Just back from AKL

[sjw4870]

Just got back from 7 nights at AKL (well, its been a week now!). This was my second stay at AKL and I just absolutely love this resort. I arrived late so I used some Marriott points and stayed at a Residence Inn just outside of Downtown Disney for the first night. I got to AKL around 9:30am expecting to drop my luggage and head to a park. I had booked a savannah view and had put in a request for Arusha savannah - I was prepared to wait if a room with the view I wanted was not available. I lucked out because there was a room all ready. I was on the 4th floor of Kudu trail, the room was just beyond the elevators (not too far from the lobby, but I wouldn't have wanted to have been much further!).

My previous stay at AKL had been on the 3rd floor of Zebra Trail. The 3rd floor is slightly more convenient as you're on lobby level (therefore, no elevator is necessary to get to your room), but I think I prefered the higher floor for a more expansive view of the savannah (though I know there are many who love the closeness of the 2nd floor).

Housekeeping was great. I am an early riser so I left the room early, once I returned to the room after breakfast and the room was already done and it was only 9:30. I love the smell of the air freshner they use in the AKL. rooms.

Ate at Boma 4 times in 7 days (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners). Boma is becoming my favorite restaurant at WDW.

Spent a lot of time at AKL just relaxing. Loved the Christmas decorations! Also tried to take in some of the AKL activities. Went on the "culinary tour of africa" which took about an hour and gave a behind the scenes look at the workings of Boma and Jiko - highly recommend this!

 

[HughJackman'n'me]

...sounds like you had a great time! That 'culinary' tour sounds interesting. How do you sign up and how much is it??

 

[Tiffany]

Just got back from 7 nights at AKL (well, its been a week now!). This was my second stay at AKL and I just absolutely love this resort. I arrived late so I used some Marriott points and stayed at a Residence Inn just outside of Downtown Disney for the first night. I got to AKL around 9:30am expecting to drop my luggage and head to a park. I had booked a savannah view and had put in a request for Arusha savannah - I was prepared to wait if a room with the view I wanted was not available. I lucked out because there was a room all ready. I was on the 4th floor of Kudu trail, the room was just beyond the elevators (not too far from the lobby, but I wouldn't have wanted to have been much further!).

My previous stay at AKL had been on the 3rd floor of Zebra Trail. The 3rd floor is slightly more convenient as you're on lobby level (therefore, no elevator is necessary to get to your room), but I think I prefered the higher floor for a more expansive view of the savannah (though I know there are many who love the closeness of the 2nd floor).

Housekeeping was great. I am an early riser so I left the room early, once I returned to the room after breakfast and the room was already done and it was only 9:30. I love the smell of the air freshner they use in the AKL. rooms.

Ate at Boma 4 times in 7 days (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners). Boma is becoming my favorite restaurant at WDW.

Spent a lot of time at AKL just relaxing. Loved the Christmas decorations! Also tried to take in some of the AKL activities. Went on the "culinary tour of africa" which took about an hour and gave a behind the scenes look at the workings of Boma and Jiko - highly recommend this!

Sounds like you had a great trip. I cannot wait for our next stay. We are going to have to give some of those activities that they list on the back of the resort map a try.

Was the "culinary tour" part of that? There was no additional fee, correct?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Great review! I am totally with you on wanting the "expanse" of view rather than the closeness! AKL is the only resort where I have never had to wait for a room and always got exactly what I wanted *or more!*

Debbie

 

[sjw4870]

The culinary tour is free. You don't need to sign up, everyone just meets in front of the hostess stand at Jiko. I think it was one of the activities listed on the back of the hotel map that you get when you check in, but I am not 100% sure. There are 2 boards that show the activities for the day. One is to the right of the bell stand in the lobby, the other is near the stairs leading from Victoria Falls lounge down to Boma.

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

Hmmm, the culinary tour is something I'll have to give a try! Thanks for your review; I'm planning a stay there in October.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

We were there also, Nov 19th-21st. This resort is fabulous! I also did the culinary tour and found it very interesting....loved the samples!

And you are right on...I think Boma is my new favortie WDW restaurants. I tried to taste EVERYTHING and loved each and every bite.

 

[skondo10]

Thank you for your great review of AKL. We are heading there in December and can't wait. We have stayed there before but have never done the culinary tour. This is something we would love to try this time but we only have the day we arrive to try it. Do you remember what time the tour started at? Thank you!

 

[KevinFSU]

Will be there in a matter of days.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

skondo-It started at 4pm!

Kevin-I am sorry about your dog!

 

[currycook]

Thanks for the update. I agree strongly with you about Bomo's, what a great place indeed.

 

[kimmar067]

......USED to be offered at WL. The tourguide showed the guests where the giant turkey legs are smoked [in the smokehouse 'out back'], which was follwed by a 'taste test' of some of the culinary perfections offered at Artist Point, including venison and buffalo!

 

[Ever_After]

Just got back from my homeymoon at AKL. Loved it, too!!! This was my 2nd time at AKL. I loved their Xmas tree in the lobby with the African ornaments. Def. my favorite resort now. CM's are wonderful there from the bell hop, front desk, housekeeping, etc. Very helpful with all our wedding stuff.

 

[skondo10]

Thanks wildernesslodgelover. Can't wait to do the tour! It sounds like a great time!

 

[jimmiej]

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to our first stay at AKL in...(see timer below)...

 

[bobcat]

Glad you had an enjoyable trip. I loved the cullinary tour too and would recommend it. Although I could have talked to the chef in Jikos for quite a bit longer than we had. AKL also offers an art tour that I want to try next time I stay here.