Just Back - Quick Review

[loafskier]

Four nights at AKL...lllloooovvveeeddd it! A little out of the way but because the buses are dedicated to only that resort it really didn't take much more time to get around. The pool was much quieter than WL (where we stayed last year)...I think the out of the way factor means less pool hoppers. I would wake up earlier than the rest of the family, sneak out, and walk around drinking my coffee and watching the animals nibble their breakfast. It was the most relaxing part of the trip...my secret pleasure

Boma was probably the best buffet of all of the buffets after two trips to WDW...great variety and flavor. Chef Mickeys was highly over rated...the lunch we had at Crystal Palace last year blew it away. The atmosphere just didn't do it for us. Hoop Dee Doo Revue was the hightlight of the trip...great food and fun (admittedly a little corny, but really fun) and I cannot get that song out of my head 5 days later!

It was our first time on Mission Space,Test Track, RNRollercoaster, TOT, EE...loved every single one...great theming and a thrilling ride on all. Soarin was good but I would rate the others better...more excitement and better theming and story. Oh, a little secret, go to MGM during super soap if you want short lines...it opened earlier than normal (8am) and the rides were empty until 10:30, you just had to navigate around the autograph lines to get around the park.

So, that's the short version. Let me know if I should elaborate on anything.

Kate

P.S. Time to start planning the next trip

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Thanks for the review. I got news for ya - we saw the Hoop De Doo Review 15 years ago and I still have the song in my head! My husband and I still sing it all the time! Hoop De Doo...Hoop De Doo....make it stop!!!!!!

That's what you have to look forward to!

 

[loafskier]

Luv Bunnies...thanks for the warning!

My dh and I were wondering...is the Hoop Dee Doo the same show they used to have in the Golden Horseshoe back in the '70s. We vaguely remember something similar when I was there but I was only 7 so I'm not sure...the show sure seemed similar. I fugured maybe they expanded it to a larger venue in the 80s.

 

[Disneenut]

Boma was probably the best buffet of all of the buffets after two trips to WDW...

I agree 150% the best buffet at WDW!

Our honeymoon was in October... Only problem is me and the DW are STILL craving it

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome home, start that planning.

 

[kaybird]

Luv Bunnies...thanks for the warning!

My dh and I were wondering...is the Hoop Dee Doo the same show they used to have in the Golden Horseshoe back in the '70s. We vaguely remember something similar when I was there but I was only 7 so I'm not sure...the show sure seemed similar. I fugured maybe they expanded it to a larger venue in the 80s.

Loved the golden horseshoe, but hoop dee doo has it's own venue in Fort Wilderness. Same basic idea, but dinner theater style, with family style servings.

 

[Indy's Girl]

I have a question about AKL. I had heard that they had started renovations on the upper floors for DVC, was this going on while you were there? If so did the construction cause any problems such as noise? Thanks so much!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

what did you not like about chef mickey or what was over rated about it? It was so hard to get ADR's for this too!

 

[DisneyDadof3]

what did you not like about chef mickey or what was over rated about it? It was so hard to get ADR's for this too!

Good question - we finally ate there for breakfast in June - OUTSTANDING! All I heard was how good it was and it was better than advertised on our visit. Everyone has different perspectives though.

I agree that Crystal Palace is also very good. We like Liberty Tree Tavern as well.

 

[loafskier]

Indy's Girl - I did not notice any construction at AKL, we were on the 5th floor (the second to the top) on the pool side and heard and saw nothing related to constructions.

DisneyDadof3 - I just didn' think the food at Chef Mickeys was very good, not alot of variety and the roast/prime rib was not very good - overdone and dry. I also didn't like the low ceilings...I felt like I was in a school cafeteria, and the tables were very close. The hordes of people waiting for a seat just took away from the atmosphere. We saw all of the characters, some more than once, but they seemed pretty rushed - just a second or two at our table and then off to the next. The whole experience just seemed noisy and rushed with not very good food.

 

[loafskier]

Oops...last part of last post should have been addressed to NeverBeen2DW - sorry for the confusion.

 

[Indy's Girl]

for sharing your experiences!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

We are going to see Chef Mickey on our last full day so I may play that one by ear and see if he is still interested in Character events as our trip progresses. Thanks for the input!

 

[AJMlovesRLM]

Does the Hoop Dee Doo Review show also include dinner? We are going to the 7:15 show on Friday, Jan. 12th (which is also my son's 5th Birthday!) and I am starting to plan the specifics of the day.

 

[loafskier]

Yes, it does include dinner, lots of dinner. All you can eat corn bread, ribs, chicken, beans and strawberry shortcake. Also, it's all you can drink beer, wine and drinks for the kids. If you have fussy kids...like I do...the waiter can hook you up with a small cheese pizza.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and tastiness of the food...it was all very delicious...I couldn't stop eating the corn bread!

Have a great time and enjoy the show!

 

[ps17]

We'll be at the AKL in a 8 days.

How are the pool temps?

 

[loafskier]

I was there Nov 10 - Nov 14, and the pool temps were warm enough for my New England family. However, as soon as the sun goes below the lodge (around 4pm when I was there) it gets VERY chilly. I would try to enjoy the pool in the early to mid afternoon (sometime before 3pm) when the sun is highest and pool has full light.

AKL is awesome...enjoy your trip.