Should we go to AKL for one night?

[BlueFairy]

Hi.
We are booked off-site through a time share gift from my parents for a week in Sept. That is not flexible (esp. since it's free). Then we get the email offer. I have always wanted to stay in a deluxe. Since we don't checkin until Sunday, I'm considering driving early and spending Sat night at AKL. The rates are just SO good! My question is - do you think it's worth the $ to do a one night stay? It would be a pool day, no parks. Possibly arriving by 4pm. Then on Sunday we'd have to checkout. Do you think we could still use the resort and pool until afternoon when it's time to go to the timeshare?
Do you think AKL is worth the trouble. Our plans already include a visit to Jiko which we could move to Sat. night.
I'd love to hear your opinions and experiences.
Thanks!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by BlueFairy
Do you think we could still use the resort and pool until afternoon when it's time to go to the timeshare?

I don't think this would be a problem in the very least.
There are some of the nicest public restrooms on WDW property right there for you to use as well (for changing/showering/etc...)

(Seriously - I had to comment to my DH how nice they rest rooms were by the pool! heheh)

Enjoy Jiko! It's a FABULOUS place for dinner!

There's LOTS to explore at AKL...be sure you check out the savannahs at night with the 'night vision' viewers!

 

[HopperFan]

On both trips, in the am of checkout, we have packed everything in the car except a bag with clothes. We head back to the pool and have a wonderful time, eat lunch at Mara, hit the locker rooms to shower and change..........then in the car and home.

I think it is a GREAT idea and then you know if you ever want to stay there on another trip. Especially since you are planning to eat at Jiko anyway, see the aninmals in night vision, do some other activities and just enjoy the hotel. We always schedule a hotel day when staying there !

DO IT !


ps And I agree with stinkerbelle, the locker/rest rooms are beautiful !

 

[Phrank40]

Yes, I would go for the one night at AKL. It is a unique resort and an attraction on its own. You can spend some time checking out the architecture and art work in the lobby and other areas of the resort, view the animals on the Savannah, go for a swim, eat at Jiko's or Boma. Personally anytime I visit WDW and I have a chance to add a new experience (subject to time and cost restraints) I try to go for it.

The only time we checked out of a resort but still stayed there was at Wilderness Lodge 5-6 years ago. We had a late afternoon plane reservation, my daughter wanted to swim in the WL pool so we checked out around noon, swam in the pool for an hour or so, then showered and changed at the resort restroom near the pool and headed to airport.

Phrank

 

[Swan]

Yes.
We did it last trip(ended up staying two nights). It was well worth it. We were greeted by the animals on arrival and it was a great way to start I trip. Boma's is a wonderful place to eat. I really enjoy the atmoshere at the AKL. Every CM greeted us and made us feel welcomed.

 

[Demosthenes]

Anytime I'm in Orlando for business or if I'm just passing through, I always stay a night at WDW. You can use the amenities both the day you arrive and the day you check-out all day long. It is a nice little getaway when I'm at work, and I usually find time to do more than prepare bids and presentations!

 

[BlueFairy]

You guys are fast! Thanks for the info. Now all I have to do is convince the DH . . .
I had no idea about the night vision. That's cool!

 

[pumpkinboy]

If you have never done AKL, by all means take advantage of this opportunity. And definately go for Savannah view! Nothing could be coller than looking out your hotel window and seeing those animals!

And Jiko is amazing too.

I wish on our last visit that we had left one day just to spend at the resort.

 

[BlueFairy]

The email rate wasn't available, so I got the $164 savannah view instead. Still a great deal. We're very excited. We moved our Jiko PS to that day too.

 

[HopperFan]

You really got a good deal, we paid $160 in May for pool view (won't do that again) but have stayed Savannah and loved it.

I would request Arusha or Uzima Savanna, was totally unimpressed with Sunset savanna - at least the portion off the lobby area. We were off the Zebra Trail and had giraffes right in front of our room the whole trip !

Make sure you check the activities schedule (on a board on the left of the lobby by the bell services) as soon as you arrive so you don't miss anything you want to do !

E N J O Y

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks. Glad to hear that I got a good deal. My math says it's 40% off.
I'll look into the room location.
I asked on the FAQ, so I'll ask here too - is there a difference in deluxe room size and savannah view room size? Would I have to pay extra to get a king bed?

 

[HopperFan]

I think there is a standard savanna room and a deluxe savanna room.............and the deluxe are bigger. We had standard savanna which was a queen and a bunk bed, on 4th floor.

Try this link http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm and maybe it can answer your question.

 

[beaubeau8853]

Hi-

My family and I are going to AKL (standard Savanah) in December and have requested the room that has a king bed and a day bed for our DS (5). Do you have any kids going with you? If you have just one than that layout might work for you as well. Also if your rate is $164 including tax then that is the email rate, usually it is much higher - we got that rate as well.

All the best - can't wait to hear about your trip!

 

[HeatherPage]

I just made a reservation for one night 9/5 at AKL before our WLV stay starting on 9/6. I asked for the AZZ mousesavers code for savanah view. The girl I was speaking to on the phone said "I see from our records you were recently sent an email/got a postcard which you may or may not have gotten yet." I was like I did? Okay, if you say so. She said that it got me the rate of $168 for the standard savanah room (this included tax). We've never stayed at AKL but I thought for one night at such a discounted rate we'd check it out to see if we'd like it enough for future stays. My son who will be 3 in November is crazy about animals (especially animals like giraffes, etc) so I'm hoping he'll enjoy this. We're not going to any of the parks on this day, so we can devote time to exploring the resort. One thing, I just read on another thread that sometimes you can upgrade to concierge level at check-in from anywhere from $40 to $100 (that it's cheaper to do this at check in if there is availability). Has anyone had any experience with this at the AKL?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[BlueFairy]

My rate is $164 plus tax. So that's an AZZ rate.

HopperFan - thanks for the link. That page has what I need. I think I will send in a request for a king room.

No kids so the daybed is not an issue.