What did you NOT like about AKL and why ?

[maryj11]

I have heard so many say how much they love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was just wondering if there is any who did not like it or had something they did not like about it and why ? Just curious because I'm debating on whether or not to spend the extra money to stay there or not. Thanks

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I do not like the Animals...

 

[polly p]

Great hotel, I would definitely stay there again, but depending on where your room is, it can be a long walk to the elevators to get to the lobby and pool.

 

[NemoLeo]

I have heard so many say how much they love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was just wondering if there is any who did not like it or had something they did not like about it and why ? Just curious because I'm debating on whether or not to spend the extra money to stay there or not. Thanks

My only complaint was the distance to the parks besides AK. Also, hated the paper straws they have there! Odd I know but they're really gross. Aside from that it's really a beautiful resort.

 

[kerri0616]

Is it ok to reply and say I liked everything? We've stayed at AKL twice and loved everything about it. People like to gripe about the supposedly dark rooms, the fact that you have to take a bus to each park, and imply that it is soooooo much further away from the other resorts.

It is a truly original resort that is amazingly themed. And it smells good too!

Have no fear.

K

 

[PolyLover]

It is dark but it is good and bad. Nice relief from the sun but I remember it being difficult to find a restroom in the lobby due to darkness. But don't let that keep you away, it's a wonderful resort. The zero entry pool area is really slippery! We saw several people fall and most everybody slip. Try to get a room closer to the lobby.

 

[maryj11]

Is it ok to reply and say I liked everything? We've stayed at AKL twice and loved everything about it. People like to gripe about the supposedly dark rooms, the fact that you have to take a bus to each park, and imply that it is soooooo much further away from the other resorts.

It is a truly original resort that is amazingly themed. And it smells good too!

Have no fear.

K

Yes you are welcome to say what you liked about AKL. I'm glad to have any opinions

 

[nightshaderose]

AKL is my favorite resort! That being said, the hike to/from the lobby from some of the outer wings can be killer, and I always thought it was a little odd that you have to go outside by the pool to get to The Mara (quick service food).

 

[maryj11]

It is dark but it is good and bad. Nice relief from the sun but I remember it being difficult to find a restroom in the lobby due to darkness. But don't let that keep you away, it's a wonderful resort. The zero entry pool area is really slippery! We saw several people fall and most everybody slip. Try to get a room closer to the lobby.

The slippery zero entry may be a little dangerous.

 

[simplestar]

We really liked most things - BUT we had literally the last room at the far end of the resort away from the lobby. It also seemed a little further away from all the parks (except AK of course!). I took it off the list for my next trip because we have a toddler, but I would definitely put it back on the list for older children.

 

[MinnieGolf]

I have heard so many say how much they love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was just wondering if there is any who did not like it or had something they did not like about it and why ? Just curious because I'm debating on whether or not to spend the extra money to stay there or not. Thanks

I've stayed at AKL multiple times and don't have any major complaints. The hotel is beautiful, has great options for food and, of course, offers ample opportunities to observe the animals. However, in answer to your question, I'm reminded that not everyone loves AKL. For example, friends staying at another resort met us at AKL for dinner, and they absolutely hated the lobby. They said it was dark, the African shields surrounding the lights reminded them of bugs, and the "large hat" was grotesque. I thought they would enjoy the animal observation areas, but they were horrified by the idea of animals being held in captivity.

So, what appeals to some WDW guests might not appeal to others.

 

[Singinglizzie]

The farthest park from AKL is Magic Kingdom, and it is approx. 9.5 miles away. If you want to stay in the middle of the action, then AKL probably isn't the place. AKL has a secluded feel. Some will say this isn't a good thing, personally it is one of the things I really like about it. You truly feel you are somewhere exotic on safari.

 

[theblondebee]

I went for my birthday this spring and as a surprise my husband changed my ressie from CSR to AKL. I have to say I didn't like it any better than CSR which is our go-to resort. I didn't like not being able to walk around outside as much as CSR. Boma was great but the quick service place wasn't anything special.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

We thought the beds were uncomfortable.

We thought it was too dark (like reading the newspaper in the club lounge with a flashlight kind of dark).

The bus transportation was not good the week we were there, but others have reported better bus service, so I think we were just unlucky.

The vanity area was around the corner from the beds, but there was no door (there was a door to the toilet and shower, but not the sinks). Turning on the light in the morning to get ready resulted in howls of protest. I preferred the sliding doors at CSR - I could get up and get ready (even using a hair dryer) without waking the kids.

We enjoyed our stay, though, and I would stay there again. AKL has a beautiful lobby, very nice grounds, and great dining choices. The club lounge was very nice and the CMs were wonderful. AKL is very relaxing, and there are a lot of activities at the resort. We preferred the rooms at CSR - the beds are more comfortable, the space is better utilized (rooms are about 340 sq. feet at AKL vs. 314 at CSR, but our CSR room felt bigger because AKL has very large furniture and an entry hallway), and the price is better for a trip where we spend most of our time in the parks.

I liked AKL and preferred it to OKW. But I liked the rooms better at CSR, Poly, Boardwalk and Beach Club. Transportation was better at CSR.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

We just spent 9 fabulous days at AKL the end of May - We LOVED the resort..but there were a few small things that weren't perfect.

1. The Mara: very small menu - and if you don't love African inspired food, the menu choices are even smaller. If you plan on eating a few meals there..it can be tough.

2. The bathroom area is dark. If you need decent lighting to get yourself together in the morning...it can be a bit of a pain.

3. The arcade is the pits. I know, I know...who needs an arcade when in the World - but we had a rainy night at the resort with an 8 & 10 year old. It was a faste waste of $20. No good games..no tickets to win.

Honestly those are the only 3 small things that I can think of. That being said there were a whole lot of good things!:
1. Amazing lobby - like *take your breath away everytime you walk in* lobby.
2. Wonderful gift shop.
3. Amazing theming - we spent a lot of time wandering around and viewing the animals.
4. FABULOUS activites for the kids ( crafts and games to earn beads)
5. FABULOUS poolside activities for the kids.
6. Beautiful and relaxing pool (especially while sitting in a lounge chair while the kids enjoyed the pool side acitivities.)
7. Beautiful, clean spacious rooms.
8. Wonderful CM's - informative, friendly and always helpful.

We had a car and did not find the distance to the Parks to be a problem at all.

 

[maryj11]

Thanks everyone for the information.
I did notice while looking at some of the photos it seems dark in some areas.
The being far away from the parks except AK is not something I would like.
I do like the idea of seeing all the animals, eating at Boma, seeing the lobby, and of course the pool looks great !
Anyone else have any thing to add please do

 

[kddisney502]

The lobby is loud because the buffet area (Boma) echos. All bus travel to the parks & DTD. It's nice to have other forms of transportation to break it up. But overall we really liked it and would visit again.

 

[maryj11]

We thought the beds were uncomfortable.

We thought it was too dark (like reading the newspaper in the club lounge with a flashlight kind of dark).

The bus transportation was not good the week we were there, but others have reported better bus service, so I think we were just unlucky.

The vanity area was around the corner from the beds, but there was no door (there was a door to the toilet and shower, but not the sinks). Turning on the light in the morning to get ready resulted in howls of protest. I preferred the sliding doors at CSR - I could get up and get ready (even using a hair dryer) without waking the kids.

We enjoyed our stay, though, and I would stay there again. AKL has a beautiful lobby, very nice grounds, and great dining choices. The club lounge was very nice and the CMs were wonderful. AKL is very relaxing, and there are a lot of activities at the resort. We preferred the rooms at CSR - the beds are more comfortable, the space is better utilized (rooms are about 340 sq. feet at AKL vs. 314 at CSR, but our CSR room felt bigger because AKL has very large furniture and an entry hallway), and the price is better for a trip where we spend most of our time in the parks.

I liked AKL and preferred it to OKW. But I liked the rooms better at CSR, Poly, Boardwalk and Beach Club. Transportation was better at CSR.

We did stay at CSR before and I thought the beds were really comfortable compared to some of the other resorts too.

 

[Sue M]

Thanks everyone for the information.
I did notice while looking at some of the photos it seems dark in some areas.
The being far away from the parks except AK is not something I would like.
I do like the idea of seeing all the animals, eating at Boma, seeing the lobby, and of course the pool looks great !
Anyone else have any thing to add please do

I didn't find it so dark in the lobby, the entire back wall is completely glass. We had good bus service our last stay. Love the pool, never noticed it was slippery?
We don't eat at Mara often, mostly breakfast. We are in the parks for lunch, and eat TS for dinner. Once we had lunch there, and it was good. No deluxe h as the huge food court. But I felt the selections adequate It's about 22 - 25 min bus to MK. It's kind of like the mods in not being near other resorts. I do like being at the Epcot or MK resorts in that they are walking or boat distance away. But comparing prox. To other resorts or parks is similar to CSR I think. Bus!

IMO you do get a lot more in terms of amenities at AKL. Someone just did a TR of their stay at AKL. There's a link on the AKL thread. It's very good.

 

[tupperware509]

i went in nov with 2 kids and they loved the bunk beds! also it was a free trip i earned with my business so much better that way!