Just returned from AKL!

[rocketgirl]

Hi folks,

First of all, I want to say a very very big thank you from the bottom of my heart! A few months back, I posted some questions for my anniversary trip with DH. I have to say, it was a smashing success (we returned yesterday from a short 4 day trip ) and in no small part due to all of the great advice on this board. We also dragged two of my dearest friends (my old MOH and her fiance) and they were also very suitably impressed with the planning (a lot based on y'all's advice) and LOVED AKL!!!

When we arrived on 6/6, our anniversary date we had expected to get a standard room but I was praying for an upgrade to shock my hubby since he found out weeks ago about AKL (I can't keep a secret for long).

Well, I was very impressed with the CM I spoke with at check-in as I spent 45 minutes going over buying our passes and going over PSes. Then I got a very very pleasant surprise myself. I originally paid $139 for a standard room in February and even though I couldn't get a king-sized bed near my friend, who checked in the night before, they gave us a complimentary upgrade to a gorgeous savannah room! In addition, our CM found out from Ms. Blabbermouth here that the day was our 4th wedding anniversary so she had an autographed picture of Mickey and Minnie sent to our room later that evening.

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. I hope to post a trip report very soon and can answer any questions about AKL you may have (we were there from 6/6 - 6/9). We also took tons and tons of pictures of the hotel and the animals at the savannah, which I hope to post. Can't wait to return soon! Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Beanie]

Sounds like you had a really magical time at AKL!! I can't wait to see your pictures! We just stayed there for the first time last month and loved it!!

Congrats on your anniversary!

 

[Tiffany]

Glad to hear you had a great trip. We will be going down to WDW for our 9th wedding Ann in August.

 

[sharoncity]

What is it about AKL that has us all soooo enthralled? It truly is a wonderful resort. So glad you had a pleasant trip. Too bad it's over though, huh? Well, there's always next time!

 

[KerriL]

Glad to hear you had a great time!
We are looking forward to staying at AKL the end of this month.
So glad to hear that so many people have nothing but positive things to say about this resort!
Kerri

 

[kerrynic78]

I just returned from AKL and I can't stop telling everyone how amazing it was, it really is a magical place!! I think we need to have an AKL fanclub!!!!!

 

[Captain Crook]

Great report! AKL is truely wonderful. Did you eat at Boma or Jiko or use the spa?

Did you have a lightbulb problem?

 

[Chance's Mom]

Your post made me laugh!

 

[Janet2k]

Rocketgirl, a.k.a. Ms. Blabbermouth, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY (sorry for the teasing, I couldn't resist)!! It sounds like you got bit by the same love bug that a lot of us got bit by while staying at the AKL. It is such a unique resort (it's my favorite). And it sounds like the Cast Members are still as wonderful as I remember. *Sigh* Oh, I am sorry your trip had to end, but get busy planning your next WDW vacation!

 

[sharoncity]

Originally posted by Captain Crook
[/B]
Did you have a lightbulb problem?
[/B]

Captain Crook - I was thinking the same thing but didn't DARE post it! Thanks for the chuckle!

 

[rocketgirl]

Hi folks... okay, so I've been busy at the office and a little slow getting back...

Crook: Yes, I ate at both Jiko's and Boma's... Jiko's, we ate there the first night and it was wonderful. I also dragged my two friends there. DH claimed it was the SECOND best beef tenderloin he's ever had (Forgive him, his mom's from cattle country in Mexico) and my pal's monkfish was also tops... the breading went very well with the delicate fish, and the sides were delectable and not too strong (sweet potato that even my DH tried, even though he claims he hates the stuff). My salmon was very good (horseradish topping with a side of couscous), though consensus leaned towards both the beef and monkfish. We also had the Taste of Africa (different types of bread with several sauces, including a chipolte-like dip that had some good kick). Overall, a great first meal there!

Boma's was also good. Though not quite the quality of Jiko's, the variety was pretty decent (I love exotic foods, so I'm biased ). There were some disappointingly plain salads (potato & mac) and I'd pass on one of the tomatoey rice/couscous and Morrocan seafood stew next time, but the desserts (chocolate/kahlua filled cake and zebra dones) are definitely worth saving room. Also, DH complained about the dry chicken there too.... I skipped it and thoroughly enjoyed the tamarind bbq sauce & ribs instead. And the value of the buffet wasn't too bad (for Disney) at around $20-25/pp.

Note that there are two semi-private spas at AKL. One of them is a bit bigger than the second and a little less private (it's closer to the water slide). The second one was great, especially around midnight. The pool and spas supposedly closes around midnight, but I saw lots of people around late at night (that's the best time to go anyway). The water is really hot at the spa, bathwater in the pool. Quite relaxing, though I'd imagine it could get too warm (and a bit crowded) during the day; it usually looks pretty mobbed by the time I leave for the parks ~ 9 in the morning.

By the way, about the lightbulbs , I stole all the lightbulbs to make a fire.... JUST KIDDING! I'm pretty much a LM (low-maintenance) gal, so it didn't seem to bother me much, and lower lighting made animal-viewing much easier around sunset or nighttime. We did notice it wasn't as bright as more "typical" hotels, but the few times I did makeup at night (certainly not during the day... it melted!) I didn't have much of a problem. Perhaps leaving the bathroom door open and the light on might help those more sensitive to light Besides, I preferred the ambiance at AKL anyway...

Hmmm... if anyone wants to make a copy of my restaurant review and send it to the restaurant section, be my guest!!