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

[kimmar067]

Hi all,
I am surprising my best friend with a WDW trip for her 40th birthday and I could use some AK advice.

You see, AK is just way out of my price range so we will be staying at the Dolphin. On our last day, I am planning to check out of our hotel and drive over to AK for breakfast at Boma. Before and after the meal, we will have some item to explore and then we have to get back in the car to head home.

Last time I was there, I spent 2 hours on the observation rocks right behind the lodge and never saw anything but birds. Since then, I have heard that there are other spots in the resort that might be better. Can anybody tell me where in the resort I might have the best luck actually seeing some animals (giraffes are her favorite)?

Are there any good photo spots that we should try? (I mean for pics of US - not animals)

Also, are there any other activities or sights that you would recommend? I heard once that there is a game room with pool and ping pong tables but I don't know anything about it, where it is, what its called, if you need it be an AK guest to use it....

I would appreciate any hints/suggestions to make our last morning at Disney special!

Thanks!!!

...one question - can I be your best friend too? My b-day is 09/09 [ ]....

 

[kimmar067]

Checked in today and had a 1 bedroom villa standard view booked. Got upgraded to a savannah view on the zebra trail. Pretty far down, but an amazing view.

This plus our flight landing 30 minues early equals a great start to our trip.

....someone apparently sprinkled PD on your head...

 

[t_daniels]

...no, silly....

 

[dgbg100106]

....someone apparently sprinkled PD on your head...

 

[jillmc40]

They are not allowed in the pool area with a key card for jambo or kidani

Ok, thanks. I will plan to meet them on a different day then.

 

[kimmar067]

...stop yer frettin'....it'll come soon enough...

 

[t_daniels]

...stop yer frettin'....it'll come soon enough...

I know.

It'll sneak up on me, and I'll freak out about the fact that I have to fly!


We haven't ever planned this far ahead! It's so strange!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Could you please add me to the wonderful list? We'll be doing a split stay between AKL & BWI Aug 9-19. We'll be at Jambo House 8/9-11 for our first time ever AKL stay.

 

[ddixon1]

Jambo everyone!
We just returned from a wonderful (first-time) stay at Jambo House for Marathon weekend. We fell in love with this resort. We had a standard view that offered a partial Savannah view. It was terrific. It was DS7's first visit to WDW. We packed in way too many activities, and did not allow nearly enough down time. I felt the need to return, so that we could spend more time at the hotel.
Soooo... Just rented DVC points for a Savannah Studio for 04-08 December 2013! Couldn't resist the $1200 savings! I'm nervous about renting points, but have read good reviews of David's DVC process.
I have researched, but cannot get a clear idea of what is actually in the studio? Is the coffee maker the same pod type as the main resort rooms? If not, do I need to bring my own filters/coffee? Are the same toiletries (Disney H2O) included? Dish soap? Glasses/plates/bowls/cups? Can I order Mousekeeping as an additional service?
Thanks for all of your answers! I seem to have been hopelessly smitten by AKL/AKV!

 

[kimmar067]

I know.

It'll sneak up on me, and I'll freak out about the fact that I have to fly!


We haven't ever planned this far ahead! It's so strange!

...you must be related to my DH....

 

[kimmar067]

Jambo everyone!
We just returned from a wonderful (first-time) stay at Jambo House for Marathon weekend. We fell in love with this resort. We had a standard view that offered a partial Savannah view. It was terrific. It was DS7's first visit to WDW. We packed in way too many activities, and did not allow nearly enough down time. I felt the need to return, so that we could spend more time at the hotel.
Soooo... Just rented DVC points for a Savannah Studio for 04-08 December 2013! Couldn't resist the $1200 savings! I'm nervous about renting points, but have read good reviews of David's DVC process.
I have researched, but cannot get a clear idea of what is actually in the studio? Is the coffee maker the same pod type as the main resort rooms? If not, do I need to bring my own filters/coffee? Are the same toiletries (Disney H2O) included? Dish soap? Glasses/plates/bowls/cups? Can I order Mousekeeping as an additional service?
Thanks for all of your answers! I seem to have been hopelessly smitten by AKL/AKV!

...don't say that we didn't warn ya... ....but srsly, so glad that you had a wonderful time. Just curious, what 'arm' were you in - was it Ostrich Trail or Giraffe Trail, and what room, if I may be so bold as to ask.....

 

[t_daniels]

...you must be related to my DH....

Possibly!

We just never really have had the money in advance, and it's come up, and DH has been like, let's go! Last year, he tried to book it literally, 4 weeks in advance.

I panicked. (long story. Short of it is, I work taking care of my mom, who's in a wheelchair. That amount of time wouldn't have flown to figure out an alternative!!

So this time, I've been stalking this, and every other thread. Great information here, finding out so much by seeing everyone else's questions answered.

To stay on topic.... (because I'm SO GOOD at derailing.....) there's a sort of lounge/room that's open to any AKL visitor, somewhere, isn't there?
I remember seeing pictures of it.. maybe its time to reread post #1 for me. I'd like to check it out this trip, we never do much in-resort, except for visit Victoria Falls.
That, and maybe the resort movie. But I'm thinking a lapu-lapu says I should migrate to Poly for that one...

 

[kimmar067]

To stay on topic.... (because I'm SO GOOD at derailing.....) there's a sort of lounge/room that's open to any AKL visitor, somewhere, isn't there?
I remember seeing pictures of it.. maybe its time to reread post #1 for me.....

....aren't we ALL? [...and, good advice that you just gave yourself.... ]

 

[TruBlu]

On ME - 30 minutes to AKL


Sent from Tracey's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[anjalee6]

Good morning everyone --- Anyone remember what night which soups are served at Boma? Trying to schedule my ADRs and love the carrot ginger soup, but know it's only offered certain nights. Anyone know where to look to find a list?

 

[ddixon1]

...don't say that we didn't warn ya... ....but srsly, so glad that you had a wonderful time. Just curious, what 'arm' were you in - was it Ostrich Trail or Giraffe Trail, and what room, if I may be so bold as to ask.....

We were Zebra Trail, Room 4576. Loved it! Got some amazing shots of the sunrise over the Savannah. I'll write more about it after I get my act together...

Now, back to my questions:

I have researched, but cannot get a clear idea of what is actually in the [AKV] studio [rented DVC points]? Is the coffee maker the same pod type as the main resort rooms? If not, do I need to bring my own filters/coffee? Are the same toiletries (Disney H2O) included? Dish soap? Glasses/plates/bowls/cups? Can I order Mousekeeping as an additional service?

Thanks millions! And those Zebra Domes are seriously addicting. Loved the tip about bringing to room temp. We all loved them.

 

[jwgm2012]

Need some help... We're looking at renting some DVC points to get a 2 bdrm value villa for the week of June 10-14.

Can I get some clarification on the difference between a value versus a standard level villa? Is it just the view?

We're a family of 6 so from all the research I've done it looks like a 2 bdrm value is more economical than going with 2 standard rooms.

Thanks for your help.

gina

 

[kimmar067]

We were Zebra Trail, Room 4576. Loved it! Got some amazing shots of the sunrise over the Savannah. I'll write more about it after I get my act together...

....thought you said STANDARD ROOM....Zebra Trail doesn't have any std rooms...

 

[RachelTori]

Need some help... We're looking at renting some DVC points to get a 2 bdrm value villa for the week of June 10-14.

Can I get some clarification on the difference between a value versus a standard level villa? Is it just the view?

We're a family of 6 so from all the research I've done it looks like a 2 bdrm value is more economical than going with 2 standard rooms.

Thanks for your help.

gina

Not sure if this will help, but here goes! Value is a smaller villa. They are located on Ostrich and Giraffe Trail -- some are savannah view; some are pool view (I've had both! ); not sure if there are any parking lot view in the "Value" villas. (Values are only at Jambo House; none at Kidani.) Now having told you that - they are very difficult to book since there aren't many. They often book up at 11 months out.

Standard Villa at Jambo is slightly larger and could be a pool view (which I've had); not sure if there are parking lot views or not. A Standard Villa at Kidani will give you lots of space.

Renting DVC points will almost always save you $$$$ over booking a Villa or regular room through Disney.

 

[jwgm2012]

Not sure if this will help, but here goes! Value is a smaller villa. They are located on Ostrich and Giraffe Trail -- some are savannah view; some are pool view (I've had both! ); not sure if there are any parking lot view in the "Value" villas. (Values are only at Jambo House; none at Kidani.) Now having told you that - they are very difficult to book since there aren't many. They often book up at 11 months out.

Standard Villa at Jambo is slightly larger and could be a pool view (which I've had); not sure if there are parking lot views or not. A Standard Villa at Kidani will give you lots of space.

Renting DVC points will almost always save you $$$$ over booking a Villa or regular room through Disney.

Rachel! Thanks so much for this info! This is a huge help and yes, you're right - either way, renting DVC points seems to be the best way to save some $$$ when going with larger rooms. I'm hopeful we'll be submitting our request for a room sometime today or tomorrow so keeping fingers crossed something pans out or it's on to plan B.

thanks again!