Resort specific must dos at SSR and AKV

[rentayenta]

We'll be taking our 3 kids, who have been to WDW twice, and my middle DD's best friend, who has never been, in October 2012. Our last trip was May 2009. At the time of travel they'll be 15, 14, 13, and 10. They all love Disney and appreciate the little touches that make things so magical.

Our plan is 5 nights at SSR and 5 nights at AKL. I'm booking a savanah view for sure at AKV pending availability of course.

We stayed once at AKV in May 2009 but spent little time at the resort as we were much more commando back then. We did eat at Boma which we enjoyed and DH got food to go from Mara. The kids and I never made it to Mara. We briefly swam at the pool but that was the afternoon we bought DVC so everything is a total blur about the pool and the rest of the day for that matter. We had a killer savanah view so I know how awesome that is.

We haven't stayed at SSR. We toured before buying. DH fell in love.

What are some must dos at each resort? We are newbies in certain ways to both.

I'm looking for anything from treats to activities to anything you can think of that are resort specific. We just got back from the GCV at Disneyland and really got a chance to enjoy and explore the resort.

 

[sleeperclan]

I can't speak to SSR, but AKL is my absolute favorite resort! Even though we've stayed there a number of times, we've yet to take advantage of the resort offerings. Next year, though, we will be staying at Kidani Village and intend on taking things a bit slower to enjoy what the resort has to offer. There are several culinary experiences: Jiko Wine Tasting-Wed at 3:00 $25 plus tax (reservation required), Culinary Tour of several of the restaurants at 4:00 (not sure if it's only certain days) no charge for this, Dine w/Animal Specialists Lunch at Sanaa-Wed 11:30 $49 Adults and $29 ages 3-9 (reservation required), Night Vision Animal Viewing-sundown to 9:30pm (no charge), there are also a ton of special cultural experiences to include music, folktales, stories about life in Africa--a list of these will be waiting for you in your resort package. Like other resorts, there are poolside and recreational activities (also in your resort package). We intend on doing quite a few of these next time...can't wait

 

[DMKEDM]

Jambo has some fun-looking kids' craft activities...we've not tried them, but they do look like things the kids would enjoy. They also have night-time animal viewing, safari's, and various ethnic story-telling and cooking/eating (at Boma) "adventures."

At SSR, I just love strolling the grounds...they're so very pretty! And the walk over to Downtown Disney--either starting behind the Artist's Pallette/check-in building and heading to West side; or starting by the Congress Park quiet pool and heading to the Marketplace--is a "must" for my family. And I always "have to" stroll over to the Treehouse Villas, too, and walk around that area...I love it over there!

They have pool games and 3 separate pools that are worth some time--plus a quiet pool. The interactive splash/play area by the Grandstand pool is cool; the theme pool is one of Disney resorts' best; and now there's a new theme pool (w/a slide) in the Paddock "neighborhood"...

When we stay at SSR we make a lot of ADRs at Downtown Disney...it's just so easy to access from SSR and so "not easy" to access from the other resorts!

Have a great time!

 

[rentayenta]

I can't speak to SSR, but AKL is my absolute favorite resort! Even though we've stayed there a number of times, we've yet to take advantage of the resort offerings. Next year, though, we will be staying at Kidani Village and intend on taking things a bit slower to enjoy what the resort has to offer. There are several culinary experiences: Jiko Wine Tasting-Wed at 3:00 $25 plus tax (reservation required), Culinary Tour of several of the restaurants at 4:00 (not sure if it's only certain days) no charge for this, Dine w/Animal Specialists Lunch at Sanaa-Wed 11:30 $49 Adults and $29 ages 3-9 (reservation required), Night Vision Animal Viewing-sundown to 9:30pm (no charge), there are also a ton of special cultural experiences to include music, folktales, stories about life in Africa--a list of these will be waiting for you in your resort package. Like other resorts, there are poolside and recreational activities (also in your resort package). We intend on doing quite a few of these next time...can't wait

Love all of the above ideas especially the folktales, music, and anything cultural since I doubt we'll be getting to Africa anytime soon. Saana is on our list. I'd like to try the Jiko wine tasting too with DH. You have been so very helpful! Enjoy

Jambo has some fun-looking kids' craft activities...we've not tried them, but they do look like things the kids would enjoy. They also have night-time animal viewing, safari's, and various ethnic story-telling and cooking/eating (at Boma) "adventures."

At SSR, I just love strolling the grounds...they're so very pretty! And the walk over to Downtown Disney--either starting behind the Artist's Pallette/check-in building and heading to West side; or starting by the Congress Park quiet pool and heading to the Marketplace--is a "must" for my family. And I always "have to" stroll over to the Treehouse Villas, too, and walk around that area...I love it over there!

They have pool games and 3 separate pools that are worth some time--plus a quiet pool. The interactive splash/play area by the Grandstand pool is cool; the theme pool is one of Disney resorts' best; and now there's a new theme pool (w/a slide) in the Paddock "neighborhood"...

When we stay at SSR we make a lot of ADRs at Downtown Disney...it's just so easy to access from SSR and so "not easy" to access from the other resorts!

Have a great time!

My youngest two love crafts as does DD's friend who will be joining us- sounds great! Sounds like AKL is full of adventures.

Thank you for some SSR info. I forget how close SSR is to DTD. What retaurants in DTD do you like best? Love the idea of having 3 pools to choose from depending on everyone's mood and how active they want to play and swim vs relaxing. Is there a specific area you'd suggest we stay in?

Have you tried the Turf Club? I'd like to eat at as many resort restaurants as possible. We were very pleased with Olivia's at OKW.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The evening cultural safaris are at both, and I think at different times, but I've not gone to both on the same evening, I think I could have. The lunch with an Animal Specialist was wonderful, and I was glad to try the food at Sanaa.

Be sure to chat with the CMs who are out next to the savannahs. They are interesting to talk to.

Bobbi

 

[DMKEDM]

From the Congress Park quiet pool to the bus stop at the Marketplace is no more than a 10-minute walk, just strolling along (if you're in a hurry and your feet don't hurt (does one's feet ever not hurt at Disney???), you can do it (or at least 59-year-old me can) in about 5-6 minutes...so it's maybe 1/3 or so of a mile?

From the boat ramp behind the main pool to the West side is about 5-10 minutes to the parking lot behind Cirque du Soleil, depending on how fast or slow you're walking...

We absolutely love the Turf Club...we always try to eat at least one meal there when we stay at SSR...it's a pretty dining room (if the weather is cooperative, they have a lovely outside (but covered) eating porch...the food is good (kind of "usual" for Disney restaurants, but tasty and plentiful)...

Two of our favorite WDW restaurants are in Downtown Disney--Ragland Road, which I think is "officially" on Pleasure Island, but is at the far end (from the bus stop) of the Marketplace, just over the bridge; and Wolfgang Puck's--we love both Express and the Cafe (at the Cafe, in West Side, there's a macadamia crusted chicken breast (w/mashed potatoes and apricot chutney) that I "dream about" it's so good)...we also really really like Earl of Sandwich for an inexpensive, big-and-filling sandwich (lots of choices for the type of sandwich, and good salads, too)...

The kids enjoy T-Rex (a clone of Rainforest Cafe, which is also in the Marketplace), for the atmosphere...I find it "ok;" I don't at all mind going there, but wouldn't choose it if I weren't w/young kids who get a kick out of the atmosphere...

And then of course there's the ice cream sundaes at Ghiradelli's...a "sinful" treat!

Lots of other good choices, too...but those are the ones we go back to again and again...

Our favorite "neighborhood" at SSR is Grandstand...it's a very short walk (from the two close-in buildings, and just a building further from the two further-out buildings) over to the main building/main pool/food and shop...AND it's the first bus stop (first to load, first to unload--nice on busy days)...AND the theme pool is fun...I use the pools for exercise swims very early in the mornings--and for that prefer the quiet pools over the main pool...like the one at Congress Park a lot, too, but it's a "plain pool" and the Grandstand pool is themed. No slides at either of those. The main pool is great fun for splash-and-play and sitting poolside relaxing...food and drink are available there (and at Grandstand and at the new pool--which opened after our last stay at SSR--in the Paddock neighborhood--the new pool has a slide, too, and is getting rave reviews.) Congress Park (request a Downtown Disney view--it's spectacular!) is terrific for short walks/easy access to Downtown Disney--it's about a 10-12 minute walk over to the main building.

Hope this helps. We love both SSR and AKV (we've stayed at Jambo and visit Kidani each time for Sanaa, which is another of our very most favorite WDW restaurants)...they are VERY different resorts; it'll feel like two separate vacations to you, I'm sure...but both are wonderful...

 

[rentayenta]

The evening cultural safaris are at both, and I think at different times, but I've not gone to both on the same evening, I think I could have. The lunch with an Animal Specialist was wonderful, and I was glad to try the food at Sanaa.

Be sure to chat with the CMs who are out next to the savannahs. They are interesting to talk to.

Bobbi

Thanks Bobbi. I love chatting up the CMs. Saana is on our must-try list. My goal is to try all new restaurants.

From the Congress Park quiet pool to the bus stop at the Marketplace is no more than a 10-minute walk, just strolling along (if you're in a hurry and your feet don't hurt (does one's feet ever not hurt at Disney???), you can do it (or at least 59-year-old me can) in about 5-6 minutes...so it's maybe 1/3 or so of a mile?

What's the Marketplace?

We absolutely love the Turf Club...we always try to eat at least one meal there when we stay at SSR...it's a pretty dining room (if the weather is cooperative, they have a lovely outside (but covered) eating porch...the food is good (kind of "usual" for Disney restaurants, but tasty and plentiful)...

I'm glad to hear that. I really enjoy resorts restaurants. The menu looks good too, something for everyone.

Two of our favorite WDW restaurants are in Downtown Disney--Ragland Road, which I think is "officially" on Pleasure Island, but is at the far end (from the bus stop) of the Marketplace, just over the bridge; and Wolfgang Puck's--we love both Express and the Cafe (at the Cafe, in West Side, there's a macadamia crusted chicken breast (w/mashed potatoes and apricot chutney) that I "dream about" it's so good)...we also really really like Earl of Sandwich for an inexpensive, big-and-filling sandwich (lots of choices for the type of sandwich, and good salads, too)...

We love Raglan Road too. We haven't been to either of the Wolfgang Puck places but have read great things about both. We tried Earl and while it was good, it was packed and I couldn't wait to get out of there. It's pretty cheap though.

And then of course there's the ice cream sundaes at Ghiradelli's...a "sinful" treat!

Lots of other good choices, too...but those are the ones we go back to again and again...

I've only been to Ghiradelli's once but that was years ago in San Fransisco. Do you like Ghiradelli's or Beaches better?

Our favorite "neighborhood" at SSR is Grandstand...it's a very short walk (from the two close-in buildings, and just a building further from the two further-out buildings) over to the main building/main pool/food and shop...AND it's the first bus stop (first to load, first to unload--nice on busy days)...AND the theme pool is fun...I use the pools for exercise swims very early in the mornings--and for that prefer the quiet pools over the main pool...like the one at Congress Park a lot, too, but it's a "plain pool" and the Grandstand pool is themed. No slides at either of those. The main pool is great fun for splash-and-play and sitting poolside relaxing...food and drink are available there (and at Grandstand and at the new pool--which opened after our last stay at SSR--in the Paddock neighborhood--the new pool has a slide, too, and is getting rave reviews.) Congress Park (request a Downtown Disney view--it's spectacular!) is terrific for short walks/easy access to Downtown Disney--it's about a 10-12 minute walk over to the main building.

Hope this helps. We love both SSR and AKV (we've stayed at Jambo and visit Kidani each time for Sanaa, which is another of our very most favorite WDW restaurants)...they are VERY different resorts; it'll feel like two separate vacations to you, I'm sure...but both are wonderful...

This has been so helpful, thank you so much! We like to be part of the action so it sounds like the Grandstand area would be great for us. But we love a terrific view and that sounds like Congress Park would be best for that. I guess each area has its pluses. I need to do a ton more research.

 

[Sammie]

For me at SSR the spa is a must do.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The cultural exchanges scheduled in the library at Kidani are a real hidden gem! They are adult based information and would be too much "talking" for young children, but teens and adults will love it. We only found out about them the second half of our trip, and enjoyed 4 nights of them at least. They are usually at 8:15 in the library following the drum circle for the kids.

 

[rentayenta]

For me at SSR the spa is a must do.

Oh yeah! What services have you had? DH also wants to golf.

The cultural exchanges scheduled in the library at Kidani are a real hidden gem! They are adult based information and would be too much "talking" for young children, but teens and adults will love it. We only found out about them the second half of our trip, and enjoyed 4 nights of them at least. They are usually at 8:15 in the library following the drum circle for the kids.

Awesome! Our youngest will be 11 not 10 on the trip and he loves to learn, listen, and read so I bet he'd love it too. A drum circle too? That sounds great too! Did you do the drum circle? Does this happen in Kidani or Jambo? I didn't know AKV had a library.

 

[Sammie]

Gosh, let me think. Manicures, pedicures, massage, facial, combos. Pretty much all that they offer. It is all good.

 

[rentayenta]

Gosh, let me think. Manicures, pedicures, massage, facial, combos. Pretty much all that they offer. It is all good.

Excellent! I usually get a pre-vacation pedicure but that might be the perfect thing for me to do on arrival day. DH and the kids can swim and I'll get a little pampering.

 

[majortom1981]

Talk to the african CM's . You might find you can do that for hours.

If your at kidani sit at the fire pit and talk to the CMS at night. We sit there for hours talking to the african cm's and watching the animals.

Try to eat at Sanaa once if you can. A lot of people including myself think its the best place to eat on property.

Also Do the Sanaa info tour, if its still available. You get free bread service. PS if you like naan and chutney the bread service rocks as a lunch. we skip lunch and sit at sanaa and have bread service instead.

If you don't mind appetizers you can sit at Sanaa's bar and eat them as lunch without reservations.

Take time to read the quotes and look at all the african artifacts in kidani village. That alone can take an hour or more.

 

[winnie77]

When you go to dtd, Earl of Sandwich is a must. The the sandwhiches are HUGE! and I also tried Cooke's of Dublin. Fish and chips soo good. If you have a cigar lover, then Fuego by Sosa Cigars is another place to go. As for turf club. Eatten here 3 times and I had no complaints. As for where to stay at SSR, well I love Congress Park with a view of Downtown Disney. But if you have kids this is probably not the section you would want to be in. Paddock section has a new pool, which was a lot of fun this year. But the other feature pool is fun too. I just love SSR the resort is very relaxing, yet you have all the conviences that Disney has to offer. So close yet you feel far away.

 

[rentayenta]

When you go to dtd, Earl of Sandwich is a must. The the sandwhiches are HUGE! and I also tried Cooke's of Dublin. Fish and chips soo good. If you have a cigar lover, then Fuego by Sosa Cigars is another place to go. As for turf club. Eatten here 3 times and I had no complaints. As for where to stay at SSR, well I love Congress Park with a view of Downtown Disney. But if you have kids this is probably not the section you would want to be in. Paddock section has a new pool, which was a lot of fun this year. But the other feature pool is fun too. I just love SSR the resort is very relaxing, yet you have all the conviences that Disney has to offer. So close yet you feel far away.

*So close yet you feel far away* was one of the selling points for DH with regard to buying there. That and golf. And the grounds. And proximity to DTD. He enjoys Disney but doesn't want it 24/7.

SSR just has too many choices. I think my objectives are to be close to the action meaning pool, store, and CS. Can't wait to try the Turf Club, any suggestions?

Talk to the african CM's . You might find you can do that for hours.

If your at kidani sit at the fire pit and talk to the CMS at night. We sit there for hours talking to the african cm's and watching the animals.

Try to eat at Sanaa once if you can. A lot of people including myself think its the best place to eat on property.

Also Do the Sanaa info tour, if its still available. You get free bread service. PS if you like naan and chutney the bread service rocks as a lunch. we skip lunch and sit at sanaa and have bread service instead.

If you don't mind appetizers you can sit at Sanaa's bar and eat them as lunch without reservations.

Take time to read the quotes and look at all the african artifacts in kidani village. That alone can take an hour or more.

Saana is on our must try list! Love naan. What's all included in the bread service? We really appetizers too. We are grazers by nature and share a lot. Nobody's plate is off limits.


I'm planning on a fire pit night now. Does it start at dusk?

 

[mom of princessx2]

We just got back from our first trip to SSR and loved it. We stayed in the Grandstand section which was perfect. We had a first floor room so our patio was basically on the golf course and we were about 5 min from the Carriage House and High Rock pool but also had our own "quiet" pool.
If your kids like the crafts then the Community Hall is a must. Once my girls found it they wanted to go at least once a day. Some items are extra $ but they also have a ping pong table and wii set up to play.
My dh is also a golfer and usually plays at least 2 courses while we are there. After this trip he now says LBV course is his favorite.

Hope you have a great trip! Planning is half the fun!

 

[rentayenta]

We just got back from our first trip to SSR and loved it. We stayed in the Grandstand section which was perfect. We had a first floor room so our patio was basically on the golf course and we were about 5 min from the Carriage House and High Rock pool but also had our own "quiet" pool.
If your kids like the crafts then the Community Hall is a must. Once my girls found it they wanted to go at least once a day. Some items are extra $ but they also have a ping pong table and wii set up to play.
My dh is also a golfer and usually plays at least 2 courses while we are there. After this trip he now says LBV course is his favorite.

Hope you have a great trip! Planning is half the fun!

I agree, planning is half of the fun! It's nice to get some SSR info too. Funny, though, it's unnatural to me to request a low level room but is that whats best at SSR? I am a view junkie. It seems like Grandstand might be the way to go for us. Is the High Rock pool the new pool or the zero entry pool? Do the main pools have bars and snacks close by? We discovered the beauty of White Water Snack during our last visit to the GCV at Disneyland.

 

[DenLo]

AKV - Eat at Sanaa

SSR - Eat a Turf Club

Whichever resort you stay at check out the activities list in your welcome home packet and take time to be at the resort and enjoy some of the activities.

Uwanja Camp (water play area) at Kidani Village is great fun for kids and I saw more than one parent enjoying it too.

Both Kidani Village and SSR have a Community Hall that has great a list of activities, Wii games, computers, board games and movies you can check out to use in the villa. Our nieces enjoyed the pin trading there too.

At SSR I would definitely check out the new Paddock pool and perhaps have lunch there.

 

[winnie77]

Mint crusted Lamp Chops, Prime rib, Grilled New York Strip, Pork Tenderloin all have been had and all were good. Also ate at the new Paddock grill or whatever it is call at the new paddock pool and the lunch food was really good too.

 

[rentayenta]

AKV - Eat at Sanaa

SSR - Eat a Turf Club

I've printed out menus for both as I am in uber geek planning mode today.

Whichever resort you stay at check out the activities list in your welcome home packet and take time to be at the resort and enjoy some of the activities.

Wonder if there is a way to get my hands on the activties offered prior to arriving?

Uwanja Camp (water play area) at Kidani Village is great fun for kids and I saw more than one parent enjoying it too.

We are water people so that sounds terrific.

Both Kidani Village and SSR have a Community Hall that has great a list of activities, Wii games, computers, board games and movies you can check out to use in the villa. Our nieces enjoyed the pin trading there too.

At SSR I would definitely check out the new Paddock pool and perhaps have lunch there.

I saw that they have a menu at the new pool. I love eating by the water.

Mint crusted Lamp Chops, Prime rib, Grilled New York Strip, Pork Tenderloin all have been had and all were good. Also ate at the new Paddock grill or whatever it is call at the new paddock pool and the lunch food was really good too.

I'm so excited! Lamb is one of my favorites. Thank you, thank you.