Will I regret staying at AKL in December?

[vicceja]

Hi!

Now I am worried.
First - we are scheduled to travel to Disney on Dec 8-14th . We will be staying at AKL Deluxe Savannah View. I've been very excited about the entire trip, but now I'm a little worried because I've been reading other posts and they have mentioned that AKL is so far apart from all the parks. How long does it take to get any one of the parks? Did I make the wrong choice? Will I regret staying at AKL?

 

[triplefigs]

Hi!

Now I am worried.
First - we are scheduled to travel to Disney on Dec 8-14th . We will be staying at AKL Deluxe Savannah View. I've been very excited about the entire trip, but now I'm a little worried because I've been reading other posts and they have mentioned that AKL is so far apart from all the parks. How long does it take to get any one of the parks? Did I make the wrong choice? Will I regret staying at AKL?

I've not stayed there, but I believe the bus service is very quick and efficient from AKL because you are the only stop. The AKL is decorated beautifully at Christmas, you've got great restaurants, all the animals, and quick bus service. I think you'll have a wonderful trip! Enjoy!

 

[bjgrazi]

We just stayed there and loved it.... it's a matter of minutes on the bus not hours......... relax and enjoy your choice.

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

I tell you what, I'll trade you for a room in Pop Century. Okay?

Believe me, you will have an amazing room and great bus service to all the parks. Just relax and have an amazing vacation!

 

[HarryLeg]

I was unsure when planning to stay the first time at AKL. After 2 Stays and planning the next, you don't have anything to worry about. The bus service is fantastic with some of the shortest trips to the parks of any resort. Don't worry, just go in the confidence that you have picked a great resort and that you will not want to leave!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Do NOT fret!

first off - AKL is BEAUTIFUL during the holidays. The tree is amazing.

the front entrance sign is AWESOME for the holidays...there was me, one night, tipsy on a few glasses of wine...running down to the sign to get a picture of it. hehehe. don't mind the busses dodging me.

Be sure to do the hidden mickey safari!

I think AKL has the best transportation. it's a dedicated bus, no sharing, and really quick time wise. Really - is 5 extra minutes going to put a huge damper on your day?

ENJOY it!

 

[vicceja]

Hi!

Gracias! I really was debating if I made the right choice. Thanks to you all I think we will be happy with our choice.

I haven't heard of the Hidden Mickey Safari . Is this something the kids do on their own?

Thanks again - I'm definitely excited once again

 

[daannzzz]

Do not worry. The AKL is only a 3 - 5 minute longer bus ride to many locations than it is from other places. The ride on the monorail or bus from the GF to Epcot is just about the same as the AKL to Epcot. When you are having fun and excited the extrea 3-5 minutes is not apparent. The ride from AKL to the MK is probably 5 minutes longer than if you were using a bus at the YC, BC and Boardwalk and might be shorter if you had to stop at all the Epcot resorts before heading to the MK.

 

[daannzzz]

Also, part of the perception that the AKL is way out there is that it stands alone. You can not walk anywhere from the property. There are no trails to another resort or theme park. There is no waterway to take a boat anywhere. To get anywhere you have to take a motor vehical of some kind. Because of this it feels more remote than it really is.

 

[stinkerbelle]

I haven't heard of the Hidden Mickey Safari . Is this something the kids do on their own?

Well - it'll involve them running around AKL - you MIGHT want to accompany them if you don't want them running free.

Stop at the gift shop and ask for the "Hidden Mickey Safari Sheet" (we got ours through concierge...they had them up there...but you can also get them at the gift shop)

And off you go! Finding hidden mickeys around AKL...there are some VERY cool ones that DH and I never noticed. The CM's are VERY helpful in helping you find some too!

Return the sheet to the gift shop for your "certificate" after you've completed it. DH, myself, and SIL did it the day we were leaving for the airport...took us about an hour. It was alot of fun.

 

[webray]

AKL is the best deluxe on disney property..you will not regret it...the place and people there are fantastic!

 

[Big Fat Disney MaMa]

You will love it - when we stayed there they upgraded us to the deluxe savannah view room for no charge. It was wonderful to be able to go outside at any time and watch the animals. The pool is great and the lodge itself is absolutely beautiful. The bus to the parks was actually nicer than other places I have stayed because you have your own dedicated bus. That means the buses are far less crowded and usually everyone gets a seat. don't worry about the distance, just enjoy the ride and look out the windows at the view. ENJOY!

 

[Laurajean1014]

We've been there before for Christmas time and will be there shortly after your stay. We have conceirge level and am thoroughly looking forward to it.

It's a fabulous hotel. Don't forget to save some room for Boma and Jiko (terrific restaurants), and visit the general store!

You will have a great time. Don't worry.

 

[vanyel]

We didn't stay there but we ate at Bomas. Loved the food there, and they'll send you recipes if you request them!

 

[ciera321]

I agree with the previous posters, you will not be sorry for staying at AKL, we love the resort. I know I've read where people say it's away from the attractions, but I just don't see it. The bus rides are not long and it's JUST past AK. We sure didn't feel that we were "so far away from things", it is a wonderful resort. Even when we stay at other resorts, we always go the AKL and eat at Boma and Jiko, both wonderful places to eat.

 

[soccer mom]

It wouldn't feel like an African savannah if there was a castle in the background!!!

You will love it!! 68 days for us!!

 

[dsmom]

We were there the Christmas before last and stayed conceirge and LOVED it!! The buses are great, the CMs are unbelievable, the decorations are beautiful, especially the tree. You will love it!

 

[Brier Rose]

We LOVE the AKL, and it's even better at Christmas time!

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[Ladyhawke10]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is divine. I usually split stays between AKL and another deluxe to be in a different area for the second half of our vacation, but that's just our preference--many people prefer to stay put during their vacation. It's a glorious hotel in any case--just extraordinary