What are some interesting things to do at AKL Jambo that you have enjoyed and experienced?

[RaySharpton]

What are some interesting things to do at AKL Jambo that you have enjoyed and experienced?

I'll be at AKL Jambo in a DVC value studio in June for my birthday and retirement for four days. I was just going to relax most of the time at the resort before transferring to Pop Century Resort when I will visit the parks more.

I haven't been to AKL in many years, but I am familiar with some of the things that I would like to do at the two lodges.

I'll enjoy my balcony and other public balconies with rocking chairs. Make some reservations at Boma and others. Find different places to watch the animals on property. Tour the resort. Maybe relax by the pool. I'll visit Kidani, too and their restaurants. Attend activities for adults.

But I would like to find out what others have done and enjoyed during their visits to help plan for my vacation

I have two questions.

1. Could you tell me your experiences that you enjoyed at both lodges while visiting. Will I run out things to do before finally visiting the parks and DS's, etc.? I would be interested in your experiences and fun things to do. Thank you in advance. Ray

2. Is there a link to the daily activities or events. I can't remember what it is called. I want to try and plan my days.

Thank you in advance. Ray

 

[bababear_50]

Hi Ray
I know my sons love using the gym ,,followed by a great massage at AKV Jambo House.
http://www.aklresort.com/content/zahanati-spa-and-fitness-center

I enjoy ordering in room dining for breakfast one morning during my trip and eating outside on the balcony..
http://allears.net/dining/menu/animal-kingdom-lodge-in-room-dining/all-day

There was an older gentleman who was wood carving in the Lobby when we were there in March 2018. His carvings were beautiful.

I know it's for kids but I enjoy making medallion rubbings --see here

Hugs Mel

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi Ray
I know my sons love using the gym ,,followed by a great massage at AKV Jambo House.
http://www.aklresort.com/content/zahanati-spa-and-fitness-center

Hugs Mel

Thank you, Mel. Thank you for the link. I'll have to check that out. I knew most DVC resorts had gyms, but I had never seen the one at AKL. I might also try the "Jiko Wine Tasting" too.

I also show a "Activities Calendar" for May.

Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/would-you-like-to-see-rec-calendars-for-other-resorts.3565409/In my research, I found an January Calendar by using the instructions by DIS poster Madonna3 in the link below.

Madonna3 gives excellent instructions for all of the resorts.

It may not be the month that I want, but it gives me an idea of what to expect until I get there.

This one only shows January

https://www.disboards.com/threads/would-you-like-to-see-rec-calendars-for-other-resorts.3565409/

AKL January Calendar Activities http://image.emails.disneydestinations.com/lib/fe9d15737d66047d71/m/8/PWR1FAK3.pdf

Pop Century January Calendar Activities
http://image.emails.disneydestinations.com/lib/fe9d15737d66047d71/m/8/PWREFAKg.pdf

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's expensive, but the Wanyama Safari is really nice. Nice safari on the AKL savanna, plus pre-safari beverages and snacks with wonderful dinner afterwards at Jiko.

 

[Spartan86]

We have enjoyed the Jiko Wine tasting event. Wednesday’s I believe. $30

 

[SL6827]

What about looking at the animals at night with those special glasses? Can anyone elaborate on how you get those, ect?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did the jewelry making activity. Once it was in the community hall at Jambo, the other time over at Kidani. I also enjoyed the ceramics painting there. I've done the culinary tour at Boma and Jiko twice. They always gave us a sample or two from the Boma Buffet (once it was Zebra Domes). I liked the tour of the Sanaa restaurant, I forget the name of it-the best part is that at the end, they bring you a freshly made appetizer, the bread service-usually a little less than the full amount, but the day I took the tour, I was the only one on the tour, so it was plenty for my supper. In the evening, there's a culinary representative who gives a presentation on his/her country. Depending on the specific person it can be interesting or not. These are all activities that are in the activity schedule at the front desk, or on the wall, usually, outside Boma. There's also cookie-decorating at Boma-I've never gotten up the courage to do that by myself-it's supposedly an activity for kids, but I'd still like to do it. So much to do at AKL!

 

[RaySharpton]

I am going to research all of your ideas, thank you for replying.

I like the idea of the Wanyama Safari and the Jiko Wine tasting.

I remember doing the night vision glasses to see the animals before. I'll definitely plan on doing that. Last time I remember doing it AKL Jambo past the pool area.

I like the idea of the culinary tour at Boma and Jiko and Sanna. And I am a big kid at heart. I am going to check out the cookie decorating, jewelry making and ceramics making.

Everyone has given me great ideas. I just plan on resting enjoying myself at the AKL for several days before visiting the parks a lot. I can do all of that when I transfer to Pop Century Resort.

Okay, I need to start making a list and check the times when I get there.

List of things to do:
Relax on my balcony watch the animals
Visit the different public balconies with rocking chairs to relax and animal and people watch
Relax by the pool and maybe get in the pool
Visit Kidani Lodge and do the same things.
In room dining for breakfast one morning during my trip and eating outside on the balcony
Check out using the gym, followed by a great massage at AKV Jambo House
Check out the older gentleman who does wood carving in the Lobby
Wanyama Safari
Jiko Wine tasting
Night vision glasses to see the animals

I found this on an older Activities sheet. I know that dates, times or events may change.

7:00am–10:30am  Sense of Africa (Tue & Sat) — Jambo House-Sunset Lounge h Sense of Africa is an intimate, 3.5-hour program that allows an insider’s look at the sensory experiences unique to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Your journey begins with a unique breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa. The adventure continues as you board a private safari vehicle with the Animal Care team, who will lead you through a series of up-close, behind the scenes encounters with some of the savanna’s most beloved animals. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 10 and above).

8:30am–9:00pm  Meet a Savanna Guide — Jambo House-Arusha Rock & Uzima Overlooks; Kidani Village-Kidani Rock Overlook; Kidani Village-Pembe Rock Overlook Meet a Guide and learn about wildlife and African Culture.

9:00am–9:45am  Flamingo Ethogram — Jambo House-Flamingo Pond Learn more about flamingo behavior by observing these beautiful birds with an expert.

11:00am  Dine with Animal Specialists (Wed & Sat) – An "Untamed" Lunch at Sanaa — Sanaa h Interact with an animal expert while enjoying a four-course dining experience. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 8 and above).

12:00pm–12:30pm  Medallion Rubbing — Jambo House Lobby Leave your "impression" and show off your artwork

1:30pm–2:00pm  Cookie Decorating — Boma- Flavors of Africa

2:00pm  Pin Trading at Zawadi Marketplace — Zawadi Marketplace, Offered seven days a week.

3:00pm  Wine Tasting (Wed) — Jiko-The Cooking Place h Join us as we take a journey through the wine regions of South Africa and sample some unique flavors that will delight your palate. Visit the Concierge desk for more information.

3:30pm  Wanyama Safari — Jambo House-Jiko–The Cooking Place h Experience an afternoon drive through the savannas and a family-style dinner with your fellow adventurers at Jiko–The Cooking Place. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Disney Conservation Fund, which supports conservation efforts around the globe. To book your safari, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk (Ages 10 and above).

4:00pm  Cultural Tour of Sanaa — Sanaa Discover the inspiration behind this unique location through the eyes of one of our Cultural Representatives.

4:15pm  Culinary Tour — Jiko-The Cooking Place, followed by Boma-Flavors of Africa Join one of our Cultural Representatives as they take you on a tour, sharing stories and cuisine of our African-inspired restaurants. Please meet at the Jiko Lobby area no later than 4:15pm.

6:00pm–7:00pm C a m p f i r e * Located at the Pembe Savanna Overlook
6:00pm–7:00pm C a m p f i r e * Located at Arusha Savanna Overlook

7:00pm–7:45pm  Cultural Safari — Jambo House-Sunset Lounge Meet a Cultural Representative for a virtual tour of their homeland.

7:00pm–7:45pm  African Journey — Kidani Village-Palace Library Listen to Cultural Representatives’ personal stories about life in Africa.

8:30pm Nightly Movies

8:30pm and 10:00pm  Starlight Safari — Kidani Village-Sanaa h Join one of our Animal Programs Cast Members on a nighttime African Game Drive through the savannas. All Guests will have use of night vision goggles to make the most of their viewing experience. A portion of the Tour price will be donated to the Disney Conservation Fund. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 8 and above).

Sundown until 9:30pm  Night Vision Animal Viewing — Jambo House-Uzima Overlook; Kidani Village-Kidani Rock Overlook
Culinary tour at Boma and Jiko and Sanna
Cookie decorating, jewelry making and ceramics making


***MINNIE VAN will show up in the Lyft app once on property. If needed a van that could accommodate an ECV. What we had to do was request the van thru the app, then immediately call the driver & let them know. They would then call in the accessible van.

 

[lynn_s]

The 4pm africa inspired risney design tour was pretty interesting (I was the only one there so got to talk quite a bit with the 2 CMs doing the tour)

Culinary tours are great.

Dining with an animal specialist lunch at Saana if fabulous. Like dning with an imagineer.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What about looking at the animals at night with those special glasses? Can anyone elaborate on how you get those, ect?

The CM has them and you just wait to use them. They don't leave the CM's sight.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you, lynn_s.

It looks like I will have plenty of free things to do and some paid things to think about.

 

[SL6827]

I am going to research all of your ideas, thank you for replying.

I like the idea of the Wanyama Safari and the Jiko Wine tasting.

I remember doing the night vision glasses to see the animals before. I'll definitely plan on doing that. Last time I remember doing it AKL Jambo past the pool area.

I like the idea of the culinary tour at Boma and Jiko and Sanna. And I am a big kid at heart. I am going to check out the cookie decorating, jewelry making and ceramics making.

Everyone has given me great ideas. I just plan on resting enjoying myself at the AKL for several days before visiting the parks a lot. I can do all of that when I transfer to Pop Century Resort.

Okay, I need to start making a list and check the times when I get there.

List of things to do:
Relax on my balcony watch the animals
Visit the different public balconies with rocking chairs to relax and animal and people watch
Relax by the pool and maybe get in the pool
Visit Kidani Lodge and do the same things.
In room dining for breakfast one morning during my trip and eating outside on the balcony
Check out using the gym, followed by a great massage at AKV Jambo House
Check out the older gentleman who does wood carving in the Lobby
Wanyama Safari
Jiko Wine tasting
Night vision glasses to see the animals

I found this on an older Activities sheet. I know that dates, times or events may change.

7:00am–10:30am  Sense of Africa (Tue & Sat) — Jambo House-Sunset Lounge h Sense of Africa is an intimate, 3.5-hour program that allows an insider’s look at the sensory experiences unique to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Your journey begins with a unique breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa. The adventure continues as you board a private safari vehicle with the Animal Care team, who will lead you through a series of up-close, behind the scenes encounters with some of the savanna’s most beloved animals. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 10 and above).

8:30am–9:00pm  Meet a Savanna Guide — Jambo House-Arusha Rock & Uzima Overlooks; Kidani Village-Kidani Rock Overlook; Kidani Village-Pembe Rock Overlook Meet a Guide and learn about wildlife and African Culture.

9:00am–9:45am  Flamingo Ethogram — Jambo House-Flamingo Pond Learn more about flamingo behavior by observing these beautiful birds with an expert.

11:00am  Dine with Animal Specialists (Wed & Sat) – An "Untamed" Lunch at Sanaa — Sanaa h Interact with an animal expert while enjoying a four-course dining experience. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 8 and above).

12:00pm–12:30pm  Medallion Rubbing — Jambo House Lobby Leave your "impression" and show off your artwork

1:30pm–2:00pm  Cookie Decorating — Boma- Flavors of Africa

2:00pm  Pin Trading at Zawadi Marketplace — Zawadi Marketplace, Offered seven days a week.

3:00pm  Wine Tasting (Wed) — Jiko-The Cooking Place h Join us as we take a journey through the wine regions of South Africa and sample some unique flavors that will delight your palate. Visit the Concierge desk for more information.

3:30pm  Wanyama Safari — Jambo House-Jiko–The Cooking Place h Experience an afternoon drive through the savannas and a family-style dinner with your fellow adventurers at Jiko–The Cooking Place. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Disney Conservation Fund, which supports conservation efforts around the globe. To book your safari, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk (Ages 10 and above).

4:00pm  Cultural Tour of Sanaa — Sanaa Discover the inspiration behind this unique location through the eyes of one of our Cultural Representatives.

4:15pm  Culinary Tour — Jiko-The Cooking Place, followed by Boma-Flavors of Africa Join one of our Cultural Representatives as they take you on a tour, sharing stories and cuisine of our African-inspired restaurants. Please meet at the Jiko Lobby area no later than 4:15pm.

6:00pm–7:00pm C a m p f i r e * Located at the Pembe Savanna Overlook
6:00pm–7:00pm C a m p f i r e * Located at the Pembe Savanna Overlook
6:00pm–7:00pm C a m p f i r e * Located at Arusha Savanna Overlook

7:00pm–7:45pm  Cultural Safari — Jambo House-Sunset Lounge Meet a Cultural Representative for a virtual tour of their homeland.

7:00pm–7:45pm  African Journey — Kidani Village-Palace Library Listen to Cultural Representatives’ personal stories about life in Africa.

8:30pm Nightly Movies

8:30pm and 10:00pm  Starlight Safari — Kidani Village-Sanaa h Join one of our Animal Programs Cast Members on a nighttime African Game Drive through the savannas. All Guests will have use of night vision goggles to make the most of their viewing experience. A portion of the Tour price will be donated to the Disney Conservation Fund. For reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or visit the Concierge desk. (Ages 8 and above).

Sundown until 9:30pm  Night Vision Animal Viewing — Jambo House-Uzima Overlook; Kidani Village-Kidani Rock Overlook
Culinary tour at Boma and Jiko and Sanna
Cookie decorating, jewelry making and ceramics making

Maybe get in the pool? Really, make sure you use the pools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They look so nice!

 

[Simba's Mom]

One of the best times of day, I think, to watch the animals is around 4:30-5:00. That's when feeding time is. It's fun to watch the giraffes come over to wait for food, the caretakers checking things, etc. Regarding the Wanyama Safari, if you can fit it into your budget, I highly recommend it. The first time I did it, I'd gotten a bonus at work and chose to try that. A few years later, I was lucky enough to get another bonus, and my thoughts were immediately to do the Wanyama Safari again.

 

[SL6827]

What is the cookie decorating thing consist of?

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks for the thread. We will be staying at AKV in August.

 

[Zmack]

WE are staying at AKL in Jan/19 these things to do are great.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

You mentioned the Savannah Guides. I think these are the cast members who are out and about at the pool and other public areas. They generally are wearing uniforms that look like Boy Scout uniforms with various badges. These folks are usually from an African country, and will love telling you about their home country. They are also very knowledgeable about the animals on the Savannah. If you see one, they are well worth talking to.

If you get tired of the quick service breakfast at Jambo, get on the van and go to Kidani Village. There you will find Sanaa, which is normally a nice restaurant but which serves a quick service breakfast in the morning. You can look out the panoramic windows and see the animals on Sunset Savannah as you eat.

I have never done the Wanyama Safari, but I have done the Wild Africa Trek over at Animal Kingdom and I highly recommend it. Even if you do both, it is a different Savannah and different animals.

What a great place to start your retirement!

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

 

[SL6827]

Ray, when are you gonna be there? Might say hi if I were to run into you.