Just back from AKL - any questions?

[ADisneygirl]

Wow! We just got home from our wonderful Disney vacation. We spent four nights aboard the Wonder and then we checked into the AKL for three nights. This was our first time at AKL and let me say that we were impressed. When you approach the lodge, it already feels like you are entering another world. The soaring lobby was spectacular.

We arrived early since the ship makes everyone leave before 9am. We were at AKL within 45 minutes, and were expecting to check our luggage and go explore while waiting for a room. To our surprise, they had a room ready! And, more importantly, we were upgraded! Booked a standard room with a Fl. Resident discount and upon check in they said "you've been upgraded to a savannah view". Simple as that. We did not fax any requests, nothing. Just pure Disney luck.

We had room 4377 on the Kudu Trail. It overlooked the same savannah facing the Arusha Rock -- the main viewing area off the lobby. We did have quite a hike to our room, but hey, we weren't complaining. The room as well as the entire resort is very themed. We felt like we were in Africa.

We saw animals everyday; more so in the mornings and evenings. We spent time everyday at the pool, and ate at Boma and Mara several times, enjoying both.

Wondering about anything we didn't like? Well, the room is dark, even with every light on. When you open the drapes natural light fills the room, but with the idea of cameras watching our rooms we only opened the drapes when we were looking at the animals.

Any questions? I'm no expert, but I'd be glad to offer my HO.

 

[Tinkbell]

Welcome back! I love this resort too. Did you use the bus transportation during your stay? If so, how was it? We used it last year and thought it was wonderful.

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

Thank you for the report. We will arrive soon to the AKL and so looking forward to it! I'm curious on the bus situation too.....we have decided to fly and will not have a car.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Our experience with the AKL busses was great. The lodge has their own busses; they do not share their bus with other resorts, so we always got a seat. The longest wait we had was at DTD, and it was 20 minutes. At the resort, we waited approximately 5 -15 minutes for the busses we were looking for.

We only drove our car once, when we went to the Boardwalk. We wanted a direct route, not having to go through changing busses to get there.

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

Thanks for reassuring me on the busses, ADisneyGirl. Did you really enjoy Boma and think it was worth the $$$? Also, how do you think the crowds were?

 

[psar]

Where did you park when you drove to the boardwalk and was there a time limit? Would like to spend some time here and didn't want to get involved with the bus for the evening.

 

[kimmar067]

...so glad you enjoyed your AKL vaca, as well as Boma. It seems that this resort, as well as its eateries, are either a "love-it-or-hate-it" kinda place. I personally LOVE Boma and would eat there again (if I had the chance !)

 

[jadedNYer]

We will be at AKL in ____ days (just want to see my counter!).

 

[ADisneygirl]

A few answers:

Goofy's Friend -- Yes, we enjoyed Boma and felt that while it was a little pricey, the food was unusual and tasty. We ate breakfast there, and the buffet is $14.99 per adult and $7.99 per child (3-11). DS is 13, so he definitely qualified for an adult price! You must try the West African Frunch, a combo juice drink that we all loved. DH, an avid coffee drinker, liked the pressed pot of Kenyon coffee, but I found it way too strong and kept adding more and more cream to it.

Also, don't miss the chicken pepperpot soup. You can get it in Boma at the dinner buffet, but also know that you can get it at the Mara, the casual restaurant near the pool. I think it was a bargain; about $2.50 a bowl. And get some ZebraDomes for dessert in there --- about $4.00 for a container with a few in it. Delicious!

As for the crowds, well yes, they were there. We went to MGM, and it was hot, sticky and humid, but as a transplanted New Yorker, I am getting used to it here in Florida. Just pace yourself, drink water, water, water, and take breaks. We used fastpass for TOT, and Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster, and waited about 5 minutes. Without the fastpass, we waited once 50 minutes to get on that roller coaster, but no line could keep us off! We loved it! Enjoy yourself!


psar-- We parked right in the Boardwalk Inn's parking lot when we visited the Boardwalk. Simply follow the signs to the Boardwalk Inn and when you approach the gatekeeper, he will see your AKL parking pass on your dashboard and wave you in. There is no time limit. We love the atmosphere along the Boardwalk. We stayed at the BI last summer, and hope to get there again soon! Enjoy yourself!

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

Thank you ADisneyGirl........I'm hungry for the soup already! I'm sorry, but one more question. Did you go to a waterpark.....if so, were they unbelievably crowded and does the AKL have a direct bus to TL and BB?

 

[kimmar067]

...did you try the Coconut Tiramisu???!?!?!?! MY FAVORITE!!!

 

[ADisneygirl]

Sorry Goofy's Friend, but we did not visit a water park this time, so I have no info on crowds or bus. (although I am almost positive that I saw a bus that said Blizzard Beach on it while we waited for MGM bus)

kimmar067 -- Yes!! We did try the tiramisu and loved it. I think we tried all the desserts at the Boma dinner buffet! hahahaha

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

thank you

 

[mickey2000]

Just returned last week! I have stayed at all of the resorts including the DVC's and I think AKL is the best. I feel very relaxed there!
And there are a few other reasons as below. I never saw a giraffe sit on the ground before......

Waited for more than an hour for the giraffe to stand!

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[bjb]

Thanks for the great pictures, Mickey2000.

 

[wendypooh]

Hi, could you give some info on your cruise. Cost, room, etc. Thanks.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Welcome back and congratulations on the upgrade!

We stayed on that same trail our last trip to AKL a little closer to the lobby on level three. The view was wonderful.

Glad you had a great time!

 

[ADisneygirl]

Thanks for the warm welcome backs!

Mickey 2000 -- great pictures! Loved the giraffes, but we never saw one sit down before! Wish I could have seen both ships at dock when we left.


WendyPooh -- I posted a trip report on our cruise on this board in the cruise line trip reports section. I will tell you briefly that we booked through AAA and got a Florida Resident price. We had cabin 5638, a navigator's verandah room. It was wonderful to have a room with a verandah! (last summer we had a large window) Cruises are my favorite!

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks......I'll go read it now!!!