I already posted this information on another thread, but I do not know how to link to it. I hope it's not bad etiquette to post it here, too. If it is, please let me know.
Last August 2002, I stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, because of the wonderful rates and LOVED IT!
We didn't have a Savannah View Room, but because they had run out of standard King Bed Rooms, they did upgrade us to a Pool View.
The pool is glorious. I could have stood on my balcony and stared at it for hours, but there were too many other fun things to do.
Every one of your five senses is peaked at AKL.
There were wonderful smells throughout the entire lodge. Part of that comes from the two restaurants (Boma and Jiko--both outstanding). But the other part of it just must be the newness of the resort. It smells so fresh.
The African music softly plays in the background throughout the lobby and even when you are on your way out to the parking lot.
The art in the lodge is museum quality and visually stunning. A tour is offered (free of charge) to anyone who visits.
If you take the tour (and make it all the way to the end...about a half hour), there are several plates of free appetizers to taste and a chat with one of the chefs. The chef told our group that Jiko has the largest selection of African wines in North America and that their one restaurant sells more than 1% of the world's consumption of African wine.
The wood in the lobby of the lodge is so solid and sturdy. I loved looking over the interior balcony as I left each morning. The lobby is six stories tall, and it's breathtaking.
If you visit, remember to touch the work of art by the front doors, as you leave the lobby each day. According to the sign, you will have good luck, if you rub it on your way out the door.
I didn't mind not having a Savannah View at all. Just a few steps from any room in the lodge are huge windows looking out over the Savannah, as well as, comfortable seating that envelopes you as you sit and take in the view. The areas are quiet, uncrowded and so pleasant. You could spend an hour or more there, just gazing at the animals.
Would it have been a treat to wake up in my room with giraffes just out of my reach? Of course, but this hotel is so amazing and caters to its guests so well, I didn't even have time to miss it.
The pool is amazing. It looks like a natural spring. There's two very romantic and secluded hot tubs outside, also. There is an entire outdoor viewing area (and walk) to see the animals just outside the lobby. And Disney has trained staff present and able to share information about the animals and their habits. Almost all of the employees at the lodge are from Africa. Talking to each of them was such a treat. They were a storehouse of information about the history of the artifacts and the lodge.
Each night, the lodge offered storytelling, complete with rocking chairs set up around a small fire, so that you could sit back and relax.
Also, the bus service at AKL is outstanding. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a direct bus to anywhere in the World.
Overall, I loved it. What an amazing Disney experience!
This year, I am trying CBR for the first time. I like that the rooms were just renovated, and I love the tropics. Whichever resort you choose, please let us know how you like your stay!
