AKL Pool

[johnvree]

Can I please have some feedback on the AKL's pool.

We are going to be staying 3 days at the AKL of our 14 day trip in May. While we are there, the only park we are going to is AK. The other 2 days will be spent exploring the resort and swimming. I've read a little about the Uzima pool at the AKL. But I would love some mini reviews.

Also, if you want to give it a number rating, "1" would be your average rectangular hotel swimming pool (no slide, nothing special); "10" would be Stormalong Bay.

Thanks a ton.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Well, the pool is nice to me. It's quite large, and it has the zero depth entry, which is also nice.

In the three years I've been there, I never saw the slide open. It has day time hours, and I've never found myself out at the pool during the day.

I know that the Disney lifegurds like it, 'cos that's were they do there safty training. ANd it boarders a savanna, so it's a 30 second walk to look out over a small corner of one of the savannas.

I always sit out by the pool at night and read. It's relaxing. And even when there are a lot of people there, it's so open, that it still seems quiet. The lighting is a bid subdued, so the whole place seems more calming that normal.

Since I've never seen Stormalong, I have no idea, but from my readings hear, I doubt it's up to it's "fun factor". But if you want a relaxing swim, it would be nice.

Here are a few pool shots at the member gallery:

http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=7822&password=&sort=1&cat=510&page=1

http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=1219&password=&sort=1&cat=510&page=2

http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=1122&password=&sort=1&cat=510&page=2

Have fun!

 

[imagineer99]

Originally posted by johnvree
Can I please have some feedback on the AKL's pool.

We are going to be staying 3 days at the AKL of our 14 day trip in May. While we are there, the only park we are going to is AK. The other 2 days will be spent exploring the resort and swimming. I've read a little about the Uzima pool at the AKL. But I would love some mini reviews.

Also, if you want to give it a number rating, "1" would be your average rectangular hotel swimming pool (no slide, nothing special); "10" would be Stormalong Bay.

Thanks a ton.

I like the pool, however, it is nothing spectacular. The slide is disappointing in my opinion, especially when compared to Stormalong Bay's slide. It is more of a place for a relaxing swim versus an active water complex.

Akira mentioned the zero depth entry...which is really cool to look at. The pool truly looks like a "natural" extension to the savannah landscape. The water color and shape reflect this.

Plus, it's large and you get to view those awesome animals so close to where you are swimming. It looks quite beautful at night from the hotel itself.

I'd give it a 7.

 

[johnvree]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Michael72688]

It seriously is the coolest pool and slide in the world!

 

[no2apprentice]

I'll give it a 8.5, but it shows my age. I am very content to relax in a pool with my wife, keeping one eye peeled on the kids. I can see where older kids (as well as teens and adults) are disappointed in the water slide, but I saw four years olds enjoying it, so it's geared for the smaller ones. We went during spring break two years ago, and it never felt really crowded in the afternoons.

I am looking forward to getting my feet wet in June.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I like the area around the pool, but the attraction itself is not as good as the others. The pool is open and large, but has nothing special to it like a lot of the other resorts do. There isn't a lot of elaborate theming and the slide is very small. The only real plus to it for me is that you have a savanah right next to you (but you can also see animals all over the resort...so it takes away a little from that).

 

[crazygirley]

I love the pool at AKL. I cannot tell you how many times I just woke up and went to the pool instead of going to a park early.

The ambiance at the pool is great. The theming is spectacular and the addition of the African music played around the pool really adds to the feeling that you are really in some sort of hidden, African oasis.

The slide was also fantastic. My mother and I spent countless times sliding down, laughing together on the slide (and I'm a 21 year old). In our whole three week stay, the slide was not closed once.

The pool water was always the perfect temperature, not too warm, but not ice cold. Just perfect. It was also crystal clear and not over chlorinated.

The size of the pool is also great. It's just the right size and depth to take a nice swim and not completley bump into people.

The only downfall I had about the pool was getting a lounge (chair) that was in the sun (for tanning) and facing the pool. The ones in the sun all seemed to be taken, however, nice lounges in the shade or not facing the pool were always in abundance.

The hot tubs were also nice. One is more secluded and hotter than the other. Almost romantic. And another thing I noticed is that when a couple (or a family) is in the hot tub, they are generally left alone. At least that was my experience. But the hot tubs are very nice at night.

I give the pool at AKL a 9.

And just to let you know, my trip was during the month of June last summer. Have a great stay!

 

[johnvree]

Thanks again for the info. My kids are 4 and 5 so the slide sounds like it will keep them happy.

Crazy, that's kind of funny about the hot tub. We need a post on hot tub etiquette. :lol: I agree. If there is already a family in there, I stay away.

 

[tztowerofterror]

i've stayed @ the akl twice, and both times i have managed to not use the pool. don't know how that happens...guess i'm too busy in the parks. :lol: but i do think it looks really nice, it looks so real, like it's actually a lake in the middle of a savanah. i would have to give it an 8, just because the green color kinda discourages me.

oh btw no2apprentice, i'm from bristol! :wave:

 

[crazygirley]

Originally posted by johnvree
Thanks again for the info. My kids are 4 and 5 so the slide sounds like it will keep them happy.

Crazy, that's kind of funny about the hot tub. We need a post on hot tub etiquette. :lol: I agree. If there is already a family in there, I stay away.

OMG...I know! What is it about people that makes them want to share a hot tub...just the thought makes me feel all creepy...:lookaroun