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

[jaycns]

Thank you for this information. My DS(7) has severe Asthma and had pneumonia this winter . We have to take precautions and usually put a notation in our reservation to make sure that we are we are away from any smoking sections and that our room is cleaned and sheets changed often (last time we were there 11 days so we asked for frequent sheet changing. I'll take the scenic route through the gift shop if it means being far away from the smoking. Is there smoking near the pool? What areas should I avoid so that I can stay away from designated smoking areas and still enjoy my balcony?

Thanks for all your help.

Our ds (11) has the same issues. He has had these problems for years. ended up in the hospital. My son was taken by ambulance from a Ritz Carlton three years ago and just two years ago while staying at the Contemporary we had to take him in and have breathing treatments/injections/oral steroids administered while staying in a room that wasn't given an allergy/asthma cleaning. For our family, the special cleaning has made the difference between us being able to vacation or not.

I must say that of the CR, GF, Poly, AKL and ASMovies, that AKL did the BEST job with working with us in order to ensure our son would have a healthy environment. They went way above and beyond! All of the resorts were supposed to do the same cleaning but we had to call in mousekeeping to redo parts of it at some of the other resorts. For our son, we have what is called a VIP cleaning done. Basically they fully changed out linens, sanitized carpeting, freshly cleaned curtains, wiped down walls, etc You might not need quite so much for your son to enjoy his trip...but know that if you need it, it is available.

As far as the smoking areas at AKL, this is my lone compliant about the lodge. To get to the bus stops, cut through the gift shop. To get to the pool do not go through the "Jiko/Boma" exit, go to the back elevator and take that down and exit near Simba's/the laundry area (near the arcade and the Mara). The bridge right outside of the exit near Boma/Jiko is a smoking area.

As far as any area of the resort to avoid room wise, I wouldn't think you would need to worry about that, the smoking areas really are not near any of the rooms.

One totally off topic bit of advice, be careful at Illuminations at EPCOT. My ds had problems when the wind shifted and the smoke blew back at us.

I hope you have a fantastic vacation!!

 

[WDWBetsy]

I think it will fit there - but it will be a tight squeeze. There is some space between the queen bed and the sliding glass door. That may be a better spot for it as it will be out of the way.

Great! I was wondering about the spot closer to the sliding glass door. We'll make it work. Thanks so much!

 

[jaycns]

Hi everyone...
Just have to share my excitement...we are now booked at AKL from June 26-July 4.. It is just me and my son and we will both be celebrating our birthdays there (DS will be turning 10). We had originally booked at POP, but I decided to upgrade to AKL, but I didn't tell my son. I will surprise him when we get to the resort... I have never stayed at a deluxe before and I am very excited about it!
But I have a few questions....I had my travel agent who booked the room put on my reservation that my son will be having a birthday while we are there. Does AKL do anything special for a birthday?
Also, do they have hair dryers in the room? I'm sure I will have a ton of other questions the closer we get....
Erin

Yes on the hairdryers and maybe on the birthday.

By maybe, I mean we did have something done. During our last trip, they sent a cake to our son. It was a really sweet touch. However, I know they don't catch every single birthday. So many people are celebrating something special that they aren't able to sprinkle pixie dust for every one of them. Our previous stay at AKL the same son was again celebrating a birthday and nothing was done by the staff at AKL. That didn't stop us from doing it ourselves though!

You can order a regular cake or even a zebra striped cake to your room along with a few other amazing edible treats. Maybe plan on having one of those delivered for him (your stomach will thank you as well).


"Amazing Edible Treat" aka zebra striped strawberries, chocolate bar, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate giraffes. Even the stand the chocolate bar is on was made of chocolate!!

A picture of his "regular" cake:

A picture of our zebra striped cake (so tasty!):

Remember you are not allowed to have balloons at AKL (for animal safety reasons) but other then that you could always decorate the room for him or even have the pixies at Gifts of a Lifetime do it. http://www.giftsofalifetime.com/roomdecorating.html

If you are staying at the club level, the concierge could also help you arrange for some special gift placement or other special touches.

Another thing to do is to ask for a birthday pin at one of the parks (I think they may even have them at the front desk of the resort now). My boys have always enjoyed wearing those and CMs and even other guests have been so sweet in wishing a happy birthday.

An early HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAVE A TON OF FUN!!

 

[jaycns]

Question for those who have stayed in a queen bed/bunk bed room. We're renting a full-size (52" x 28") crib from A Baby's Best Friend, does anyone know if it will fit between the queen bed and bunk bed, or is there another place since the fridge unit is next to the dresser/TV? Just trying to figure out where to put it and if it will indeed work for us.

My DH and I will take the queen bed, nephew (10) will be on top bunk and my mom on bottom bunk. Our daughter will be 2 and we're renting a full-size crib to help assist with scream-free night. She doesn't sleep well in a pack & play.

Thanks for any input!

Here is a picture but it is NOT a great shot. Sorry. However, you can sort of see that the only space between the queen bed and the bunk bed is just big enough for a bedside table.

If I am remembering correctly, it will fit on the other side (the balcony) side of the bed, but the person sleeping on that side most likely wouldn't have room to get out and walk on that side of the bed. A small inconvenience for a happy baby!

 

[stepdisney]

Our ds (11) has the same issues. He has had these problems for years. ended up in the hospital. My son was taken by ambulance from a Ritz Carlton three years ago and just two years ago while staying at the Contemporary we had to take him in and have breathing treatments/injections/oral steroids administered while staying in a room that wasn't given an allergy/asthma cleaning. For our family, the special cleaning has made the difference between us being able to vacation or not.

I must say that of the CR, GF, Poly, AKL and ASMovies, that AKL did the BEST job with working with us in order to ensure our son would have a healthy environment. They went way above and beyond! All of the resorts were supposed to do the same cleaning but we had to call in mousekeeping to redo parts of it at some of the other resorts. For our son, we have what is called a VIP cleaning done. Basically they fully changed out linens, sanitized carpeting, freshly cleaned curtains, wiped down walls, etc You might not need quite so much for your son to enjoy his trip...but know that if you need it, it is available.

As far as the smoking areas at AKL, this is my lone compliant about the lodge. To get to the bus stops, cut through the gift shop. To get to the pool do not go through the "Jiko/Boma" exit, go to the back elevator and take that down and exit near Simba's/the laundry area (near the arcade and the Mara). The bridge right outside of the exit near Boma/Jiko is a smoking area.

As far as any area of the resort to avoid room wise, I wouldn't think you would need to worry about that, the smoking areas really are not near any of the rooms.

One totally off topic bit of advice, be careful at Illuminations at EPCOT. My ds had problems when the wind shifted and the smoke blew back at us.

I hope you have a fantastic vacation!!

OMG Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. They were supposed to do this VIP cleaning at the beginning of our trip last year but didn't. I had to call mousekeeping and then they did a wonderful job but not before my DS woke up with his eyes red wheezing. I think they needed a filter change. He can't take any mold, dust mites, smoke or highly fragrant things. My son's reactions are also to food and one morning we asked if the eggs were real or powdered (he has some sort of reaction to powdered eggs and/or cheeses, no krafts mac & cheese for him ) We were told the eggs were real and found that they were not. I called and let them know and they brought up fresh eggs, room service, stuffed animals, towel animals, fresh linens, you name it. For us, we always have the epi pen handy and have to hook up the nebulizer in the room. Illuminations last year was difficult but my (DS) was shorter than the smoke long enough for us to run for the secret exit. (I was pulling him of course ).

Thanks again for all of the AKL secrets. It is good to know that this is a good resort for DKids like ours.

 

[jaycns]

lilyv is correct. For the evening safari which is on the savanas of AKL, anyone staying at AKL/AKV can book it. However, there is a significant price difference if you are not a conceirge guest.

That is correct. I know we paid a lot less as concierge guests. I remember the price difference for two of us being enough to cover a few nights of popping to stay concierge vs. savanna view. I highly suggest the Wanyama Safari. It was a dream come true. The safari, the meal at Jiko. All of it was just amazing. Here are a few pictures from when we did it last September. I wish I was doing it again right now!
Some of the delicious food served as part of the meal at Jiko that is included afterward.

An amazing photo op!

Some amazing animal shots!

The giraffes were especially curious and came over to investigate our vehicle. They were so close that if we would have reached out (not allowed) we could have touched them.

Once again, it was totally amazing!!

 

[Donald is #1]

jaycns, those are awesome photos! Thanks so much for posting them.

 

[WDWBetsy]

Here is a picture but it is NOT a great shot. Sorry. However, you can sort of see that the only space between the queen bed and the bunk bed is just big enough for a bedside table.

If I am remembering correctly, it will fit on the other side (the balcony) side of the bed, but the person sleeping on that side most likely wouldn't have room to get out and walk on that side of the bed. A small inconvenience for a happy baby!

Thanks!

 

[angiepangie8]

I think the only the evening Safari (Wanyama) is open to all guests on a space available basis. There are different per person prices for Club level and regular guests.

Thanks anyone know how much the Wanyama Safari is as a regular guest?Also can you do the Safari without the Jiko part to cut down on $$$$$?

 

[eeyoresnr]

jaycns, I want to thank you...it was your post and pictures on another thread that prompted me not to wait any longer...I went ahead and booked 2 nights in Dec at AKL Club level (following our 5 night at OKW)... now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we are able to book the Wanyama Safari for our anniversary

 

[jaycns]

Thanks anyone know how much the Wanyama Safari is as a regular guest?Also can you do the Safari without the Jiko part to cut down on $$$$$?

For a non-concierge guest at AKL the cost is $210 (at least it was last September, I looked it up in my paperwork). For a concierge guest the cost was $160. No, you cannot "chop" out parts for a reduction in cost. I asked if I could just take out the wine pairing option last year (I was pregnant at the time) and was told that the cost is set and that it cannot be broken down into separate components. The Jiko meal was such a great experience as well. Even if you are not into fine dining, it was great. I think part of the reason we had so much fun is we had only one other couple in our group and they turned out to be a blast to spend time with. The chef explaining each part of the meal. The server being so attentive. The flavors were unbelievable. Jiko afterward was a great way to wrap up the safari!

jaycns, I want to thank you...it was your post and pictures on another thread that prompted me not to wait any longer...I went ahead and booked 2 nights in Dec at AKL Club level (following our 5 night at OKW)... now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we are able to book the Wanyama Safari for our anniversary

Wow...that it such a sweet thing for you to say. Happy early anniversary! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I am sure you will. It's truly is a slice of heaven on earth! And don't worry about if it starts to rain. *I meant to post this earlier* They will give you ponchos to wear and the vehicle has roll down plastic panels that they can pull down if needed. Anyway, sorry for rambling. Have a wonderful trip and don't forget your camera for the safari!!

 

[LilGMom]

"Amazing Edible Treat" aka zebra striped strawberries, chocolate bar, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate giraffes. Even the stand the chocolate bar is on was made of chocolate!!

Is this something you ordered from the Cake Hotline or directly through AKL? We'll be at AKL mid-May and it will be an early (by a week) Anniverary trip and early (by two weeks) birthday trip for our two boys and I think the boys would absolutely LOVE that treat.

TIA

 

[jaycns]

Is this something you ordered from the Cake Hotline or directly through AKL? We'll be at AKL mid-May and it will be an early (by a week) Anniverary trip and early (by two weeks) birthday trip for our two boys and I think the boys would absolutely LOVE that treat.

TIA

Directly from AKL. It was ordered through private dining. HTH!

 

[disneynewbeemom]

How much space is there for clothes and toiletries in the room? We are staying for 8 nights. Any tips for a family of four?

 

[angiepangie8]

For a non-concierge guest at AKL the cost is $210 (at least it was last September, I looked it up in my paperwork). For a concierge guest the cost was $160. No, you cannot "chop" out parts for a reduction in cost. I asked if I could just take out the wine pairing option last year (I was pregnant at the time) and was told that the cost is set and that it cannot be broken down into separate components. The Jiko meal was such a great experience as well. Even if you are not into fine dining, it was great. I think part of the reason we had so much fun is we had only one other couple in our group and they turned out to be a blast to spend time with. The chef explaining each part of the meal. The server being so attentive. The flavors were unbelievable. Jiko afterward was a great way to wrap up the safari!

Thanks that's a bit pricey especially when you have to times that by 4 for DH, DD, DS and I! Oh well!
Thanks for the info and all the great pictures that you posted!

 

[erin1998]

A picture of his "regular" cake:

A picture of our zebra striped cake (so tasty!):

Those cakes look sooooooo good!!!!

 

[pilferk]

He is out of the hospital now, thank you. We now are aware that smoke sets him off on an asthma attack... so now I am doing double time searching as I remember everyone complaining about walking through the smoking section to get to the pools and the busses? Before I figured we could just walk quickly through but now fear it could set him off if we are continually going through it. Arrgh!

The round about way to avoid the smoking sections:

For the bus stop...just walk through Zawadi Marketplace (the "gift shop") and take their exterior door outside. It drops you PAST the smoking zone, and right near the bus stop.

To get to the pool area: You can take the elevator half way down Zebra trail, or the one half way down Giraffe trail. Both will deposit you on the 1st floor, near an exterior door out to the pool area. The elevator on Zebra trail puts you closer to the arcade, and mara. The elevator on Giraffe trail puts you closer to the fitness club.

Not optimal solutions, but they work...especially in your case when a whiff of smoke could set your son off.

 

[pilferk]

I just watched part of a special on the Travel Channel about WDW and they mentioned that guests of the AKL get to go on a Saffari. She made it sound like all who stay get to go on one at the resort is that true ~I thought you could only do that if you are Conciere Level. Please let me know if I am missing something. We are staying in a 2 Bedroom AKV and of course we would love to do this if it's available.

Thanks

The Sunrise Safari, at AK, is ONLY available to concierge guests. You board a bus at the resort, and they take you to AK. You get a personalized, before the park opens, SLOW ride through Kilimanjaro Safari at AK. Cost is $55 per person, and you get breakfast.

http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_aksunrise.htm

The Wanyama (Sunset) Safari is open to anyone, but capacity is VERY limited (8 to 10 people a day, I think). It takes place AT the lodge, itself, and you're riding in the lodge's savannas. It's also $150 per person, which includes dinner at Jiko's, and you MUST be over the age of 8. THAT'S the one Samantha Brown did.

http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm

 

[dmccarty]

To avoid the smoking section at AKL you have to walk through the store which is a short cut to the bus stop anyway.

But that won't guarantee being away from smokers. I saw them lighting up going to and from the buses as well as to the pool. I *** THINK *** the smoking area by the pool is behind the hot tub so its not on a main path anyone would take. I only noticed it because the kids where in the tub and I saw some people through the bushes smoking. I'm assuming that was a legit smoking section.

I saw security in the lodge quite a bit and even a patrol car once. I would guess they have lots of problems with smokers on the balconies. There are stickers that tell you there are video camera's but I bet people light up and get caught. I'm sure they get some domestic issues as well.

Funny out of place smoker story. We where at MK and DD4 and I headed over to Space Mountain from Toontown following the path that runs next to the railroad. Nice path by the way. As we get to the back side of SM I'm looking at this huge decoration that is maybe 6 feet tall hanging in a service entrance door way. The fact that Disney put in this very large and expensive decoration on the backside of the building which when built, very few people would see, was amazing to me.

On the corner was a garbage can and an elderly woman was standing next to the can. This off the beaten track and there are not many people around. I figured she was standing there to get out of the sun since it was well shaded. I noticed she was fumbling around in her purse as we passed by. Nah, she would not be looking to smoke? Glanced back and she had fished out a pack and lighter. And at that moment a CM popped out the service entrance so she hurridly stashed her stash. What is funny is that there is a smoking area a couple hundred yards from where she was standing.

Disney is pretty smoke free but smokers who cheat are here and there especially around the bus areas. Saw that a couple of times.

 

[lilyv]

The Sunrise Safari, at AK, is ONLY available to concierge guests. You board a bus at the resort, and they take you to AK. You get a personalized, before the park opens, SLOW ride through Kilimanjaro Safari at AK. Cost is $55 per person, and you get breakfast.

http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_aksunrise.htm

The Wanyama (Sunset) Safari is open to anyone, but capacity is VERY limited (8 to 10 people a day, I think). It takes place AT the lodge, itself, and you're riding in the lodge's savannas. It's also $150 per person, which includes dinner at Jiko's, and you MUST be over the age of 8. THAT'S the one Samantha Brown did.

http://www.allears.net/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm

I think the price is currently $160.00 per person if you're a concierge (club) level guest, and $210.00 per person if you're not.
Reservations open for this 180 days out.