Need Advice...Solo One Night Trip AKL Jambo. No Parks

[roryc]

Okay, so I want some advice. I've been to Disney solo several times before, but this is my first time without doing any parks, and staying at AKL.

I will be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo for one night, checking in probably around 6PM. I will need to leave about 11:15AM the next day. I thought since I've never been to AKL, I should enjoy that resort. I am staying on DVC points.

Is there anything there that I should make sure I do?

I have the Deluxe Dining plan, which I know is overkill, but I knew I'd likely want to do California Grill (done several times) or Jiko (never done). And I can have breakfast at Boma.

What to not miss at AKL, especially going solo given the times that I'll be there? I want to see the animals and I will likely go to the pool for at least a short time at some point in there.

I am thinking I'll just stay at AKL the day I have to leave (so no transportation issues that day).

Help on deciding between a late California Grill reservation the first night a few hours after I'll check in ( I have one for 20 minutes before Wishes) or JIKO (any times are available right now).

I keep waffling because I like the idea of seeing wishes and CG is always a good dinner for me.

But not having to go anywhere or use transportation is looming large when trying a new restaurant like Jiko.

Thanks in advance!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Okay, so I want some advice. I've been to Disney solo several times before, but this is my first time without doing any parks, and staying at AKL.

I will be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo for one night, checking in probably around 6PM. I will need to leave about 11:15AM the next day. I thought since I've never been to AKL, I should enjoy that resort. I am staying on DVC points.

Is there anything there that I should make sure I do?

I have the Deluxe Dining plan, which I know is overkill, but I knew I'd likely want to do California Grill (done several times) or Jiko (never done). And I can have breakfast at Boma.

What to not miss at AKL, especially going solo given the times that I'll be there? I want to see the animals and I will likely go to the pool for at least a short time at some point in there.

I am thinking I'll just stay at AKL the day I have to leave (so no transportation issues that day).

Help on deciding between a late California Grill reservation the first night a few hours after I'll check in ( I have one for 20 minutes before Wishes) or JIKO (any times are available right now).

I keep waffling because I like the idea of seeing wishes and CG is always a good dinner for me.

But not having to go anywhere or use transportation is looming large when trying a new restaurant like Jiko.

Thanks in advance!

First off, AKL is my fave resort so no issues there. When I am there I never want to leave. Have you eaten at Jiko before? If so I would do Sanaa. I love Jilko and since you are dining Deluxe, it is probably your better bet, but Sanaa is "on the Savannah". At Jambo house, I would take advantage of the storys around the campfire, night vision animal spotting, jacuzzi and even a late night dip in the pool. When I am at Jambo House I never want to leave. Its beautiful.

California Grill is one of my favorite restaurants on site but I would rather spend time at AKL than do Cali Grill.

 

[roryc]

nurse_darcy:

Thanks so much for your help. I know it would be more relaxing to just stay at the same place and enjoy everything AKL has to offer, at least as much as I am able to in the short time I'm there. I am definitely leading that way.

For some reason I was thinking CaliGrill/fireworks at one of the last seatings just because I assumed I wouldn't be able to see the animals well at night anyways. But that must not actually be true, so that does make a difference.

Can't wait. Last minute trip so I'll be there in a couple weeks!

 

[Pig Pen]

I am doing a solo trip to AKL too. DH has to go out of town for several weeks this summer and I will be alone on the 4th of July so I decided to splurge and spend July 3 and 4 at Kidani on DVC points. Celebrating Independence Day in MK has been a lifelong dream; hopefully I won't get stampeded by the crowds.

Anyway, I too was trying to figure out if I should hang out at AKL the first night or venture out. I have only done one other solo trip but only ate counter service as I was down on business and was off-site a lot.

I now live near WDW and go over all the time, but haven't stayed overnight in ages.

I have eaten at both Sanaa and Boma but not Jiko. However I love sushi and have been dying to try California Grill. I had hoped to get into BLT and spend time in the roof lounge, but they were booked up.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Too bad you wont be at AKL at 4:00 p.m they give free tours of Boma and Jiko and you also get free samples.