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

[hematite153]

Ended up on Sunset. I could count on one hand how many animals we saw in 3 days.

That's what I'm afraid of,...

We ended up on Sunset last year in the area that I'd read had the fewest animals and basically a single Eland. And, for the first day, that's all I saw.

Then, on the 2nd day, my DW was feeling sick and I stepped out onto the balcony to read around 3:30-4:00ish to find hoards of animals chasing down the zoologists who had food in their truck.

Then, since I now knew that they did show up, I went out again at dusk and discovered that about 40 animals used the region as a sleeping space. You need good night vision or your own night vision goggles, but, there was lots of activity between 6 and 10.

So, if you aren't seeing any animals ask around--maybe you can find out the feeding schedule--and try at night.

 

[jjohnson]

That's good advice as we were not in the room at all during the evening/night hours + it may have been the construction going on at the time at Kidani. We have a 2brm/value reserved for the next trip and I requested a pool view. It doesn't matter much to me which we receive as the low points are quite a deal.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

That's good advice as we were not in the room at all during the evening/night hours + it may have been the construction going on at the time at Kidani. We have a 2brm/value reserved for the next trip and I requested a pool view. It doesn't matter much to me which we receive as the low points are quite a deal.

We had a one bedroom value, savanna view last month. It was on Ostrich trail. There were NO animals in the morning, but there were TONS in the afternoon. If we hadn't gone back for a break every day we wouldn't have seen any animals at all. It's funny how the time of day makes such a big difference in the animals in the different areas of the savanna.

 

[candeeapril]

which savanna is the best for viewing the animals in the morning?

 

[SRUAlmn]

We ended up on Sunset last year in the area that I'd read had the fewest animals and basically a single Eland. And, for the first day, that's all I saw.

Then, on the 2nd day, my DW was feeling sick and I stepped out onto the balcony to read around 3:30-4:00ish to find hoards of animals chasing down the zoologists who had food in their truck.

Then, since I now knew that they did show up, I went out again at dusk and discovered that about 40 animals used the region as a sleeping space. You need good night vision or your own night vision goggles, but, there was lots of activity between 6 and 10.

So, if you aren't seeing any animals ask around--maybe you can find out the feeding schedule--and try at night.

Thanks!! That's great advice Is there a feeding schedule posted somewhere at the resort?

 

[hematite153]

which savanna is the best for viewing the animals in the morning?

Is there a feeding schedule posted somewhere at the resort?

Sorry, I don't know the answer to either of these.

 

[sjs314]

We had a one bedroom value, savanna view last month. It was on Ostrich trail. There were NO animals in the morning, but there were TONS in the afternoon. If we hadn't gone back for a break every day we wouldn't have seen any animals at all. It's funny how the time of day makes such a big difference in the animals in the different areas of the savanna.

I am curious did you request a savannah view or just get lucky? I haven't requested anything for our upcoming trip but have been pondering whether I should or just wait and see if we get lucky.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I am curious did you request a savannah view or just get lucky? I haven't requested anything for our upcoming trip but have been pondering whether I should or just wait and see if we get lucky.

You have to pay extra for savanna view, it's not a request. You may, however, have a little pixie dust and receive a complimentary upgrade upon check in.

 

[hematite153]

You have to pay extra for savanna view, it's not a request. You may, however, have a little pixie dust and receive a complimentary upgrade upon check in.

Actually the Value category villas are split between savannah view, pool view and parking lot view. The Value category refers to size only. Since these rooms are smaller than the others, you use fewer points and take a chance on view.

AKV rooms have 4 categories: Value (smaller size, multiple views, non guaranteed), Standard (view of pool, entry-area or parking), Savannah (view of savannah) and Concierge (concierge access, view of savannah or pool, neither guaranteed)

If you are looking at AKL rooms are different.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Actually the Value category villas are split between savannah view, pool view and parking lot view. The Value category refers to size only. Since these rooms are smaller than the others, you use fewer points and take a chance on view.

AKV rooms have 4 categories: Value (smaller size, multiple views, non guaranteed), Standard (view of pool, entry-area or parking), Savannah (view of savannah) and Concierge (concierge access, view of savannah or pool, neither guaranteed)

If you are looking at AKL rooms are different.

Oh, sorry! I must've missed that they were talking about the villas. Sorry

 

[Vickis3js]

So excited!! DH and I are going to be staying CL in March!!! I was able to call member services and grab a CL studio at 10months. AKV is one of our home resorts and I LOVE IT!! This is our first time staying CL and was wondering if anyone has the menus? I've looked on this thread and the CL thread and no luck.

Also has anyone who has stayed CL at AKL had any dietary restrictions? DH is diabetic and wondering if they will do or have anything there for him. If not not a big deal just wondering if I should mention it or just let it go.

TIA
Vicki

 

[RachelTori]

We had a one bedroom value, savanna view last month. It was on Ostrich trail. There were NO animals in the morning, but there were TONS in the afternoon. If we hadn't gone back for a break every day we wouldn't have seen any animals at all. It's funny how the time of day makes such a big difference in the animals in the different areas of the savanna.

which savanna is the best for viewing the animals in the morning?

The animals are in the barns for approx 3 hours in the morning. That's the only time they bring the animals in.

Since Kidani opened, Sunset Savannah (which once had very few animal sightings) is now full of animals.

 

[LBollengier]

We changed our vacation again!! Our wonderful TA BETH at DU emailed this morning with news of the extended dining package but we had to check in on Dec. 2nd instead of the 3rd, would American let us change our reservations again?

Okay, AA was cool, we even got to keep our upgrades!! Flying 1st class for free YAY!!! Actually my hubby is in London right now and I hate when he is gone, but I try to look at positive things like FLYING to WDW 1st class and smile!!

So now we are staying from the 2nd to the 13th!! Eating for free and seeing little Stevie Chapman on the 12th!!

We did have to change our room from the "Savannah View" (which I had requested Arusha Savanna View, Zebra Trail 3rd or 4th floor after reading this thread!! ) to "Savannah View Bunk BeDs"

Can anyone tell me what I should request in terms of view for this type of room?? Also tell me my 16 year old DD won't think she is in a "baby room".... Sorry but that is the type of thing she might say... I know the 10 year old DD will love it!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

We did have to change our room from the "Savannah View" (which I had requested Arusha Savanna View, Zebra Trail 3rd or 4th floor after reading this thread!! ) to "Savannah View Bunk BeDs"

Can anyone tell me what I should request in terms of view for this type of room?? Also tell me my 16 year old DD won't think she is in a "baby room".... Sorry but that is the type of thing she might say... I know the 10 year old DD will love it!! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Well, she'll have her OWN bed instead of having to share with her her sister, so you could spin in that you were putting her needs FIRST and thought she would appreciate getting to have her OWN space. Teenagers love that stuff

 

[MlissaKaye]

We did have to change our room from the "Savannah View" (which I had requested Arusha Savanna View, Zebra Trail 3rd or 4th floor after reading this thread!! ) to "Savannah View Bunk BeDs"

Can anyone tell me what I should request in terms of view for this type of room?? Also tell me my 16 year old DD won't think she is in a "baby room".... Sorry but that is the type of thing she might say... I know the 10 year old DD will love it!!

We just got back from a stay at AKL CL a couple weeks ago. We stayed on Kudu Trail on Arusha Savanna in room 4239 with bunk beds. I can assure you there is nothing "baby" about them. They are beautiful rustic dark (black) wood with an African print blanket. My 11-going-on-40-year-old loved them and she is definitely not a "princess girl"! We saw lots of animals in the mornings and evenings. One thing we discovered about the Kilimanjaro Club was, although they say wine and beer is served (self-serve) from 5-7, you can ask a club cast member or ring the bell by the door to the kitchen and ask for a beer anytime. Don't know about the wine, but I think I saw someone with a glass one afternoon. Just an FYI for anyone interested. We were surprised to find that out. We had a great experience. Hope you and your family do too!

 

[Lilysmom]

We have a 2 bedroom villa booked in Kidani for 9 nights beginning on 10/7. The last time we stayed at AKL Kidani was still under construction so I am excited to check it out.

My kids love seeing the animals.... are they active over there or will we need to travel around the resort to see them?

 

[Kara]

So excited!! DH and I are going to be staying CL in March!!! I was able to call member services and grab a CL studio at 10months. AKV is one of our home resorts and I LOVE IT!! This is our first time staying CL and was wondering if anyone has the menus? I've looked on this thread and the CL thread and no luck.

Also has anyone who has stayed CL at AKL had any dietary restrictions? DH is diabetic and wondering if they will do or have anything there for him. If not not a big deal just wondering if I should mention it or just let it go.

TIA
Vicki

I have a general list of what they offer...when I unpack tomorrow I will post it. I would prob mention it to the CL people when you email them. They are very helpful!

 

[KELLY]

Should we upgrade to AKL Bunk Bed room using the discount?

We are at pop with free dining. Which is a great deal our package with the cost of a fridge and a 10 myw tickets and free dining is 1780.00.

For that same price I can get a room at AKL pool view bunk beds for 9 nights. I only have to buy one 7 day base ticket. We have tickets left over and plenty of water park tickets left also. I don't really care if we do the dining plan or not. We were keeping the QSDP since we don't want a ton of adr's this trip. My girls requested t-rex and build a dino of course. Dh requested rainforest and I have to have garden grill and maybe Tusker for Breakfest.

I Just like everything pre-paid for. But I could just put a extra 100.00 from now until we leave in my other debit account I don't use.

What do you think? I just think staying at POP is a great deal and we like it there. But AKL looks awesome and I do miss the balcony's of the deluxes. My girls are ages 2 and 5.

Thanks

 

[sjs314]

Should we upgrade to AKL Bunk Bed room using the discount?

We are at pop with free dining. Which is a great deal our package with the cost of a fridge and a 10 myw tickets and free dining is 1780.00.

For that same price I can get a room at AKL pool view bunk beds for 9 nights. I only have to buy one 7 day base ticket. We have tickets left over and plenty of water park tickets left also. I don't really care if we do the dining plan or not. We were keeping the QSDP since we don't want a ton of adr's this trip. My girls requested t-rex and build a dino of course. Dh requested rainforest and I have to have garden grill and maybe Tusker for Breakfest.

I Just like everything pre-paid for. But I could just put a extra 100.00 from now until we leave in my other debit account I don't use.

What do you think? I just think staying at POP is a great deal and we like it there. But AKL looks awesome and I do miss the balcony's of the deluxes. My girls are ages 2 and 5.

Thanks

I have never stayed at a value resort but I do so enjoy having a balcony too, a major reason I love the deluxe resorts. The Mara is one of the best CS IMHO and you can not beat Boma's for breakfast. There are lots of activities for the kids plus the pool is zero entry nice when you have lil ones. Not to mention you have access to both pools(Jambo and Kidani) and the childrens play area and the animals at the resort

If it was me I would upgrade to AKL

 

[LBollengier]

We just got back from a stay at AKL CL a couple weeks ago. We stayed on Kudu Trail on Arusha Savanna in room 4239 with bunk beds. I can assure you there is nothing "baby" about them. They are beautiful rustic dark (black) wood with an African print blanket. My 11-going-on-40-year-old loved them and she is definitely not a "princess girl"! We saw lots of animals in the mornings and evenings. One thing we discovered about the Kilimanjaro Club was, although they say wine and beer is served (self-serve) from 5-7, you can ask a club cast member or ring the bell by the door to the kitchen and ask for a beer anytime. Don't know about the wine, but I think I saw someone with a glass one afternoon. Just an FYI for anyone interested. We were surprised to find that out. We had a great experience. Hope you and your family do too!

Thanks for your reply!! We did not get CL though, which I am okay with - although we usually do CL (hubby likes it for the beer & munchies) but it wasn't available & this time for the first time ever we got free dining so win-win right!!

So would a Savannah View Bunk room be like that but in a different section?
Should I keep my request the same? Not sure which is more important - close to pool & buses or more animals to view!! Actually everyone in my family has our own preference!! LOL

Does every building/wing have a few of these bunk rooms or are they all in one place? We stayed at AKL in 2002 but just got 2 doubles on a cl level and we loved it! There were animals outside our room almost every time we were there! Our youngest (now 10) was only 2 then and doesn't remember it at all!