Why do you like AKL?

[edtoss]

The AKL never appealed to me or anyone else in my extended family, yet seems to be very popular on here. I'd like to know what you like about it -- to see if it is just a matter of opinion, or if there is something I am missing.

The reasons I don't like the AKL can be summarized as location and lack of activities. All of the other deluxe resorts have easy access to at least 2 of the parks, either by monorail, boat, or walking (Wilderness Lodge is an exception, but I'll get to that). The Boardwalk resorts have the Boardwalk for entertainment and walking around. The Polynesian and GF have beautiful grounds for walking around. The Contemporary has the excitement of being right next to the MK, and lots of activity in the lobby.

All of the other deluxe resorts (and also the moderates) have the lake for water activities, or just to sit on the beach. The AKL also seems to have the worst pool of any of the resorts, especially for kids (it's really just a big quiet pool).

The AKL DOES have a couple good restaurants (as do most of the other deluxe resorts) and the animals -- but I can do those in one afternoon/evening without staying there.

The AKL is comparable to the Wilderness Lodge. However WL doesn't seem nearly as isolated, has the lake and great pool, boat to MK, more activities, etc. AKL and WL seem to fall between the other Deluxes and the Moderates in terms of price, but AKL seems more of a moderate while WL seems more of a Deluxe.

Sorry if this post seems very negative -- I truly want to know why everyone likes AKL. Hopefully I'll find something I was missing.

 

[DigitalDizzney]

I havent gone to the AKL (omg like 2 more days!) But from what I understand, the isolation of the resort is part of its magic. Apparently it is one of the most quiet resorts, as well as the most segregated.

And although there is only the one pool, I think that its 11 thousand square foot size makes up for anything its lacking. As far as other forms on entertainment; the campfire story telling, the nightvision goggles for evening animal watching, a really beautiful grounds to explore, and well...the animals all add up to sound like a pretty good, if not laid back, time.

As far as a lack of proximity to other resorts & parks, apparently the AKL has its -own- bus that isnt shared with any other resorts, which makes the transportation there more efficient. I cant vouch for this yet, but thats what they say.

IT came dow to choosing between the WL & the AKL for our trip and we went with AKL simply because with the exception of a trip to africa, what other place in the world allows you to go to sleep at night and wake up in the middle of the night to exotic animals snorning right there under your window.

 

[ZPT1022]

I would have to say that the wonderful thing about the AKL is that it is just so peaceful and relaxing and it is like you walk in and the weight lifts off your shoulders. Now part of that is just being on vacation, but I didn't really get that before when we stayed at the Beach Club. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's like time moves slower there, it's really nice. I was kind of skeptical about staying there, but it was a lot of fun. We wish we had learned earlier on in our stay about all the activities they had available,like night goggles and wine and food tastings. All sorts of fun things like that. We could have spent three days just hanging out at the hotel and relaxingand doing all those sorts of things. Plus, seeing the animals from your room was realy fun. I hope this helps you, I know I really was skeptical before I went.

 

[imbe@aol.com]

Originally posted by edtoss
The AKL never appealed to me or anyone else in my extended family, yet seems to be very popular on here. I'd like to know what you like about it -- to see if it is just a matter of opinion, or if there is something I am missing.

The reasons I don't like the AKL can be summarized as location and lack of activities.

Before I stayed at AKL .. and even after the first time I stayed, right when it first opened, I would have agreed with you about it's location being a problem. But honestly, that isn't the case any longer. We've had a few stays since that first time, and the transportation issues have all been ironed out. We don't even rent a car when we visit and still had no problems, so if you're normally with a car, it will be perfect.

All of the other deluxe resorts have easy access to at least 2 of the parks, either by monorail, boat, or walking (Wilderness Lodge is an exception, but I'll get to that). The Boardwalk resorts have the Boardwalk for entertainment and walking around. The Polynesian and GF have beautiful grounds for walking around. The Contemporary has the excitement of being right next to the MK, and lots of activity in the lobby.

All of the other deluxe resorts (and also the moderates) have the lake for water activities, or just to sit on the beach. The AKL also seems to have the worst pool of any of the resorts, especially for kids (it's really just a big quiet pool).

There really is a lot to do at AKL around the hotel. Storytelling in several places, at varied times, day and night ... animal watching/learning experiences at various points on the property; there's a nice spa at AKL. There are tours of the lobby that explain the various pieces of art, architecture, and so forth. As for the pool, *I* think it's one of the nicest at WDW! LOL It's HUGE, it's gorgeously themed, terrific landscaping around it, it has a slide, a nice pool bar .. really, all you could want, unless you're looking for a waterpark.

 

[DW mouser]

You could take each resort and say, "I like this about so and so and I like that about another." We just returned from a 5 day stay at AKL and it was breathtaking! Maybe since we don't get to go to DW that often, although we've been there 3 times in 4 years, I just enjoy what each resort has and don't compare. I would not want to do 2 large expensive resturants in one day!! I like to savor!! And as far as extra activities, we never got past the indoor fireplace which was a very popular place in the evenings! There were several free activities though. And, my grandkids loved the pool. (14,11,&4) It seems that each time I stay at a different resort, so far Poly, WL and now AKL, I think "this must be the best one!"
My husband and son still like the Poly best so far, and I just can't pick a favorite! Each is unique in it's own way. Yes, you have the advantage of more transportation options with some of the other resorts, but I wouldn't pick a resort fully on that. Some people would. I don't care for the Contempory and it has the best for monorail service. Everyone has their likes and dislikes, but don't sell the AKL short! It's awesome!!

 

[crusnprincesses]

We have been to AKL on 3 different occaisons, and are going back for 21/2 weeks a week from Monday. I agree with everything everyone else has covered, but I have to say, the CM's at AKL were AMAZING!! From the bellmen, front desk staff, kid's club, waitstaff, and lifeguards, everyone was consistently awesome....and I mean awesome, all the time! Then we did the concierge thing, and I was literally blown away. I believe they have assembled the best of the CM's from the other resorts, and brought them to AKL. Let me add that I am not easily impressed, but these CM's have really gone above and beyond for us every time. It is a big, extended family, and they welcome you with open arms.....if any of you are reading this, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making our stays truly magical.

 

[padisneylover]

I have to agree with all of the rest of the positive comments on the AKL. My DH who if given the choice would never go to DW loved the AKL!! Actually he is even looking forward to going back next December because his time at the lodge was so great. It was a totally laid back vacation compared to all the rest we have ever taken at WDW and I think the lodge had a lot to do with it. The atmosphere here is very laid back and all the activities such as the fire side stories, the tour of the lodge and the education you receive from talking to the CM's out around the resort is really entertaining. There is nothing that can compare to comming back at night and watching the animals play after a hectic day at the parks.
All the CM's are so friendly, you never pass one of them anywhere on the premisis that they don't speak and all are so eager to please.
The transportation is great and we found it more than adaquet to meet our needs and last time we were there at peak season (April) and never had a problem waiting for any of the buses.
All of the above are the reasons why I love the AKL

 

[latenthart]

I was not impressed, I had never stayed onsite before and I was really disappointed. I could see maybe spending a couple of days here but I would never stay here more than 3 or 4 days. Minus a day if you dont think you want to eat dinner their for 3 to 4 days in a row. You can go to other resorts and eat but everything is a hike. If you want to be close to Animal Kingdom then AKL is great, but I hope that is the only thing you want to be close to. It seemed like the other Animal kingdom resorts, coranado springs and all stars had a better location. Although the coranado seemed spread out.
Pros:
1. I am an animal lover and I did have a great view/room with bunk bed that was close to the pool.
2. beautiful building
3. my son always wanted bunk beds
4. you could find at least two days worth of activities around the hotel if you werent hitting the parks.
5. They had double sinks in room so we filled one up with ice and had an instant refigerator.
6. The gift shop by the lobby sells milk/beer for way less then Mara.
7. Check in was quick and easy, they accomadated all of my requests. Arusha, 3rd floor, bunk beds, zebra trail, near pool.
8. Fireplaces outside and in lobby with rocking chairs next to them were pretty and relaxing. Also rocking chairs next to sets of binoculaurs for closer viewing.
9. Xmas decorations were nice.
10. Hotel smelled great, like a fireplace burning or something.
11. Sunset overlook was amazing. Although you could just visit the hotel for the evening and enjoy it.


Cons:
1. GOD this place is in the middle of nowhere. I have stayed at offsite hotels that were closer to most that disney had to offer.

2. Options for food were as follows: A beautifully decorated place called Jiko that had very strange food options including rabbit? Seafood also although the only one I remember was Monkfish? I am sure someone has the JIKO menu online somewhere. They did offer an chicken dish, but i wasnt willing to pay that much for chicken, after all no matter how you dress it up it is still chicken.

Boma (buffet style) Dinner was 23.99 per adult plus beverages at additional cost. Food was Okay but not terrific. However in all fairness dessert was full of tasty goodies. I wouldnt go again though and really I only ate there because I was sick of driving so far to get anything.

Mara (quick eats) well for 10.99 you get their refillable mug although it only includes soft drinks and hot beverages. I doesnt include milk or juice for the kids. Salads were good. African stew in bread bowl was good but for 7.49 it was very tiny, not a meal for one. Burgers were well you know burgers. They sold peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chips/cheese doodles and raisans in cute little to go lunchboxes for kids. Although kids meals are really not that expensive at parks. Actually If you buy yourself a kids meal you would probably save a bundle.
On the whole this place felt like my highschool cafeteria and if you dont want to drive awhile or pay boma and jiko prices for every dinner you are trapped with Mara. One or two nites it isnt too bad but otherwise get dinner at the parks or on the way home.

3. I too was not very impressed with the pool. Not a bad pool just not what I expected at a "Deluxe" resort.

4. At your wonderful deluxe resort AKL you have to PAY extra to use the GYM? 25 per adult for length of stay or 45 for entire family length of stay.

5. They dont sell calling cards at akl, you have to drive ( yes more driving) to All star resorts to get closest cards.

6. Big language barrier with a lot of housekeeping and a lot of the help. I lost my sandals by the pool on the second nite there and tried to find out where lost and found was from four different people. Two by pool and Two in building. They couldnt understand me and I couldnt understand them. Although everyone at check in was easy to understand.

7. Parking was far unless you paid 6.00 day for valet parking.
If you were coming in late from the parks, good luck, get dropped off and let the hubby park the car.

8. Rooms were tiny. With only three of us I felt cramped.

 

[currycook]

Just an FYI though that some of the "cons" you listed are not AKL specific. They apply to all Disney deluxe resorts so if you are planning a future trip it might be something to keep in mind.

1. Paying for the gym. This is true of all of the resorts that have a gym. Unless you are on somesort of package that might include this feature.

2. Paying for valet parking. This is also true of all of the resorts that offer valet service. Unless you are handicapped or a DVC memeber staying at a DVC resort it is $6 to valet. The Swan/Dolphin charge $10.

3. Language barrier with housekeeping. I think you are going to find this are just about any hotel/resort not even Disney specific.

4. Tiny rooms. The standard rooms at the AKL are smaller then most of the Disney deluxe resorts but the same size as the WL rooms. That is one of the reasons why the AKL and the WL are the cheapest of the deluxe resorts along with the fact that these two do not have as easy access to the parks as the other deluxe resorts.

5. No milk/juice. This is at all of the resorts. You can only refill soda/coffee/tea.

 

[mat2672]

edtoss, it looks like youve researched the resort which is a good thing before you spend your money. If the positive things such as the theming or the amenities of the hotel dont make up for the things that scare you off such as the transportation, than youll likely be disappointed. I think the isolation of the resort might actually be one of the things that draw alot of people to it. After all of the noise and hustle of the parks and all those people, it might be nice to be isolated for a while. I know the fact that AKL is so different and "far away" from everything else is one of the reasons Im looking forward to my stay there this april. But ive always valued the theming and the atmosphere that each resort gives you much more than having to wait a few more minutes at the bus stop. But if your looking for certain activities that arent there and you know you wont like the location, then youve probably already answered your own question. And your not being negative at all. Its a good idea to get as much info and opinions from people that have already stayed there before you drop a couple thousand dollars. I dont understand people that rip a resort for its lack of variety as far as restaurants or activities when all they had to do is a little research beforehand. The good thing is theres plenty of resorts that have something different for everyone and they all beat being at work! Good luck!

 

[aurora19]

It sounds like you are not ready to stay at AKL yet.

I would suggest on your next trip to the World that you make a PS at Boma but arrive early to explore the resort. Sit in and listen to the storytelling and the singing in the lobby. Explore the Savannah overlooks and talk to CMs acting as animal guides and cultural guides - you might truly fall in love with this resort.

We really enjoyed our stay there. It was relaxing to come home to after a busy day in the parks and there was plenty to do. - Although we will explore a new (to us) resort for our next trip - we would love to come back to AKL in the future.

 

[Disney Fool]

Reasons I like the AKL:
I've stayed there 3 times, the first time right after it opened. If you are looking for pure escapism, this is the place. From the first thing in the morning until late at night, the resort IS the entertainment. I was hooked from the moment I stepped out on the balcony early one morning with my coffee, and watched those majestic giraffes stroll toward me. I was mesmerized for over an hour. Time becomes unimportant. It was emphasized over and over during that first visit, that "the animals were here first; and we are their guests." I fell in love with the ambience and the graceful calmness of the place. The animals were top priority, and they became top priority with me, also. Somehow, racing to the parks while staying there was not a priority. Feeling serene, enjoying the African music, listening to the storytellers, soaking in the atmosphere, was more important to me. I felt rested, really rested, after two days there. Yes, the rooms are of a darker mood, and yes, the food is different. But it is uniquely African, and thoroughly enjoyable. The guides are wonderful! I hope Joki comes back someday soon. She is the young African woman featured in the video of the hotel. What a wonderful personality she has. As to being in a remote location, please look at a Disneyworld map. Are you aware that the AKL is next to the All Star Resorts? Is anyone complaining about the remoteness of that resort? Once, in the stillness of the night, I could hear a truck rumbling by on the highway--it brought back the realization that I was in Central Florida, and not on an African Savannah. For that reason alone, I for one am glad the AKL seems isolated. It would be so different and I think spoiled if it were in a high traffic area. For any of you reading this who are considering staying there, please don't hesitate. I've used the bus transportation, and I've used my car. The buses run quite well--in fact, better than at POR. When using my car, parking was not a problem, no more than staying at any other resort with a big parking lot. A space always opens up closer to the front door sometime during the day. If you want a real treat, try the concierge. They have the best on Disney property. Kudos to Disney for creating an authentic resort with such meticulous attention to detail.