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

[Dawn68PA]

I stayed at AKL (i.e. same building as AKV Jambo House) on the Arusha Savanna last May and I saw at least 3-4 giraffees on that Savannah from my room.

Here is a picture of 1 of them.

Another picture of 3.

Oh they are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your pictures; it really made my day

 

[Flossbolna]

There ARE a few 1BR SUITES (not DVC Villas) at AKL. I'm not exactly sure of their location, but perhaps they DO all overlook (or most of them overlook) the Sunset Savannah. Maybe that's what the OP is talking about.

Hi pilferk, I knew that you would be the perfect person to answer any strange details about AKL/AKV! I totally forgot about the suites! I remember reading about the AKL suites mostly having not so nice views...

 

[pthuhges2]

We (6 of us) will be at AKL 2/15-2/21 and are wondering if there are any special programs offered during this time! We have requested adjoining rroms and are hoping for a great view!

Thanks

Pat

 

[Donald is #1]

Donald is #1...

Did you see a wide variety of animals from the Jambo House? My seven year DD is looking forward to see lots of animals.

From my point of view, yes there was quite a variety. Of course, it all depends upon your reference point. On the Arusha Savanna, I saw zebras, giraffees, wildebeest, birds near the watering hole and some other antalope & cattle type animals that I don't remember the name of. Here are some more pictures:

 

[Donald is #1]

 

[blueeyesrnc]

Great pics Donald is #1. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering if you might have the answer to the safari question previously posted. Are their any safaris a non concierge level guest can attend? If so, how much do they cost and how do you book one?

 

[maciec]

Great pics Donald is #1. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering if you might have the answer to the safari question previously posted. Are their any safaris a non concierge level guest can attend? If so, how much do they cost and how do you book one?

This information was taken from page 1 of this thread.....

The Sunset or Wanyama Safari - Safaris will take place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The cost is $80 per person for children 8 or 9 years old , And $ 160.00 for Club Level Concierge guest, And $ 210.00 for non club level guest 10 years and up. Tax and gratuity are included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund.

Can you tell me what goes on during the tour? Like, how long is it, what do we see (animals or is it a hotel tour) does it include the meal in Jiko?

The Sunset or Wanyama Safari is exclusively offered to Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Guests. It is approximately 1 1/2 hours long and takes place on the savannas of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is meant to be a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive and is an opportunity to spend time with members from the animal programs team learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas. Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you.

 

[blueeyesrnc]

Thankyou maciec. I have read much between the two threads and I'm having a hard time keeping it all straight. I thought I read somewhere about another safari offered to guests. Maybe it was called the wilderness safari? Are you aware of this one?

 

[Dawn68PA]

$210

Thanks for the info

 

[Flossbolna]

Thankyou maciec. I have read much between the two threads and I'm having a hard time keeping it all straight. I thought I read somewhere about another safari offered to guests. Maybe it was called the wilderness safari? Are you aware of this one?

No really sure, but I think I read about this safari, too. I think it is offered for CL guests in general, i.e. Beach Club CL guests and seemed to be similar to the morning safari offered for AKL CL guests. Alternatively it could also have been a grand gathering thing. I just remember for sure that I was briefly excited and then figured out that it was not for me....

 

[John's Mom]

No really sure, but I think I read about this safari, too. I think it is offered for CL guests in general, i.e. Beach Club CL guests and seemed to be similar to the morning safari offered for AKL CL guests. Alternatively it could also have been a grand gathering thing. I just remember for sure that I was briefly excited and then figured out that it was not for me....

I think you are referring to the Wildlife Excusion. The safari is just like the Sunrise Safari without the breakfast buffet. The Wildlife Excursion is offered to concierge guests at all the WDW deluxe resorts.

 

[blueeyesrnc]

Thanks Johns Mom. That is the one I was trying to remember. I wish I could have booked concierge level, but it was not available for my dates. Maybe next time.

 

[Laurabearz]

Anyone know how far out you can book the Sunrise Safari??

If your staying Concierge, can you book friends on the SS? Or do they also have to be staying Concierge at AKL too?

Also Where is the Concierge lounge located? And Where are most of the concierge rooms located?


Thanks!

 

[JoanneNC]

Anyone know how far out you can book the Sunrise Safari??

If your staying Concierge, can you book friends on the SS? Or do they also have to be staying Concierge at AKL too?

Also Where is the Concierge lounge located? And Where are most of the concierge rooms located?


Thanks!

I was just told 180 days out
No clue about friends but I highly doubt it - although I have read threads where non-cl have been invited to pay and attend - I suspect to ensure min # of guests to avoid cancelling

I think I read the lounge is on the 6th floor now all the CL rooms are Savannah 4th floor- but I will know for sure in March

 

[Laurabearz]

Wow fast answer!

Do you know where on the 6th floor the lounge is?? On the map I have it only shows 5 floors of rooms??

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm

And the Savanah CL rooms... are they on the Zebra trail side or Kudo??

Thanks again for such a quick responce!

 

[pilferk]

Wow fast answer!

Do you know where on the 6th floor the lounge is?? On the map I have it only shows 5 floors of rooms??

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm

And the Savanah CL rooms... are they on the Zebra trail side or Kudo??

Thanks again for such a quick responce!

The 6th floor lounge overlooks the lobby. If you're on the 5th floor suspension bridge, and look BACK towards the entrance to the resort, you can see it. This might help (it's a picture FROM the bridge OF the lounge):

The 6th floor (which contains the lounge and a handful of DVC Concierge 2BR lockoff villas) ONLY exists around the lobby area...not on any of the trails. Only ONE bank of elevators will get you up there: the "main bank" off the lobby, sort of behind Zawadi marketplace. And to get there, you're required to swipe your room key. It will only go to the 6th floor if that room key has concierge access.

The Concierge rooms, which are now ALL savannah view FYI, are nearest the lobby on the 4th floor, overlooking the Arusha savannah. I THINK there are a few on both Zebra and Kudo trail...but they may JUST be on Kudo trail. I'm not precisely sure.

 

[John's Mom]

Thanks Johns Mom. That is the one I was trying to remember. I wish I could have booked concierge level, but it was not available for my dates. Maybe next time.

When I couldn't get a club level room through AAA, I tried a TA and she booked a club level room for me. Have you tried different travel agents or sites?

 

[DISNUT21]

I actually have a question about the AKL/AKV about the rooms. I remember last year they were moving people around to different hotels because of the level of noise because of the construction. Is their a certain wing of the resort to steer clear of? Is their an incredibly loud amount of construction, if so where, and which would be the quietest wing to stay in? Thanks!

 

[blueeyesrnc]

When I couldn't get a club level room through AAA, I tried a TA and she booked a club level room for me. Have you tried different travel agents or sites?

I bought points from a DVC member. When he booked the dates he booked a studio savanna view. I asked for concierge if it was available. I'm assuming it was not available, as I'm sure he would have loved to have sold me more points. I think I'm kind-a stuck, unless you have some suggestions?

 

[jctc]

Great thread, we will be staying here in Dec 08. Just doing standard view though.