What can we do at AKL if we are having dinner at Boma?

[1m1b]

We're staying off-property, not in a Disney resort this time, but I got us ressies for Boma on our arrival day. What can we do there if we're not lodging there? How early should we arrive to take advantage of those things? I found a page at MouseforLess that has face painting, cooking decorating, that kind of thing. Are those open to anyone or only people staying at AKL? And the pool? I assume we can't swim, or can we?

How much time should we allow for wandering around, watching the animals, etc.?

I was thinking we could putt-putt (Winter/Summerland or Fantasia) before or after. Any other suggestions? We're getting in to Orlando kind of early, so we have some time before dinner. Bummer is, if we do too much with tickets, we might as well have just paid for another day in the parks. I really wanted to do Boma, but now I'm a little stumped on how this works.

 

[patty57]

I am not sure about the things you mentioned except for the pool. You definitely can't use the pool unless you are staying there.

 

[GoGoBeans]

You can animal watch at viewing areas.

As for the crafts etc, according to mousesavers, those things are for hotel guests only.

Investigate special kids’ programs at your Disney resort hotel. The Deluxe resorts usually have kids’ recreation programs such as coloring, crafts, pool games, Hidden Mickey searches, and storytelling at various times. Cost: FREE to guests of the hotel.

https://www.mousesavers.com/free-and-cheap-stuff-to-do-at-walt-disney-world/#activities

 

[MonaMN]

In addition to the animals (which there are multiple places to see - the pool, the overlook, etc), there is also a lot of art in the lobby. And the gift shop has some amazing, unique stuff that was really fun to look at.

I'm not sure that would take you a super long time, but I suppose you could also walk over and visit Kidani if you were trying to kill some time.

 

[Sue M]

You are free as a visitor to walk around the lobby, some interesting art, love the rocking chairs around fire pit. Walk to the back of the lobby to the balcony savanna overlook, or go downstairs to Arusha Rock outlook. IMO AKL has the most interesting gift shop of all the WDW resorts.
The resort activities and esp. the pool is for resort guest staying at AKL. It's not a public pool.
As mentioned, you can walk over to Kidani too. They also have a overlook balcony with rocking chairs. We got there one time late afternoon and it was feeding time. It was hilarious watching the animals chase after the feed truck.

If your looking for other non park activities there's Disney Springs also. And mini golf.

Getting in early, I'd spend some time in your hotel room after arrival getting organized, unpacking, and enjoy some pool time at your hotel to relax after your flight. Then head over to AKL refreshed. And mini golf or Disney Springs if you wish.

It's recommended to check in for reservations 15 min before res time. And I'd allow an hour to enjoy the savannahs, lobby and gift shop. Add some extra time if you want to look at Kidani too.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you already have at least a four day ticket, one more day won't cost that much to add. Now if it is only a two day ticket, it will cost a bunch to add one more day.

 

[Skippyboo]

The summer/Christmas themed mini golf near Blizzard Beach is super close to AKL. Just a couple minutes drive away.

The hotel has a lot of art in the lobby and throughout the hotel. There are several animal viewing areas. There are some nice ones by the pool with the flamingos.

You go also go to Disney Springs beforehand too. Depending on what tickets you have adding a day may not cost that much.

 

[1m1b]

Thanks! Now it's making more sense to me. Sue, that was especially helpful. I think you're right that one hour extra at AKL will be plenty for us.

Yeah, I'm still debating on just doing another day in the parks. Some of the people will get annual passes at some point (grandparents moving down), but some are not. Actually what I'm concerned about most is the HEAT. This would be end of September. I get the impression it's like a steam room down there the entire time. If I didn't have elderly people and someone on an ECV, I wouldn't be so worried. I think it could be fatiguing. I don't know, is the heat at the end of September that bad? We went in January before, and it was unbelievably gorgeous.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks! Now it's making more sense to me. Sue, that was especially helpful. I think you're right that one hour extra at AKL will be plenty for us.

Yeah, I'm still debating on just doing another day in the parks. Some of the people will get annual passes at some point (grandparents moving down), but some are not. Actually what I'm concerned about most is the HEAT. This would be end of September. I get the impression it's like a steam room down there the entire time. If I didn't have elderly people and someone on an ECV, I wouldn't be so worried. I think it could be fatiguing. I don't know, is the heat at the end of September that bad? We went in January before, and it was unbelievably gorgeous.

If you drive that scooter fast enough, you can get the wind in your hair.

 

[Best Aunt]

Not sure if this is what you saw. http://www.themouseforless.com/walt-disney-world/resort-hotels/faq/animal-kingdom-lodge/

Click on ACTIVITIES to see the hotel's activity schedule.

Don't forget about Kidani Village. There are places to look at the animals and activities over there as well. You can walk or drive or take the shuttle van or get on a Disney bus. I believe the Disney Springs bus will take you from Jambo House to Kidani and any theme park bus will take you from Kidani to Jambo.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Although the crafts are only for hotel guests, the various tours are for anyone. I remember going on a culinary tour, a lobby tour, and evening cultural talks with guests from other hotels.

 

[1m1b]

If you drive that scooter fast enough, you can get the wind in your hair.

She has short hair, but it's a good thought!

 

[buzznina]

You can ask a CM at the desk for paper and crayons and you can do "shading" using the 2 big engraved emblems on the floor of the lobby. It makes a nice souvenir for the kids.

 

[1m1b]

Ooo that's neat! Thanks!