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

[Fairy Godmother]

Are bunk beds available in concierge rooms? Are they a request or do you have to pay extra for them? We are staying CL next February and I would like to get a room with bunk beds.
Also about what time is the Sunset Safari in February?

 

[heartbeeps]

Hi everyone! For all of your AKV members or hoping to be AKV members, I was talking with my guide today (Yes, I was adding on more points. ) and she said that multiple UYs are currently sold out. ...

I don't even know what UY means and it's not on the list of abbreviations. Can you give me a clue?

 

[pilferk]

I don't even know what UY means and it's not on the list of abbreviations. Can you give me a clue?

UY is a DVC term, it means "Use Year". Which is sort of a misnomer, as it really refers to use MONTH.

For example, my Use Year (UY) is September. That means my current points "use year" runs from September through August. I have to use them or bank them in that time frame.

 

[stepdisney]

I don't know if this is where I post this or not but we just voted yes for adding Disney to our August vacation plan. This year....(drum roll) we are staying at the AKL. Those of you who I solicited last year for information know my DS got the choice last year and chose WL. This year I won the resort choice and, of course, chose AKL. I can't find the Jambo thread so I posted it here. Hope it's okay. . We went from NOT going to Disney this year at all to adding 5 additional days to vacation just for Disney AND staying at AKL. What a morning!!

 

[John's Mom]

I don't know if this is where I post this or not but we just voted yes for adding Disney to our August vacation plan. This year....(drum roll) we are staying at the AKL. Those of you who I solicited last year for information know my DS got the choice last year and chose WL. This year I won the resort choice and, of course, chose AKL. I can't find the Jambo thread so I posted it here. Hope it's okay. . We went from NOT going to Disney this year at all to adding 5 additional days to vacation just for Disney AND staying at AKL. What a morning!!

We're here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1636333

 

[disneymomof1]

Just wanted to share my excitement. Just booked pool view for December 2-9. So excited, we are going with my DH, DD5 and Disney grandmom and Dniece8 . WE are so looking forward to the trip, MVMCP and having a great family trip.

 

[Tikitoi]

Hi all! My family has stayed at AKL probably 4 or 5 times in the past, but with my youngest's 3rd birthday (making us an official "family of 5") and the demise of the deluxe rooms, suddenly we couldn't stay at AKL anymore, and had to settle for POR for our last few trips. But this December we're biting the bullet and have reserved two connecting pool view rooms at AKL, and I am beyond excited! I was working on our itinerary a bit yesterday, and when I added "breakfast at The Mara," I actually got a little teary-eyed. I'm such a dork, but I've missed AKL so much-- we've visited for dinner and the children's activities, but I just haven't felt "at home," like when we've been guests there. So, I'm a dork , but I just had to share my excitement.

Glad to see your excitement. Not a dork at all. We stayed here a couple years ago and loved it, too. I was hoping to get back in for our upcoming September trip but wasn't able to. So even though we will be at WL, I'm sure it will be as nice. Enjoy.

 

[TKDisneylover]

Just wanted to share my excitement. Just booked pool view for December 2-9. So excited, we are going with my DH, DD5 and Disney grandmom and Dniece8 . WE are so looking forward to the trip, MVMCP and having a great family trip.

Your going around the same time that we went this past Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful time! Our weather was in the 80's everyday, which makes it nice to use that pool that you have a view of! And the AKL was decorated so pretty for Christmas, it will put you in the mood for MVMCP which we also attended.

You will really enjoy the AKL, it's a great resort!

 

[kkhworth]

I am considering a trip next May. This trip will ONLY be for my sister, neice, and my two kids. My neice will still be two when we go. I am wondering about room occupancy. I know in the values she will not count toward the rule of "four" because she is not three yet. Does this apply for AKV also? If so, I am possible going to check into renting points.

*So exciting!*

 

[Lilysmom]

I am considering a trip next May. This trip will ONLY be for my sister, neice, and my two kids. My neice will still be two when we go. I am wondering about room occupancy. I know in the values she will not count toward the rule of "four" because she is not three yet. Does this apply for AKV also? If so, I am possible going to check into renting points.

*So exciting!*

There are 5 of us but because Kate is only 9 months she doesn't count towards room occupancy. As long as the child is under three you will be fine.

 

[pilferk]

I am considering a trip next May. This trip will ONLY be for my sister, neice, and my two kids. My neice will still be two when we go. I am wondering about room occupancy. I know in the values she will not count toward the rule of "four" because she is not three yet. Does this apply for AKV also? If so, I am possible going to check into renting points.

*So exciting!*

She will not count toward the occupancy total.

 

[MomsOf2boys]

We have booked our club level rooms for September 21-26th at AKL. I am so excited and ready to begin researching to see which ADR's to make at which place which night blah blah blah. The problem is that the early and late park openings are not listed for those dates, nor are the fireworks and other nighttime shows. We also have booked Platinum Dining so we have so many other things to try to schedule in as well. Does anyone know approx times for Sept... If I had booked earlier I would have used last Sept. times to try to figure things out.

 

[kkhworth]

Thanks!!!!

 

[jessrose18]

We are staying at ASMu but want to go to AKL to eat breakfast at Boma and explore the hotel. Are there animals out all day for everybody to view? Can you get to the viewing areas without being a hotel guest? Thanks!

 

[Donald is #1]

We are staying at ASMu but want to go to AKL to eat breakfast at Boma and explore the hotel. Are there animals out all day for everybody to view? Can you get to the viewing areas without being a hotel guest? Thanks!

Yes, the animals are basically always out though they may be brought into the barns for an hour or 2 (I don't know ). Yes, there are at least 4 viewing areas that I can think of that you don't need to be a hotel guest for:
1) Off the main lobby overlooking the sunset savanna. If you walk in from the main entrance, walk past the check-in desk and you will see a small room on your left (glass walls). Walk into this room and there is a balconny.

2) Arusha Savanna -- the biggest viewing area. Again walk in the main entrance and walk straight to the end. Go down either staircase and then out the doors to the viewing areas.

3) Near the pool -- Take the elevators in the lobby to the 1st floor (same place as Boma). When you get off the elevator, head out the doors instead of to Boma. The pool will be straight ahead. Over on the left side of the pool is another viewing area. (Basically follow the building to the left as you exit the door.)

4) Second floor Arusha Savannah overlook -- go down the stair case in #2. When you get to the bottom instead of going straight, take a left and follow the hallway past the hotel rooms. There will be some windows, but when you get to the end of the second group of rooms, there is a balconny that overlooks the savannah.

 

[hayanyujah847]

Hi everyone! We are staying for the first time at AKV in October. We are staying in a value villa and I was wondering if anyone has pictures of a value villa studio. I read they are smaller so I am wondering what they are lacking because of the space issue. Also, I *think* I read that about half have savannah views. Does anyone know if there is any truth to that? And should I just hope I get one at check-in? Last question, we are arriving at 8am~is that too early to check-in? I totally understand if the room won't be ready but just to leave our bags and head off at 8am. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Donald is #1]

Last question, we are arriving at 8am~is that too early to check-in? I totally understand if the room won't be ready but just to leave our bags and head off at 8am. Thanks in advance!!!

Hi! I can't anwser your other questions, but I can answer the last one. Yes, you can check in when you get there at 8 and you can leave your bags with Bell Services until your room is ready. Have an awesome time!

 

[MomsOf2boys]

I have read that at many of the resorts they decorate doors and windows. Has anyone done this at AKL? I have never stayed there and am not sure exactly what the rooms or like or if the doors are compatable to magnetic door signs etc? Any help is appreciated.

 

[hayanyujah847]

Hi! I can't anwser your other questions, but I can answer the last one. Yes, you can check in when you get there at 8 and you can leave your bags with Bell Services until your room is ready. Have an awesome time!

Thanks~!

 

[Atotty]

I have read that at many of the resorts they decorate doors and windows. Has anyone done this at AKL? I have never stayed there and am not sure exactly what the rooms or like or if the doors are compatable to magnetic door signs etc? Any help is appreciated.

We do that when we stay at a Mod or Value. It's fun and really helps you find your room.

The doors at AKL have wooden shields on them though, though, so magnetic signs won't work.