Just returned from the Animal Kingdom Lodge

[Tinker5404]

We just returned from Disney and had a wonderful time at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We orginally has ressies for the CBR but I switched resorts due to the renovations which were scheduled to start a week before our stay. I booked a standard view at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and was hoping for a upgrade to a savannah view. Upon check in, the lady helping me was not in the happiest mood. I got all the paperwork and the room key and headed to room 3421. I was glad it was right down the hall from the lobby. When my husband opened the door, I swore I saw some animals, low and behold I was upgraded to a savannah view and I was sooooo happy. I actually left my son and daughter standing in the hall way. The animals were right outside of our balcony everyday. They even slept there at nights. This is defiantly one of my favorite hotels. I am so glad that I decided to switched from CBR. I visited the CR and it doesn't compare to the AKL. I stayed there on my last two visits and I must say, the hotel looks pretty worn out. I ate at the buffet in the AKL (I forgot the name) and it was great. The only problem was they ran out of ribs at 8:30pm and said that was it for the night. The pool was great for my DD who is 3. I didn't visit the arcade. I would recommed everyone to try the AKL at least once. The service at the hotel has to be one of the best..

 

[HoosierFantasia]

Thanks for sharing with us. We swithced to the AKL for our Oct. trip. It will be our first time there as well. We are really looking forward to our Savannah view room!

Bill

 

[Jen D]

Thanks for the great report Tinker! Glad you got the upgrade. I am dying to try this resort.

 

[Mamu]

Congrats! Sounds like a magical vacation.

 

[cassie]

What a nice surprise to get up-graded...lucky you!!
I had a wonderful stay there when it first opened last year. The resturant you ate at is Boma's. Having the animals right outside your balcony is just so great.

 

[Tikiman]

Boma is great. I think Boma and Jiko are two of the best places to eat in WDW.

Steve

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Thanks for sharing your good trip info w/ us! Congrats on your upgrade.

We are doing a AKL split stay on our upcoming trip & booked a savanna view. I'm very excited to hear that you saw the animals from your balcony! I can't wait! Thanks again for sharing!

Tikiman: I am surprised but excited by your restaurant picks! What will the Polynesian say? LOL! Seriously, glad you give it your "seal of approval" as we seem to have similar tastes.

 

[Tikiman]

Many of the Resorts have great restaurants but the food at Boma and Jiko is something special. The atmosphere is great and they have so many new tastes to try as well as some of the more normal food like mac and cheese and prime rib but with a twist. After all that there are some great deserts. I don’t want to push this topic over to the restaurant boards but one of the best things about the AKL was the food. I felt a little far away from everything staying at the AKL but it is the type of resort you can just hang out at and enjoy so you may not want to go anywhere.

Aloha

Steve

 

[las3888]

Did you ask for the upgrade at check-in? I am just wondering...we are booked for our trip in Oct. and didn't have the extra $$ for the savannah, so have a standard also. I put in our room request for the 'best view possible', hoping they might upgrade us (not expecting it, but HOPING!). Just wondering if you asked or they upgraded you automatically.

Sounds like you had a great time...can't wait to get there ourselves!

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Tinker5404 Thanks again for starting this thread! It's such a pleasure to hear *nice* things about AKL & WDW.

Ooops! I believe Tikiman is right. I'm sorry, in my all excitement, I didn't wish to derail this thread to the dining bds.

las3888 I don't pretend to be an expert in complimentary upgrades, I have never inquired into one. I would think that if the resort was not full, they *might* offer a complimentary upgrade to an otherwise empty room. However, you're going in October & many DISers have said that many of the resorts are booked up for Oct, so IMHO, I wouldn't get my heart set on it. If you do not get upgraded to a savanna view, there are "overlooks" around the resort to view the savannas from. The resort looked *Wonderful.* I think it will be a great time!