Akl

[vilegirl]

Hi Everyone...

I'm going to WDW for a couple days in April/May. I think I want to give AKL a try this time. I stayed at WL last time and LOVED it so I thought AKL would be a good choice for my upcoming trip. For those of you that have stayed...how was it? Any suggestions or hints?

Also, if I stay at AKL, I'm thinking about trying Boma. What are your opinions?

And finally (I'm just full of questions today aren't I?:lol: ), I've read reviews and such that suggest wandering around the Lodge and looking at all the different savannahs. Is there a "best time" to do this?

Thanks in advance for your help!

-Linda

 

[madalex]

AKL is a great hotel. It is just beautiful, with wonderful theming, fine restaurants and lounges and a very nice pool. Definitely get a savannah room if that is in the budget, because it is great to sit out on your balcony and watch the animals.

Boma is pretty good, but Jiko is better (there was a thread on this in the last few days you might want to search to get more information).

The best times to visit the savannahs are early in morning when animals are first let out and during evening feeding times. Although I don't know exactly when those times are, I am sure you can ask for the schedule at the hotel.

 

[kennedy]

I agree with above, Jiko is better than Boma. But, Boma is great too (it's a buffet). I would plan to do both.

The best time to watch animals seemed to be early morning and late afternoon. Request a room by a feeding station. I recommend Arusha savannah, zebra trail, on the third floor.

AKL is my favorite hotel so far. The theming is absolutely wonderful. And I bet you come out of the trip looking to buy a CD of African music.

 

[madalex]

Originally posted by kennedy

And I bet you come out of the trip looking to buy a CD of African music. [/B]

I certainly agree with this. In fact, we have visited AKL twice, both times on the concierge level. When we checked in for our second trip, the staff had left a "welcome back" present to us of a CD of African music, which I now listen to all the time. It's not the same music that is played in the lobby, but it is close enough.

 

[crazygirley]

AKL is an amazing resort, and if you liked WL, I am sure you will love AKL. The resort as a whole is amazing, but there are certian things that stand out. The pool is fantastic. It's a zero-entry pool, meaning you can walk right in. There are two cozy whirlpools hidden off in different areas, one of which gives you a view of the animals during the day (if you are lucky). The resturaunts at AKL are great, too. And yes, you should try Boma! I recommend dinner, but some prefer breakfast, but I have heard rave reviews on both. The whole ambiance of the resort is unlike no other. You can stay at AKL and almost forget that you aren't in Africa. I think it has alot to do mostly with the remote location of the resort and the incredible theming. Another thing I love about the resort is that we never waited longer than 15 minutes for a bus, even during the summer (and we always had a seat, along with everyone else!) The rooms are also amazing...I have always stayed in a deluxe savannah view, but I am sure the regular savannah rooms are just as spectacular. There is nothing quite like having a giraffe right outside of your room...nothing.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

We loved AKL. It's worth it to pay for a savannah view. Probably worth it for a concierge level with the sunrise safari option. The sunset safari seems too expensive, but I haven't done it.

We ate at Boma it was delicious. Haven't tried Jiko yet but I'm sure it's great.

10 days for me! Contemporary this time!

 

[imagineer99]

I don't have much to add to this except to say:

Vilegirl, GO FREDERICK KEYS!

Also, the AKL is a blast. I've stayed there twice and loved it each time!