What Makes AKL special?

[Misha72683]

My mom loves animals and has decided of all the Disney resorts, AKL appeals to her the most. I'm not quite as convinced. I guess I feel like if I'm going to stay ia Deluxe, I'd rather have the convience of location. The food at AKL appeals to me, but I know my mom won't like any of it, but that doesn't bother her (after almost 60 years as an extremely picky eater, she's used to not eating a lot of places).

I guess, I'm hoping to be convinced that AKL is worth it. What makes the stay so special? What do you really love about it? We'll have 2 adults and 3 kids: 6, 4.5 and roughly 15 months.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

AKL has location, it just defines differently.

AKL is the most secluded and otherworldly deluxe. It is surrounded by African savannah. You can see animals off balconies, off viewing decks. There are flamingos near the Jambo House pool. You are literally in another place.

The pools are fantastic with smaller children, as they have a water play area at Kidani, and zero-entry areas.

And there are zebra.

 

[strat68]

I never really understood "convenience of location" hit on AKL. So, it takes an extra 5-10 minutes to get somewhere. You can't walk anywhere from most of the resorts anyway.

But, the animals make it worth it. The pool is great. Boma will have food for mom to eat. Look at the menus.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

My mom loves animals and has decided of all the Disney resorts, AKL appeals to her the most. I'm not quite as convinced. I guess I feel like if I'm going to stay ia Deluxe, I'd rather have the convience of location. The food at AKL appeals to me, but I know my mom won't like any of it, but that doesn't bother her (after almost 60 years as an extremely picky eater, she's used to not eating a lot of places).

I guess, I'm hoping to be convinced that AKL is worth it. What makes the stay so special? What do you really love about it? We'll have 2 adults and 3 kids: 6, 4.5 and roughly 15 months.

I agree completely with the responses you have gotten so far, I love AKL! My only concern for your group is the sleeping arrangements. Are you OK sharing a bed with your Mom? Or would you each sleep with one of the kids? As far as room layout and size you might feel more comfortable in a larger deluxe like the Poly where you'll have a daybed in addition to the 2 queens. But if everyone is OK snuggled up together then I think your Mom is going to be blown away by the Savannah view room!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I never really understood "convenience of location" hit on AKL. So, it takes an extra 5-10 minutes to get somewhere.

But you're already somewhere. That's the magic of AKL. It is a resort that is practically an attraction in its own right.

 

[BLLB]

We have stayed there several times. It is beautiful! You really feel like you getting away from all the "madness" but are really just a few extra minutes by bus. We found the pools wonderful, bus service better than other deluxes and lots of food options. I feel like you can't go wrong!

 

[Misha72683]

I never really understood "convenience of location" hit on AKL. So, it takes an extra 5-10 minutes to get somewhere. You can't walk anywhere from most of the resorts anyway.

But, the animals make it worth it. The pool is great. Boma will have food for mom to eat. Look at the menus.

I've eaten at Boma and I can say with confidence my mother would hate it. She might like the carved meat, but that's about it. My 4 YO refused to eat almost everything there adn he and his grandmother have similar taste. My mom likes burgers and fries and generic Italian (think Olive Garden) and that's about it. Oh and cheap Chinese buffet (not authentic Chinese food).

 

[Misha72683]

I agree completely with the responses you have gotten so far, I love AKL! My only concern for your group is the sleeping arrangements. Are you OK sharing a bed with your Mom? Or would you each sleep with one of the kids? As far as room layout and size you might feel more comfortable in a larger deluxe like the Poly where you'll have a daybed in addition to the 2 queens. But if everyone is OK snuggled up together then I think your Mom is going to be blown away by the Savannah view room!

My kids co-sleep adn I don't see this changing in a year. I'll try to pit the baby in a pack and play, but asume that one kid will sleep with me and one with Grandma and if the baby won't sleep in a pack and play, then he or she will likely sleep with me and both older kids with my mom.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

My kids co-sleep adn I don't see this changing in a year. I'll try to pit the baby in a pack and play, but asume that one kid will sleep with me and one with Grandma and if the baby won't sleep in a pack and play, then he or she will likely sleep with me and both older kids with my mom.

I agree, if they co-sleep now already then I don't think the room layout will be a problem for you guys. I say give AKL a try!

 

[scrapquitler]

I've eaten at Boma and I can say with confidence my mother would hate it. She might like the carved meat, but that's about it. My 4 YO refused to eat almost everything there adn he and his grandmother have similar taste. My mom likes burgers and fries and generic Italian (think Olive Garden) and that's about it. Oh and cheap Chinese buffet (not authentic Chinese food).

Just because you are staying at AKL doesn't mean you have to eat there. And she can choose to eat at the Quick Service. It sounds like you are worried about the food thing more than she is.

Location....all the resorts are far away from at least some of the parks. AKL happens to be close to AK. Boardwalk is close to Epcot and HS but far from AK....you are never going to be close to all of them.

As to if it's as magical as everyone says, I'll let you know in a few weeks after I stay at AKL. I'm thinking that watching the zebras and giraffes from the balcony of my room is going to be a unique and spectacular experience.

 

[GrandCalifornian]

I agree with many previous posters. AKL is beautiful, and a major factor is the ANIMALS. It does feel like you are truly somewhere else. As for food, we are very impressed with the QS offerings at Mara. There is plenty of "normal" food with a nice big air conditioned place to eat. We also like the playground at AKL, which is also within view of the animals. Another thing we like about it is the architecture. Very similar to WL, it has lots of beautiful open sitting areas and a nice open feel to it. Having buses everywhere is a drawback, but seclusion comes at a price. The AK buses are fairly quick, although for us they haven't been as quick as the buses between WL and MK.

 

[buzznina]

I never really understood "convenience of location" hit on AKL. So, it takes an extra 5-10 minutes to get somewhere. You can't walk anywhere from most of the resorts anyway.

But, the animals make it worth it. The pool is great. Boma will have food for mom to eat. Look at the menus.

And it costs an arm and a leg to save those 10-15 minutes. We learned a long time ago that we do not have to stay at a park resort to have a great time.

We really liked AKL, especially the Jambo lobby, walking into it after a day at the parks always made us smile. DD's loved seeing all the animals and also using the the night vision goggles. We were not impressed by either pool, AKL or Kidani's, but our DDs loved the water play area at Kidani's. We also did shading on the lobby floor medallions and doing story time by the fire pit. Just a wonderful resort.

 

[Minnesota!]

There is just a feeling at AKL. From the sounds of the drums to the smells to the “JAMBO!” to the animals, pool, fire in the lobby, lush surroundings, Kidani pool (Jambo is nice, too, but Kidani was SO MUCH FUN!), the nooks and crannies you can explore, and the activities that the resort offers. It really feels like a vacation WITHIN a vacation. I absolutely LOVE it! Only about 3.5 months till I am back there!!! <3