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

[SRUAlmn]

Just got back tonight from a week long, savanna view. Happy to answer any questions. Had a GREAT room location!!!!

Also, for anyone leaving soon, we hadn't seen many giraffes on Arusha. We went to use the night vision goggles one night and there were 3 on Uzima! We spoke to the CM who said the male is on Arusha, but since he's trying to 'mate' with the females, they moved the 3 females to Uzima. Don't know how long this will be true for, but for anyone who REALLY wants to see giraffes, you might want to request Uzima, or make sure to go use the night vision goggles.

The male did actually lay down RIGHT OUTSIDE our balcony 2 nights in a row from about 11:15pm-12:30am. It was so cute and neat to see him so close up!! Lots of zebra, red river hogs, kudu, ankole cattle on Arusha.

 

[SRUAlmn]

You do realize that standard Queen and King beds are the same length and that King beds are only wider, right? Unless "tall" actually meant "wide", I don't know how a Queen or a King would make a difference.

Queen - 60×80 inches (152x203 cm)
King - 76×80 inches (193×203 cm)

Yes, I'm fully aware of that, but we both sleep stretched out, and the length of a queen & king are both fairly short for my DH to begin with, add in all those stretchy arms and legs from both of us and it's pretty crowded. Trust me! It makes a huge difference! And why would anyone mean wide when they say tall??

 

[jjohnson]

Just got back tonight from a week long, savanna view. Happy to answer any questions. Had a GREAT room location!!!!

Also, for anyone leaving soon, we hadn't seen many giraffes on Arusha. We went to use the night vision goggles one night and there were 3 on Uzima! We spoke to the CM who said the male is on Arusha, but since he's trying to 'mate' with the females, they moved the 3 females to Uzima. Don't know how long this will be true for, but for anyone who REALLY wants to see giraffes, you might want to request Uzima, or make sure to go use the night vision goggles.

The male did actually lay down RIGHT OUTSIDE our balcony 2 nights in a row from about 11:15pm-12:30am. It was so cute and neat to see him so close up!! Lots of zebra, red river hogs, kudu, ankole cattle on Arusha.

welcome back! glad to hear your trip went well. Do you happen to remember what activities were being offered during your week? Also how are the buses are Mara since Kidani opened?

 

[nemofans]

AFAIK, the rooms that enter from the lobby, even on the 4th floor, are not pool view; they're standard view. You can't get both.

I'm not sure if this is correct...
I just wanted to mention that we had a pool view right off the lobby on the zebra trail. When we walked into the lobby, past the gift shop. We turned right down the hallway & our room was a little b4 the elevators that went down to the pool on the right side. It was a perfect location, not far from lobby, but no noise from it either. There was a viewing area on the other side of the hall just a few doors down with rocking chairs.
It looks like you can get a pool view on the giraffe trail if your room is on the left side.

 

[JenniJ]

. Do you happen to remember what activities were being offered during your week? Also how are the buses are Mara since Kidani opened?

I am wondering the the same thing.

We are planning on staying at the resort and checking things out the day we arrive. We will be arriving on Sunday 11/28 transferring from a one day stay at Pop.

Thanks!

 

[Poly-Anna]

We are planning on staying at AKL in October and wondering if both pools at Jambo and Kidani are available to all guests, or are there restrictions?

 

[SRUAlmn]

welcome back! glad to hear your trip went well. Do you happen to remember what activities were being offered during your week? Also how are the buses are Mara since Kidani opened?

You'll get a list of activities in your room when you check in. One side has a list for Jambo and one has a list for Kidani. Only 2 activities are listed as 'adult focused' and the rest are more for kids. Would you like me to list them ALL for you? I have the list here to share

As for the busses, I was VERY aware of time frames because I knew that was a concern on here. Everyone is always worried about the trip to MK, but we actually found that the ride to MK was one of the better ones. 15-17 minutes EVERY time. The WORST bus ride was to and from DTD, which took about 25 minutes each way, and even longer if you go when Typhoon Lagoon is open because it stops there too.

We did end up standing most times, but we chose to so that people with strollers, children, etc.. could sit. Usually when busses got to Jambo from Kidani they were less than 1/3 full. Most people were getting on at Jambo.

I made TONS of notes about busses, room location, animal sightings & time frames, etc... so please feel free to ask anything you'd like to know about


Oh, and MAJOR NOTE to anyone going soon:
*We stayed for Epcot PM EMH one night and there were about 10 of us at the AKL stop (#6) waiting to get on. We saw a bus start to pull up that said AKL on it and then it went to stop #5 which was for the AK PARK. It's on the other platform, so it's not like it was easily beside us. We were all so my husband went over and talked to the driver and he said he WAS going to AKL, but was told to go to stop #5. So we all walked over there, and the bus 'marshall/in charge guy' yelled at us because we weren't on a sidewalk (I understand why he said something, but he YELLED!!) We explained what happened and he didn't understand so he came and talked to the bus driver and realized he had told the driver the wrong stop #. So we got back to AKL and as we were pulling up I overheard the driver's radio and they told the next driver at EPCOT to go to stop #5 to pick up for AKL AND the AK park Ummm.....it's 12:40 in the morning, I'm pretty sure no one is going to the AK. Plus, if they were stopping there instead, there should have been someone telling people at stop #6 to go to #5 So keep your eyes open and watch. If a bus hasn't come in a while, it might be at stop #5 instead

 

[John's Mom]

We are planning on staying at AKL in October and wondering if both pools at Jambo and Kidani are available to all guests, or are there restrictions?

Guests of the AKL can use both pools.

 

[John's Mom]

Just got back tonight from a week long, savanna view. Happy to answer any questions. Had a GREAT room location!!!!

Also, for anyone leaving soon, we hadn't seen many giraffes on Arusha. We went to use the night vision goggles one night and there were 3 on Uzima! We spoke to the CM who said the male is on Arusha, but since he's trying to 'mate' with the females, they moved the 3 females to Uzima. Don't know how long this will be true for, but for anyone who REALLY wants to see giraffes, you might want to request Uzima, or make sure to go use the night vision goggles.

The male did actually lay down RIGHT OUTSIDE our balcony 2 nights in a row from about 11:15pm-12:30am. It was so cute and neat to see him so close up!! Lots of zebra, red river hogs, kudu, ankole cattle on Arusha.

When we stayed at the AKL in December, there was only one male on Arusha Savanna. Quite often we would find him at the fence between Arusha and Uzima savannas. Guess he was checking out the females

 

[SRUAlmn]

When we stayed at the AKL in December, there was only one male on Arusha Savanna. Quite often we would find him at the fence between Arusha and Uzima savannas. Guess he was checking out the females

So cool!! They must have had them separated for a while then, since you went in December. I wish I would've known that before we went, I might have requested Uzima. She said he was a little 'too interested' in the ladies

 

[Poly-Anna]

Guests of the AKL can use both pools.

I appreciate the response!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Activity List:

JAMBO
Flamingo Activity
Ceramics
Make Your Own Beaded Jewelry
Design a T-Shirt
Vinylmation Trading
Animal Tracking
Medallion Rubbing
Cookie Decorating
Face Painting
Hidden Habitats
African Artifacts
Games & Crafts
Pin Trade with King Pin
Culinary Tour
Music of the Savanna
Wildlife Games
African Folktales
Primal Parade
Cultural Safari
Animal Viewing with Night Vision
Evening Family Portraits

KIDANI
Arts & Crafts Time
Meet a Savanna Guide
Vinylmation Trading
Pool Party
So You Think You Know Disney Trivia?
Bingo
What's in Your Beach Bag?
African Artifacts
African-Inspired, Disney-Designed
Wii Cart
Cultural Tour of Sanaa
Drum Cafe
Camp Kidani
African Trivia
African Folk Tales
African Celebration
African Journey
Poolside Movie

**I can give dates, times, and more details if there's anything in particular you'd like to know more about

 

[JenniJ]

We are looking for activites for our DS/2 and DD/17. (I know.....big age gap! )

Most of our days are full of parks during our stay. We want to get in activities on our arrival day, which will be a Sunday. We will be coming back from a 7:30 breakfast at Chef Mickey's, so I'm thinking we won't arrive at the resort until about 9 am.

DD loves learning about cultures and the animals. (She is taking two foreign languages in high school: French 4 and Spanish 2) She would probably like to make some jewerly. (She is a teenage girl! ) She loves dancing and music. (She is in two dance clubs)

DS loves music and dancing as well. I figure the animals will really grab his attention. He has a good attention span for his age. He also loves to help in the kitchen, so maybe the cookie design? And just like many 2 year olds, he loves to pretend and listen to stories.

DD and DH might like the Wii Cart. Both love video games.

This is why I wanted to go here. I figured it would have so much we would like to do just at the resort!

Also does any one know what times the DME runs on Saturday? Our flight is at 8 pm.

Thanks!

 

[HaleyB]

We are looking for activites for our DS/2 and DD/17. (I know.....big age gap! )

Most of our days are full of parks during our stay. We want to get in activities on our arrival day, which will be a Sunday. We will be coming back from a 7:30 breakfast at Chef Mickey's, so I'm thinking we won't arrive at the resort until about 9 am.

DD loves learning about cultures and the animals. (She is taking two foreign languages in high school: French 4 and Spanish 2) She would probably like to make some jewerly. (She is a teenage girl! ) She loves dancing and music. (She is in two dance clubs)

DS loves music and dancing as well. I figure the animals will really grab his attention. He has a good attention span for his age. He also loves to help in the kitchen, so maybe the cookie design? And just like many 2 year olds, he loves to pretend and listen to stories.

DD and DH might like the Wii Cart. Both love video games.

This is why I wanted to go here. I figured it would have so much we would like to do just at the resort!

Also does any one know what times the DME runs on Saturday? Our flight is at 8 pm.

Thanks!

DME runs often all day, I think they pick you up 4 hours or so before the flight time. It has been awhile so I might have that wrong, might be 3, but I just remember having a long airport wait.

I can only comment on some of the activities. We have a big age range at our house too.

Flamingo Activity - great for 2 year old who is not afraid of birds, ok for adults if they are very interested in flamingos. Just takes 15 mins or so, out by the pool. So easy to work in.

Ceramics - Never done this

Make Your Own Beaded Jewelry- never done this but plan to with dd 12. Lots of adults do this activity and give positive reviews. Not for 2 year old.

Design a T-Shirt- Never done this
Vinylmation Trading- Never done this

Animal Tracking- good for 2 year old. Even my older kids got a kick out of this. A great CM always helps and we were the only family there so we got to ask lots of questions.

Medallion Rubbing- Perfect for 2 year old. In lobby. At your own pace.

Cookie Decorating- Perfect for everyone and the cookies are yummy. We do this every time we go to AKL. I think it is at 2pm.

Face Painting- Never done this

Hidden Habitats- I think this is aimed at little kids too. Can't recall it.

African Artifacts- Never done this
Games & Crafts- Never done this
Pin Trade with King Pin- Never done this

Culinary Tour- Yum. Another one we always do. Not great for the 2 year old but not horrible to take him on. You will go up and down the staircase by Boma.

Music of the Savanna- Never done this

Wildlife Games- Aimed at younger kids.

African Folktales- fun for the whole family. Show up early to get one of the few rocking chairs (adult and kid sizes) out by the fire pit.
Primal Parade- Perfect for a 2 year old.

Cultural Safari- This changes up depending on which CM is doing it. We love it but our kids not so much. Off in the room dedicated to the author of "I Married Adventure" which is a great read and fun to have in hand at AKL.

Animal Viewing with Night Vision- Fun for everyone. Somewhat less impressive than day viewing with binoculars.

Evening Family Portraits- Have not done this but have a friend that got great pictures of her little guy.

I don't see the one where they play instruments, also good for a 2 year old. In the past it was in the same room as the cultural safari (by the DVC desk) and seems to me it was right before the cultural safari.

 

[HaleyB]

The best way to keep entertained at AKL is to find the CM's and talk to them. Ask a lot of questions and listen! They are wonderful and have so much knowledge and experience. The people are the BEST part of AKL.

 

[sophie832]

We'll be staying in a standard room at AKL from Dec. 2-9, and I guess my question is...are certain standard rooms better than others in terms of location? I've heard that the ones closer to the main building might be better. Also, we would prefer a king bed. Do we need to request that? Is the other option 2 queen beds? I'm actually not even sure how to go about making requests. It will just be the DH and I on our first trip to WDW. I know some of my questions might have been answered previously in this thread, but it's 191 pages long!

 

[hematite153]

Design a T-Shirt- Never done this

I did this as an adult by myself when my DW was sick. It was a bit odd as an adult, but, it's a bit tricky for younger kids. One dad was tracing things in black for his DS (6ish I'd guess) and then letting him colour them in. It might be something that a 17yo and a 2yo could do together if he picks the designs, she traces and he ends up adding some colour splotches.

 

[HaleyB]

We'll be staying in a standard room at AKL from Dec. 2-9, and I guess my question is...are certain standard rooms better than others in terms of location? I've heard that the ones closer to the main building might be better. Also, we would prefer a king bed. Do we need to request that? Is the other option 2 queen beds? I'm actually not even sure how to go about making requests. It will just be the DH and I on our first trip to WDW. I know some of my questions might have been answered previously in this thread, but it's 191 pages long!

Call the same number you used to make the reservation and just ask to note a request.

I don't know much about standard rooms except that some overlook the parking lot or bus stop or entrance area, and some have obstructed/partial Savannah views. Not sure if there is any request that would up your odds of a better view. That isn't too busy a week so maybe you'll get some 1st trip pixie dust.

 

[NC State]

We'll be staying in a standard room at AKL from Dec. 2-9, and I guess my question is...are certain standard rooms better than others in terms of location? I've heard that the ones closer to the main building might be better. Also, we would prefer a king bed. Do we need to request that? Is the other option 2 queen beds? I'm actually not even sure how to go about making requests. It will just be the DH and I on our first trip to WDW. I know some of my questions might have been answered previously in this thread, but it's 191 pages long!

We're two adults staying Dec 4-11 and we requested a standard room with a king bed also. But like always you may make requests but there's no way of knowing if you will get your request. I'm just going with what they give me and if I plan to stay a second time then I'll know what to request. I'm just so happy that we are staying at a deluxe for the first time!

 

[JenniJ]

Thanks everyone! I like the idea of the 17 yr old and the 2 yr old working together to make a shirt. Great idea!

I can't wait to get there. About 4 more months!