We liked AKL a lot. It was a very relaxing place, which was nice after spending a busy day at the parks. The pool is big enough that we never felt crowded even when there were a lot of people in it. Of course, you have Boma and Jiko (our best meal ever on Disney property) right there. We got breakfast every morning at Mara, and while it is small, we always found a table either inside or outside. I know a lot of people think the rooms are dark, but they didn't seem any darker to me.