Trip reports from AKL from those not bumped to another resort

[wedance6]

So now we need to start a thread as to those of you who have stayed at AKL over the last few weeks, and those going to be staying there through Aug. during the construction. Since you haven't been bumped, what is it like at the resort? What wings being done, and what ones have been finished? Really noisy? Activities still going on? Animals around? Etc. This will give the Sept. travelers an idea of how it will be.

 

[amcjeep4life]

I definitely want to subscribe to this. We are going in Septemeber, and I really want to hear how everyone's trip has gone. Come on everyone, gather round and dish us the dirt! Only 58 days to go, and I'm feeling it! This is our first trip, and I really want it to be special. We are going with our nieces, aged 10 and 12. We are staying concierge, so have pretty much been told we won't be moved, and I have every possible appendage crossed to make it so!

 

[raterfly]

Subscribing - we are going to AKL 12th Aug would be good to hear back from those that have been.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Great idea! Would love to hear some reports too! (I think there is a countdown thread for AKL visits in the countown sub-board here).

For construction updates and animal viewing reports, the DVC boards are a good place to watch too, as more DVC'ers are coming in for their first stays at AKL!!

mary

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Here's one,

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1522008

 

[TicBat]

and it was fabulous! We were in a standard pool view (Zebra Trail room 3485) and overlooked the spa, flamingo area, and the corner of the Uzima savanna. The resort was about 1/3 full, which made for easy and fast check-in, no lines at Mara, quick reservations at Boma (yum!), quiet pools, and near-empty buses with non-stop service to all the parks. We never waited longer than 5 minutes for a bus!

There are LOTS of animals on the Arusha savanna, including African pelicans (HUGE pelicans), zebra, giraffe, bongo, ankole cattle, eland, kudu, peahens, rabbits, gazelles, and waterbuck. We saw wildebeests and ostrich on the Sunset savanna, and vultures, giraffe, wildebeests, and eland on the Uzima savanna. There is also a flamingo area by the pool. They have baby flamingos right now and 4 more eggs have been layed and should be hatching soon.

We could hear some construction noise during the weekdays, but were able to nap right through it. The flamingos were louder than the construction! You could see the DVC construction from the rooms overlooking the Sunset Savanna, but if you are on the Zebra Trail, Hakuna Matata (no worries)! This was my 5th visit to WDW and I couldn't have been happier with our accommodations!

And, oooohhhh...the smells that waft through the lobby from Boma and Jiko each evening are heavenly!

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

TicBat, glad to hear you had a wonderful time! and welcome to the boards!
-mary

 

[Yellowdress]

Just returned from 7/7-7/13 and had a great stay. We had a standard pool view, room 1018 on Giraffe trail, which I think is the best room in that category. Even though we were on the 1st floor, so no real "balcony", we were the first room next to the elevators and door to the pool, easy to get to the Mara and Boma and close to get to the bus stop.

We were not affected by construction at all, only once sitting by the pool during the week, we heard some sawing..and then in the lobby you can see the construction workers on the 5th and 6th floors. But really no big deal.

I agree the flamingos in the morning squawk like a rooster crows!

We really had a great stay, I am somewhat confused as to why so many people are being moved, unless the construction is expanding. I didn't really check it out that much.

As far as the animals, we went to the lookout points to see them and saw the cattle, zebras, kudu, giraffes, wildebeasts, vultures, flamingos, ducks, etc. Honestly, I'm glad I didn't pay for the savannah view rooms b/c the animals don't really do much, just grazing and laying. And I think its good enough to go to the lookout points to take some pics and if you really want more of an animal experience go ride the Safari at AK.

But my reviews are all good! Boma was excellent for breakfast and reasonable for the choices. Mara was good enough for lunches and snacks, we primarily just re-filled our mugs there.

I hope other people will get to enjoy it how we did!

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

On the one hand, it's good to hear that you both had a great time.

On the other, it makes me really sad, because I would have absolutely loved to see so many animals, and it seems that the construction isn't really so awful after all Yet they made so many of us move

 

[las3888]

subscribing...we have a 9/19 stay coming up in the villas. I really appreciate hearing from those who have posted so far. We are very concerned to have DS 2 nap in the room and not have him be woken by construction noise. Sounds like others did okay with that.

Please keep the reviews coming!!!!

 

[racinjunkie]

Subscribing, we leave in 15 days...

 

[amcjeep4life]

Bumping............anyone else out there stayed recently?

 

[clownfish1452]

I am so happy to hear about your trips going so well. I wish I could have stay there. Oh well now I have to go back. Im sure some one will have to twist my arm. Or not.

Sarah

 

[wedance6]

I'm so glad things are going well, we will be there Sept. 13, any day now. Keep the reviews coming!

 

[mika911]

Yep. Hope to see more reviews!

 

[SleepingBet]

I'm glad to hear people are enjoying their stays! We're staying at AKL CL Aug. 17-24. At least I think we are. I haven't gotten a call yet. We've never stayed there before and are really looking forward to it.

 

[richardsa98]

Subscribing...love to hear what is happening at my favorite resort

 

[amycishere]

I am staying in the CL for four days in October!

 

[hbg4]

We're staying at AKV in a one bedroom hopefully pool view Sep 1st and 2nd.

I spoke to the DVC CM a couple weeks ago about people being moved from AKL to other resorts. She apparently "knew nothing about it" and said that there shouldn't be a problem during our visit.

Anyhow as long as the animals are out during the daytime I think we'll be OK.
I'm looking forward to Boma and the whole african like experience and decor.

The more positive reviews we see from people who've been recently to AKL/V the less I'm tempted to move.

 

[wedance6]

Any reports yet? Loved to hear from you all.