just back from AKL

[Alice42]

Hello! We returned yesterday after 4 wonderful nights at AKL! This was our first time staying there and it was magical. Here are my highlights:
1) Our room-2513 overlooking the Arusha savannah, zebra trail. we had a king bed room, non-smoking. Loved the room and the view. I really missed the tip for today channel, so we watched it in spanish.
2) The lobby-gorgeous, gorgeous, and gorgeous! The Christmas decorations were up the first 2 days of our arrival. We loved the smells in the lobby and the music (african drums?)
We also frequently sat by the fire in the evening to warm up our feet!
3) The night vision goggles at the Arusha outlook! You have to try this if you haven't already! Very cool
4) The jacuzzi!
5) Boma and Jiko were wonderful!
6) Bus service was surprisingly timely!
7) CM's were great

The cons:
1) We requested turndown service one night and never received it.
2) The animals were often on the other side of the savannah-I almost wish I could've requested the other side. Good thing we brought our binoculars!
3) The plumbing. We heard toilets flush and showers running at all times of the day while we were in our room.
4) Lots of kids yelling and running up and down the halls.


Overall, we had a WONDERFUL time and would definitely stay there again!
Any questions???

 

[Pig Pen]

We will be there Feb 1 - Feb 4 for a quickie trip. I know we will love it!

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Glad to hear you had a good time. AKL is my favorite resort.

 

[disnemimi]

Thank you for all the information. We will be going to the AKL for our first time the week of Feb. 9th. I have not requested a particular view, but thought the Zebra Trail, Arusha Savanna one of the best, but sad to hear you didn't see many animals close up. Maybe I will just let Disney do their magic and take my chances at check-in. My question is about the buses. Is there really an incline to deal with coming back from the bus stop to the resort? Also, what is your honest opinion about the bus service;especially to the Magic Kingdom?
Thanks for your help.

Disnemimi

 

[Shells9]

Yes, there is an incline when returning from the buses, however it is pretty gradual. I have had several knee surgeries and never had a problem except from being tired from being in the parks, lol!

My experience with the bus service is pretty non-eventful. Seems the only long wait we have encountered is from Animal Kingdom back to the lodge -- seems like that one is always a wait, but it could just be our timing, too.

Also, believe it or not, we prefer Kudu trail for animals over Zebra or Arusha. We were at the end of Kudu on our first visit and felt we got to know the giraffes on a personal basis. It was so quite we could hear them crunching the leaves. While the variety of animals was greater (or at least appeared to be) on other savannahs, we felt we were closer to them when we were on Kudu trail.

Either way, it is one AWESOME place!

 

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

We will be at AKL for the first time from 4-11 to 4-17 with 2 adults and 3 kids under 10. My only concern is the bus service wait to/from the parks. I may consider driving to the parks(probably not). I know all will be OK.

 

[tigger2on]

We too found that peple were very loud in the hallways. I think they thought the walls were made of steel!!!
In fact we became so tired out after too days, it was ruining our trip and we changed our room to the very end of the building!!!!
From now on we will only stay at resorts with small buildings or make sure we have a corner room, even if it's looking at the parking lot