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

[mirage0306]

I officially switched us from AOA Nemo suite to AKL! I am very excited, I have only stayed in value and moderate before but since this will be our twins first trip to WDW, I want it to be amazing! They love animals and going to the zoo, so I thought this was a great choice for us.

You are going to love it! It's a beautiful resort!

 

[MrsRaleigh]

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


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

We just upgraded from CBR to an AKL pool view for November 11th - 20th, and this will be my 4 and 2 year olds first trip, so we're super excited! I've visited/stayed at the majority of resorts, but left Florida in 2007 for the West coast (just moved back to the East coast) and have yet to see AKL in person - so hopefully it will be a fun surprise for all of us!

 

[RachelTori]

We'll be taking our first DVC trip this August. Using our points for 6 nights in a 2BR at BWV but staying at AKV 8 nights first on a cash reservation in a 1BR savannah view at Kidani 8/16 to 8/24. Do you have to be on points to go to the mingle? How do you sign up to go?

It should not matter if you're staying on points or cash. Sign up in person at the DVC desk (in the lobby). Sundown Mingle is Mondays & Wednesdays.



(Always carry your DVC member card with you! You never know when you might need it for discounts or admittance! )

 

[leannak]

Can you use the dvc lounge or anything if you're renting points? Just curious... Assuming no.

 

[kallanach]

We just upgraded from CBR to an AKL pool view for November 11th - 20th, and this will be my 4 and 2 year olds first trip, so we're super excited! I've visited/stayed at the majority of resorts, but left Florida in 2007 for the West coast (just moved back to the East coast) and have yet to see AKL in person - so hopefully it will be a fun surprise for all of us!

Returned from AKL today. Our first time. Breathtaking. The attention to architectural detail and design is unprecedented. Exceeded our expectations in every area except the food on CL. Not as good as BC CL I think. And the pool was nice but just ok. That said, service was good and Sunrise Safari excellent. We were in room 4511. Zebra trail. Savannah view. Saw giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, guinea hens, and many other animals daily. LOVED the resort. Lives up to deluxe luxury. Jiko is the best. Fantastic dinner. Fantastic service. Met the chef. They surprised our DS8 with a "phone call " at the desk for him. It was goofy! What a nice surprise. I will add, as a lover of shopping, the gift shop at AKL Jambo is excellent.

 

[Mayhem1976]

We are staying (rented DVC) in a Studio in Kidani in November. A few questions:

I know they have paper plates, plastic utensils...should we bring some of our own? Do you get etc? I hate to waste them and we will eat breakfast in the room most days.

I know we won't have mousekeeping every day, so is there a place for trash/recycling?

Thanks!!

 

[MrsRaleigh]

Returned from AKL today. Our first time. Breathtaking. The attention to architectural detail and design is unprecedented. Exceeded our expectations in every area except the food on CL. Not as good as BC CL I think. And the pool was nice but just ok. That said, service was good and Sunrise Safari excellent. We were in room 4511. Zebra trail. Savannah view. Saw giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, guinea hens, and many other animals daily. LOVED the resort. Lives up to deluxe luxury. Jiko is the best. Fantastic dinner. Fantastic service. Met the chef. They surprised our DS8 with a "phone call " at the desk for him. It was goofy! What a nice surprise. I will add, as a lover of shopping, the gift shop at AKL Jambo is excellent.

So glad to hear you loved it there!!! I was wondering about the pool as well. I saw the childrens pool after we booked, and was a little less than impressed? (At least compared to a few of the moderates pools, but I'm probably being picky!) I keep reading about Jiko, starting to think I need to make an ADR for it..

 

[kallanach]

So glad to hear you loved it there!!! I was wondering about the pool as well. I saw the childrens pool after we booked, and was a little less than impressed? (At least compared to a few of the moderates pools, but I'm probably being picky!) I keep reading about Jiko, starting to think I need to make an ADR for it..

We only used the main pool at Jambo. Has a slide but nothing too exciting. I was surprised considering every other detail of the hotel is unparalleled. The pool by comparison is average. However, guests can use the pool at Kidani as well which has a much bigger slide we were told. Re: Jiko: yes, yes, yes. That is one expensive meal worth every bite. On the same level as a Top Chef restaurant. I can still taste the maize crusted monkfish. So buttery and wonderful with fresh crunchy veggies in a velvety bright sauce and the Taste of Africa dips and breads. And heavenly dessert and best, best coffee. Amazing coffee. Biggest selection of South African wine in the world outside of that country. Book it!

 

[PNO4TE]

We'll be taking our first DVC trip this August. Using our points for 6 nights in a 2BR at BWV but staying at AKV 8 nights first on a cash reservation in a 1BR savannah view at Kidani 8/16 to 8/24. Do you have to be on points to go to the mingle? How do you sign up to go?

Hi, Bernadette! You will love AKL!

 

[jillmc40]

We are staying (rented DVC) in a Studio in Kidani in November. A few questions:

I know they have paper plates, plastic utensils...should we bring some of our own? Do you get etc? I hate to waste them and we will eat breakfast in the room most days.

I know we won't have mousekeeping every day, so is there a place for trash/recycling?

Thanks!!

Hi there . We had some but found that we needed more. I think we ended up grabbing more at Mara (the qs). I think we only needed one more set. That is what my memory tells me anyway

To the op thinking about jiko. Do it!!! Man I love that place!! It is everything the previous poster said. Wonderful!

We loved Sanaa. We skipped last time and we regretted it! Boma was our least favorite of the three for dinner, but I think we were off that night.

 

[maryandtyson]

We only used the main pool at Jambo. Has a slide but nothing too exciting. I was surprised considering every other detail of the hotel is unparalleled. The pool by comparison is average. However, guests can use the pool at Kidani as well which has a much bigger slide we were told. Re: Jiko: yes, yes, yes. That is one expensive meal worth every bite. On the same level as a Top Chef restaurant. I can still taste the maize crusted monkfish. So buttery and wonderful with fresh crunchy veggies in a velvety bright sauce and the Taste of Africa dips and breads. And heavenly dessert and best, best coffee. Amazing coffee. Biggest selection of South African wine in the world outside of that country. Book it!

I agree the pool is just okay. However, we found that we were so close to Blizzard Beach and we had a rental car, we just headed over there a bunch and had a great time. We plan to se the Kidani pool this trip.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

DisneyDmbNut,

My wife (another Dis'er...I dont think she watches this thread....) is dead set on doing our ten year renewals on DCL with my parents (their 40th). I was hesitant (good lord thats the price of two cruises?!) but your TR made my opinion more open to the idea. Thanks!

Looking forward to our first trip to AKL in 3 months!

Clint

You won't be sorry.. My husband said tonight ( our actual anniversary is today) that he loved our wedding cruise ( he is not a Disney person or a cruise person.. So that is saying a lot)

 

[Corinne]

I am heading to the AKV for the first time in September! We are staying in a studio savannah view @ Jambo. I remember reading there is one area without giraffes. My sister is obsessed with seeing giraffes, can someone explain the different views again? Thanks!

 

[maryandtyson]

I am heading to the AKV for the first time in September! We are staying in a studio savannah view @ Jambo. I remember reading there is one area without giraffes. My sister is obsessed with seeing giraffes, can someone explain the different views again? Thanks!

I think there are giraffes on every Savannah. You can check allearsnet, but I think their information may be dated.

 

[dgbg100106]

We are staying 11-18 sept and then 20-30 sept jambo. Swapping to BLT for 2 nights in the middle for our anniversary can't wait. I go NEXT MONTH EEEEEEP!

I have added you...
September
RachelTori, Aug 27th – 3rd AKV-CL & CSR
s3rndpt, Aug 31st – 2nd, AKL
beachgrl001, 2nd – 10th, AKV
ruadisneyfan2, 4th – 8th, AKL
Grumpy Grandma, 5th – 12th, AKV Jambo
Wicket's Mom, 9th – 13th, AKL CL
Letthewookiewin, 9th – 14th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 11th -18th, AKL
JESSketeer, 13th – 21st, AKL
Stackyallred, 14th – 21st, Kidani
DISzy, 14th – 21st, AKL CL
4xmom, 14th – 21st, AKL Kidani
RapunzelsGoodMom, 14th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 15th – 20th, BLT
Wiserabbit, 15th – 21st, AKL
MickeyNicky25, 15th – 22nd, Jambo
snowmanlover, 15th – 22nd, AKL
Princess Hooper, 17th – 24th, AKL
Dawnywog, 18th – 26th, Jambo
Paula Sedley-Burke, 19th - Oct 3rd, SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
country-mom-of-4, 20th – 28th, Kidani
tlkscott, 20th – 28th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 20th – 30th, Jambo
Ckmommy72, 24th – 28th, AKL
CuteAndFluffy, 25th – Oct 1st, AKL
gilsan 25th – Oct 2nd , Kidani
maryandtyson, 28th – Oct 7th,AKL
franandaj, 29th - Oct 2nd, VWL

 

[dgbg100106]

So excited, just booked AKL for September 28 - October 1!!!!! Never stayed anywhere except a value before, so can't wait!

You have been added...

September
RachelTori, Aug 27th – 3rd AKV-CL & CSR
s3rndpt, Aug 31st – 2nd, AKL
beachgrl001, 2nd – 10th, AKV
ruadisneyfan2, 4th – 8th, AKL
Grumpy Grandma, 5th – 12th, AKV Jambo
Wicket's Mom, 9th – 13th, AKL CL
Letthewookiewin, 9th – 14th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 11th -18th, AKL
JESSketeer, 13th – 21st, AKL
Stackyallred, 14th – 21st, Kidani
DISzy, 14th – 21st, AKL CL
4xmom, 14th – 21st, AKL Kidani
RapunzelsGoodMom, 14th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 15th – 20th, BLT
Wiserabbit, 15th – 21st, AKL
MickeyNicky25, 15th – 22nd, Jambo
snowmanlover, 15th – 22nd, AKL
Princess Hooper, 17th – 24th, AKL
Dawnywog, 18th – 26th, Jambo
Paula Sedley-Burke, 19th - Oct 3rd, SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
country-mom-of-4, 20th – 28th, Kidani
tlkscott, 20th – 28th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 20th – 30th, Jambo
Ckmommy72, 24th – 28th, AKL
CuteAndFluffy, 25th – Oct 1st, AKL
gilsan 25th – Oct 2nd , Kidani
maryandtyson, 28th – Oct 7th,AKL
aagee, 28th – Oct 1st, AKL
franandaj, 29th - Oct 2nd, VWL

 

[dgbg100106]

Can you please add my dates? May 23-30 AKV Jambo House

Thanks!

You have been added...
May
Momto8, 23rd – 30th, Jambo House

 

[dgbg100106]

Staying in a 2 bedroom villa at Kidani starting September 9th and leaving the 14th. Savannah view. What do I need to know, ask for and expect? We will be traveling with 3 adults and 2 disabled children.

You have been added
September
RachelTori, Aug 27th – 3rd AKV-CL & CSR
s3rndpt, Aug 31st – 2nd, AKL
beachgrl001, 2nd – 10th, AKV
ruadisneyfan2, 4th – 8th, AKL
Grumpy Grandma, 5th – 12th, AKV Jambo
Wicket's Mom, 9th – 13th, AKL CL
Letthewookiewin, 9th – 14th, AKL
Alizesmom, 9th – 14th, Kidani Savannah View
RobynPrincess, 11th -18th, AKL
JESSketeer, 13th – 21st, AKL
Stackyallred, 14th – 21st, Kidani
DISzy, 14th – 21st, AKL CL
4xmom, 14th – 21st, AKL Kidani
RapunzelsGoodMom, 14th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 15th – 20th, BLT
Wiserabbit, 15th – 21st, AKL
MickeyNicky25, 15th – 22nd, Jambo
snowmanlover, 15th – 22nd, AKL
Princess Hooper, 17th – 24th, AKL
Dawnywog, 18th – 26th, Jambo
Paula Sedley-Burke, 19th - Oct 3rd, SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
country-mom-of-4, 20th – 28th, Kidani
tlkscott, 20th – 28th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 20th – 30th, Jambo
Ckmommy72, 24th – 28th, AKL
CuteAndFluffy, 25th – Oct 1st, AKL
gilsan 25th – Oct 2nd , Kidani
maryandtyson, 28th – Oct 7th,AKL
aagee, 28th – Oct 1st, AKL
franandaj, 29th - Oct 2nd, VWL

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi everyone! We are booked 10/17-10/26, standard room at AKL. We had a savannah but switched to standard yesterday to grab free dining. Looking forward to our first stay here with our 7 year old daughter---she is so excited to explore the hotel. Any tips would be appreciated!

You have been added..
October
Paula Sedley-Burke, Sept 19th - 3rd , SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
gilsan Sept 25th – 2nd , Kidani
franandaj, 2nd - 7th, BCV
heidijanesmith, 3rd – 12th, AKL CL
disneynanacat, 11th -12th, Kidani
flinkerfrosch, 15th – 22nd, AKL
anjalee6, 16th – 20th, AKL
msmith1026, 17th – 26th, AKL
mara61, 18th – 26th, Kidani
karmacats, 20th -24th, AKL CL
karmacats, 24th -27th, Disney Dream CL
flinkerfrosch, 22nd – 27th , Poly
wendypooh, 22nd – 26th, BCV
Twelvevman, 23rd – 29th, AKL CL
N365PA, 24th – 26th, Kidani
MomofDisneyLoversx3, 24th – 28th, AKL Jambo CL
LuvMinnie, 27th – Nov 2nd, Kidani
Cinderella1122, 31st - Nov 5th, Jambo

 

[dgbg100106]

Yay!!!! I have been going to the DVC site for about a month trying to get a studio, savannah view at Kidani. Every time I went in there were unavailable days in the middle of the week I wanted. Every time it was different day. Today I went in and all the days from August 25 through August 31 were available. Needless to say I jumped on it and booked it right away.

Please add us to the August list. Thanks.

Now all I need is for it to get here!!!

You have been added...
September
RachelTori, Aug 27th – 3rd AKV-CL & CSR
s3rndpt, Aug 31st – 2nd, AKL
beachgrl001, 2nd – 10th, AKV
ruadisneyfan2, 4th – 8th, AKL
Grumpy Grandma, 5th – 12th, AKV Jambo
Wicket's Mom, 9th – 13th, AKL CL
Letthewookiewin, 9th – 14th, AKL
Alizesmom, 9th – 14th, Kidani Savannah View
RobynPrincess, 11th -18th, AKL
JESSketeer, 13th – 21st, AKL
Stackyallred, 14th – 21st, Kidani
DISzy, 14th – 21st, AKL CL
4xmom, 14th – 21st, AKL Kidani
RapunzelsGoodMom, 14th, AKL
RapunzelsGoodMom, 15th – 20th, BLT
Wiserabbit, 15th – 21st, AKL
MickeyNicky25, 15th – 22nd, Jambo
snowmanlover, 15th – 22nd, AKL
Princess Hooper, 17th – 24th, AKL
Dawnywog, 18th – 26th, Jambo
Paula Sedley-Burke, 19th - Oct 3rd, SSR, Disney Dream, and AKV
country-mom-of-4, 20th – 28th, Kidani
tlkscott, 20th – 28th, AKL
RobynPrincess, 20th – 30th, Jambo
Ckmommy72, 24th – 28th, AKL
Disneyholic, 25th – 31st, Kidani
CuteAndFluffy, 25th – Oct 1st, AKL
gilsan 25th – Oct 2nd , Kidani
maryandtyson, 28th – Oct 7th,AKL
aagee, 28th – Oct 1st, AKL
franandaj, 29th - Oct 2nd, VWL