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

[momatater]

We love the ankole cattle too! Thankfully, their horns are not as heavy as they look. They're like honeycombs on the inside. I know it has something to do with regulating their body temperature in hot weather, but I don't remember the specifics. (sometimes you learn so much information on those safaris, that you forget much of it.)

You're right, lots of information!

I did forget that part about their horns. The horns are honeycombed with blood vessels, and the blood moving through the horns is cooled by moving air, and then flows back into the body and lowers the animal's body temperature. Had to stop and think about it for a minute, thanks for reminding me!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Hi all! I'm new here but as you can see by my signature I'll be at AKL from March 18-23! I have been there a few times for Jiko/Boma, but not as a hotel guest. I really wanted to do the sunrise safari, but we aren't staying concierge so that won't be possible. We're booked in a standard room and I am sure we will have fun no matter what!

 

[RachelTori]

You're right, lots of information!

I did forget that part about their horns. The horns are honeycombed with blood vessels, and the blood moving through the horns is cooled by moving air, and then flows back into the body and lowers the animal's body temperature. Had to stop and think about it for a minute, thanks for reminding me!

So we just have to keep going back again and again until all that information sinks in!!!

Hi all! I'm new here but as you can see by my signature I'll be at AKL from March 18-23! I have been there a few times for Jiko/Boma, but not as a hotel guest. I really wanted to do the sunrise safari, but we aren't staying concierge so that won't be possible. We're booked in a standard room and I am sure we will have fun no matter what!

How exciting for you! This trip you'll get your feet wet (so to speak!) and if you love AKL as much as many of us do, hopefully your next trip to AKL will be Club Level with the Sunrise Safari!

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi all! I'm new here but as you can see by my signature I'll be at AKL from March 18-23! I have been there a few times for Jiko/Boma, but not as a hotel guest. I really wanted to do the sunrise safari, but we aren't staying concierge so that won't be possible. We're booked in a standard room and I am sure we will have fun no matter what!

Hi! If you don't mind spending over $200 per person and if any kids with you aren't too young, you could try to book the sunrise safari that goes out on the AKL savannas and concludes with a family style dinner at Jiko. This safari is available to all AKL/AKV guests.

 

[cltk78]

Hi, everyone! We're staying at AKL for the first time Nov 29-Dec 5 in a savanna view. I'm really excited! I'm sure my boys will love seeing the animals.

What activities at AKL, if any, do you recommend for a 5yo and a 14mo?

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Gracias! It is just me and a friend. We are visiting a friend who will be at spring training near Orlando and I looked at it as an excuse to stay at a Disney resort LOL!!

Thanks for all of the info!

 

[joelp]

Hi, everyone! We're staying at AKL for the first time Nov 29-Dec 5 in a savanna view. I'm really excited! I'm sure my boys will love seeing the animals.

What activities at AKL, if any, do you recommend for a 5yo and a 14mo?

You'll get a list of daily actvities when you check in ... some are noted for older kids/adults ... others for "all ages" ... etc.

We did the flamingo/pelican feeding (learn how they eat - don't actually feed the birds!) and the animal tracking - our DD-5 liked them both ... Coincidentaly, I just posted our morning at the AKL on my TR - see the siggie ...

... and there's the pool!!

... and just walking around taking in all the sights ... sounds ... and smells (just stand in the lobby above Boma!!)

I'd recommend trying to spend at least one morning, afternoon, and evening (on separate days) just hanging at the resort - it's worth it ...

 

[BCV23]

AlohaPolynesian, I think Donald meant the sunset safari otherwise known as the Wanyama Safari. I think the cost is $160 if staying club level and $210 or $220 if not.

Someone has posted that occasionally AKL guests who are not concierge are able to book the Sunrise Safari if there are any openings. I would ask the lobby concierge about that when you check in.

 

[momatater]

Hi Everyone!

I know this question is asked a lot on this thread, so I decided to copy the list of January Daily Activities that we received upon check-in.

Flamingo Activity Interact with animal experts to learn more about the feeding strategies of pelicans and flamingos.

Animal Tracking Help track our friend Donald using scientific research equipment.

Make your Own Beaded Jewelry (Saturdays only) Meet at Simba's cubhouse to create your own beaded necklace or bracelet. For ages 13 and above. paid activity, adult focused

Arts and Crafts (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, and Fri) Join the Recreation Cast on the Uzima Springs Pool Deck near the arcade for arts and crafts. paid activity

Medallion Rubbing Create your own piece of African artwork!

Cookie Decorating oin Boma staff to decorate your own cookie.

FacePainting at the Mara African face paintings are done by our African Cultural Representatives.

Garden Safari Explore the interactions between the plants and animals that live around the Uzima Springs Pool.

African Games and Crafts

Pin Trade with "King Pin" bring your Disney pins to trade or start your pin trading experience!

Family Fun and Games Cool off in the Uzima Pool and play games with the Recreation Cast.

Culinary Tour Take a tour of our award-winning restaurants, Boma and Jiko, and discover the flavors of Africa. adult focused

Music of the Savanna Learn to play an African instrument and play your part in the circle of life.

African Folktales Take a seat around the Arusha Rock fire pit and enjoy an African folktale.

Wildlife Games Test your animal knowledge with our animal experts.

Primal Parade Shake, beat or rattle African instruments as you follow our parade through the lobby.

Animal viewing with Night Vision View the savanna using our night vision goggles.

Cultural Safari Join our cultural representatives on a 30-40 minute tour of their native homeland. adult focused

 

[momatater]

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Monday Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 3:45

Wanyana Safari
Jiko - The Cooking Place

Experience Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge like never before! The Wanyama Safari includes an afternoon drive through the savannas and dinner at Jiko. To book your safari, visit the Lobby Concierge desk. Children ages 8 and older are welcome to attend. paid activity

Tues - 11:00am to 1:00pm

Ceramics Activity
Simba's cubhouse

Join us for the ceramics activity and create your own work of art! This is a paid craft and prices will vary. Pieces are picked up the following day.

Saturday - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Bush Camp
Meet at Simba's Cubhouse
Activities take place throughout the resort

Explore Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge by embarking on an African adventure! Bush Campers will build a campsite, locate African animals on our savannas and taste Aftrican foods from Boma restaurant. Children ages 6-12 are invited to join in the fun. Call 407-WDW-DINE to guarantee your spot (walk ins are welcome too, based on availability) paid activity

2009 Jiko Wine Dinners

Thursdays -March 5, April 2, June 4, August 6 and Setember 3
starts at 6:30pm

Taste the distinctive food and wine pairings of Jiko - The Cooking Place! All wine dinners begin with a reception on the Asante Terrace at 6:30pm, followed by dinner and wine parings in the Jiko Cape Town Wine Room at 7:00pm. To book, please contact WDW-Dine and ask to book the Jiko Dinner Series.

(there is a name and contact # on this flyer for more specific information about this experience. Not sure if I should post that info here, but if you're interested, please pm me and I will give you the information!)


I think that about does it. I hope this helps someone. Please remember that these were the activities for January 2009. Some of these activities could change or be cancelled without my knowledge.


Also wanted to include these reg activies: Uzima Pool, Pumbaa's Fun and Games Arcade, Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center, Dining Reservations, Simba's Cubhouse and Wildlife Spotting

 

[cltk78]

You'll get a list of daily actvities when you check in ... some are noted for older kids/adults ... others for "all ages" ... etc.

We did the flamingo/pelican feeding (learn how they eat - don't actually feed the birds!) and the animal tracking - our DD-5 liked them both ... Coincidentaly, I just posted our morning at the AKL on my TR - see the siggie ...

... and there's the pool!!

... and just walking around taking in all the sights ... sounds ... and smells (just stand in the lobby above Boma!!)

I'd recommend trying to spend at least one morning, afternoon, and evening (on separate days) just hanging at the resort - it's worth it ...

Thank you! I hope it's warm enough in December to go swimming.

Culinary Tour Take a tour of our award-winning restaurants, Boma and Jiko, and discover the flavors of Africa. adult focused

This would be something I'd loved to do by myself. I hope they offer it while we're there. Thanks for sharing!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I did the culinary tour last August while DH took DS to the arcade. It was nice. It only lasts about 30 minutes.

The one time we attempted to get on the Sunrise Safari when we were NOT staying concierge we were not able to do it. We were there in February (not during a busy time) and we were told the ONLY way to be allowed on the Safari is if enrollment from concierge guest is so low that they will have to cancel it unless they find more people.

Last year we stayed concierge and went on the Sunrise Safari - it was great! We're staying concierge this year, too, so we will probably do it again.

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Does anyone know how long the christmas decorations stay up for? We're planning an early january stay at AKV, and I'd like to see some of them! Thanks!!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

AlohaPolynesian, I think Donald meant the sunset safari otherwise known as the Wanyama Safari. I think the cost is $160 if staying club level and $210 or $220 if not.

Someone has posted that occasionally AKL guests who are not concierge are able to book the Sunrise Safari if there are any openings. I would ask the lobby concierge about that when you check in.

Thank you very much, I'll definitely do that!

 

[BabyFu18]

I haven't stayed at AKL before, but I've heard a lot about the villas, is there going to be a new pool for villa guests also? If so, does that mean that villa guest can only use the villas pool or will the main lodge and villas share both of the pools?

Also, does anyone know when construction will be completely finished?

 

[Donald is #1]

I haven't stayed at AKL before, but I've heard a lot about the villas, is there going to be a new pool for villa guests also? If so, does that mean that villa guest can only use the villas pool or will the main lodge and villas share both of the pools?

Also, does anyone know when construction will be completely finished?

There will be a new pool for the new building. There have been varying reports on whether people staying at Jambo house can use the pool at Kidani and vice versa. So we may have to wait until May to find out for sure.

I believe that the construction will be completed by September.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I'm confused how the fitness center works here. I thought at most resorts use of the fitness center there is complimentary, but it looks as if there are prices to use the facilities. I'm confused. Does anyone know how this works?

(NOT like my diet is working anyways, but just in case it decides to start showing results in time for WDW! lol)

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm confused how the fitness center works here. I thought at most resorts use of the fitness center there is complimentary, but it looks as if there are prices to use the facilities. I'm confused. Does anyone know how this works?

(NOT like my diet is working anyways, but just in case it decides to start showing results in time for WDW! lol)

My friend used the fitness center without having to pay for it in 2008 when we were staying at AKL.

 

[BCV23]

Does anyone know how long the christmas decorations stay up for? We're planning an early january stay at AKV, and I'd like to see some of them! Thanks!!

The schedule varies from year to year in the parks and resorts.

 

[JPN4265]

Does anyone know how long the christmas decorations stay up for? We're planning an early january stay at AKV, and I'd like to see some of them! Thanks!!

They usually start taking down the Christmas Decorations the day after New Years. So January 2.