Just back from 1st AKL trip *WOW* lots of Disney magic on this trip

[mrszrw]

We just came home to snowy Delaware last night. The AKL was great I', ready to go back again.

I booked at standard room we were upgraded to a savana view. The Cm at the front desk told me to always book the cheapest room and expect an upgrade. He said if you don't get one ask. If they have it you will get it. I'm sure this is not always true I'm just repeating what he told me. After having a savana view I don't know that I can chance it by booking a standard ever again, DD3 loved waking up have having the animals right there waiting to see her.

Buses were great

the only thing about our stay that they could have improved was The Mara- food was not that good-only a few choices
the value resorts have much better food courts.

we did have a lot of magical moments on the short 4 day trip

Friday
-upgrade at Akl
-DD3 was 1/4 inch to short for Star Tours at MGM. She didn't cry but you could tell she was sad. The Cm let the 3 of us ride all alone and the turned off the movement and we just saw the movie part. they let her push all the buttons to close the doors. when we came out all the Cm had signed a b-day card for her.

-on the animation tour the artist gave her the copy of goffy that he drew.

Sat.
- dd3 was able to jion in the parade not once but twice.

Sun.
-cm gave dd3 a minnie pin as we entered the ak.
-phone call from Goffy to sing happy b-day while at imagination in EPCOT.
-phone call from goffy again in Lecelliar (spelling?) in cananda. she also got free desert and a b-day card.
-dinner at the garden grill was great we saw each character at least 5 times. I'm so glad I picked that rest. I also had Chef-Mickeys book. Chef-M is great but much more crowded.

Mon-

we had a nice relaxing day until the very bumpy flight home. must say it is the worst flight I have ever had. they never even served any drinks because the couldn't. the poor girl in front of me was so sick most of the flight. lucky for me DD3 slept the entire time.

any questions feel free to fire away.

 

[Muffy]

Welcome back! I'm so glad you had a magical stay at AKL!

 

[PartyOf5]

We were at AKL for Christmas and I have to agree with you on two points...AKL is wonderful and Mara could certainly improve their food court. It would have been nice if they would have the option of serving plain pasta for the kids. But the Mickey waffles were great!

I'm so happy you had plenty of magical moments! When we were at AKL, CMs gave two of my children (the 3rd does not collect) a free pin on two different occassions, "just because."

Thanks for reporting back...welcome back to snowy New England!

 

[Selket]

So glad you had a wonderful trip! We too were upgraded to savannah view without asking on our August trip. It was wonderful but I'd stay there in a standard room because the resort is so great.

I do agree with you about Mara. Neither child was wild about the food - why can't disney do plain noodles? carrot sticks and dip? Even plain rice would be better than endless mac n cheese, chicken fingers and french fries. I liked their cold sandwiches myself but the kids wouldn't eat them. We ended up getting some lunchables to keep in the cooler and brought them down with us when we'd get Mara for the adults.

 

[ksc37]

Thanks for posting! We're going to be there on Monday (Can't wait to escape the snow & ice!!), and have also booked a standard room. We are hoping to be upgraded, too... thanks for the information.

You've got me excited for everything (except Mara).

Did you go to Boma at all? We have a 3 year old son and was wondering how it is for children.

 

[mrszrw]

we did not do Boma but I will say it looks great! we saw kids in there we just never went ourselves.

It's not that Mara was bad, it just could have been a little bit better.

 

[Wick]

-on the animation tour the artist gave her the copy of goffy that he drew

I'm happy to see this is still there, the animation tour. I thought I read the studio has been closed.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by Wick
I'm happy to see this is still there, the animation tour. I thought I read the studio has been closed.

It was closed when we took the tour in December. Our guide said that the animators were taking a break since they didn't really get one between Finding Nemo and Brother Bear.

 

[danders2]

Hi! Glad you had a great trip!

I was just wondering. We are taking my daughter down in March for a surprise birhtday trip. I was reading where you got phone calls from goofy and birthday cards. I was just curious, anything special you did to get these, or were they just the luck of the draw?

We go to Disney every year, and while we always have Disney Magic, we have never had Birthday Magic!! I would love for my daughter to enjoy this type of special treatment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,
danders2

 

[MEM]

We ate at Boma this past August and my kids 7 and 8, found plenty to eat. They enjoyed the well-done end of the prime rib, the mac cheese, potatoes with Afritude, flatbreads, watermelon and the desserts. I always encourage my kids to try things from the big buffet since pizza, chicken, fries and PBJ get boring.

 

[milmore104]

I totally know what you mean. We were there this past Oct. It was our second time at the AKL. We find it hard to pick any other resort. We just get home and want to go back! Glad you had a great time. But you should have tried BOMA. The food is unreal. We ate there several times w/ our 2yo DD. She liked it. They do have a little buffet for people who don't want to try the African stuff. Next time your in WDW you have to try it!

 

[mrszrw]

low crowds and Birthday buttons from GR at each main gate ='s b-day Magic. make sure your child gets a button as you enter the parks. Cm's saw the button and created the magic for her.

I hope this helps.

 

[beezbaby]

Jeez..wonder if we should have paid the cheaper price for the standard room..we paid for the savannah view. We are staying at BCVillas for 2 nights and AKL for 3 nights...I hope AKL is as wonderful as it sounds! We are leaving Sunday and hoping to only have warm weather..its -20 here in MN!! I SAID -20! We are real anxious to leave this artic tundra and get fresh air. Thanks for the info.

 

[Tinkbell]

Glad to hear you had a great trip!