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

[maryandtyson]

For those that have stayed in a standard view room at AKL, what did you honestly think?

The reason I ask is because this is what I booked for our upcoming Nov. trip. We have stayed at four values, then Coronado Springs twice. I originally booked for a CSR room only back in Jan. and was waiting for a military discount to come out to apply, then add the dining plan. We will get our tickets from the base. I was not paying enough attention, and thought they wouldn't release till Aug., but turns out they released on a Mon. in July and I didn't find out till that Wed. So, by that time, they didn't have any standard rooms at CSR, only club ($300 more) left at CSR. Our other options were CRB (same price we originally budgeted, but no queen beds), a value ($300 less, smaller beds and room), and AKL (standard-$600 more, pool view $800 more, and savannah view $1200 more). DH and I talked and decided to go ahead with AKL standard. This is really a dream come true for me, since I love animals and the whole resort is just breathtaking! (we've eaten breakfast at Boma twice) Plus it's a surprise for the kids!!! I think they will be floored that we are staying here, no matter the view. AT 13 & 17, they understand money, and know it's a splurge for our family to stay here, even with a discount. Three years ago we surprised them with CSR and they love that place, and are really excited to go back. But everything I have read has people saying to upgrade to savannah view, and I think since we've already gone over budget, it's just not reasonable. I think we will still enjoy the resort without the view, but I want other opinions. Thanks in advance!

We are going back to AKL pool view, bunk bed this year. Just cannot justify the cost of the Savannah view rooms, but we really liked the pool view. The entire resort is just beautiful! Tons of landscaping everywhere. I think you will LOVE it! There are a lot of places to view animals and enjoy the beauty of the resort. I don't think the view from your room is that big of a deal. With the ages of your children, you will probably spend most of your time out of your room anyway. Boma, as you have already learned, is just fantastic. Or girls love eating there! We also like The Mara- we think its one of the best counter service places at WDW. Take some time to talk to the CMs who are from Africa. It's a great cultural experience. I think you are making a great choice. Enjoy the resort and the splurge!

 

[MtGreenwood]

The August discount was 5% for AKL CL. Not much, but something.

we arrived today - had a great check in experience! Adam checked us in, upgraded us to Savannah view, great room on 4th floor Sunset Savanna. Very pleased.

Took the bus to DtD for EoS, came right back as my younger son had hit his max - wanted bed. Stopped at Mara first for some zebra domes and bottled water. Now chilling in our room watching Disney Jr and snoozing off and on. Planning on Mara and swimming and marshmallow roasting later. I LOVE this place!

What type of room did you have reserved prior to being upgraded to a Savannah view room?

 

[MtGreenwood]

FYI-We will be going to AKL a month from today. I just called AKL to find out if the refrigerators will all be replaced by then and I was told that as of today all of the AKL refrigerators have been replaced.

 

[psac]

Good afternoon all!

My DP and I enjoyed a fantastic weekend at AKL (CL) in August of 2010, and we'd like to repeat that in August of 2014. We are spending a week at BC with my sister and her DBF, but before that, we like some alone time, with no parks planned, and we really think AKL, especially CL is the place to do it.
My question is for those AKL August people. Disney usually releases a nice discount (25-35%) off deluxe hotels for the last few weeks of August, and this is when we're targeting. It's been a few years since we've watched AKL for any discounts. Can anyone tell me if AKL savannah rooms and/or CL rooms were included in the late-August discount for this year? Was it a full 25-35% off?

We'd love to do this, but would need a deep discount to be able to justify it.

By the way, we are also AP holders....any discounts there this August?

Thanks in advance!

I can't speak about August, but we had a 30/35% (don't remember which) discount for AKL club this past April. I don't remember if it was AP, Disney Visa, or public, since we have all three. I think we saved $1000 for a 7 night stay.

 

[maryandtyson]

FYI-We will be going to AKL a month from today. I just called AKL to find out if the refrigerators will all be replaced by then and I was told that as of today all of the AKL refrigerators have been replaced.

Yay! Thank you for sharing this. I tried to call last week and the CM I spoke with obviously had no idea what I was talking about. Have a great trip!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We had a standard room for our first stay at AKL last September. Our view was of the parking lot, but it blocked quite a bit by trees. No problem seeing animals in other places around the lodge. AKL is so beautiful we felt so lucky staying there the room view didn't matter much at all.

I received a pin back in February for 35% room discount which we used to book our Club Level room at AKL. So I would say they do have discounts on club level rooms.

 

[Hulagirlie2003]

Thanks for the info

 

[Hulagirlie2003]

You will love AKL! Check page one of this thread for information on the in room amenities. The rooms are really pretty. My girls love the bedspreads! There are two sinks as well, which is really nice. There is also an open space below the sinks that we use for everyone's shoes. An organized room makes me happy. What can I say?

When you check in, you will receive a sheet with all of the activities for the week. There are cultural programs, storytelling by the fire put outside which is surprisingly not hot to sit around!, of course, then animals! There are lots of great viewing spots and usually a CM from Africa on hand to chat with and ask questions. The Lounge is a very nice spot to hang out for a bit before or after dinner at Boma or Jiko. Not sure if you are adults or kids are part of your party as well. But there are kids programs too. And, Zawadi (the gift shop) is a great place to shop! Really unique things there, as well as the usual Mickey kinds of items. After a long day of touring, the hot tubs are a wonderful way to relax too!!

Enjoy your stay!!

Thank you for the info!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

FYI-We will be going to AKL a month from today. I just called AKL to find out if the refrigerators will all be replaced by then and I was told that as of today all of the AKL refrigerators have been replaced.

Yay!!

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

For those that have stayed in a standard view room at AKL, what did you honestly think?

The reason I ask is because this is what I booked for our upcoming Nov. trip. We have stayed at four values, then Coronado Springs twice. I originally booked for a CSR room only back in Jan. and was waiting for a military discount to come out to apply, then add the dining plan. We will get our tickets from the base. I was not paying enough attention, and thought they wouldn't release till Aug., but turns out they released on a Mon. in July and I didn't find out till that Wed. So, by that time, they didn't have any standard rooms at CSR, only club ($300 more) left at CSR. Our other options were CRB (same price we originally budgeted, but no queen beds), a value ($300 less, smaller beds and room), and AKL (standard-$600 more, pool view $800 more, and savannah view $1200 more). DH and I talked and decided to go ahead with AKL standard. This is really a dream come true for me, since I love animals and the whole resort is just breathtaking! (we've eaten breakfast at Boma twice) Plus it's a surprise for the kids!!! I think they will be floored that we are staying here, no matter the view. AT 13 & 17, they understand money, and know it's a splurge for our family to stay here, even with a discount. Three years ago we surprised them with CSR and they love that place, and are really excited to go back. But everything I have read has people saying to upgrade to savannah view, and I think since we've already gone over budget, it's just not reasonable. I think we will still enjoy the resort without the view, but I want other opinions. Thanks in advance!

Stayed at AKL in June in a Standard View room for the first time. Made only one request "close to pool". Figured that would also put us close to the Mara so that was my ideal. Was all the way down Zebra trail in the back right corner where the two wings come together. Pretty sure it was "reclassified" savannah view. Had a view of the people pen and the fence where the zoo keepers emerge with the food. It was amazing. Got up in the morning to scores of animals waiting on the zoo keepers. An African Crane made her nest just below us. And the presence of possible food meant we even had bunnies, chipmunks and lots of other adorable wildlife in addition to the amazing giraffe and zebras, cattle, antelope, etc. it was the BEST standard room ever! Totally thrilled! Wishing you as much pixie dust!

 

[Pinkocto]

Stayed at AKL in June in a Standard View room for the first time. Made only one request "close to pool". Figuredttyst would also put us close to the Mara so that was my ideal. Was all the way down Zebra trail in the back right corner where the two wings come together. Pretty sure it was "reclassified" savannah view. Had a view of the people pen and he fence where the zoo keepers emerge with the food. It was amazing. Got up in the morning to scores of animals waiting on the zoo keepers. An African Crane made her nest just below us. And the presence of possible food meant we even had bunnies, chipmunks and lots of other adorable wildlife in addition to the amazing giraffe and zebras, cattle, antelope, etc. it was the BEST standard room ever! Totally thrilled! Wishing you as much pixie dust!

I had a room in the same area in June, it was amazing! Let people complain, I'd take that view any trip

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I had a room in the same area in June, it was amazing! Let people complain, I'd take that view any trip

Cool! What a score sounds like a great room to me!

 

[ddixon1]

Cool! What a score sounds like a great room to me!

We had a standard "people pen" view in January and LOVED it! (Room 4576). Even saw fireworks from balcony one night - not sure from where?

Anyhoo... We return to AKL-Jambo TOMORROW!
Wake up at 4:30 am for a 7:05 AM flight.
Who needs sleep?
Cheerio!

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I had a room in the same area in June, it was amazing! Let people complain, I'd take that view any trip

I agree! I was stressed because I was one of those "why go there if you don't get Savannah view" people (I just love the animals - AMAZING). But I will never complain about that view. I love, love, loved it.... there was a lot more action near the fence than I was used to seeing on the Savannah view. I guess food is a great motivator.

Have I mentioned lately that I love the AKL?

 

[tiggerlvr27]

I agree! I was stressed because I was one of those "why go there if you don't get Savannah view" people (I just love the animals - AMAZING). But I will never complain about that view. I love, love, loved it.... there was a lot more action near the fence than I was used to seeing on the Savannah view. I guess food is a great motivator.

Have I mentioned lately that I love the AKL?

I love such positive reviews!

 

[Pinkocto]

I agree! I was stressed because I was one of those "why go there if you don't get Savannah view" people (I just love the animals - AMAZING). But I will never complain about that view. I love, love, loved it.... there was a lot more action near the fence than I was used to seeing on the Savannah view. I guess food is a great motivator.

Have I mentioned lately that I love the AKL?

That was exactly what we said, more action then we even saw on Arusha. It was awesome. Love AKL

 

[Pinkocto]

We had a standard "people pen" view in January and LOVED it! (Room 4576). Even saw fireworks from balcony one night - not sure from where?

Anyhoo... We return to AKL-Jambo TOMORROW!
Wake up at 4:30 am for a 7:05 AM flight.
Who needs sleep?
Cheerio!

Have fun!!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Cool! What a score sounds like a great room to me!

We were blown away! Couldn't believe our luck with that view.

 

[sbobbio]

 

[sbobbio]

Staying at Kidani Village in 1 month! Do the villas have either recliners or rocking chairs? I really could use one to put my daughter to sleep.

I've not seen any in my 4 stays. That would be comfy!!!