Leaving Friday for AKL! Advice?

[JuliaPooh]

We're leaving Friday afternoon for a few days at AKL, then onto Vero Beach, then back to AKL for a few more days. Any advice???

 

[Dee & Greg]

If it is.. I highly recommend the African margarita.. it is made with Mango juice. Delightful to sip while looking at the animals and speaking with the CM's who love to talk about their homeland and the animals. A most unique resort!

 

[ADisneygirl]

AKL is a beautiful resort. We just returned from there. My advice? Eat at Boma at least once, get a savannah view if possible, and if walking is a problem for you or anyone going with you, then ask for a room near the lobby.

We had a wonderful time there! Enjoy yourself!

 

[gracelrm]

Enjoy yourself! We just returned from 7 nights at AKL and it was glorious. Boma was wonderful - Mara was fast and good for quick-service meals. DH and I enjoyed a bottle of wine in the lounge above the Boma and that was nice too! CM were all very friendly and the resort is themed so nicely. Our only complaint was with bus service on Early Entry days. We were determined to use the 1 hour early entry this year to get a head start on the parks. We were usually at the bus stop by 7:20 and rarely in a park by 8:15 a.m. This was disappointing to be ready to go and no way to get there, but other than that the trip was great. If you have kids, make sure to enjoy some of the children's activities - our kids enjoyed some of these and it always looked to have happy children involved.

 

[mep319]

Take the time to enjoy the resort and all it has to offer. We are a go go go to the park kind of people and only spent 3 nites there. It wasn't until our last nite that we really took the time to do all the activities the resort offers!! In October I'm going to be sure to try to do it each and every nite!

 

[glewis1123]

We're leaving Friday afternoon for a few days at AKL

Hi Poohgirl

We'll be there too - taking a redeye out on Friday night from Calif.

 

[NEM]

We will be there too from Thurs to Sun in the Royal Kuba Suite!! I am so excited!! We are planning to hang out at the hotel for those 3 days enjoying everything they offer and then head to the Beach Club Villas for another week. (Thanks to DVC). Anyway, we will be on the balcony or by the pool.

I will definitely try one of those African margaritas....or maybe two....or three....

Anyway me and my sister and her 3 girls. Maybe we will see you there.

2 more sleeps!!

 

[Barbruka]

I have to say, AKL is in my opinion the best resort on Disney property. Make sure when you walk in the lobby, just stop for a few minutes and take in the grandeur of the lobby!

Always rub the good luck shield inside the front doors when you come and go!

Check out Zawadi Market Place. The best shop in all of WDW! I use to go there every day!

Take time to sit by the fire pit at night and enjoy the majesty and magic of this gorgeous resort.

Walk around the whole resort and notice all the Afican art and articfacts around everywhere. Especially notice the unique lighting on the walls. You will feel and taste Africa!

Every time you come into the lobby and especially as you walk past Boma, inhale deeply of the exotic scents. You will never forget that aroma!

And last but not least, take the time to spend time at AKL. Don't just sleep there. You will truly miss it when you are gone. It is a spiritual as well as a magical experience. You will be truly moved by your time there. You will never forget it. I know I haven't.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Just DS 12 and I .
You don't need a lot of advice - you will arrive and be blown away by this resort from the moment you walk in the front doors!
-Take enough time to just sit in the lobby and take in the great architecture and atmosphere.
-Make sure you try dinner at Boma, if you are even a little adventurous in your taste. It is excellent!
-Take time to look out on all three savannahs.

Have a great time!

 

[JuliaPooh]

Thanks to everyone! You have made me even more excited!

 

[bubbleprincessmom]

Six months later I still can't believe I got to stay at this wonderful place! While your there be sure to go to the front desk and get the "hidden mickey" clue sheet. My kids and I had soooo much fun exploring and finding these! If you find the 'microscopic' one you'll have really hunted! If you find them all take your sheet back to the front desk for a reward! Have a great time and tell the "alligator man"(one of the lifeguards....something else to hunt for) hello from Sarah...the little girl he jumped in the water and saved last Feb!!

 

[JLS]

I would agree that you need to spend time in the resort just enjoying it! I would suggest, if possible, doing a post-dinner trip to the Victoria Falls bar - really pleasant, well located (open air, above Boma). Its a very nice place to sit and relax, and you can watch sports there too (they have two televisions).

My top recommendation would be EAT AT BOMA!!! And take your time there, plan at least 2 hours to savor everything it has to offer. Unbelievable! Try the soups and particularly the Zebra Dome desserts. I had two! Definitely make a priority seating for Boma. Also, we really liked Jiko and would not hesitate to eat there again. Great South African wine list.

Also, if you can, get up early to view the animals - they are most active early in the day.

Enjoy!