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

[ppony]

Hey Angel-we'll be there December 14-21-ppony-how about you?

Dec. 8-18 We're arriving at WDW on the 8th but not moving up to AKL until the 14th (though...ahem, I'm probably gonig to move that to the 13th. It's not too hard to bend my hubby's arms to get more time at AKL ) and we're leaving WDW on the 18th. If I didn't already have my airline tickets I'd probably add another day or two. sigh
MMMMMMM....zebra domes!

 

[tinknme]

Hope you are feeling better soon

Doing some catch up here. In between being sick and not being able to get on to the resorts board due to the server being so busy (I can't even get the more smilies to pop up now) I'm still back on 177. Work was a killer this past weekend and I was supposed to be in today but I ended up calling in sick (I really am sick have a slight temp and a terrible sore throat), but I feel gulity none the less for calling in. Ok on with the show:

 

[ktink]

Scoutsmom, hope you're feeling better. The server busy message is driving me insane as well.

I'm so excited ya'll only 76 days left.

 

[dreamer423]

Can I join in???

My first stay at AKL in Dec. Had drinks and dinner at Boma in Feb and fell in love. Must say, having been to Africa as a backpacker and lucky enough to stay in different safari lodging, this really feels real!

We're celebrating DS 5th bday. He's growing up way too fast.

I've got Lots of family coming and we're so so excited even though it's a short trip.

Ds can't wait to see animals from ihs balcony!

Loving reading this thread slowly slowly. Thanks for al lthe great info!

 

[ktink]

Can I join in???

My first stay at AKL in Dec. Had drinks and dinner at Boma in Feb and fell in love. Must say, having been to Africa as a backpacker and lucky enough to stay in different safari lodging, this really feels real!

We're celebrating DS 5th bday. He's growing up way too fast.

I've got Lots of family coming and we're so so excited even though it's a short trip.

Ds can't wait to see animals from ihs balcony!

Loving reading this thread slowly slowly. Thanks for al lthe great info!

Wow, I would love to go to Africa and experience the real thing!
My youngest just turned 5 and we are celebrating her 5th and oldest 10th bdays for our upcoming trip. Although they are still unaware of where we are staying

 

[Nancyg56]

Can I join in???

My first stay at AKL in Dec. Had drinks and dinner at Boma in Feb and fell in love. Must say, having been to Africa as a backpacker and lucky enough to stay in different safari lodging, this really feels real!

We're celebrating DS 5th bday. He's growing up way too fast.

I've got Lots of family coming and we're so so excited even though it's a short trip.

Ds can't wait to see animals from ihs balcony!

Loving reading this thread slowly slowly. Thanks for al lthe great info!

Wow! The closest I will get to a safari is AK, and the next best lodging will have to be AKL.

I know that your DS will love the lodge, my DGD was 4 and she loved to sit on the balcony and try to identify the animals from the guide provided. My DH and I would meander out by Arusha rock and could hear her from the 5th floor as she exclaimed over each animal in her view. You could not have chosen a lovlier place to enjoy a family gathering.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Doing some catch up here. In between being sick and not being able to get on to the resorts board due to the server being so busy ...

PracPerfPatricia I would be out for the bus by 7:30 to get to AK and allow time to walk to donalds. Ususally the bus sits at AKL and AK for awhile before it goes back.
:

scoutsmom-thanks for this info... I'll make sure we are all down by the bus stop by 7:30 with smiles on our faces and songs in our hearts...

I'm looking forward to Donald's Breakfast despite mixed reviews since DS (will be 4) loves Donald...and it is the closest Character Breakfast to AKL...Actually was't the AK build as a playground for the AKL... ...

Anyhow-Asante (Thank you)-unfortunately for my kids we were at the zoo last week and I picked up some kid's African culture book and there is some basic vocab...like Jambo (hello, of course), rafiki (friend), kwaheri (goodbye) and the previously mentioned asante (thank you)...that is what happens when your mom was a teacher in a prior life...everything becomes an educational opportunity...

 

[NJBILL]

scoutsmom-thanks for this info... I'll make sure we are all down by the bus stop by 7:30 with smiles on our faces and songs in our hearts...

I'm looking forward to Donald's Breakfast despite mixed reviews since DS (will be 4) loves Donald...and it is the closest Character Breakfast to AKL...Actually was't the AK build as a playground for the AKL... ...

Anyhow-Asante (Thank you)-unfortunately for my kids we were at the zoo last week and I picked up some kid's African culture book and there is some basic vocab...like Jambo (hello, of course), rafiki (friend), kwaheri (goodbye) and the previously mentioned asante (thank you)...that is what happens when your mom was a teacher in a prior life...everything becomes an educational opportunity...

here is a link to online conversion of african to english words
http://www.freedict.com/onldict/afr.html

 

[ktink]

Well I'm in need of a zebra dome fix. I'm the only one here in our dept today, there are 3 of us in Operations (bank). Anyway as you may already know Operations deals w/ balancing internal accts, general ledger, and well just dealing w/ problems and correcting them, as well as many other tasks. Anyway it has been WILD today it has been one thing right after another, in fact I really don't have time to be posting this but I feel better already. Hope to see ya'll soon.

 

[gems_smiling]

Hello everyone, Just wondering what time does everyone go to the bus stop in the morning to get to each of the parks for 9am opening?

 

[Cyndo723]

I have 2 roms at Pop Century booked for the free dining Sept 13-17 for myself, DH and 2 17 year old girls for 4 nights. My DH has decided that we should upgrade. He enjoys early morning walks, and relaxing around the resort, and Pop just doesn't seem like his kind of place. My choices are 2 rooms at POR or one room at AKL. Are the rooms at AKL roomy enough for 4 adults? I've never stayed here before and love the idea of staying at a deluxe. The cost of one room at AKL would actually be about the same as 2 at Pop.

WendyPooh - I also bleed purple and gold in the land of the Ragin' Cajuns.

 

[tinknme]

I think you should go for the 1 room at AKL That helped you alot didn't it lol

I have 2 roms at Pop Century booked for the free dining Sept 13-17 for myself, DH and 2 17 year old girls for 4 nights. My DH has decided that we should upgrade. He enjoys early morning walks, and relaxing around the resort, and Pop just doesn't seem like his kind of place. My choices are 2 rooms at POR or one room at AKL. Are the rooms at AKL roomy enough for 4 adults? I've never stayed here before and love the idea of staying at a deluxe. The cost of one room at AKL would actually be about the same as 2 at Pop.

 

[ktink]

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to some of you but I'm seriously considering going back to a moderate, CBR in paticular. I'm thoroughly embarrassed that I can't make my mind up. Really what has happened is a friend of mine is at CBR now and she emailed me and she LOVES it. Our kids are about the same age and they love the pool. I really want to stay at AKL but we could save $450 by staying at CBR and that $ could go towards our flight. The $ really isn't an issue it's just the guilt factor. I'm such a tightwad and it's killing me to spend so much on this trip I think that's why I keep going back and forth.

Scoutsmom, Can you help me out? I know you love CBR but aren't the rooms about the same size?

Another lady that I work w/ is a DVC owner and has stayed at many resorts she is telling me that she would go w/ CBR because she knows me really well and she thinks it is more of my taste. The family still has NO idea where we're staying and to be quite honest I think I've made them about sick talking about it all the time. Any opinions are VERY welcome.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hey everyone. I went to work today I felt better and my fever was gone. Nothing like having a cough and runny nose in the middle of June when it is almost 80 out!

tinknme thanks for the well wishes
dreamer423 to the thread. That is so awesome that you have been backpacking to Africa. I would love to visit Africa someday.
PracPerfPatricia glad to help and nothing wrong with picking up some more lessons as far as I'm concerned!
NJBILL that is a neat site. Thanks for sharing
gems_smiling For parks other than AK I would say at least 45 minutes ahead of time.
Cyndo723 to the thread. I of course like the idea of AKL, the rooms will be larger than the ones at POP and slightly larger than those at POR. The other thing to mention is that AKL does not have a walking path at it (I suppose he could walk the halls or do laps around the pool though).

 

[scoutsmom99]

Ktink Thank-you also for the well wishes. I can't belive we are in the 70s already

I don't work at a bank, but I work in retail and I know it seems everything comes at once (customer isssues, register malfunctions, etc). Seems like lately we are either dead or up to our eyeballs with customers and paperwork.

On to more pressing things the rooms at CBR and AKL are like the same size CBR 340 vs 344 at AKL(unless you are doing deluxe at AKL). It is really hard to say which you should do. I hear you about it being expensive $450 isn't too much of a difference, but it is a a lot of money you can put towards other trip things or other items you may need. hmmmmm

Do I remember correctly in you saying that you might be heading to WDW in Feb 2007? I would say if you are looking at value season time in Feb to do one resort now and the other later.

If you like tropical FL theming you will just fall in love with CBR. Yes it is more spread out, but I kinda like that. They have a lot to do at the resort pools (7 total (6 quiet one theme), water mice, boats, nice walking path, good foodcourt, beaches (w/hammocks), a few playgournds, you can see Illuminations at night, and of course beautiful landscaping to mention a few things. The only thing I can say is that the main theme pool is not huge and there is only one hot tub. The bus service is good at CBR as well. The resort is centerally located. MGM is about a 5 minute bus ride, Epcot about 7-8 minutes, MK 10 min, AK/BB 10-12 min, DTD/TL 5-7 min. The resort also offers an internal shuttle that goes around just the resort.

If you are thinking about CBR and do not do the preferred room put a request in for Jamica buildings 44, 45, or 46. They are close to the Jamiaca bus stop (usually the first pick-up and first drop off...unless you are headed to DTD/TL). and they are also close to the bridge that leads to Old Port Royale (food court, pool, shops, Shutters, etc). I hope this helps you some

Here are some pics you can look at that I have posted:
Pics 1
Pics 2
Pics 3
Pics 4
Pics 5
Pics 6

 

[dreamer423]

Thank you all for the lovely welcome. I've just done our ADRs and a couple of the GG experiences. Don't know how I'll make it to December.

The best part of this is-I'm done planning DS' birthday party. The reason I'm is that I live in a place where birthday parties are routinely for the while class, plus last year's class, plus the parents etc etc. and anyone who invited your kid

I don't know what to do with my time now that I don't have to organize 45 party favors and food and drink and activities for those 45 and their parents.

I guess I'll concentrate on ...welcome bags, group t-shirts ... Any suggestions welcome. My desire far outweighs my talent!

BTW-I am so thankful to have had the experiences I had in Africa. Truly opened my eyes to the world. Never mind the crazy experiences, beautiful country, wildlife...

 

[ktink]

Scoutsmom, Thank you so VERY much Like you said when DH and I go in Feb we will want more of a romantic resort and I'm thinking AKL for sure on that trip. Those pictures were great and once again, I really appreciate all of your help.

 

[Angel16]

Thank you all for the lovely welcome. I've just done our ADRs and a couple of the GG experiences. Don't know how I'll make it to December.

The best part of this is-I'm done planning DS' birthday party. The reason I'm is that I live in a place where birthday parties are routinely for the while class, plus last year's class, plus the parents etc etc. and anyone who invited your kid

I don't know what to do with my time now that I don't have to organize 45 party favors and food and drink and activities for those 45 and their parents.

I guess I'll concentrate on ...welcome bags, group t-shirts ... Any suggestions welcome. My desire far outweighs my talent!


BTW-I am so thankful to have had the experiences I had in Africa. Truly opened my eyes to the world. Never mind the crazy experiences, beautiful country, wildlife...

Welcome Dreamer423, Glad you are joining us. I think most of us would love to visit Africa in person. Some of us are unable to at this point in our lives and some of us can't due to health restrictions. I would love to hear all about your travels and experiences as I am sure all of us would.

As far as welcome bags and group t-shirts, check out the Disney store. Another good place is Sears they have Disney clothing. You can have welcome gifts sent either by the Disney Florist http://www.disneyflorist.com/ or Ferlpegs site she is a fellow DISer. her site is http://www.peggyssweetsandmore.com/ When are you going in December? We will be there the first part of December.

Scoutsmom, I am glad you are feeling better. It is no fun having a summer cold. I am still working on the picture thing, I may be calling for your help. Thank you for your offer.

NJBILL, That is a great site. I will be able to us it for several things. Thank you, glad you dropped in

Hello everyone, Just wondering what time does everyone go to the bus stop in the morning to get to each of the parks for 9am opening?

I am curious about this too. I have not been there during Nov/Dec before. Does that make a difference in how long you before you should be at the bus site?

It is so wonderful to see all the new faces here on the thread. Welcome to everyone.

 

[wendypooh]

I have 2 roms at Pop Century booked for the free dining Sept 13-17 for myself, DH and 2 17 year old girls for 4 nights. My DH has decided that we should upgrade. He enjoys early morning walks, and relaxing around the resort, and Pop just doesn't seem like his kind of place. My choices are 2 rooms at POR or one room at AKL. Are the rooms at AKL roomy enough for 4 adults? I've never stayed here before and love the idea of staying at a deluxe. The cost of one room at AKL would actually be about the same as 2 at Pop.

WendyPooh - I also bleed purple and gold in the land of the Ragin' Cajuns.

LOL ~~ Don't I know it!! DH is actually an USL alumni!!!! (WAAAAAY back when it was still USL!! Our trip is just before yours, we go from the 3rd to 10th. As for the room being of adequate size, I'd say yes, if the girls want to bunk together. The vanity area is big enough for the two of them to "get ready". The rooms are bigger than the allstars!!!! I don't know exact sizes, but they are roomy. DH is SOLD on AKL......... lucky for me!!! It is gorgeous, you'll be SOOOOOOOOOO glad you upgraded!!! If you have any other questions ask away!!!

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Hey everyone. I went to work today I felt better and my fever was gone. Nothing like having a cough and runny nose in the middle of June when it is almost 80 out!

Hey Lisa.......... Glad to hear you are feeling better!!!! I know it stinks to be sick!!! Look at us ~~ We're at 73 days!!!!!

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to some of you but I'm seriously considering going back to a moderate, CBR in paticular. I'm thoroughly embarrassed that I can't make my mind up.

Karen -- You're gonna leave us aren't you!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Seriously, if you feel like you should move to CBR, then you should. That is a lot of money you could use for something else......... like a trip for your 2 princesses to go to the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique........ you could make Ressie's for that and NOT tell them...... what a lovely surprise!!! No matter what you decide to do, just make sure it's what is best for you and your family and at the place you'll feel most comfortable. (In ALL ways)
We'll miss you if you do change your plans, but hey, we'll all be WDW ~~ and isn't that the only thing that matters!!!!

Whatever you do though............. don't TELL!!!! Keep us posted!!!