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

[razster]

I am really worried that i should request a specific standard 2br when we go in september as i have been looking at some photos and there seem to be some balconies obscured by trees . we will also be using a stroller amd would like nearby access to the restaurant facilities and mara etc any tips would be really appreciated.

thank you all so much you're great!

Raz

 

[Picabo]

We're thinking fo doing a split stay between AK and Poly. Can anyone tell me what is the easiest way to tranfer hotels.....I know that they can send the luggage for you but I hear it wn't arrive till late at night. Anyone know what a taxi costs to take us PLUS our luggage from AK to Poly? ORRR, if we do have the hotel deliver or luggage there...do we physically have to go to Poly to check in or is it all done before we leave AK?

THANKS!

 

[RachelTori]

We're thinking fo doing a split stay between AK and Poly. Can anyone tell me what is the easiest way to tranfer hotels.....I know that they can send the luggage for you but I hear it wn't arrive till late at night. Anyone know what a taxi costs to take us PLUS our luggage from AK to Poly? ORRR, if we do have the hotel deliver or luggage there...do we physically have to go to Poly to check in or is it all done before we leave AK?

THANKS!

The luggage transfers (resort-to-resort) take place between 1:00 and 4:00pm.

You do have to check-in at the 2nd resort. You then call bell services from your room (after 4pm) and they will bring your luggage to you.

I prefer to take a taxi and bring my luggage along. I've found that no matter which resorts I transfer between, a taxi (with the tip) will run about $20. If you have lots of luggage and it won't fit in the standard taxi, Mears also has vans. (If you get to the Poly and your room isn't ready, Bell Services will store your luggage, but at least you know it's there!)

I hope that answered your questions.

 

[TheresaNY]

Personally, I would send the luggage through the resorts and at my leisure I would take a bus from AKL to MK then play there for a while and hop the monorail to the poly later in the day. Or go the the MK early, monorail over to Poly to check in then go do whatever you want for the day. With all the transportation available by WDW why run a private taxi when there are plenty of ways to get there?

 

[Picabo]

It also occured to me that if we had a taxi move us, we'd need car seats. So that kind of tosses that out.

Now due to wanting to do a package, I'm thinking of doing 5nts at Poly (WITH a package---dining) and THEN moving to AK for 2-3nts and still use our tickets but just do dining on our own for the last few days. Anyone done this? Just can't figure out if it's going to be a huge hassle with the kids so young. I figure while we're at AKL we could do DHS and AK and DTD but then I'd miss doing MK on the last night so maybe not such a great plan.

UGH I just don't know what to do!

 

[yaksack]

We stayed at the AKLV savannah view from 7/1 - 7/6 and then moved to the BCV until 7/9. To be honest I didn't like the ANKL. The resort was very big and I thought Boma's food was based on a dare. We saw some animals, but not enough to make a make my kids (DD3 and DD7) want to go back.
I also hated the fact that you are so far away from everything and the only means of transportation is a bus (slow service), but I knew that going in, so it is no one's fault but my own.

I thought staff was extremely friendly and the hotel was very clean.

 

[RachelTori]

It also occured to me that if we had a taxi move us, we'd need car seats. So that kind of tosses that out.

Now due to wanting to do a package, I'm thinking of doing 5nts at Poly (WITH a package---dining) and THEN moving to AK for 2-3nts and still use our tickets but just do dining on our own for the last few days. Anyone done this? Just can't figure out if it's going to be a huge hassle with the kids so young. I figure while we're at AKL we could do DHS and AK and DTD but then I'd miss doing MK on the last night so maybe not such a great plan.

UGH I just don't know what to do!

How about reversing the order? Start out 2 or 3 nts at AKL; then to Poly! Although both are *Deluxe* resorts, to be perfectly honest, AKL will feel like a step down after Poly -- and you're hearing this from a true AKL-Lover! If you look at my ticker, you'll see I'm starting at AKL, but saving the Poly for last!

 

[RachelTori]

I am really worried that i should request a specific standard 2br when we go in september as i have been looking at some photos and there seem to be some balconies obscured by trees . we will also be using a stroller amd would like nearby access to the restaurant facilities and mara etc any tips would be really appreciated.

thank you all so much you're great!

Raz

Raz, I know if you request "Zebra Trail, near lobby" that location will be near the restaurants, pool, etc. Sorry I can't help you with the possible balcony obstructions. Have you asked that question on the DVC boards? LisaS is the expert on AKV over there!

 

[Picabo]

How about reversing the order? Start out 2 or 3 nts at AKL; then to Poly! Although both are *Deluxe* resorts, to be perfectly honest, AKL will feel like a step down after Poly -- and you're hearing this from a true AKL-Lover! If you look at my ticker, you'll see I'm starting at AKL, but saving the Poly for last!

Hmm, I was a bit worried that we'd feel that way.....but I don't want my "package" part to be AK and I don't want to have to buy 2 separate sets of tickets to make the 2nd part a package. KWIM? Maybe I"ll just stick with Poly the whole time and suck up the extra $300-400 bucks. You only live once, right?

I just thought it'd be cool to SEE Animal Kingdom Lodge!

 

[BCV23]

Picabo, with children the ages of yours I think you'll be happier sticking to one resort. But do try to visit AKL. You could schedule a breakfast or dinner at Boma or dinner at Jiko. Or just pop over on a DAK day and wander around. Maybe have a quick meal at Mara. It's such a beautiful resort.

 

[BKMETV]

Hmm, I was a bit worried that we'd feel that way.....but I don't want my "package" part to be AK and I don't want to have to buy 2 separate sets of tickets to make the 2nd part a package. KWIM? Maybe I"ll just stick with Poly the whole time and suck up the extra $300-400 bucks. You only live once, right?

I just thought it'd be cool to SEE Animal Kingdom Lodge!

I am doing exactly what you had planned this Dec. We are staying 4 nights at AKL then moving to Poly for another 5.

I bought the 8 day parkhopper with my AKL pkg then just a one day basic ticket with my Poly ressie so I could have the DDP. My itinerary has us visiting DHS & AK while staying at AKL, and MK & Epcot when we can assess the monorail during our Poly stay.

On moving day we will let the resorts take care of the luggage. We will be going to Epcot for RD then around 1 or 2ish heading to Poly to check in and enjoy the pool. (I will pack the swimsuits in my back pack since our luggage could still be in transit)

My kids are a little older 6 & 8 but I think you could do it if that's what you really want. I figure with the money it's costing I don't want to have any regrets that I missed out on something

 

[itchin2go]

Good morning everyone.....we just returned home from our 8 night stay at AKL...we had a fabulous time... We were there from June 26-July 4.
This was our first stay at AKL, and first time in a deluxe. It was a trip for just my son and myself. We were both celebrating birthdays there....he turned 10 years old on July 1 and I turned 34 on July 3. The resort is beatiful! We had a pool room on the first floor. I didn't like being on the first floor at all, and would recommend something on a higher floor. We really enjoyed the savannah and decided that next time, we will definately stay in a savannah view room. Our room was spacious with 2 queen beds. We had towel animals everyday and we loved coming back from the parks and racing back to our room just to see what animal we would get that day.
We were both given birthday buttons at check in. We also each received a birthday card on our birthdays with a picture of Mickey and Minnie and signed by both. We had a reservation at Boma on my son's birthday and he received a surprise birthday dessert. It was wonderful.
The pool is huge and plenty of pool chairs....however, the chairs closest to the pool fill up fast.
We really enjoyed our stay and will definately stay at AKL again.
Here are just a few of my pictures....not the greatest, but I thought I would share anyways...
Erin

What kind of view DO you get on the 1st floor. Must be something outside your window.... Courtyard or parking lot?

 

[TheresaNY]

Picabo, with children the ages of yours I think you'll be happier sticking to one resort. But do try to visit AKL. You could schedule a breakfast or dinner at Boma or dinner at Jiko. Or just pop over on a DAK day and wander around. Maybe have a quick meal at Mara. It's such a beautiful resort.

I agree that this suggestion sounds like your best option - especially with young children and wanting the package first. It is a lot of work to switch hotels with little ones and might not be worth it. We had a savannah room and great views of the animals but my kids are old enough to sit and enjoy watching for a while (12 and 16 yrs.). But, we had a crazy long walk to our room. Farthest away from the lobby I have ever been and it was real tough at the end of the day. The lodge is beautiful....stop by and visit, go out and watch the animals, grab a bit to eat, then take the 5 hour bus ride back to MK rotfl2: )and hop the monrail back to the Poly !

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

We will be doing a slpit stay CR / AKL in a couple of weeks. This will be our first stay at AKL. For those who have stayed at AKL before, can you give me some suggestions on what savannah you feel is best and maybe explain why?


Thanks!

 

[NashBridges]

Are we able to decorate our doors at AKL?? They look like big heavy wood doors, just wondered if you're allowed to decorate them.

TIA

Does anyone know the answer?

 

[Angel16]

We will be doing a slpit stay CR / AKL in a couple of weeks. This will be our first stay at AKL. For those who have stayed at AKL before, can you give me some suggestions on what savannah you feel is best and maybe explain why?


Thanks!

I imagine you have reserved a savannah view room. My favorite savannah is the arusha savannah, staying on the Zebra trail. However, the Kudu trail is very nice also, it just puts you on the other side of arusha rock and a little further away from the pool and restaurants. Either way you are on the inner circle of the resort and should have wonderful animal views. I have always stayed on the 5th or 6th floor, loved the 5th, however did not like the sunset savannah view on the 6th at ALL . But I am now looking forward to future stays with a lower room and different, I am told better "straight on" animal views. I can't wait to book our next visit.

 

[Angel16]

Are we able to decorate our doors at AKL?? They look like big heavy wood doors, just wondered if you're allowed to decorate them.

TIA

Does anyone know the answer?

Hi Nash I personally havn't seen any doors decorated. However, that does not mean it can't be done. I have seen doors decorated at the Poly which has heavy metal/wooden doors. I don't see why you couldn't decorate your door. The only restriction I know of at AKL is in regard to the lanai. They do not want anything that could drop or fly into the savannah and hurt the animals. I would go ahead and plan on dressing up your door if you wish. Have a great trip!

 

[earthelves]

Just Wondering If Drinks/Cordials Are Out When The Desserts Are Out In The Evenings??

TIA

 

[BCV23]

Just Wondering If Drinks/Cordials Are Out When The Desserts Are Out In The Evenings??

TIA

Yes, various cordials are served in the club lounge from 8-10pm.

 

[earthelves]

Yes, various cordials are served in the club lounge from 8-10pm.

Thanks