Just returned from AKL

[grumpyandbashful]

Hi - we just returned from a stay at AKL - savannah view room. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask! I had requested a room overlooking Arusha Savannah towards the end of Zebra Trail and they had us somewhere totally different, but after some looking we got the general area we wanted. We also stayed at the AKL last summer and love this resort.
Ask away if any questions!

 

[Wags]

We are planning on going at the end of August, obvious first question is, what room did you end up in and what savannah?

Did you have a clear un-obstructed view or could you see some of the "bull-pens"? Did you observe a number of (and what) animals? Any special time of the day or evening?

How was the transportation to the Parks, DD, BB, TL? Approximately how long to each and how long did you wait for buses to pick you up at AKL?

Having never been to this resort, what are some of the "must see" and "must dos" and coversely what are some, if any "don't bother"?

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I loved AKL but the lighting in the room is enough to keep me away. we were in Kudo 3325 and had the nest view, no obstruction and alot of animals in the morning then at night.No pens, not near the arusha rock where ever that is. all I know is they have no control of the animals so I jusy lucked out with the array of them we got in the morning and at night. I wasn't in the room during the day.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Wags - we were in room 2581, which had a queen and a bunk bed. We were almost at the very end of Zebra Trail overlooking Arusha Savannah. This was an ideal spot for animal viewing, since we were in front of the "watering hole" and a spot where the keepers would come morning and evening to fill a bin with hay for the giraffes and also place branches with leaves there for the giraffes to eat. We saw giraffes, zebra, Ankole cattle, wildebeest, other large hoofed animals (sorry, can't remember all the names). Actually, rooms 2571, 2573, 2575, 2577, 2579 would be a little closer to this feeding area, but our view was also great. 3rd floor with corresponding numbers (3571, etc., would also be great). Don't know if 3rd floor is smoking, 2nd is non-smoking.
I would request a room overlooking Arusha Savannah (this is the "main" savannah) and you should be happy. If you don't get the room when you check in, ask politely and they will put you where you want to be if a room is available.
We didn't have to wait long for any bus. The AKL was very busy this visit (we went last June and it was much quieter), so there were a few times when it was standing room only on the bus (like when the MK closed), but overall bus experience was great.
Pool was hopping, but we could always find lounge chairs.
I was there with just 2 of my kids this time, so we didn't make it to Boma (they wanted to go to Disney Quest instead!!), but do eat at Boma if you can - it was awesome last summer.
Hope I've helped some
p.s. to Gail T - the keepers do have some control over the animals, in that they place food close to the rooms so that the animals come over and guests get a good view. Also, the animals are trained to respond to a sound cue to go into their enclosures during midday.

 

[Ctmom]

We'll be in AKL in about two weeks in a savannah room and we'd like to have a room close by to the pool. What would you suggest for good viewing and close pool location, but not in a busy corridor location? Any recommendations would be appreciated!

 

[Wags]

I've read other threads on these boards that talk of how dark the rooms are, how bad is it?

What inconveniences do you need to put up? I've seen messages that say you can't read in the room, I don't plan on reading, other than a Park Map, Schedule of Events, etc.

I've read messages that applying make-up is a problem, not being a woman, not a concern, but is my wife going to have eye make-up on her nose, lipstick on her chin, I mean, how dark is it?

I've been to POR and POFQ, and I wouldn't say the rooms are flooded with light there either. Does it feel dark at AKL because of decor, or is there a lack of artificial light?

I don't think I would not stay there because of this issue, but since a number of people have raised the issue, I'd at least like to be prepared.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Ctmom - again, Zebra Trail away from the lobby (midway down the Trail or further) is a convenient location. You will take an elevator down to the first floor. You exit right where the laundry room and Simba's Cubhouse are located, go outside and you are steps from Mara and the arcade and the pool.
Wags - it is true that AKL rooms are darker than the other Disney resorts, but it hasn't been a problem for us. Turn on all the room lights, or open the drapes to let in sunlight and you'll be fine. There are two light switches in the bathroom area, and if you turn both of them on, your wife will have no problem with makeup, etc.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Ctmom
We'll be in AKL in about two weeks in a savannah room and we'd like to have a room close by to the pool. What would you suggest for good viewing and close pool location, but not in a busy corridor location? Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Well, the trail that will give you a savanna view and be close to the pool is the Zebra Trail. You would just take the elevator down to the pool/rest. level and walk out to the pool area and the entrance to Mara. The Zebra Tail gives you a view of either Arusha Rock Savanna or the Uzima Savanna depending on what side of the hall you end up on.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Wags
I've read other threads on these boards that talk of how dark the rooms are, how bad is it?

What inconveniences do you need to put up? I've seen messages that say you can't read in the room, I don't plan on reading, other than a Park Map, Schedule of Events, etc.

I've read messages that applying make-up is a problem, not being a woman, not a concern, but is my wife going to have eye make-up on her nose, lipstick on her chin, I mean, how dark is it?

I've been to POR and POFQ, and I wouldn't say the rooms are flooded with light there either. Does it feel dark at AKL because of decor, or is there a lack of artificial light?

I don't think I would not stay there because of this issue, but since a number of people have raised the issue, I'd at least like to be prepared.

We have stayed at other Disney resorts and we did find the lighting to be darker at the AKL but you adjust to it after a day or so and by the end of trip we did not even notice it. I was able to put on makeup and read a book in bed everynight without any problems.

 

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

Originally posted by Wags
I've read other threads on these boards that talk of how dark the rooms are, how bad is it?

You could always buy her one of those lighted make up mirrors for 9.99 just in case grooming is a concern!

 

[kerrynic78]

I just returned from AKL and being a 23 year old female, makeup is a main concern for me and I had no problem at all