Just returned from 6 nights at AKL

[Jackie H.]

We had an absolutely marvelous time! I really decided to post this because of the people who are nervous because of the work being done on the savannahs.

We were there when the work began and it was still going on when we left so I can give you first hand (from my eyes to my brain to my computer keyboard) reports.

They are working on one savannah at a time. Three or 4 CMs told us they would not begin work on a different savannah until the previous one was completed. The work they are doing: they are paving the roads used to feed and check on the animals. The trucks were destroying the land so they decided to pave them. I think they will look like the AK safari ride roads. Not really like roads, but like paths.

While we were there everyone with a savannah view room was on the Sunset savannah. The animals were not taken off that savannah - they weren't working there. The animals were plentiful and close and wonderful. Furthermore, here is an added benefit you won't normally get: they are alternating the animals on the open savannahs! Because the ones in the closed savannah would be put up in the barn for a week, they are swapping them out on the savannah that is open. Therefore, we saw animals on our savannah that would normally only be on the oppisite end of the resort.

How long will it take? We were told they expected 5-6 days on each savannah. Can you see animals? yes, all over the place. Do you see worktrucks and people? Well, yes but just pickups and front end loaders, it's not like the giant crane at MK. There were 2 temporary orange fences, but they should be gone by now. They were there so as to leave the pelicans and flamingos in their water swimming holes but they couldn't wander out into the work area and get run over.

Furthermore, the place was almost deserted except on the weekends, and all the programs, tours and classes were going full force so we had all these wonderful young CMs from African countries almost to ourselves for plenty of interacting - visiting with them was a highpoint for all of us including my kids.

The point: I don't think this refurbishing with mess up anyone's vacation. Go and ENJOY!

 

[KarlainKY]

We're staying there for one night on Oct 10th as a special treat and were worried about the construction. This makes me feel a lot better about it. They might even be done by then it sounds like.

 

[twoksmom]

Thanks for all the info! we leave in just a few days and can't wait to see this resort.April

 

[Muffy]

Thanks for the info on AKL. I was very curious about the work being done there. Even though we won't be there until Jan, I was tring to figure out what they were doing for rehab on the savannhas!

 

[jennymouse]

Thanks for the update, sounds like they'll be done by the time we arrive. How about the rest of your stay....buses, rooms & food all to your liking?

 

[A. Jr.]

Thanks for the info! Seems the more I read, the less concerned and the more excited I become about the AKL.

We'll be there in few more days for the whole week - CAN'T WAIT!

 

[Jackie H.]

Yes, jennymouse, we loved everything about AKL!

We had a bunkbed room overlooking the Sunset savannah. The kids loved the bunk beds. The rooms at any WDW resort are not very large - especially when compared to the Hard Rock Hotel where we stayed the weekend before. But the feeling (ambiance) is so magnificent.

I think every single time we entered the doors I stopped and let the beauty of it sink it. And smell! I can't describe the wonderful smell waffling up from Boma! It was heavenly. Boma was delcious - we ate once at breakfast and twice for dinner. By the way the Boma menu rotates so ask your server when so you don't come on a repeat night. They had a cheddar-cauliflower soup I am still talking about. I wish I would've asked for the receipe!

The bus transporation was great. Of course, it is all buses at AKL. But we never waited more than 10 minutes or so and that time I had a lovely converation with a 9 year old from South Africa! I did wait for about 10 minutes at Typhoon Lagoon to be picked up, but that is all.

The kids loved the pool; there were so many programs: African Storytelling everynight at 8pm; Animal Night Tracking at 10:15pm; Culinary Tours of Africa; Art tours; Pelican Feedings; Flamingo feedings, African knowledge class - I can't remember them all! ( I am at work now, but at home I have a list of them all and if you are interested I can post them here later tonight.)

And the Mara (the quick service food) was good as well. Actually, my son loved this place! I can think of absolutely NOTHING to complain about! We spent a lot of time exploring the resort including going out on most of the fire escape stairs (recommended by a CM - not locked or anything) to see animals.

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Thank you for this great post, I am getting so excited for our upcoming trip to AKL. I am so glad that you had a wonderful time!

I would love for you to post the list of activities, so that I could share them with my DS (11)! He is already interested in the night vision program.

Thank you!

 

[Jackie H.]

My 11 year old son enjoyed the Night Vision Tracking! Hubby & he went out and really enjoyed it - they looked through night vision goggles and had a blast.

Here is the list - everything is daily unless indicated otherwise:

Horticulture Shwo & Tell - Wednesday 9am - Arusha Rock

Track the Animal - 9:30am - Arusha Rock

Flamingo Feedings - 10:30am - Uzima Savanna

Spirit of Africa Art Tour - 11am - Ogun's Firepit

Recreational Activities - 12:20pm & 2:05pm Lobby & Uzima Pool

Cooking Docorating - 1pm - Boma Restaurant

Pelican Feedings - 2pm - Arush Rock

Clinary Tour of Africa - 4pm Ogun's Firepit

Junior Researcher - 4pm - Uzima Savanna

Poolside Activities - 5pm - Uzima Pool

Games with Savanna Guides - 6:30pm - Sunset Overlook

Storytelling - 7:30pm - Arusha Rock Firepit

Night Vision Tracking - 10:15pm - Arusha Rock

Cultural Safari - 8:30pm - Sunset Overlook

We didn't (couldn't) do all of these, but we did the Storytelling, the pelican feedings, the night vision tracking; and we did the cultrual safari several times. We enjoyed all of them.

 

[jennymouse]

Thank you so much for posting this schedule. My DGD7 will love all of it! I can see her enjoying these things as much as the parks. We'll be there for eight nights and have a day and a half free where we can work most of it in, I'm sure.

Good to hear you had good experiences with the bus system too. My DGD and I stayed at ASMu last year on a short trip and the busses were awsome there too.

You've really gotten me even more excited about our trip! Thank you again, and I hope you get to go back and do it all again soon.

 

[Disneylvr]

Jackie, thank you so much for posting the entertainment schedule. 15 days and I am there!!!!

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for posting all the info... we can't wait to be there!

 

[christophfam]

Thank you for your post! We are so excited about our stay at AKL in December and your post has got me bouncing off the walls! No, not really, but I just can't wait after reading your post about all of the great things at AKL.

I have one question for you. My children are ages 3 and 6. Are the activities appropriate for all ages? Will my 6 DS enjoy the night vision tracking experience? Will a calm 3 DD sit for the storytelling? Just curious. We plan on checking in early and spending our first day just hanging out at the AKL.

Thank you!

 

[Krissalee]

Jackie H - Thanks for the review! We will be spending our first 2 nights at AKL in December before moving to the YC.

I have had dinner at Boma twice, and loved it! If you really want the soup recipe, e-mail the chef at Boma! I did just that after our first visit. Within 2 days, they e-mailed me the recipe for the Chicken Pepper Pot Soup and the Tamarind BBQ sauce. I am not really sure of the e-mail address, as it was last October, but you could probably find it through the official Disney websaite!