AKL Questions

[no2apprentice]

Before I get started with questions, I would like to thank all of you wonderful Disney Nuts (or would it be Disneynuts?) for posting the threads and discussions about your experiences with making reservations for a WDW resort and what it's like to stay on-site. Because of YOUR inspiration, I kept trying and finally made reservations for staying ON-SITE! Our first time! And, it's at AKL!!!!!!!!!!!!!:sohappy:

What's more, I will be able to afford it without selling a car, house, children, etc. (j/k) Seriously, I never would have thought it possible that we would be able to afford to stay on-site on this trip, but I guess some dreams can happen.

Oh yeah, questions:

Has anyone used the buses from AKL since they changed their bus system? Any approximate times to the different parks?

About what time do the first buses leave? I have read in some of the guides that it's usually an hour before official opening, but I would like to know of any real experiences.

Is it possible to walk to AK from AKL? Or is it more practical to just take the bus?

Are the two restaurants possible without PS? Or is PS a must, even for AKL guests?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[DanStat]

1.) Has anyone used the buses from AKL since they changed their bus system? Any approximate times to the different parks?

--Not from AKL...AKL is located 1 mile from Animal Kingdom...not sure about the others

About what time do the first buses leave? I have read in some of the guides that it's usually an hour before official opening, but I would like to know of any real experiences.

--Not sure about that.

Is it possible to walk to AK from AKL? Or is it more practical to just take the bus?

--There is no walking path from AK to AKL. Bus is the only mode of transportation.

Are the two restaurants possible without PS? Or is PS a must, even for AKL guests?

--Yes. Especially for Jiko! maybe for Boma in the morning! They're both good!

Hope this helps! I'll be at AKL in 9 days! :sohappy:

 

[The Mom]

Originally posted by no2apprentice


Has anyone used the buses from AKL since they changed their bus system? Any approximate times to the different parks?

About what time do the first buses leave? I have read in some of the guides that it's usually an hour before official opening, but I would like to know of any real experiences.

Is it possible to walk to AK from AKL? Or is it more practical to just take the bus?

Are the two restaurants possible without PS? Or is PS a must, even for AKL guests?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Buses...less than 5 mins to AK, a good 15 -20 mins to MK. Epcot & MGM....around 10 mins, I think. Yes, they were loading 1 hr before opening...but not more than 1 hour (there wasn't a bus to Epcot until 9AM)

It is IMPOSSIBLE to walk to AK from AKL...no pedestrians are allowed on the road, and there aren't any paths yet. I've heard that a walkway may be added in the future...don't know how true that is.

I was advised by the desk CM to make reservations for the full service restaurants ASAP the same day I checked in. Guests do not automatically have seating.

 

[no2apprentice]

Thanks for the answers, disneyprep50321 and The Mom (love your name). This bus thing will be a new experience for us, and we like to get at the parks when they first open. DASH FOR THE SPLASH!:lol:

 

[DanStat]

Drive

You could always drive! Disney Resort guests receive free parking at all Disney attractions.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Originally posted by no2apprentice

Has anyone used the buses from AKL since they changed their bus system? Any approximate times to the different parks?

About what time do the first buses leave? I have read in some of the guides that it's usually an hour before official opening, but I would like to know of any real experiences.

Is it possible to walk to AK from AKL? Or is it more practical to just take the bus?

Are the two restaurants possible without PS? Or is PS a must, even for AKL guests?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

The ride times given are correct, but the buses no longer leave one hour prior to park opening--this has been reduced to one-half hour prior. It is actually possible to walk between AK and AKL...I've seen people do it, but I would not recommend it...and with the Lodge's close proximity to Animal Kingdom, a bus comes every few minutes. I wouldn't say PS is an absolute must, but depending on when you are there, if it is crowded, those restaurants could be packed...so, save yourself the hastle and get PS.

 

[no2apprentice]

Thanks, everyone. I noticed that AKL is kind of tucked away in the corner, and I don't mind driving if it well get us to the ropes before they drop. I don't think MGM will be a problem by bus, my main concern was the distance to MK. I'll probably drive to MK, to make sure we are hugging the ropes.

 

[SJTSmith]

I would recommend using Disney transportation as much as possible. You will get to the park early and you will not have to deal with any extra hassle. Just enjoy your vacation and don't worry about driving around.

 

[ToTBellHop]

You would actually get to the front gate of Magic Kingdom faster by bus. It takes about fifteen minutes to get there, and the first bus will always arrive at about 8:30. If you drive, you are at the mercy of the trams and the monorail/ferryboat...

 

[TURKEY]

Personally I would drive based on the following stipulations:

1. Buses leave 1/2 hour before park opens. Assuming you get the first bus and 20 minutes to MK, that leaves 10 minutes to get thru security checkpoints.

2. You can get to MK and any park other than DAK more than 20 minutes before the park opens by driving. I'm not sure exactly what time the parking opens up. Even if trams aren't running, you shouldn't have to walk that far to the TTC or Polynesian. You shouldn't have to wait on more than 1 ferry a couple of monorails (less if you go to Polynesian).



I've never been at a park when the rope drops. So my conclusions may not be accurate. That's just my opinion.

 

[ToTBellHop]

it's hilarious when they drop ropes...you always have a group of people who rush to the e-rides like their lives depend on being the first to ride...they would probably push you down if you tried to get on a ride before them! Remember the Right Hand Rule...most people go right when they come in the park, so go left! (thus, everyone meets up in Fantasyland at about 11 am and it becomes a complete nightmare there...)

 

[AkiraRaptor]

We ate at Boma twice for breakfast and didn't use PS. Jiko is pretty much a must though for a PS.

Are wait at Boma wasn't more than 15 min, but then again they were both late mornings, so most people had already left for the parks.

The driving idea is a good one, and we used it from time to time as well. We found that AKL is not really that far away as some people sugest it is.

We went over to WL for dinner, and I found that resrot much more reclusive than AKL was.

We never had to wait more than 10 min for a bus. And in the moring there is usally a CM out there that you can ask questions. The time passes quickly.

Have a great time AKL (you did get a Savannah View :lookaroun ).

Next time we go, were doing a concierge room. I've heard some great things about the food and service, and the AK Sunrise Safari.

Have fun!

 

[Mr. Toad]

When we stay at Old Key West we usually drive to MK.

We will be at AKL in a Savannah View room in May. If I had know about the Sunrise Safari when I booked I might have gone for concierge. I think the next visit we will do that for at least part of our stay.

 

[no2apprentice]

Everyone has been great for all the tips and advice. We love being at MK when the rope drops, and enjoy the DASH FOR SPLASH or the RACE FOR SPACE. We don't run, though, we just make sure we are back a little so we don't get caught in the rush. We do walk a little fast, though...the excitement is intoxicating.:animwink:

Last year they didn't let anyone run, too much liability if someone gets hurt. As far as I know, it's the same way this year. I doubt they will ever let people run again in the future. Too bad, in a way, but...safety first!

AkiraRaptor, we only have a standard room, but that's okay with me! Like I said, this is our first time staying on-site, and I think it is so AWESOME that we are staying at a deluxe resort, and AKL at that! My family enjoys wildlife, so no matter what, we'll have a great time (a part of me is hoping for an upgrade at check-in, but if doesn't happen, no tears here).

I think our best bet is to ask the CM when we check-in, what time the busses start running in the morning, and take it from there. I've read several threads about this new bus schedule system, and it doesn't sound like all the bugs are worked out, yet.

Only 16 more days!

 

[ToTBellHop]

it seemed like bussing on demand was only in effect about 10% of the time...it was generally one bus every twenty minutes.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

no2apprentice:

When I first made my reservation to AKL, it was to a standard view room as well. But as a surprise for my wife (it was our 5th year anaversary), I called back and upgraded to a savannah room.

What I found out was that the cost of the room was cheaper. Seems like the upgraded standard room to savannah cost less than if I just reserved the savannah strait out.

I didn't ask for a special price, so I can only guess they did some kind of upsell price for me.

If you have a little cash left, I'd give it a try if you do want the savannah room. I know my wife and I loved stepping out on the balcany every morning, watch the sunrise over the savannah and the animal wake up.

There are plenty of places to see the animal about the resort, but it is a real treet to see them out your own room.

You're gonna have a great time! Have fun! :sohappy:

 

[no2apprentice]

I had thought about calling back, but they gave me a special rate of $199 for a standard room. In the second week of April! I about fell on the floor! But I am maxing out our budget BIG TIME just for that rate. We were staying off-site for $90 a night (2 queens). BIG difference in budget.:lookaroun

I do appreciate the suggestion. Thanks.