Number 9 is really FINE! Welcome to AKL LITE - the 'unofficial' FAQ Thread

[cheer25mom]

Leaving tomorrow

 

[CupcakeKelly]

Leaving tomorrow

How exciting! Good luck trying to get to sleep tonight

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Leaving tomorrow

Omg! How fab! Have a wonderful time! Who needs sleep when you have pixie dust in your eyes!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I am doing the single digit dance today!!! 9 days!!

 

[dgbg100106]

Single Digit!!!! Whoop!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Single Digit!!!! Whoop!

Oh deep joy! That is great news! full trip reports hour by hour news... Let us be there with!

 

[dgbg100106]

Oh deep joy! That is great news! full trip reports hour by hour news... Let us be there with!

not me... I was single digit dancing for DisneyDmbNut

My PTR is in works, but not for Disney... Spain.

 

[rachel09985]

Couple of questions.

1.) What time is check in? When will our room be guaranteed ready?

2.) If i call to request a king bed is there a good chance it will be fulfilled?

Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

We leave on Saturday and arrive Sunday morning. We have never done a 2 bedroom, so we blew all our DVC points on this one. We won't be going next year because of an Alaskan cruise so figured why not. I keep teasing my grandson that if he is bad we will make him keep riding Small World over and over. That is the one ride he didn't like last time. Too girly for him, he preferred Space Mountain. Me I am looking forward to that luxurious bathroom in the Master bedroom. Hope to check out the resort a little bit more this time. I always say I will spend more time there, but we never do.

Have a great time! What a great use of points. I've stayed in a 2BR at BLT and it was awesome!

Leaving tomorrow

I am doing the single digit dance today!!! 9 days!!

So exciting!
I'm at 17 days

Couple of questions.

1.) What time is check in? When will our room be guaranteed ready?

2.) If i call to request a king bed is there a good chance it will be fulfilled?

Thanks!

Check-in is at 3pm, although you might get your room early. Just don't count on it.
As for King bed, I've never requested one but if you call and have them make a note of your request *on your reservation*, I'm sure they will do their best to accomodate you. Ask again check-in and even ask if you could be moved later in your trip if it's really important to you. Good luck.

 

[Disneyholic]

We leave on Saturday and arrive Sunday morning. We have never done a 2 bedroom, so we blew all our DVC points on this one. We won't be going next year because of an Alaskan cruise so figured why not. I keep teasing my grandson that if he is bad we will make him keep riding Small World over and over. That is the one ride he didn't like last time. Too girly for him, he preferred Space Mountain. Me I am looking forward to that luxurious bathroom in the Master bedroom. Hope to check out the resort a little bit more this time. I always say I will spend more time there, but we never do.

We had a DVC 1 Bedroom CL room booked for our April trip. When we checked in the CM told us we were in a Handicap room. I didn't realize what that meant till we got to the room & found a walk-in shower & NO whirlpool tub. I was very disappointed because that was the main reason I had booked a 1 bedroom in the first place. If you have not done online check-in you may want to do that just so you can put a request in for NO handicap accessible.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to stop in and give a report ~ We just got back last night - Spent 5/22-5/30 at Jambo.
The specifics:
We booked a Pool View room - did not do online check in - checked into AKL on Wed morning about 9:00am!!!! - Got upgraded to a Savanna view!!
First time in 9 years we have ever received any upgrade! This was our 3rd stay @ AKL - the last 2 times were Pool View Rooms.

The room was ready at 9:00am - it was 3136 facing the Sunset Savanna - same floor at the lobby. Excellent location in terms of proximity to the lobby, food court and pool. We love the AKL rooms and ours was super clean and kept that way during our entire stay thanks to the fabulous Mousekeepers. The only 1 small thing that bugs me a bit is the bathroom area is so dark.

The resort - AKL never ceases to amaze me. It is simply beautiful. We love the relaxed atmosphere and the beauty in all the details. There is simply nothing like stepping out of the HOT sun into that amazing lobby and hearing "Welcome Home".

We spent quite a bit of time at the pool. Unfortunately I can confirm that Pool hopping is alive and well at AKL. There was a very loud gentleman on the phone next to us with his girlfriend, soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, telling whomever he was on the phone with, that he was staying at the Swan, but loved the AKL pool. My kids also encountered several kids during our stay who asked my kids "what resort are you staying at?" - I really, really wish they would implement a wristband policy at all pools. Especially over a holiday weekend. Many times we had a trouble finding one empty lounge chair.
That being said - we love the pool! Our kids enjoyed the Pool activities several days and one night watched Wreck in Ralph while swimming.

We had several meals at the Mara and enjoyed them all. Nothing stands out - but no complaints. In addition to the regular breakfast menu, the *Special* that was offered all week was Waffles with Caramel Apple topping.
We gave Boma another try this trip after a 4 year break. We didn't love it the first time - but we absolutely LOVED it this time! I think it was my favorite meal of the trip (close second was Via Napoli). I am not a huge lover of Zebra Domes but they had little coffee chocolate tarts at the dessert table that were to DIE for. (I refuse to say how many I consumed).

We had a car so I can't comment on the bus system.

*Disclaimer: the following opinion may not be super popular - you have been warned.
While we were so grateful for the upgrade and very much enjoyed our view - I would never pay the extra for it. We saw giraffes maybe 4 or 5 days out of the 9 we were there. There were many afternoons and mornings that we saw no animals at all. Now before I get in trouble - I am by no way complaining! Again- we were grateful! I only say this for those thinking about spending the significant extra to stay in a Savanna view.
When we go back, we will definately book a Pool View.

We visited a few resorts to check them out for our next potential stay (we didn't swim!) - While they were very nice, none of them felt like *home* to us like AKL. Not sure what resort will be up next for us but AKL is once again at the top of our list!

 

[XMom]

We just booked March 22-29, 2014. We will be in a 1 BR Savannah view at Kidani. We joined DVC in 2008 but have never been to Florida. This is our first trip and I am already nervous! I feel like there is so much to see and only 5 or 6 park days to do it. Where to eat, what is a must see, etc. It will be me, dh, ds(10), ds(8) & dd(6). Any idea besides low floor for what location to request? I think we don't want to be too far from the bus stop. Thanks!!

 

[RachelTori]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to stop in and give a report ~ We just got back last night - Spent 5/22-5/30 at Jambo.
The specifics:
We booked a Pool View room - did not do online check in - checked into AKL on Wed morning about 9:00am!!!! - Got upgraded to a Savanna view!!
First time in 9 years we have ever received any upgrade! This was our 3rd stay @ AKL - the last 2 times were Pool View Rooms.

The room was ready at 9:00am - it was 3136 facing the Sunset Savanna - same floor at the lobby. Excellent location in terms of proximity to the lobby, food court and pool. We love the AKL rooms and ours was super clean and kept that way during our entire stay thanks to the fabulous Mousekeepers. The only 1 small thing that bugs me a bit is the bathroom area is so dark.

The resort - AKL never ceases to amaze me. It is simply beautiful. We love the relaxed atmosphere and the beauty in all the details. There is simply nothing like stepping out of the HOT sun into that amazing lobby and hearing "Welcome Home".

We spent quite a bit of time at the pool. Unfortunately I can confirm that Pool hopping is alive and well at AKL. There was a very loud gentleman on the phone next to us with his girlfriend, soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, telling whomever he was on the phone with, that he was staying at the Swan, but loved the AKL pool. My kids also encountered several kids during our stay who asked my kids "what resort are you staying at?" - I really, really wish they would implement a wristband policy at all pools. Especially over a holiday weekend. Many times we had a trouble finding one empty lounge chair.
That being said - we love the pool! Our kids enjoyed the Pool activities several days and one night watched Wreck in Ralph while swimming.

We had several meals at the Mara and enjoyed them all. Nothing stands out - but no complaints. In addition to the regular breakfast menu, the *Special* that was offered all week was Waffles with Caramel Apple topping.
We gave Boma another try this trip after a 4 year break. We didn't love it the first time - but we absolutely LOVED it this time! I think it was my favorite meal of the trip (close second was Via Napoli). I am not a huge lover of Zebra Domes but they had little coffee chocolate tarts at the dessert table that were to DIE for. (I refuse to say how many I consumed).

We had a car so I can't comment on the bus system.

*Disclaimer: the following opinion may not be super popular - you have been warned.
While we were so grateful for the upgrade and very much enjoyed our view - I would never pay the extra for it. We saw giraffes maybe 4 or 5 days out of the 9 we were there. There were many afternoons and mornings that we saw no animals at all. Now before I get in trouble - I am by no way complaining! Again- we were grateful! I only say this for those thinking about spending the significant extra to stay in a Savanna view.
When we go back, we will definately book a Pool View.

We visited a few resorts to check them out for our next potential stay (we didn't swim!) - While they were very nice, none of them felt like *home* to us like AKL. Not sure what resort will be up next for us but AKL is once again at the top of our list!

Congrats on the upgrade! I agree wholeheartedly: while a savanna view room is nice, why pay SO much more (this is only in recent years that the cost spiked so) when a pool view room is in a great location and so many public areas for animal viewing?! I usually stay on DVC points and would much rather use my points for a Value or Standard room than Savanna view!

Glad you gave Boma another try and it didn't disappoint!

My favorite meal at The Mara is the Falafel with Couscous! (Oh, and the Butternut Squash Soup! )

We just booked March 22-29, 2014. We will be in a 1 BR Savannah view at Kidani. We joined DVC in 2008 but have never been to Florida. This is our first trip and I am already nervous! I feel like there is so much to see and only 5 or 6 park days to do it. Where to eat, what is a must see, etc. It will be me, dh, ds(10), ds(8) & dd(6). Any idea besides low floor for what location to request? I think we don't want to be too far from the bus stop. Thanks!!

Oh my gosh - your first trip to Florida....... AWESOME!! Congratulations! You have lots of time to prepare and we will be happy to help! If you haven't already started a Pre-Trip Report, please do!

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=144

You will get lots of great advice and it will help you plan an awesome trip for your family! You can start off by giving a little information about your family and ask those important questions: must dos, restaurants, etc.

For your room at Kidani, I would request just what you said "low floor and close to buses" I would also add a "Celebration" -- First Trip!

In 5 - 6 days, with proper planning, you will be able to see and do so much! Make sure you don't over-plan! Build in "relaxation at the resort" time and also be flexible enough to enjoy something totally unexpected that might come your way! And before you even head home, I predict you will be planning your next visit to Orlando!!

 

[dgbg100106]

We just booked March 22-29, 2014. We will be in a 1 BR Savannah view at Kidani. We joined DVC in 2008 but have never been to Florida. This is our first trip and I am already nervous! I feel like there is so much to see and only 5 or 6 park days to do it. Where to eat, what is a must see, etc. It will be me, dh, ds(10), ds(8) & dd(6). Any idea besides low floor for what location to request? I think we don't want to be too far from the bus stop. Thanks!!

You have been added:
March
Cheesemouse, 20th – 22nd, AKV
XMom, 22nd – 29th, AKL Kidani
AlohaAnnie, 28th – Apr 5th, Jambo

My only suggestion is try and relax, and be sure to take many many breaks for you and the kids, and remember to have fun. Don't stress over what to see and how much time you have. Just have fun and enjoy!

 

[dgbg100106]

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2013 and 2014


If you have any updates please let me know...

2013

June
bakie21, May 27th – 4th, Kidani
wendypooh, May 30th - 10th, Aulani
Pinkocto, May 31st – 3rd, AKV
DismomfromMS, May 31st – 6th, AKL
Brave teacher, May 31st – 7th, Jambo House
Denamac, 1st – 9th, AKV Jambo House
FoursCompany, 1st – 9th , AKL
Nutty4Disney, 2nd - 8th, AKV Kidani Village
Cheer25mom, 2nd – 9th, AKV Kidani
Pseudacris, 3rd – 7th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 6th, AKL
DisneyFans222, 6th – 15th, AKL
ILoveMagic, 8th – 14th, AKL
goofyredraider, 8th -16th, AKL CL
DisneyDmbNut, 9th – 14th, AKL
jaykorf001, 12th – 14th, AKL CL
livibug, 13th – 21st, AKV Jambo House
DevonsDisneyMom, 14th – 21st, AKV
goofyredraider, 16th -23rd, BC
Grandma Rainbow, 18th – 21st, AKL
alwaysdisney, 28th – 29th, AKL
precious pixie, 29th - ?, AKL Jambo

July
Marinolichfamily, 5th – 13th, AKV
Polynesian27, 5th – 13th, Kidani
mamaprincess, 7th – 12th, BWV
Miss Monorail 1971, 7th – 13th, AKL
sharon78, 8th-18th, AKL
mamaprincess, 12th – 18th, AKV Jambo
lfortin16, 13th – 17th, AKV Kidani
kimysbug, 13th – 18th, AKL
Kimmy2Disney, 13th – 21st, AKL DDs 2nd birthday!
d's do Disney, 17th – 20th, AKL CL
Z28KatCar, 18th - Aug1st, AKL CL
tinkermama117, 21st – 26th, Jambo House
loveshoes, 22nd – 31st, AKL
Anjalee6, 29th – Aug 3rd, AKL
Sarah4291, 29th – Aug 12th, AKL
aVASTGrl, 30th – Aug 4th, AKL
The Marsons, 31st – Aug 4th, AKL Jambo

August
Z28KatCar, July 18th - 1st, AKL CL
Anjalee6, July 29th – 3rd, AKL
Sarah4291, Jul 29th – 12th, AKL
aVASTGrl, July 30th – 4th, AKL
Willem, Jul 30th – 10th, AKL
The Marsons, July 31st – 4th, AKL Jambo
Koh1977, 2nd – 9th, AKL
333disneymom, 9th-13th, AKV Kidani
Grumpymom73, 9th -13th, AKL CL
Pink Flamingo, 9th – 11th, AKV Jambo
MICKEY'S DREAMERS, 10th - 22nd, AKL
Pink Flamingo, 11th – 19th, BWI
DonnaDuck333, 11th – 23rd, Jambo House
333disneymom, 13th – 19th, BCV
Etail, 15th – 18th, Kidani
Ginamarie, 18th – 25th, Kidani
Disneyfool_1202, 21st, Kidani
Gillenkl, 21st – 24th, AKL
ParrotBill, 21st – 24th, Kidani
ParrotBill, 24th – 31st, BCV
Xmansmom13, 24th – 28th, at the ASM
rquebral, 21st – 28th, Kidani
WeCantWait, 22nd – 30th, AKL
Render, 25th – Sept 5th, AKL Disneymoon
RachelTori, 27th – Sept 3rd, AKV-CL & CSR
Xmansmom13, 28th – 31th, AKL

September
RachelTori, Aug 27th – 3rd AKV-CL & CSR
s3rndpt, Aug 31st – 2nd, AKL
beachgrl001, 2nd – 10th, AKV
Wicket's Mom, 9th – 13th, AKL CL
Letthewookiewin, 9th – 14th, AKL
JESSketeer, 13th – 21st, AKL
Stackyallred, 14th – 21st, Kidani
DISzy, 14th – 21st, AKL CL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 14th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 15th – 20th, BLT
Wiserabbit, 15th – 21st, AKL
Dawnywog, 18th – 26th, Jambo
Paula Sedley-Burke, 19th - Oct 3rd , SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
country-mom-of-4, 20th – 28th, Kidani
CuteAndFluffy, 25th – Oct 1st, AKL
gilsan 25th – Oct 2nd , Kidani
franandaj, 29th - Oct 2nd, VWL

October
Paula Sedley-Burke, Sept 19th - 3rd , SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
gilsan Sept 25th – 2nd , Kidani
franandaj, 2nd - 7th, BCV
disneynanacat, 11th -12th, Kidani
flinkerfrosch, 15th – 22nd, AKL
anjalee6, 16th – 20th, AKL
mara61, 18th – 26th, Kidani
karmacats, 20th -27th, AKL CL
flinkerfrosch, 22nd – 27th , Poly
wendypooh, 22nd – 26th, BCV
Twelvevman, 23rd – 29th, AKL CL
MomofDisneyLoversx3, 24th – 28th, AKL Jambo CL
Grumpy Grandma, 27th – Nov 3rd, Jambo
Cinderella1122, 31st - Nov 5th, Jambo

November
Grumpy Grandma, Oct 27th – 3rd, Jambo
Cinderella1122, Oct 31st - 5th, Jambo
PNO4TE, 1st AKL CL
PNO4TE, 2nd – 9th, BC
RachelTori, 2nd – 9th, Swan and BCV
Barnabas T Bullion 7th – 11th, AKL Jambo
rquebral, 7th – 12th, Jambo
drujaz, 6th – 15th, AKV Kidani
Tinker326, 12th – 19th, Kidani
patclairesmom, 27th – 29th, Kidani
patclairesmom, 29th – Dec 3rd, AKV Jambo
saratogastehr, 29th – Dec 6th, AKL Jambo
CupcakeKelly, 30th, BLT
Disneyholic, 30th – Dec 2nd, Kidani (after our 7 night DCL Western Caribbean Cruise on the Fantasy)

December
patclairesmom, Nov 29th – 3rd, AKV Jambo
saratogastehr, Nov 29th – 6th, AKL Jambo
CupcakeKelly, 1st – 6th, AKV
eagles1281, 1st – 6th, Kidani
kellyg403, 1st – 8th, AKL CL
mmafan, 3rd – 12th, AKL Jambo
Pinkocto, 6th – 10th, AKV CL
thornton0511, 6th -14th, AKL
Pghsteelerfan, 7th -14th, AKV Jambo
Lorelei528, 7th - 14th, AKL
dansamy, 8th – 14th, Kidani
Heidijanesmith, 16th – 23rd, AKL CL
lovin'fl, 20th – 25th, AKV Kidani
Bluesky1997, 26th – 29th, AKL CL


2014

January
AquaDame, 19th -24th, Jambo House
Singastory, 24th – 27th, Jambo House

February
MomofDisneyLoversx3, 20th – 24th, AKL CL (Running Princess ½ Marathon)

March
Cheesemouse, 20th – 22nd, AKV
XMom, 22nd – 29th, AKL Kidani
AlohaAnnie, 28th – Apr 5th, Jambo

April
AlohaAnnie, Mar 28th – 5th, Jambo

May
June
July
YCFAN, 26th – 28th , Royal Assante Suite & 2 additional CL rooms


August
September
October
November
December

 

[kimmar067]

Leaving tomorrow

......sooooo, I guess you are DRIVING there......

 

[psac]

*Disclaimer: the following opinion may not be super popular - you have been warned.
While we were so grateful for the upgrade and very much enjoyed our view - I would never pay the extra for it. We saw giraffes maybe 4 or 5 days out of the 9 we were there. There were many afternoons and mornings that we saw no animals at all. Now before I get in trouble - I am by no way complaining! Again- we were grateful! I only say this for those thinking about spending the significant extra to stay in a Savanna view.
When we go back, we will definately book a Pool View.

We visited a few resorts to check them out for our next potential stay (we didn't swim!) - While they were very nice, none of them felt like *home* to us like AKL. Not sure what resort will be up next for us but AKL is once again at the top of our list!

Thanks for posting the lengthy review! Congrats on the upgrade, and I'm glad you liked the trip so much. Also ducking, neither my wife nor I were crazy about the zebra domes, either, but we also LOVED the other desserts at Boma!! Funny, isn't it?

Regarding the Savanna view, I think that is also where people's opinions will vary. First off, I always say if you have to break the bank to pay for the upgrade, then don't. I say the same thing about MK view at the CR, BW view at BWV/BWI, etc. But if it is within your price range, I think it is really incredible. BUT, maybe it is because we had the Arusha view at Jambo? I think Sunset at Jambo has less animals? We saw giraffes every day. Lots of them. Same with the zebra, gazelles, antelopes, etc. This was a normal pic from our stay in April. I will say the best viewing times started around 2 or 3 pm and ended at 6 or 7pm. If you're not in the room during those times, I would NOT even think of booking the Savanna view!!!

 

[kimmar067]

My favorite meal at The Mara is the Falafel with Couscous! (Oh, and the Butternut Squash Soup! )

....whiie at dinner at Boma, the chef, Arol, instructed our waiter to bring out the recipe for it, along with recipes for two other soups.....I've already made it once since we got back [6 weeks ago] and it turned out really good!

 

[johnsonet]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to stop in and give a report ~ We just got back last night - Spent 5/22-5/30 at Jambo.
The specifics:
We booked a Pool View room - did not do online check in - checked into AKL on Wed morning about 9:00am!!!! - Got upgraded to a Savanna view!!
First time in 9 years we have ever received any upgrade! This was our 3rd stay @ AKL - the last 2 times were Pool View Rooms.

The room was ready at 9:00am - it was 3136 facing the Sunset Savanna - same floor at the lobby. Excellent location in terms of proximity to the lobby, food court and pool. We love the AKL rooms and ours was super clean and kept that way during our entire stay thanks to the fabulous Mousekeepers. The only 1 small thing that bugs me a bit is the bathroom area is so dark.

The resort - AKL never ceases to amaze me. It is simply beautiful. We love the relaxed atmosphere and the beauty in all the details. There is simply nothing like stepping out of the HOT sun into that amazing lobby and hearing "Welcome Home".

We spent quite a bit of time at the pool. Unfortunately I can confirm that Pool hopping is alive and well at AKL. There was a very loud gentleman on the phone next to us with his girlfriend, soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, telling whomever he was on the phone with, that he was staying at the Swan, but loved the AKL pool. My kids also encountered several kids during our stay who asked my kids "what resort are you staying at?" - I really, really wish they would implement a wristband policy at all pools. Especially over a holiday weekend. Many times we had a trouble finding one empty lounge chair.
That being said - we love the pool! Our kids enjoyed the Pool activities several days and one night watched Wreck in Ralph while swimming.

We had several meals at the Mara and enjoyed them all. Nothing stands out - but no complaints. In addition to the regular breakfast menu, the *Special* that was offered all week was Waffles with Caramel Apple topping.
We gave Boma another try this trip after a 4 year break. We didn't love it the first time - but we absolutely LOVED it this time! I think it was my favorite meal of the trip (close second was Via Napoli). I am not a huge lover of Zebra Domes but they had little coffee chocolate tarts at the dessert table that were to DIE for. (I refuse to say how many I consumed).

We had a car so I can't comment on the bus system.

*Disclaimer: the following opinion may not be super popular - you have been warned.
While we were so grateful for the upgrade and very much enjoyed our view - I would never pay the extra for it. We saw giraffes maybe 4 or 5 days out of the 9 we were there. There were many afternoons and mornings that we saw no animals at all. Now before I get in trouble - I am by no way complaining! Again- we were grateful! I only say this for those thinking about spending the significant extra to stay in a Savanna view.
When we go back, we will definately book a Pool View.

We visited a few resorts to check them out for our next potential stay (we didn't swim!) - While they were very nice, none of them felt like *home* to us like AKL. Not sure what resort will be up next for us but AKL is once again at the top of our list!

Thank you for your report. Congrats on the upgrade
We have pool view booked in a couple of weeks I would definitely rather have a good pool view than a mediocre savanna view. But trust me, if you ever stay in a primo Arusha View room, you will be awestruck

Terrible about the Swan guests using the AKL pool. . I hope they'll crack down on that one day

Glad you gave Boma another try and loved it (Add me to the list of those who don't care for Zebra Domes)

Do you have any pics to share?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

See.. I am just crazy enough to report that person... Cause I wouldn't ever try that.. It's rude!