebra domes left over from Friday's role call...

kimmar- congrats on finishing your paper-isn't it great to be done a big paper!. (I'm doing a master's degree in nutrition and health and I know being in school as an adult can be really great but also challenging w/ all your other responsibilities so once again cograts...

wendypooh- thanks for the info on all the activites-I've definately noticed the times changing each time they are posted along w/ some activity changes...Is that 14 age limit set in stone for the Adventure Camp? (How about if I sign up say three kids... a 14 , a 12 and an 11 and I show up? Doesn' it all balance out? (DD doen't want to do it -she said she'd rather be with us -which I guess is kind of sweet

As for the coffee makers( can I bring my own java ) and do they have cups in the room (i'm sure they do but are they AKL cups) or is this a great excuse to buy AKL mugs in the Zawadi Marketplace (or when DH isn't looking the cups could mysteriously dissappear only to return at the end of the trip....)

My ADR window opened today and I got all kinds of good stuff including a dinner and breakfast at Boma and a dinner at Jiko.

I also got a 8:00 reservation at Donald's Breakfast at 8. (What time do you think I should have my brood on the bus to get there on time_I know its only a 5 minute ride but I'm concerned about how often the buses will be riding that early before park opening....

It seems like you're all going so soon ...Isn't anyone going late fall/December like me?

Bon Voyage and Have a blast to anyone going soo...there better be some seriously detailed trip reports...

Patricia

 

[Plutofan1]

We have an ADR for Boma at 7:00 so we think we'll miss the storytelling (how long is it). Will there be stuff to do between 4 and 9 besides the storytelling? Is the storytelling worth eating at 9:00 to see (9:00 ADR is availible). Thanks.

 

[John's Mom]

Each time we have been to the storytelling it has been different. Most of the time the stories were geared to young children. A few times the CMs would tell stories about their home in Africa (what it is like to live there, their schools, etc.). I wouldn't change my Boma reservation to 9 p.m.

 

[gems_smiling]

Plutofan1 - there's the Animal Viewing With Night Vision at 8:30-11:00pm which is good. I'm not sure if i would change ADR to 9pm, that's late (depending on when you are used to eating) and its a big gap from 4 - 9 to fill. I have never done the story telling so dont know how long it lasts but maybe you could go along at 6:30 to the story telling and if they have not finished by 7:10pm then leave and go to Boma. Once you get to Boma you will probably be given a buzzer and asked to return when the buzzer goes off (takes about 10-20mins for it to go off).

 

[GEM]

Can you still get Zebra Domes in the Mara??? Please tell me yes! I need a nightly fix, and I can't afford to eat at Boma every night of our trip . . .

 

[wendypooh]

We have an ADR for Boma at 7:00 so we think we'll miss the storytelling (how long is it). Will there be stuff to do between 4 and 9 besides the storytelling? Is the storytelling worth eating at 9:00 to see (9:00 ADR is availible). Thanks.

Also, just as a reminder.......... the times are NOT set in stone. You would need to check the activities board in the lobby for correct times for that day. I was told by a CM that the times can change for things on a daily basis. If I were you, I'd keep your exsisting reservation at Boma.

Wether you are dining or not You can always call AKL from your resort and ask about activity times for that particular day, if the times work out for you then you can always go over for the activity. **( I think If you call from your resort, the front desk can just transfer you -- at no charge to your bill.)

 

[wendypooh]

Can you still get Zebra Domes in the Mara??? Please tell me yes! I need a nightly fix, and I can't afford to eat at Boma every night of our trip . . .

YEP!!!!!!!!!! I got them and brought them back to my room, they keep nicely in the fridge. They were really a nice treat at the end of each day!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Do all the rooms have a fridge in them?

Yes, every room has a fridge and a coffee maker. The do supply coffee packets as well. There are glass cups in the room. They do sell coffee cups and mugs at Zawadi Marketplace.

I read somewhere that most of the smoking rooms are in the pool view, is this correct?

It is my understanding that the smoking rooms are on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Ostrich and Giraffe Trails. Now wether those are pool view or not -- I do not know. ALSO, I want to point out that I do NOT know this for certain, it's only what I've been told / read here on the boards.

I request a non~smoking room due to my sons severe allergies/asthma and on my reservations it does say "Guaranteed Non~Smoking" due to allergies.

My reservation also states on it that our NON-smoking room is Guaranteed. My DS has to use a nebulizer 3 times a day for breathing treatments. I was told by the CM that while they normally do not guarantee request, medical reasons are almost always guaranteed or other arrangements are made.

The only reason I ask is we booked a pool view and was wondering if you would still be able to smellt he smoke, ect.. through the halls or vents?? Thanks so much in advance!

I cannot answer that one.

If you think it may be a problem, you can call and ask. I personally think you'll be fine though. I"m sure you won't have any problems at all!!! Have a great time.

 

[wendypooh]

Hi all, hope there area at least some stale zebra domes left over from Friday's role call...

wendypooh- thanks for the info on all the activites-I've definately noticed the times changing each time they are posted along w/ some activity changes...Is that 14 age limit set in stone for the Adventure Camp? (How about if I sign up say three kids... a 14 , a 12 and an 11 and I show up? Doesn' it all balance out? (DD doen't want to do it -she said she'd rather be with us -which I guess is kind of sweet



Patricia

The Adventure Camp does look fun........ I'd love to do it too!!! LOL AND the cookie painting......... sheesh, I'd like to do the Primal Parade too.............. Oh well............

 

[wendypooh]

What activities are there for kids (ages: 14,13,13,11,9,9,6,6)? We will be visiting AKL one evening for Boma. What time does the storytelling start? Is there anything else to do between 4:00 and 9:00? Thanks!

REPOSTING for all those who are interested. HOWEVER --- PLEASE check the activities board near the front desk for correct times!!!!!


Activities

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Actvities:
-Horticulture Activity 9:00am Arusha Rock (Every Wednesday)
-Flamingo Activity 9:30am Flamingo Pond (Bead activity)
-Animal Tracking Activity 11:30-1:00pm Arusha Rock (Bead Activity)
-Arts and Crafts With Lifegaruds 12:00pm Uzima Pool Deck
-Medallion Rubbing 12:30pm Lobby
-Cookie Decorating 1:00pm Boma Restaurant
-Spirit of Africa Art Tour 2:30pm Ogun's Firepit
-Garden Safari 2:00-4:30pm (Bead Activity)

Afternoon Activites
-African Games or Crafts 3:00pm Uzima Piool Deck
-Culinary Tour of Africa 4:00pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 3:45 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Jiko Podium
-Music of the Savannah 5:00pm Sunset Savanah Lounge (Bead Activity)
-Family Fun and Games 6:00pm Contact Lifegaurds for more info
-African Folktales 6:30pm Arusha Rock Firepit
-Wildlife Games 7:15pm Sunset Savanah Lounge (Bead Activity)
-Primal Parade 7:50pm Zawadi Marketplace
-Cultural Safari 8:30pm Sunset Lounge
-Animal Viewing With Night Vision 8:30-11:00pm Uzima Savanah


** Adventure Camp Info **

AKL Adventure Camp...$70 (includes $30 cost of ostrich egg). Children 6-14 will love this interactive adventure. Camp includes real ostrich egg painting, private Lodge tour with special animal viewing, and buffet lunch (not in Boma, but includes sandwiches & wraps) overlooking the Savannah. Currently takes place on Wednesday.

 

[GEM]

I'd love to see some brief descriptions of some of those activities if anyone has done them - just to know what some of them are like. I know about the Cookie Decorating, the Primal Parade, African Storytelling, and the Cultural Safari - but I'm wondering what some of the others involve.

 

[plutospup]

Way to go Kimmar!!!!!!!

Re: smoke smell...We had a pool view room on Zebra Trail. There was no hint of smoke at all. The pool view rooms are very convenient to the pool, hot tubs, Boma, The Mara, and Jiko.

 

[ppony]

It seems like you're all going so soon ...Isn't anyone going late fall/December like me?

Me me! Mid Dec. for us! Hey, it won't be stinkin' HOT for us anyway. And holiday decor will abound! LOVE Dec. in FL!

 

[Angel16]

Going to AKL for two nights as a reward next weekend- no kids. DGrandmother, DSis, and I. Name the top grownup things you would do -in or about the lodge. We have a deluxe savannah room-
can't wait to hear from you all!

Hi Mickeyworld, Welcome What a great trip you will have three gals enjoying AKL. There are so many things you can do. They had a spa that you can enjoy numerous treaments. Their pool area is lovely and you can see quite a few animals from viewing areas around the pool. There is a lounge you can have a drink in or you can order from the poll bar. Be sure to look around the lodge. It is really beautiful, all the hand-carved wood work and art work. Here are some activities during the day that you may be interested in.

-Horticulture Activity 9:00am Arusha Rock -Flamingo Activity 9:30am

-Spirit of Africa Art Tour 2:30pm Ogun's Firepit

-Culinary Tour of Africa 4:00pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 3:45 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Jiko Podium

--Animal Viewing With Night Vision 8:30-11:00pm Uzima Savanah

Please check times of above activities when you check in. They change sometimes daily.

Be sure to have a meal at AKL either Boma or Jiko is excellent. Check out the Zawadi Marketplace. It is the largest "gift shop" of any Disney resort.

Make sure to take the time either early morning, late afternoon 3:30 ish or at dusk to enjoy your savannah balconey. Animal watching with a cup of coffee or a nice drink is some of my favorite things to do. It is also intersting to watch the animals during the rain. When we were there last October they really had run in the rain. They were running and playing or just grazeing enjoying the coolness.

Have a wonderful time together and please come back here and let us know how the trip went.

Angel

 

[AKLGoofy]

Hey folks, me again. Just stumbled across this online and hadn't seen it posted here in my short tenure. I know I would have found it informative in my early planning stages and others may as well. It appears to be some type of resort map with all the locations and room numbers on it:

http://www.explorethemagic.com/images/maps/disney-world-animal-kingdom-lodge-map.jpg

Doesn't mention anything regarding smoking/non but at least it gives folks an idea of room number vs. location.

Bob

 

[disneytraveler]

Getting closer to my September safari to the Akl. I received my finalized plan
from Juanita of Akl IPO . Its looking good and i am glad i chose the platinum plan. All adrs are done as well to. Cant wait to take the Sunrise safari and have a armotheraphy facial at the sauna. I will being seeing Wishes at vip seating and go on the Illuminations cruise to. .

Just staying at the Lodge gives me good feelings. After having dinner at Jiko
last year and just relaxing there, then i decided i must stay here the next time i go to Wdw.

 

[kimmar067]

....Glad you are back! What was your paper on??

Effects of Journal Writing in the Mathematics Classroom ...It was actual scientific research, write a literature review (find 11 written sources of prior research on this subject), where I had to devise 9 data-collecting instruments (like surveys, rubrics, questionnaires, assessment, etc.) gather the data, do an analysis of that data, and detail a 3 to 5 page action plan on what I am going to do as a result of the findings. It really was like a thesis.....

 

[kimmar067]

Hi all, hope there area at least some stale zebra domes left over from Friday's role call...

.... ...don't worry, I missed it, too.....

...kimmar- congrats on finishing your paper-isn't it great to be done a big paper!. (I'm doing a master's degree in nutrition and health and I know being in school as an adult can be really great but also challenging w/ all your other responsibilities so once again cograts...

Patricia

...I totally can relate! ...And, good for YOU!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Congrats, Kimmar! Here in Michigan they have to not only be able to do the math, but explain how and why on our state tests. Due to that fact, journal writing includes math at least one day a week in the morning, along with any writing we do during actual math class. You took on a great project!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, along with Mr. Ankole cattle, Mr. 'Raff, and Mr. River Hoggy!

 

[ktink]

Ktink, we just got back AKL concierge level 9 days. DS13 & DS16 did not know where we were staying. We pulled up to the gaurd DH handed the lady our confirmation with a note on top that it was a secret she played along we drove to the front the bellhop came to the window and asked if the Shuttleworth Safari was ready to began. DS13 eyes were so big and smiling so big you could see his tonsils. DS16 was shocked!!! it was the greatest!!worth all the pain and suffering of not telling them!! We planned it the first of Feb and did not go until June 3!!!!DH is starting to plan for next year he is hooked!! [/QUOTE]


Wow, you can REALLY keep a secret! I have decided that I'm going to keep it from them until we get there. The only thing is w/ ME but they still won't find out that way until we are at the airport. Oh, I can't wait Right now they think they've figured it out. DH had thought we were staying at WL and I "Tivo"ed WL on Great Hotels and insisted that we sit down and watch it. The entire time DDs and DH were eyeing each other and smirking