Just Returned from AKL today

[TicBat]

My goodness...so many rumors abound about AKL and the construction! We just returned from a 5-day trip (7/15-7/19) and had a MAGICAL experience at AKL. I spoke with AKL guest relations 2 days prior to our trip with concerns about construction noise and dust, animals being relocated, guests being moved to other resorts, etc (all of which I learned about here). She did not offer to move us to another resort because we had booked through a "wholesale" travel agent (American Airlines Travel), but did say if we were unsure during check-in we could request a move. So, we headed to WDW unsure what to do.:confused We are SO glad we chose to stay at AKL! I guess I am thankful I HAD a choice!

Upon arrival, we could see that the 5th and 6th floor rooms in the lobby were covered by black drapes, but there were plenty of animals to see and no dust or construction smells, so we decided to stay. We were in a standard pool view with bunkbeds on the third floor, room 3485 Zebra Trail. Perfect accommodations for us (me, DH47, DD17, DS16)...from our balcony we could see the Spa, flamingo area, and the corner of the Uzima Savanna.

Yes, they are working on the 5th and 6th floors of the lodge, and thus have closed the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors. We could hear some construction noise during the weekdays, but we were able to nap right through it...the flamingos were louder than the construction! We saw lots of animals on the Arusha savanna...giraffes, zebras, ankole cattle, gazelles, impala, guinea fowl, and African pelicans (which are HUGE). I saw giraffes, wildebeests, eland, and vultures on the Uzima savanna, and ostrich and wildebeests on the Sunset savanna. Of course, there may have been even more animals that I did not see.

The resort was about 1/3 full, which made for short lines at Mara, quick reservations at Boma (yum!), quiet swimming pools, easy access to animal viewing, and empty buses to the parks! We never waited longer than 5 minutes for a bus and enjoyed the non-stop bus rides to all parks. All in all, it was a GREAT first-time experience to AKL and I would definitely return.

If you have any questions, I will be glad to answer them! If you are given a choice, I would stay at AKL with construction and all!

 

[Minderbinder5]

I can't thank you enough for your post! Everyone has been so freaked out on these boards, and it's nice to hear from someone who has actually seen the construction first hand. It is so easy to get carried away with all the speculating that's going on here. Thank you!

We are staying at the AKL Sept 5-15, and I am hoping that we don't get the dreaded call from Disney asking us to move. It sounds like the hotel is just fine, and as long as we are lucky enough to not be booked on the 4th, 5th, or 6th, we should be fine!

Did you happen to take any pictures of the construction?

 

[I Run Long]

I'm so glad you posted about your experience. We're staying from 2-11 Sept and I'm hoping that if the resort is as empty as you say then at least we'll benefit with less crowds in the pool and for breakfast. Do you have pics?

 

[space ranger 1]

Thanks for the report. Feel free to share more about your great time there.

We are going Sept 7-15 and are hoping not to be moved. A little construction won't bother us. Best of luck to everyone!

Only 49 more days left for us!!

 

[amelia1]

10 and I am hoping not to get the call. I want to stay at AKL but must admit I have been questioning my decision to stay until now! Thanks you so much!!

 

[TicBat]

Oops...my DH advised me that only PART of the 4th floor was closed due to construction noise. It seemed it was mostly on the Kudu Trail. Just want to make sure I give accurate information.

 

[carol/houston]

TicBat, thank you for posting such a great review so quickly. I'm glad you had a great time. We also have poolview/bunkbed rooms and you have given us great hope now for a wonderful vacation. Just a couple of question, did the hotel staff seen to have been cut since you thought the lodge was only 1/3 full? How was housekeeping? Were the restaurants full or do you think there were a lot of cancelations due to construction issues?
Thanks again for the prompt report!

 

[raterfly]

Thanks for the report - we are staying 12th-24th Aug. So good to hear from someone who has been there recently. I sooooo can't wait to go now.

 

[TicBat]

To answer carol/houston's questions:
Mousekeeping was wonderful-no towel animals, but very prompt and friendly service by around 9:00am each day. We did not notice any reductions in personnel or service at all...plenty of help at guest check-in, concierge, bell services, Zawadi Marketplace, Mara, and Boma. There were also children's activities throughout the day, including T-shirt painting, African music parades through the lobby, making beaded jewelry, etc. Often there was a CM from Africa standing by the lobby entrance to welcome guests. There did not seem to be any reductions in bus service either. Our average wait time for a bus was 5 minutes.

Mara usually had guests around, but never "crowded." On Monday morning, 7/16, we made ressies at Boma for 6:10pm that same evening. The restaurant was definitely full at 6:00pm. I am sure guests from other resorts were dining there. We did not eat at Jiko's, so I can't comment on it.

 

[maine girl]

I'm glad that you had a great time. My fingers are still crossed no call yet. We will be at AKL 9/1-9/8 during labor day so it will be nice if the resort is half empty with only us disboard members. Hope to see you all at AKL

 

[SB in KY]

Thanks for the update...we check in at AKL on 8/2 and are leaving for WDW a week from today!! This is the third or 4th trip report I have read from recent AKL visitors and all have been glowing...can't wait to be there, I am glad we decided to stay put!

 

[Schucraig]

Glad to hear you had a great time! Welcome back!

 

[jmom]

Thanks for the post. We are virtually on our way...very excited now.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Thanks for the update. We are going to be checking in on 8/26, and also have Pool View Bunk Bed rooms!!!

 

[SleepingBet]

Thanks for the post on AKL. We're staying AKL CL from Aug. 17 - 24 (I hope). We haven't gotten a call yet. Your report makes me very excited. I can't wait to get there!

 

[clownfish1452]

After hearing about your wonderful trip I wish they would have let me stay. I am still very happy to hear you had a great time.

Sarah

 

[TONNIE]

It makes me sorry that I decided to move. by do you have the times of the children activities?