Animal Kingdom Lodge Room Location

[DisneyDoug85]

As for the views? You may not care, but what about the rest of the people in your party? They might care...

It seems you are worrying about too much. Going to the park, you're going to be walking countless miles and with little ones, I'm guessing they'll be in strollers? so what's a few extra feet going to hurt at the end of the day.

Again, just be aware that you're not the only one making selections for requests and nothing is guaranteed. You'll be placed where you are and maybe something you request will happen.

Thank you, and trust me I am not the only one making these decisions. I'm mostly the one trying to execute them. Honestly if the distance isn't that bad then me worrying about anything is pointless. I just know that I have seen a lot of complaints about it before so it got me thinking, as you said previously though, maybe that was more about Kidani.

I know you've been bombarded with a bunch of now pushy suggestions, but no one has mentioned that considering you have a bunch of kids with you, I guarantee they'd prefer being able to watch animals from your window. If I ever had a hotel where I could watch lions from my window as a kid it would have blown my freaking mind.

It's ok, I just think at first there was a misunderstanding (partially because I didn't explain well in the op) on exactly what help I needed and why I choose pool view. I got a bunch of other (good) advice. But mostly it just centered around how the pool view is the "motel 6" of AKL. The kids are 5, and two under 2. If they were 8-9-10 then I'm sure they'd appreciate it more. Being that young I don't think that they'll really understand that there are rooms with that view, and also the time we'll be in the room will 95% of the time be them sleeping. I have gotten quite a bit of feedback saying to switch to standard, so maybe I'll do that. Trust me everyone, im not crazy haha, im just trying to get the most advantageous location for my group and I. Thanks

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Requesting a "trail" doesn't achieve anything when you have a pool view reservation and it would go against what the OP wants if he switched to standard view. I always book standard view, then request Kudu Trail. That's a good way to get a "free" savanna view, but the rooms are somewhat far down one wing of the resort.

Also, please remember that what looks convenient on the map might not actually be. A room might look like it's right next to the pool or restaurants, but you'd need to walk in the opposite direction to get to the elevator. In terms of the map, distance to the elevator is much more an indicator of convenience than apparent distance to an amenity.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

Requesting a "trail" doesn't achieve anything when you have a pool view reservation and it would go against what the OP wants if he switched to standard view. I always book standard view, then request Kudu Trail. That's a good way to get a "free" savanna view, but the rooms are somewhat far down one wing of the resort.

Also, please remember that what looks convenient on the map might not actually be. A room might look like it's right next to the pool or restaurants, but you'd need to walk in the opposite direction to get to the elevator. In terms of the map, distance to the elevator is much more an indicator of convenience than apparent distance to an amenity.

THANK YOU! I think THATS the problem I'm having, I'm looking at the map and seeing the pool right near the lobby etc. so I'm telling myself pool view would be great for convenience. You're right, if I have to back track to get to an elevator then it takes away from that convenience. And yes I still would really prefer NOT to end up at the further end of the wings. So CaptainAmerica, you seem adamant about this so I'll ask what you'd do in my situation. Assuming I switched to standard view (with connecting rooms) what would your requests be? Near lobby and near elevator?

 

[DisneyDoug85]

He started the thread, got a bunch of people telling him what wasn't helpful to them, he told them as much, and then had to repeatedly say "no, I don't really want to do that" when everyone was insisting he do their plan instead of his.

He has the information. It's up to him to do the calculations. If it blows up in his face, that's the OP's problem and lost money at this point.
Also this.

Thanks, I think it was just a misunderstanding cause by me not being clear in the original post. And partly my being hard headed . Trust me this was a group decision, not mine alone. I come here to bounce our decisions off people that know more then us/me. I have learned alot about AKL just from this thread alone.

 

[Swissmiss]

Near lobby and near elevator?

I'd definitely put "near lobby" as a first choice. I'd hesitate about "near elevator", as sometimes these are rather far down the hallway. Our first stay we still used a stroller for my child, but she was older - so even though we were right off the lobby, we were one flight down. Unless she was sleeping in the stroller, I usually carried it up and down the stairs rather than going down to the elevator and back. On all other stays, it just so happened that we were on the third floor - so same floor as the lobby - but varying distances down the hallway so having a stroller would have been very simple. Again, google for a map of Jambo House - you'll see where all the elevators are on that map.

A fun "trick" for getting kids moving along down the hallway is to look for or count the hidden mickeys in the carpet

Again, have fun - it is a great place to stay!

 

[DisneyDoug85]

I'd definitely put "near lobby" as a first choice. I'd hesitate about "near elevator", as sometimes these are rather far down the hallway. Our first stay we still used a stroller for my child, but she was older - so even though we were right off the lobby, we were one flight down. Unless she was sleeping in the stroller, I usually carried it up and down the stairs rather than going down to the elevator and back. On all other stays, it just so happened that we were on the third floor - so same floor as the lobby - but varying distances down the hallway so having a stroller would have been very simple. Again, google for a map of Jambo House - you'll see where all the elevators are on that map.

A fun "trick" for getting kids moving along down the hallway is to look for or count the hidden mickeys in the carpet

Again, have fun - it is a great place to stay!

Thank you, I'm going to run all of this by my group and see what they think. I have looked at the map a lot, but never gave the elevator location much thought. I think as someone else mentioned, I'm thinking about this too much. I'm sure I'll be happy with just about anything. And thanks for the tip on hidden mickeys!

 

[LongLiveTheKing]

It's ok, I just think at first there was a misunderstanding (partially because I didn't explain well in the op) on exactly what help I needed and why I choose pool view. I got a bunch of other (good) advice. But mostly it just centered around how the pool view is the "motel 6" of AKL. The kids are 5, and two under 2. If they were 8-9-10 then I'm sure they'd appreciate it more. Being that young I don't think that they'll really understand that there are rooms with that view, and also the time we'll be in the room will 95% of the time be them sleeping. I have gotten quite a bit of feedback saying to switch to standard, so maybe I'll do that. Trust me everyone, im not crazy haha, im just trying to get the most advantageous location for my group and I. Thanks

I think you're VAAAAAASTLY underestimating how cool kids think animals are, especially your five year olds, but okay lol.

I'm sure I'll be happy with just about anything.

Yeah, absolute worst case scenerio... You're in one of the best DW Deluxe resorts at the end of the day. At this point you have reservations and you can't go off any sort of deep end

 

[21stamps]

Be aware that if you call, it isn't going to get you anywhere bc you are calling a call center in Tampa etc. Also, be aware that the preference thing they send you for requests is NOT a guarantee.

I know that it's a call center, but they can write a request on the reservation. You're right it's not a guarentee though. I wonder if it's less of a chance now because of the new form. Last time I requested the exact building I wanted, and did get it.

@21stamps - there is an AKL unofficial website and I think a FB page as well (I don't use FB but thought I saw it mentioned on the fan site). If you google AKL fan site you'll find the website link.

I tried and the Facebook page seems to be pretty inactive. I'll search again though, thanks! I just want to make sure/or at least attempt, to have a great view.

I know you've been bombarded with a bunch of now pushy suggestions, but no one has mentioned that considering you have a bunch of kids with you, I guarantee they'd prefer being able to watch animals from your window. If I ever had a hotel where I could watch lions from my window as a kid it would have blown my freaking mind.

I think some people care about views more than others. I extended my stay to be able to have the view/ room type that I want at the Contemporary, I will only do theme park view at Poly and the Contemporary, and at AKL it 'must ' be an Arusha Savanna view. But, I know plenty of people aren't so picky about that.
I never understand why people would stay standard view club level at the Polynesian, or even lake view.. Theme park view non club level rooms are similar in price. For those people though they must care about the club lounge and benefits more than the actual view. To each their own though. If my choice came down to view vs convenience of room location, I may choose convenience.. At this time anyway, because of my travel party. Adult trips or with older kids it doesn't matter as much.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

I think you're VAAAAAASTLY underestimating how cool kids think animals are, especially your five year olds, but okay lol.

Yeah, absolute worst case scenerio... You're in one of the best DW Deluxe resorts at the end of the day. At this point you have reservations and you can't go off any sort of deep end

I know my kids enjoy animals, we've taken them to one of the best zoos in the country (philadelphia) many times. My point is that 1. most of the time we're in our room they will be sleeping. and 2. they are probably too young to think to themselves "why do we have a pool view and other people have a Savannah view? They will be perfectly happy stopping for a few minutes at one of the outlooks etc...

 

[CaptainAmerica]

You're in one of the best DW Deluxe resorts at the end of the day.

That's really the moral of the story. DAK Lodge rules.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

That's really the moral of the story. DAK Lodge rules.

Thats what i hear, we are all so excited to stay there!

 

[21stamps]

I think that people have been trying to give you solid advice, but you probably need to be looking at a map of Jambo House to appreciate their advice. I've stayed there numerous times and even though the last stay we were in one of the farthest rooms from the lobby, it really isn't far. Many people, when they talk about the long hallways only say AKL when in fact they specifically mean Kidani, which has a very different layout than Jambo house (when you look at a map of the two, you'll see that the farthest room in Jambo House is much closer to the lobby than the same location in Kidani). Again, looking at the map, because you have chosen a pool view room you have really restricted yourself and you have almost "guaranteed" that your requests cannot be honored - because you also want adjoining/connecting rooms with your family, near an elevator, and near the lobby. The pool of rooms that might satisfy those conditions would be quite small (and may not be vacant on your check-in date). Because you are paying for a pool view room, they will not be able to put you in several of the standard view rooms which are just off the lobby (on our first stay we had a standard view room which was the second or third room from the lobby). In addition, the closest elevator to the lobby and to the pools is also the elevator that brings you down to Jiko, Boma, the Mara and the pool - which means it is always packed. As far as the other elevators are concerned, I don't think we've ever "shared" them with anyone else - even when going down/up from the pool level. For what it's worth, having just looked at the map, the only rooms that could satisfy all your requests would be the rooms on the Giraffe trail, which really would be the worst wing to be in, as there would be zero chance on seeing any animals walking to/from your room. Google map of Jambo House and you'll see what I have been explaining. I hope you have a great time - it's our absolute favorite place to stay!

This is really great to read! Like I said earlier, the map just looks intimidating. When I look at the photo it seems that if you were down the hallway of Kudu Trail that it could be a long walk to the restaurants and pool.

@DisneyDoug85 please report back after your trip! Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Swissmiss]

the map just looks intimidating

It really isn't that bad - and there is so much to see as you walk around the resort. I was once told by a CM that the AKL has the largest collection of African art on display anywhere outside of the African continent (there are larger collections, but not necessarily on display). This is not a hotel to use just for sleeping - there is tons to see and do there. And don't get me started on the food

 

[DisneyDoug85]

@DisneyDoug85 please report back after your trip! Have a wonderful time!!

Will do! Thanks, hope you get the room you want and have a great time as well!

 

[mouse_luv]

I know that it's a call center, but they can write a request on the reservation. You're right it's not a guarentee though. I wonder if it's less of a chance now because of the new form. Last time I requested the exact building I wanted, and did get it.

Then you lucked out because it doesn't work that way most of the time.

Also, if there is a big turnover then you may luck out, but if it's packed to the gills at the resorts or you just reached a call center rep that doesn't give two rats rears then you're out of luck.

 

[BackOTheLine]

If I was that concerns about convenience I wouldn't have stayed at AKL.

Not helpful....I know. Sorry.

 

[mouse_luv]

If I was that concerns about convenience I wouldn't have stayed at AKL.

Not helpful....I know. Sorry.

 

[Jess G]

I did a pool view in april, it was nice, sound wasn't a problem, but I didn't feel it worth the extra money and no matter what you'll probably have to go down the elevator and walk through the hotel in order to get to the cafeteria. You have a better chance at seeing the animals from your room with a standard view.

 

[DisneyDoug85]

I did a pool view in april, it was nice, sound wasn't a problem, but I didn't feel it worth the extra money and no matter what you'll probably have to go down the elevator and walk through the hotel in order to get to the cafeteria. You have a better chance at seeing the animals from your room with a standard view.

Im glad to hear that sound wasn't an issue. can i ask what building you were in? I thought that i paid about 200 extra for 7 nights, but turns out it was only about 105 bucks. so 15 bucks per night. I believe from what i have learned on this thread that if you have a 3rd floor room you can enter the lobby without having to use an elevator? not to go round and round on every one of my posts in here but...seeing the animals from my room is not that important to me or those that ill be traveling with. Thanks for your help!

 

[Jess G]

Im glad to hear that sound wasn't an issue. can i ask what building you were in? I thought that i paid about 200 extra for 7 nights, but turns out it was only about 105 bucks. so 15 bucks per night. I believe from what i have learned on this thread that if you have a 3rd floor room you can enter the lobby without having to use an elevator? not to go round and round on every one of my posts in here but...seeing the animals from my room is not that important to me or those that ill be traveling with. Thanks for your help!

my room was on the 4th floor... When I get home from work I will post some pics that I have of the location... And yes I do believe if you get the 3rd floor you can walk down. Personally I enjoyed the walk through AKL there is always something awesome to see.