Just back from AKL... my thoughts

kakiax

Earning My Ears
Joined
Nov 18, 2001
Messages
70
well home in the cold northeast after many hot days w/ the Mouse!! AKL is where our crew, 4 adults, 5 children, landed for the last 3 days of the trip.

Loved this place:)

The lobby is stunning; warm, inviting, appealing to the senses, and definetly takes you to Africa. CM at front desk helpful and nice.

Our room was towards the back and overlooked one of the holding pens; saw a couple giraffe but not much else. Next am asked about a room change b/c we had requested connecting rooms w/ my brother and they could not accomodate. So I decided to ask about a room change to different view. Very accomodating and still found us two rooms next to each other. Much more activity and no holding pen. I have to say I was reluctant to leave the room so I wouldn't miss any animal activity.

Room overall was nicely themed, comfortable, roomy enough for the 5 of us.

Mira (?) had a good selection of foods, great wines and beers, and the african stew was awesome! A bit slow to get order but overall very possitive experience. Again, CMs very friendly.

Pool was great; looks like a watering hole. zero entry is the best for small children and I would look for this feature in a pool for future stays. Slide a bit tame for my daughters taste.

the lookout points, the fire pits, and the night vision googles are a must to do. Many interesting and fun activities and game for the children. wish we had more time to hang at the hotel and soak in all it has to offer.

the CMs here were all wonderful. I had read some posts about rude CMs at AKL but I feel every person I came into contact w/ was friendly and accomodating. Many are from Africa and it was interesting to talk to them about the animals and plant life.

I will definetely stay here again and would highly recommend it to both families and couples.

oh and Jiko was tastety, Boma for breakfast was very good, and the wines are worth the trip!

FYI few bugs here so if you're sensitive bring spray.

And yes, you get an occasional smell of animal, but who would go stay at a place called AKL and not expect to experience all the great savannahs have to offer
;)

Any q's let me know.

Kim
 
Wonderful, glad you enjoyed it!

I love the smell when you walk in the AKL. Someone had a thread about when "you know you're at Disney". This is one of my things. That lobby just takes you away.

We spent Thanksgiving weekend there last year. We'll probably stop by and visit this year to see the tree and all. It's a very unique design and lodging experience.

We had the Monk fish and some sort of steak at Jiku. Very impressive, and the service was awesome. Boma is always an experience with all the unique entres. We'll be returning there as well.
 
Is there a place to view the animals just by visiting the AKL or do you actually have to stay there to get to the viewing areas?
 
They have an observation area called "Arusha Rock" that is directly opposite the main entrance to the lodge. It's also a gathering area. They have CM's who provide educational discussions of the animals there. There are CM's who tell stories around a huge fire pit and is a wonderful experience for "lodge loungers". You have an excellent view from Arusha Rock and there are areas where guest can get some great photos. The only warning I would give is that once you go, you will be compelled to stay in the future.
 

Thanks for the info. We are taking a short trip to Disney in Jan and staying at CBR but would like to see what AKL is like for a future visit. Now that my husband and I live in FL and have AP we will hopefully be making many visits.
:sunny:
 
I had the Monk fish too! very good. and the spring roll things were great.

I have stayed at many a disney resort, as a kid, adult w/out kids, and w/ kids and one thing for me is to "feel" the resort. This is a place you feel. WL was the other. We had the option this trip of doing the CR for same rate and I just couldn't do it even though the monarail would have made a trip w/ 5 kids much easier. I just didn't think I would "feel" the resort. I know, I'm kinda strange!!
 
Originally posted by kakiax
I had the Monk fish too! very good. and the spring roll things were great.

I have stayed at many a disney resort, as a kid, adult w/out kids, and w/ kids and one thing for me is to "feel" the resort. This is a place you feel. WL was the other. We had the option this trip of doing the CR for same rate and I just couldn't do it even though the monarail would have made a trip w/ 5 kids much easier. I just didn't think I would "feel" the resort. I know, I'm kinda strange!!

I know, kakiax, just how you 'feel'!! (just couldn't resist! -hee-hee!)
 
We will be there in a few weeks, and look forward to seeing all AKL has to offer. Thanks for your post Kim.
 

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