We just came back from a stay at AKL!
Bus ride is just about 5 minutes away. Buses tend to come by every 20 minutes.
Yes, there is a GREAT counter service place at AKL called MARA. It's located a little passed the pool area. It's got some great choices, such as flatbread pizza, hot and cold sandwiches, salad, burgers, desserts, best chicken fingers I've ever had! It's got a cold case of fresh packaged stuff too.
Nice break from the park-I think you are allowed to sit near the pool to eat if you want and you could check out the viewing areas of the animals that reside at this resort (there are quite a few of them!)...just remember you are not allowed to bring food into the viewing areas!