Just booked AKL!

[Asuneda]

We're very excited to be returning to WDW! We just moved back to Texas last month after 6 months in Celebration and are already returning! Call us Disney nuts.

We've never stayed at the AKL, just visited for breakfast and dinner. Does anyone have opinions on the rooms? How about transportation?

 

[Candice30]

we loved our room. i know a lot of people think that the lighting is too low but i love the mood it gave the room. in the daytime it wasn't an issue because the sunlight off of the savannah was so bright. at night, it was very relaxing and the few animals that were left out at night on our savannah usually slept right outside our room so that was neat. the rooms are very comfortable and the furniture beautiful.

as for transportation, not sure if you mean to the parks or the resort. to the parks though, same as other deluxe resorts. one bus stop and since the resort is isolated, we had a bus to ourselves. some parks seemed a little farther to get to from AKL but not long at all. we are planning a trip in july/august 2005 and i will be there again. have fun!

 

[primgirl]

We are thinking about upgrading to AKL and I have a question about transportation too. Are the AKL busses as crowded and overpacked as the value resort busses? We stayed at ASMo two years ago in Jan. and we were packed in like sardines. It was really horrible, especially since our kids were toddlers and had to be held while we were standing up.

Thanks

 

[pumpkinboy]

Upgrading to AKL is sooooooo worth it. AKL is the first and only stop for the buses, and I don't think any of the buses we were ever on were very crowded. IMO AKL's transportation is among the best at WDW, despite the seemingly remote location. It is now our favorite resort.

Oh and primgirl, I for one would have stood up so that you could sit down holding a small one. I don't know where some folks learned manners, but remaining seated when a mother is standing holding an infant or toddler is just inexusably rude.

 

[primgirl]

Thank you pumpkinboy, that makes me feel so much better!

 

[johnsonet]

AKL is divine ! I'm going on Friday for 5 nights on the Concierge level (my Christmas present) and am beside myself !! The pre-planning team is awesome and the Sunrise Safari is amazing! I've also stayed in a regular savanna view room and it was terrific. I recommend requesting Zebra Trail so that you aren't on the other side of the resort from the pool, restaurants, fitness center, etc. I highly recommend a savanna view for your "first time" ; although I'm crazy about concierge and am able to stay there...I would stay in a regular, standard view room at AKL in a heartbeat. The resort is FABULOUS!! Congratulations~

 

[cranbiz]

I too, just got back from AKL. Can't say enough good about it. We did not use Disney transportation, but saw the busses frequently at the lodge and they were never crowded.

 

[vjc715]

AKL was wonderful! Our room was quiet, and the lobby was gorgeous. They even have a circle fireplace in the lobby that is wonderful to sit by and have a hot chocolate after a long day.

Our room was on the 3rd floor, Arusha Savannah Zebra trail view. PERFECT! The only thing was it a long walk to the room, and the hallways seemed a bit narrow. I would suggest spending the $$$ on bell services to bring your luggage to your room if you are down aways. Otherwise, we didn't mind walking from the lobby to our room, but with our luggage, we were pooped.

The lighting is a bit dim, but it added to the warmth and coziness the resort provides. We had a fridge in our room, also the room had a blow dryer. Plus BOMA had a wonderful breakfast. Out of any of the food courts I've been to, I liked MARA the best! It's large and has a great variety. Everything was always well stocked!

I would agree...for the 1st time a savannah view is a must. But I wouldn't have a problem with any other view from this hotel. I was pleasantly suprised!

We had a car, so I couldn't tell you about the transportation busses.

 

[LibertyLover]

My DH and I loved AKL the first time we stayed there and are returning in January with his daughter and our daughter. It will be both the girls' first trip to WDW and we wanted to show them the best it has to offer. Since my stepdaughter has a degree in marine biology and my daughter (2 years old) loves animals, the AKL will be perfect.

 

[hezreck]

We just stayed there the first week of Dec. The busses were great. the only time we had to stand was coming back from the MVMCP one night. The rest of the time we were seated no problem. Have a great time you will love it.

If you have kids, make sure you make time to do some of the kids activities at the resort. They get a bead when they participate and can make a cute bracelet with all of them. My DD loved it!

 

[ahoff]

We had a great time at AKL in November. Loved the lodge, we stayed at CL, did the Sunrise Safari, had a wonderful time.

Was not that pleased with the buses, seemed we had to wait a long time for them to show up, in both directions. Was only crowded on the late return from MK, which was open until 12 during out stay. Other times not crowded at all.

 

[snow1459]

The buses were great when we were there in October. The only crowding we had was at 4-5:30PM, when the AK closes. The buses swing in there to pick up people at closing time. One other time was coming back from Fantasmik when every bus to everywhere was packed.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

We had no issues with the busses at all. We found them very easy. We used the bus as well as our rental car.
We enjoyed AKL. The walks around the grounds were very nice. Very nice resort!

 

[jimmiej]

We're very excited to be returning to WDW! We just moved back to Texas last month after 6 months in Celebration and are already returning! Call us Disney nuts.

We've never stayed at the AKL, just visited for breakfast and dinner. Does anyone have opinions on the rooms? How about transportation?

Welcome back to Texas & the DIS!

DW & I will be staying at AKL for the first time in February. I recently changed our ressies from POP. Really looking forward to it. DW doesn't know. I'm going to surprise her.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

AKL is the only resort we'll stay at anymore. We've spent our last 7 family trips there and I'll even stay there while in Orlando on business. As everyone has said previously, the buses run frequently and we personally have never run into an overly crowded bus. As you know, the restaurants, especially Jiko, are outstanding. We can find any negative about the AKL and believe me, except for the value resorts, we stayed at them all. We just made reservations today for February as well, just in time to thaw out for a week.

 

[golfgal]

We just booked for May 30-June 4 at AKL. We are thinking about doing concierge level after pricing out the MYW with a meal plan it is less expensive to stay there. My question is if we eat a good lunch in the parks, is there enough food on the dinner buffet to fill you up? We thought we could do the breakfast and dinner in the lounge, plus having access to the juices, etc. Thoughts?

 

[leighe]

We love, love, love AKL! The decor of the rooms is just perfect! I love the carved furniture and the mosquito netting above the beds. The whole resort is exotic and romantic. It's my favorite resort by far! I'm a little sad not to be staying there on our Christmas trip.

I also think the transportation is some of the best on property - and I used to stay at the Poly all the time! Buses go directly from the resort to the park - directly from the park to the resort. (But then I don't mind the buses at all - some people hate to have to use them.) We never waited more than 10 minutes from a bus and almost always had a seat - unless we were leaving MK at closing or something like that.

You are going to have a great time!

Be sure to try a Victoria Falls Mist at the pool bar. Yummy!

 

[johnsonet]

golfgal AKL Concierge is great!!
The evening offerings are not meant to replace dinner, although sometimes if you've had a big, late lunch it would be perfect. But they are appetizer-like items;
There is a lot about concierge that sets it apart from a regular stay. More than just breaking even on the food, as many talk about. I would try and get the very best rate you can and then take full advantage of the Itinerary Planners (they made my town car reservations, Priority seatings, etc.); The lounge is also wonderful for , well, lounging so I wouldn't recommend a commando-style trip
Good Luck!!