Just back from AKL-Good and Bad

[Luv2trav]

Good
-Resort is beautiful.
-Mara food was good
-Pool was EXCELLENT.
-Cookie Decorating. My 3 year old loved it.
-Very relaxing resort.
-Rooms were clean. Not very big but we knew that before hand.
-Valet Parking! Loved it! We didn't do this at the POLY last year and we will never go back now.



Bad
-Our Savannah view was horrible. We paid 25.00 night to upgrade to this view and I would NEVER do it again.
-Our room was the furtherest room away from the Pool. We had orginally booked pool view and now looking back we wished we would have never upgraded. Pool view would have been perfect for us.
-BEDS. Very dangerous. Our 3 year old slipped off the bed and split his lip open.

OK
-Housekeeping, they were OK nothing great. We had 1 towel animal but that was it. We requested turn down 1 night and it was very nice.


We didn't get to try the transportation because we rented a van and we didn't try Boma or Jiko because with 2 little ones it wouldn't have been worth our while.

Ending remarks are: We would definately do this resort again but we would never pay the extra cost for Savannah. The animals were great but the AWH factor wore off quickly. I would have been HIGHLY upset if I paid over 200 a night for this view and received the view that we received. We really enjoyed the pool area and thought the overall feel of AKL was very relaxing. HOWEVER that being said I still perfer POLY over AKL anyday!

Wendy

 

[ufgator]

Thanks for your review. What room/area did you stay in that you didn't like the view? Why was the view bad? Sorry you didn't like your view. DH and I are staying there for the first time next month. Thanks for any info.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

We've almost never gotten towel animals, and have had many, many WDW stays. In fact, we've only gotten them twice--once in BC concierge and once in WL concierge. I have found them a rare occurence so I am happily surprised if one appears when we return to the room.

 

[dawgsgirl]

We stayed at the AKL for one night on Sat Feb 12 to start off our trip. We were upgraded to a savanna view from standard. The savanna view was from one of the little wings that jut out in the back. Our view was mostly of a people pen. Now I understand what they are. Anyway, I would have been really ticked off if I had paid for a savanna view and got this. The pool area was very nice and we enjoyed our dinner at Boma. We did not do any parks, just hung out and enjoyed the resort. The night vision goggles were cool, but I somehow thought there would be more animals in the middle savanna. The room was small! We were glad we experienced the AKL, but were happy to leave the next morning and head to our off-site condo! Don't flame me! We are not hotel people and find it much more pleasant to be offsite where we can spread out and not feel so cramped!

 

[Luv2trav]

I didn't expect towel animals either... They are just a nice bonus. Actually I really enjoyed the turndown service. It's nice to have the room freshed up after we get back from the parks. We tend to go through a lot of towels with 2 little ones.

I'm sorry I forget the name of the room area but our savannah view was of sunset savannah and the people right across the hall had Arusha Savannah(much better view). However, I still feel the Savannah view regardless of which savannah is overrated.

 

[Luv2trav]

We stayed at the AKL for one night on Sat Feb 12 to start off our trip. We were upgraded to a savanna view from standard. The savanna view was from one of the little wings that jut out in the back. Our view was mostly of a people pen. !

This was exactly our view. We checked in on Sunday Feb 13th perhaps they gave us your room..

 

[Luv2trav]

I just kept kicking myself that we paid to upgrade to that view only to find out we would have perfered the pool view... augh! frustrating.

 

[dmslush]

I'm not understanding what was dangerous about the beds, how did you son cut his lip? (it has been several years since i have been there, and don't remember much about the beds)

 

[nwdisgal]

I've viewed the People Pen before - but it was when I had a Standard and they gave me a complimentary upgrade to Savannah. I am surprised they gave you that particular view for a paid upgrade.

 

[DisneycrazedX6]

The bellhop and myself went to four different rooms and views before I was happy. I paid for a savannah view and I was sure going to get a good one. My first one was a view of the fence way out back,the second of the rock,the third was the people pen and then finally I got the main savannah. The resort was nice but I probably won't stay there again....unless there is a really good rate!!!!

 

[Luv2trav]

Ok maybe it wasn't the people pen because I am not sure what that is but it was a view of a fenced in area with the animals on the outside of it. Considering the cost of the room was roughly 145.00 a night I wasn't going to gripe too much.. However the walk was a killer! I needed the exercise anyway.

 

[nwdisgal]

The people pen has people grazing in it - you can't miss it (I'm kidding!) Actually, I think I was told it is some sort of evacuation pen? It a circular concrete area with a fence around it. You can see a feeding area, barn and animals (mostly flapping birds as I recall) in the general area. I remember there was an AKL facts and tips thread on this board that had some real good info. about room location and best viewing venues for different types of animals. Then armed with that information, you can put a request on your room ressie but you know "it's only a request and you might not get it" yadda, yadda, yadda. Anyway... that's what I know.

 

[Luv2Roam]

The people pen is where they stick guests who use refillable mugs from previous trips! As you could see-- it was empty!

 

[nwdisgal]

The people pen is where they stick guests who use refillable mugs from previous trips!

Or taking too many pickles from the condiments bar to make a salad.
I'm glad Disney is finally addressing this subject and locking the people up accordingly

 

[Ladyhawke10]

The people pen is where they stick guests who use refillable mugs from previous trips! As you could see-- it was empty!

I heard they will start to use it again once they have the mug barcode system in place!! Until then, those who try to pool hop are rumored to get put in there, wet bathing suits and all!

 

[eeyore45]

Love the opinons, and esp the reasons for your report!! Thanks!! I'll store the information!!

You know I recently returned from a trip to Texas, stayed at a comfort suite hotel, and I got TOWEL ANIMALS!! I was shocked, went to the front desk to compliment the housestaff, and mention, it was like WDW towel animals... and sure enough they were learning how to do towel animals, and were glad I appreciated them!!

 

[nwdisgal]

And we wonder where the word "mug shot" came from?

The pool hoppers have a nice large concrete spot to dry off on . I hear they have a great all you can eat alfalfa hay bale buffet out there too so you better make your 'PS' now.

 

[Peter Pirate]

If you feel the savannah view (no matter which savannah view) is overated then it is clear to me that you are truly not an AKL person. I would suggest you continue with the Poly (since you stated that you loved it) and suggest that you try WL for a rustic hotel.

The pool view rooms at AKL are ridiculous, IMO. Most views are obstructed and it's senseless to prefer viewing humans (mostly fat & pasty white humans) over animals while at this resort. If this is your preference then the BC/YC would be a much better choice (more pool rooms; more overweight, pasty white humans).

As for the towell animals, ENOUGH OF THIS CRAP! The mouskeepers get so little respect, are tipped by only a small percentage of resort guests and yet are supposed to be the 'special magic' givers to every room at every resort...And wish your kids happy birthday to boot! It isn't their job and it's sad that because of these boards every single person who reads it expects it.

Iyiyiyiyiyiyiyi. The AKL is not perfect, just like every other resort. It is intended to give an African based animal experience, complete with African art, African CM's, African cuisine and African ambiance. It doesn't offer surrey bikes, or water sprites. There is no jogging trail or tennis courts. There is, however, a working wild game preserve surrounding the resort.

Some rooms have better views than others, but all (savannah) rooms have an equal chance of having a great animal experience. If this (an animal experience) is really what will float your boat, this is the place. If you prefer the traditional Disney Magic, don't come to this resort.

 

[*Fantasia*]

The people pen is where they stick guests who use refillable mugs from previous trips! As you could see-- it was empty!

I'm glad Disney is finally addressing this subject and locking the people up accordingly

 

[Luv2trav]

If you feel the savannah view (no matter which savannah view) is overated then it is clear to me that you are truly not an AKL person. I would suggest you continue with the Poly (since you stated that you loved it) and suggest that you try WL for a rustic hotel.

Geez taking my observations a little personal huh? I never said AKL was "THE RESORT" for me. I was giving it a try... and YES if the POLY had rates of 120.00 a night I would have choosen it over AKL. That being said I would go to AKL again if the price was right. However, is it my favorite resort? NO... If price wasn't a factor then I would have stayed a the POLY unfortunately for us it is a huge factor....

As for Pool view I realized on this vacation I actually enjoy the sounds of children playing at the pool. Plus I DO enjoy pool view it sure beats the hell out of dirt road and tree... with the occassional ostrich or giraffe that you have to get up at 6 am to see!