The All-New "unofficial" AKL/AKV's Jambo & Kidani FAQ thread.....

[mmmears]

What is the rule at the other hotels (like BC, WL, etc) with their DVC pools? Just curious, since we would never "hop".

 

[Donald is #1]

What is the rule at the other hotels (like BC, WL, etc) with their DVC pools? Just curious, since we would never "hop".

I believe that pool hopping for DVC members is not allowed at BC & AKV but is allowed at the other resorts assuming that their pools aren't too full.

 

[disneymath]

From Aug. 10 to 19th we had three adjacent but non-connecting rooms (3220 - 2 queens, 3222 - queen & bunks, and 3224 - 2 queens plus an extra dresser) which are at the very beginning of Kudo Trail overlooking the Sunset (construction) Savannah.

We had only paid for Standard View (with a 40% PIN nonetheless) and so were extremely happy with this "upgrade". Honestly, these rooms are so close to the central hub of the lodge that we didn't see much of the construction. We had a perfect view of a tiny piece of Savannah and woke up to a giraffe at our balcony the first morning! It was awesome! Animals stopped by frequently during our 9 nights/10 days!

That said, while we loved the view, I'm not sure we would ever pay for Savannah View. We don't spend quite enough time in the room to justify that much extra per night.

The lodge is beautiful though and we would definitely stay again. Breakfast buffet at Boma was great, food at the Mara was good as was dinner at Boma. The rooms are well decorated, and the beds extremely comfy ... except that the queens in each of the rooms tended to really squeak whenever you moved. Buses were great except for Sunday August 17th ... we waited over 45mins for a bus to Epcot - apparently there was a dispatching error or something. Other than that we generally waited less than 5 mins for buses either leaving or returning.

To all who will experience the lodge for the first time on their upcoming trips ... get ready to love it!

 

[mmmears]

disneymath,

Thanks for the great review!!! I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at AKL!

 

[goofyshell]

We're booked in a studio for this Oct. The CM said that part of the new building is open. I hadn't heard that. So can I request whether I want kidani or jambo?

 

[RachelTori]

We're booked in a studio for this Oct. The CM said that part of the new building is open. I hadn't heard that. So can I request whether I want kidani or jambo?

Sorry you had a CM mislead you. Kidani is not open nor will it be until May 2009. No need to request - you'll be in Jambo!

 

[BCV23]

What is the rule at the other hotels (like BC, WL, etc) with their DVC pools? Just curious, since we would never "hop".

Members staying at BCV can use all the pools at Y&BC. I'm not sure if guests of Y&BC can use the BCV pool but it's never crowded so I don't think it's an issue.

Same is true at VWL.

I believe that pool hopping for DVC members is not allowed at BC & AKV but is allowed at the other resorts assuming that their pools aren't too full.

That is correct. DVC members can never hop to SAB or AKL...have to be staying at BCV or AKV to use those pools.

 

[goofyshell]

Thanks RachelTori! That's what I was wanting. Are any of the studios savannah view? (I think I booked something I had never heard of like grassland view?)

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks RachelTori! That's what I was wanting. Are any of the studios savannah view? (I think I booked something I had never heard of like grassland view?)

There are several different categories of Studio. There are "Savannah" view studios; "standard" studios - which for studios only is a Pool View (if you book a standard room in the regular AKL rooms, it's NOT pool view!); and "Value" studios which are smaller and have varied views (savannah, pool, or parking lot).
There's also a CL Studio, but there are so few of those and so much competition for them that I'd be shocked if you were able to snag one for October!

Those are the only "views" I'm aware of for an AKV Studio in Jambo House. You're sure you booked for October 2008 and not 2009, right?! I'd be tempted to call back and ask for specifics on my reservation; maybe get a little clarification.


Edited to Add: As far as what to call the "View", I guess once CRO gets its hands on the room, they can call it whatever category they want - so maybe there is a "grassland" view. Now I want to know!!!

 

[kaffinito]

Hi All,

I'm at an AKV Studio now, and I must say this place is incredible!

If anyone wants/needs any specific photos, I'll be glad to post them.

 

[mmmears]

Hi All,

I'm at an AKV Studio now, and I must say this place is incredible!

If anyone wants/needs any specific photos, I'll be glad to post them.

Lucky!!! Hope you are having a great time!!!

Some of us never say "no" when someone offers photos!

 

[kaffinito]

I've posted a few photos on the AKL photo thread in the resorts section. I'll be posting more later. TTFN!

 

[jerseygal]

Where do I find them? I saw your review, but couldn't find the pics..

Thanks..Sounds like you are having a great vaca!

 

[RachelTori]

Where do I find them? I saw your review, but couldn't find the pics..

Thanks..Sounds like you are having a great vaca!

There's a sub-forum called "Resort Photos" - it's in there. Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1863944&page=4

 

[jdvm]

Photographer daughter, Katie, has been wandering around Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas and has put together a slideshow....

http://www.ownerslocker.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286

I think it's super....but I would say that.

John

 

[hopelea]

If we book a standard view at AKL, is there a place for viewing? We really would like to book a savannah view but don't know if we can come up with the extra money.

 

[ndimich]

Hope you all have better luck in this catagory...More than once we were
left sitting at the bus stop waiting at least 45 minutes while other resort buses came one went more than once.....Especially when coming from downtown.

 

[RachelTori]

If we book a standard view at AKL, is there a place for viewing? We really would like to book a savannah view but don't know if we can come up with the extra money.

Yes, there are many public viewing areas. One of my favorites is to walk all the way to the end of Kudu and go out on the stairs. Besides viewing the Kidani construction, giraffes like to hang out around there. Also, the Red River Hogs; african cranes; ostrich; and zebras often like to "play" in that area!

There are also places, on floor 2, where you can go outside and relax in the rocking chairs while watching the animals.

Walk out by Arusha Rock and there's usually a Cast Member there (from Africa) who would love to share some information with your family.

After dark, you can go out to an area (near the pool) and use the night vision goggles to view the animals on the savannah.

Hope you all have better luck in this catagory...More than once we were
left sitting at the bus stop waiting at least 45 minutes while other resort buses came one went more than once.....Especially when coming from downtown.

Sorry you had bus issues. Unfortunately, since the new dispatch system came online, there have been some ongoing problems -- and it happens at all resorts, not just AKL. Oh, and Downtown Disney? Consistently, the WORST place to get a bus to any of the resorts (even under the "old" dispatch system)!!

 

[lauradenise4779]

My family will be visiting the AKV in March 2009 on rented DVC points. We've booked a studio, savanna view. I've got a couple of questions though-

1. I understand the Sunset savanna will be without animals while the new savanna is being prepped. Of course, this is when we will be visiting. Do all of the DVC studios w/ a savanna view face the Sunset savanna?

2. Are all of the DVC studios on a particular floor or in a particular section?

I've read LOTS of great info on this thread. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[RachelTori]

My family will be visiting the AKV in March 2009 on rented DVC points. We've booked a studio, savanna view. I've got a couple of questions though-

1. I understand the Sunset savanna will be without animals while the new savanna is being prepped. Of course, this is when we will be visiting. Do all of the DVC studios w/ a savanna view face the Sunset savanna?

2. Are all of the DVC studios on a particular floor or in a particular section?

I've read LOTS of great info on this thread. Thanks in advance for your help!

Here's a link to LisaS's map which will show you where the Savanna View studios are located.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25724805&postcount=483

You will be on the 5th floor - that is for certain. When you look at the map you will see the majority of rooms are Savanna View. You might want to ask the DVC owners you're renting from to add a request such as "Zebra Trail" to your reservation.