Just returned from AKL

[ahoff]

Just returned from vacation, starting with a cruise on the Wonder, and finishing at AKLCL. What a great time! First time staying at AKL, and first time at CL. The reason we went for CL was to take advantage of the Sunrise Safari. Definately recomend it to anyone thinking of going on it, saw animals out that were never seen before on previous visits taking the standard safari ride, and the running commentary on the animals and their care from the CM was very informative. Plus a look behind the scenes, and a fantastic breakfast at Tusker House. If you have a chance to take this tour, take it!

AKL is a beautiful resort as well, we had a 5th floor room with a great view, and the kids loved the bunk beds. We used the lounge every morning for breakfast, but only got to use it twice for the evening snacks and once for the evening cordials. The Casa beer seemed a big hit with all present!

I had read here on the forums that the bus service was good, but I was not impressed with it. Had better experience with BW busses. I also missed the convenience of walking to Epcot and MGM from BW!

Noticed one thing in the parks, the large number of Red Sox clothing. Must be a lot of folks from the northeast visiting!

 

[johnsonet]

Glad you had a good trip!
We're doing AKL CL (and the Sunrise Safari) for the second time next month REALLY excited! AKL CL is awesome!!

 

[Minybear]

Glad you had a great trip to AKL CL. We are going there in approx 10 days and cannot wait. We are doing both the sunrise and the sunset safari. Gald you saw lots of animals on the sunrise safari. We hope we see the same thing.

 

[ahoff]

The Sunrise was just so cool, I think just about all the animals that are on the display cards were out. The lion was spectacular, and picked up his head and looked at us when we stopped. It was the same route as the ride but at least twice as long without the story of the poachers. Going slow and stopping made it possible to see all the hidden moats and barriers that keep the animals from putting you on the dinner list. Plus on the way there you get to go behind the scenes, sort of a KTTK tour.

One afternoon we saw the Sunset taking place. Doesn't seem to have the appeal of the Sunrise, you are just going around all the savannahs at the lodge, so not much you can't see out your window. But the dinner sounds nice.

 

[Minybear]

ahoff

Thanks for your wonderful descrition of the sunrise safari. Now I am jealous. You saw the lion awake!! Most of the time we see the lion he is sleeping on the rock. We have done the sunrise safari before and the lion was asleep that time also.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Thank you for the trip report! I can't wait to get back to my "home" at AKL this January!

 

[Nadine and Fred]

Did you make your reservations for the Sunrise Safari prior to your arrival??

 

[KevinFSU]

Will be there in less than a week..........

 

[Snowysmom]

I love AKL. It is gorgeous. However, I do agree about the bus service. We had some long waits. It won't discourage us from going back though. Glad you had a nice time.

 

[Tiffany]

Did you make your reservations for the Sunrise Safari prior to your arrival??

You can book the Sunrise Safari up to 90days in advance as long as you already have an AKL Concierge room already booked.

We have done the Sunrise Safari twice and the Sunset Safari once and enjoyed each.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Did you make your reservations for the Sunrise Safari prior to your arrival??

If you are planning to stay concierge, please make your reservations as soon as possible for the sunrise safari. They do sell out frequently. I agree this is a must do item for anyone's trip to AKL! We've been on the sunrise safari twice! Sunset Safari is on my "short list".

Debbie

 

[hezreck]

We check in tomorrow!! Can't wait!

 

[ahoff]

As mentioned, we booked it at the 90 day window. You may want to initiate the call to the desk, as though it has been mentioned on these boards that there is calls from the planners we never got one at any time. There were 58 people going, which may be close to the limit. There were two vehicles used, and both were full. Which raises the question, what is the ratio to CL rooms to Safari seats?

 

[janetd]

Just returned rom AKL and our 2nd sunrise safari. The whole experience was fabulous.

The concierge staff is friendly, the food is great and the whole place is my favorite deluxe. It is a bit far away from the action, so we always stay here first and then change to a resort with easier access to the MK ...

Hope AKL makes no changes. It's perfect as it is.
Janetd