Needs information on Animal Lodge

[covergirl84]

I'm going to WDW with my two sisters and a friend in january!!!!

We're really excited, but, being exceeeeedingly indecisive, we're having trouble picking a resort. We are interested in the Animal Lodge, but according to "The Unofficial Guide to WDW" we really need a car to stay there, and a car is NOT an option for us!! Can anyone tell me how the bus service is at Animal Lodge, or give me any info at all about staying there???? Thanks

Our second choice would be a moderate resort, probably either the carribean one, or Port Orleans French Quarter, so any commentary on those would also be appreciated.

 

[CarolA]

I have found the bus service to be amoung the best anywhere at AKL. The resort does not share buses with any other resort and while it is a ride to MK I never had to stand. Buses ran very often.

I loved it there and think you could easily do it without a car. (The UG is great, but the authors are not really fans of Disney food or Disney transport!)

 

[Tron72]

I agree with CarolA,

I recently stayed at the AKL about a year ago right before Christmas. The Disney Transportation system is really good. That is the one of the pluses of staying inside on Disney Property at one of their many resorts, once you park your car (if you drive up there with on) you do not need to move it until you are ready to go.

The Buses run pretty smoothly and on a regular bases, and as CarolA mention you do not share your buses with any other resorts, unlike a few other Disney Resorts.

The bottom line I tell friends when they are thinking of staying at a Disney Resort, is to choose one where you are interested in the theme of the hotel, transportation should not be an issue.

Which ever Resort you choose just remember you are at Disney and have FUN.


Larry

 

[Mymatisse]

Also remember that if you are going in January the crowds will be very low. You're not going to have to worry about crowded buses.

 

[padisneylover]

This will be my 3rd stay at AKL this year and have never had access to a car nor felt that I would need one. One stay was off season and one on season and never had to wait long at all (5-10mins) for a bus. One thing to remember is that the buses are not shared with other resorts and other than the MGM bus which stops at the water park all go directly to the parks or DTD which helps. The longest trip was to DTD and that took about 20-25 mins but never seemed that long since most of the time the people on the bus love to chat with you and if you are lucky you will get a driver who will entertain you with jokes or songs.
Don't let the transportation be a reason for not staying at my now favorite resort.

 

[F1Julie]

The AKL is great! I stayed there in August and loved it. There is no need to have a car. The bus service was very good. Make sure to eat at Boma. The food is fabulous. I have yet to try Jiko, but it sounds great.

 

[hmgolden]

We loved our stay at AKL. The buses were certainly not a problem for us. We were there in early July (over the July 4th weekend), and the only day we had a problem with the buses was the 4th with everyone trying to get to MK for the fireworks. Other then that they always ran smoothly, and it was great to not have to share a bus with any other resort. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kathymc]

just stayed at AKL mid sept and found the bus service to be great!

 

[septbride2002]

We stayed in early February and had no issues with Disney Transportation. The longest wait for a bus was 15 minutes one day - otherwise we never waited long.

~Amanda

 

[lentesta]

Hi covergirl84,

IMHO, the AKL is the best value among Disney's deluxe resorts. I wouldn't let a few extra minutes on a bus keep you from staying at what is an otherwise fantasic resort. And try to have dinner at Boma.

I've had decent luck getting access to the concierge lounge at the AKL simply by asking. Apparently this is an a la carte option at the AKL, but not at all WDW resorts. Checking in late (laaaaaattte) one night, the manager and I agreed on a $15 per day charge for access to the lounge, while I retained my regular savanna room. Doesn't hurt to ask. The food rivals the Poly in terms of quality. YMMV.

Thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[bbogz]

We stayed at the AKL last January without a car. We found the transportation to be better than expected. Hardly ever waited for a bus and never had to stand. Had my toddler granddaughter with us and she loved the bus ride. I envy you--it was our first stay at the AKL and I'm hooked. You'll love it there.

 

[Bride2Be0705]

i am so glad that I read this thread. My FH nad I are going to Disney for a 'Disneymoon' and I (FH has never been to WDW) couldn't decide whether to stay at AKL or the Dolphin or Swan. I love the thought of being 'fairly secluded' especially since this is our honeymoon. I also like the thought of being on Disney, but as someone said 'not having Disney forced down our throats.' I love Disney and can't wait to go. But this is the VERY FIRST time I will be going without my parents and siblings. We will be staying at Disney for 4-nights, and then we will be aboard the Disney Magic for 3-nights. I can't wait, and thanks to this thread, we will be staying at AKL!!!

 

[stinkerbelle]

We've stayed at AKL twice now...last september, and this past january.

we had a car with us both times, but ONLY used it to get to/from the airport. It sat in the parking lot the rest of the time. The question "should we drive, or take the bus" never even popped into our heads.

After stayed at POFQ 2 weeks ago (who shares a bus with POR), I REALLY missed how AKL had dedicated bus service!

Enjoy!

 

[flyball]

We've stayed at AKL twice in the last two years (August 04 and August/September 05). We had our car with us and only used it once to get to the Polynesian for the Luau. We don't like to use our car when we're at Disney, because it interferes with the fantasy of being "in another world." Luckily, we never feel the need to use the car, because AKL's bus transportation is excellent.

 

[mrsmom]

I just came back two weeks ago with my dd and we stayed AKl and we never needed a car, the buses were great!!!!!
Kim

 

[Chrissyb8885]

Just wondering if anyone could tell me estimated times it takes to get from akl to mk, epcot, mgm, etc... (by bus that is) We will be staying here in early december.
Thanks for your help,
Chrissy

 

[ducklite]

Five minutes to AK, 10 to MGM and Epcot, 15 to MK. Give or take.

Anne

 

[covergirl84]

Thanks for the advice, ya'll!

 

[LibertyLover]

My husband and I stayed at the AKL in October, 2002 and loved it. We had rented a car but used it primarily to get to the airport and back. The buses were efficient and we always got seats. The room was fantastic! My husband loved seating on the balcony and watching the animals. He saw his first drinking giraffe at the AKL! We are going back to AKL in January, 2005 so that our 2 year old daughter can see the animals. I can't wait.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by covergirl84
I'm going to WDW with my two sisters and a friend in january!!!!

We're really excited, but, being exceeeeedingly indecisive, we're having trouble picking a resort. We are interested in the Animal Lodge, but according to "The Unofficial Guide to WDW" we really need a car to stay there, and a car is NOT an option for us!! Can anyone tell me how the bus service is at Animal Lodge, or give me any info at all about staying there???? Thanks

Our second choice would be a moderate resort, probably either the carribean one, or Port Orleans French Quarter, so any commentary on those would also be appreciated.

Hi,

I do not agree that you have to have a car to stay at the AKL. We have stayed at the AKL four times and find the bus transportation to be outstanding. Can I ask why a car is not an option? We can usually rent a compact for some short money in January. In my view you only did a car if you want to go from resort to resort but this applies to any resort. The Disney transportation system is great to get from your resort to one of the major parks but to go from resort to resort it is not the most efficient way to move around.