Animal Kingdom Lodge Wins Award

[MobileBadBoy]

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was presented a Thea award from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for outstanding achievement in the Themed Hotel category. The presentation came at the association’s annual award ceremony (September 28) at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, California.

The Thea Awards were created to recognize and celebrate excellence in the themed entertainment. The TEA is an international alliance created by and for professionals in themed entertainment, recreation and leisure industries around the globe.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, featuring 1,293 rooms and suites, is the newest deluxe resort at 47-square-mile Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Most of the hotel’s guestrooms overlook a 33-acre savannah that offers 24-hour viewing opportunities of more than 200 mammals and birds. Three restaurants tempt the taste buds of resort guests, while more than 200 pieces of museum-quality art placed throughout the resort educate guests about African culture and heritage.

Disney Imagineers visited more than 20 African lodges to bring authentic flavor and detail to the resort.

 

[Eeyore]

Originally posted by jcrb
I’m sorry but am I the only one that thinks the Animal Kingdom Lodge Stinks.

To answer your question, I honestly have to say- yes I think you are. Your comments are the first negative ones that I've heard about AKL. I think the atmosphere is incredible and can't be beat anywhere! But that's just my opinion, at least 9 other people who actually stayed there do happen to agree with me though. :lol:

http://reviews.wdwmagic.com/censura...2060d97153bba8ae185c83c&cmd=details&itemid=85

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by jcrb

Second- the rooms are smaller than Moderate resorts.

This statement is not true.

Coronado Springs guest rooms are 314 sqft

Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard rooms are 344 sqft.

That would mean that standard Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms are LARGER than the Moderates.

 

[Eeyore]

Originally posted by jcrb
Fourth- the balconies are small as can be

So? The moderates don't have balconies at all. We could easily fit 4 adults on our balcony at AKL. They didn't look any smaller than the majority of the balconies at the boardwalk.

 

[Eeyore]

Originally posted by jcrb
Eight- the pool looks like something that out of a savanna.

Isn't that the idea?

 

[Eeyore]

Originally posted by jcrb

Seventh- I do not feel like I worth a lot when I walk through the doors.

Personally when those big doors slid open in front of me and I walked into that majestic space I felt like a million bucks.

 

[Eeyore]

Originally posted by jcrb
First- you pay way too much for a room.

Animal Kingdom Lodge has the second lowest rate of the deluxe resorts, a great value in my opinion. By the way, the figures posted below are Disney's published rack rates direct from Disneyworld.com.

AKL Standard room:
value: $204
Regular: $239
Peak: $284
Holiday: $319

Beach Club Standard room:
Value: $289
Regular: $319
Peak: $379
Holiday: $434

Grand Floridian Standard room:
Value: $329
Regular: $369
Peak: $429
Holiday: $499

Wilderness Lodge Standard room:
Value: $194
Regular: $229
Peak: $274
Holiday: $309

Yacht Club Standard room:
Value: $289
Regular: $319
Peak: $379
Holiday: $434

Boardwalk Inn Standard room:
Value: $289
Regular: $319
Peak: $379
Holiday: $434

Disney's Contemporary Standard room:
Value: $234
Regular: $254
Peak: $299
Holiday: $334

Disney's Polynesian Standard room:
Value: $299
Regular: $334
Peak: $394
Holiday: $459

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Originally posted by jcrb

------------------------------------------------------------------------

====================================
JCRB response: Did you mention that is the Florida Discount- usually it a whole lot higher.

====================================

AkiraRaptor - No, these are the regular code discounts, or in some cases annual pass discounts. I think others here have already posted about this one.

====================================
JCRB response: Are the beds not full size?
Most moderate resort seem to have bigger space
====================================

AkiraRaptor - Look to WDW web site on room size:

CS - approximately 314 sqft; 60 king-size beds; 1,718 2-double beds

AKL - standard rooms 344 square feet. Deluxe rooms 381 square feet. All rooms have balconies. Standard View 127 rooms; Pool View 108 rooms; Savanna View 748 rooms; Deluxe Pool View 27 rooms; Deluxe Savanna View 227 rooms and 51 Concierge rooms.

Plus, don't forget the suites. They are really huge. I had a chance to sneek a peak a few weeks ago into one. Man, I wish I could afford to live like a king. :lol:

====================================
JCRB response: Yeah but why can’t it be nice looking and themed like Roaring Forks?

====================================

AkiraRaptor - Ok, I'll give you that one. Mara is not themmed much more that a quick stop store/cafateria. But I personally don't think I was "gipped" any money by that. Plus I almost never use it. When we visit, we use Boma for breakfast unless I have a PS for breakfast that day. And I always do PS's for dinners. A big part of going to WDW for us is the many resurants, so I don't give much thought to a quick stop place like Mara.

====================================
JCRB response: When you go to the Deluxe sometimes you feel like your worth something. That maybe your better – Maybe like a star or something else. Heck that what I felt like when I first went to the Yacht club in 94

====================================

AkiraRaptor - Sure they treat you like that. I was greated at the door. They even walked up to us and called us by name. I think they knew it 'cos the gate gard radioed down. Bellhop took our stuff and gave us a mini tour and took us to our room. Now we did do conseige, so this is different. But I did not pay much more than you Aunt did.

====================================
JCRB response: Yeah but do you know that the savanna area is not the same as the Animal Kingdom Park. It is 14 acres – that Disney takes the Animals from the other park and puts them in this area.

Your paying to see animals. I rather go to Metro Zoo in Miami.

====================================

AkiraRaptor - Sorry, but you have a few misconceptions here. There are 3 savannas, each is 11 acres in size. The animals, the keepers, everything about them except the food, is seperate from DAK. We spend alot of time with the caretakers, both at the resort, and on multiple tours on site, and at DAK (Sunrise, Backstage, Wild by Design tours) and they very seperate from each other.

====================================
JCRB response: Well that great- if you find a resort that does that – then by all means stay their. If that what makes you happy don’t listen to an A whole like me.

====================================

AkiraRaptor - Hey, I never called you a "A whole". I thought this was to be civil. I like this type of real debate of facts and opinions. This is the strenth of a site like WDWMagic. We can all get along, disagree, and still love Disney.

You have your opinions, I have mine, and I see no problem with yours except I disagree with some of them, that's all. Nothing more than that. I just really love AKL.

Oh, well, that's about it.

 

[DanStat]

Where else in the US can you go and see animals right outside your room...well, except for NYC! :lol:

 

[Lance]

Originally posted by jcrb
I’m sorry but am I the only one that thinks the Animal Kingdom Lodge Stinks.

I'm with ya, I think we're the only two though, cause no one ever seems to speak up.......

 

[Nintendo18]

I agree that the rooms are very dimly lit, however everything else far outweighs this tiny problem. I stayed their once and would definately stay there again for the great price of $139/night.

 

[kimrn87]

We had the opportunity to stay there in May, quite by accident, but I'm thankful because I loved it.

 

[jcrb]

Originally posted by wdwmagic
This statement is not true.

Coronado Springs guest rooms are 314 sqft

Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard rooms are 344 sqft.

That would mean that standard Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms are LARGER than the Moderates.

I don’t know if the beds are bigger at the AKL because the rooms still look smaller.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Originally posted by jcrb
I don’t know if the beds are bigger at the AKL because the rooms still look smaller.

Yes, the AKL beds are bigger than the CS beds.

BTW, what type of room were you in? Standard, deluxe?

 

[ppiew]

My .02 worth. We have stayed at most of the WDW hotels at one time or another with the exception of the AS. Both my husband and I LOVE the AKL for all the reasons posted and another - the level of service we have experienced in our 4 stays there exceeds even the GF!.. The CM's we dealt with actually seemed to ENJOY their jobs and took great pride in the resort. It never seemed 'canned' or phony to me. The restaurants (Boma and Jiko's) are two of the best on Disney property. Boma's food is extraordinary despite the noise in the restaurant. Both provided a great opportunity for adventurous eating and drinking (SA Wine's). Pricey?? Yes, but so is every WDW resort at rack rates. On our last trip, we never left the resort for 3 days! The pool isn't extraordinary, but very adequate, and the bartender at the pool ALWAYS remembered what we wanted and was super! Definitely a 2 thumbs up on this resort!! Rooms? Yup - nothing really special here. But the atmosphere of the entire hotel was tops. Even the gift shop had better merchandise and an extremely talented and friendly artist - "Bushman."

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Originally posted by ppiew
My .02 worth. We have stayed at most of the WDW hotels at one time or another with the exception of the AS. Both my husband and I LOVE the AKL for all the reasons posted and another - the level of service we have experienced in our 4 stays there exceeds even the GF!.. The CM's we dealt with actually seemed to ENJOY their jobs and took great pride in the resort. It never seemed 'canned' or phony to me. The restaurants (Boma and Jiko's) are two of the best on Disney property. Boma's food is extraordinary despite the noise in the restaurant. Both provided a great opportunity for adventurous eating and drinking (SA Wine's). Pricey?? Yes, but so is every WDW resort at rack rates. On our last trip, we never left the resort for 3 days! The pool isn't extraordinary, but very adequate, and the bartender at the pool ALWAYS remembered what we wanted and was super! Definitely a 2 thumbs up on this resort!! Rooms? Yup - nothing really special here. But the atmosphere of the entire hotel was tops. Even the gift shop had better merchandise and an extremely talented and friendly artist - "Bushman."

We really liked the dacore of the rooms. The intricate carvings in the woodword, the prints, even the netting above the beds. Could they have done more? Sure, but it is still a nice resort.

Boma is extraordinary isn't it. Wonderfull place to eat. If you go around 8:00 am, the crowds are much less. We had tours most every morning, thus we needed to eat a bit earlier, at around 8 am, and there were not more than 20 tables in use. If you goe about 9-10, it is deffinatly busier. But it still a great place.

On the pool bar I highly agree, their bartenders we great.

 

[jcrb]

I have to hand it to them about the decor it is one of the “nice thing”. I do like the African shield on the door. Netting over bed.

 

[WDWspider]

I loved Animal Kingdom Lodge. We took a tour of the Lodge one day, and I think one thing you must understand, this resort has gone to extremes to be a very cultural, accurate, and respectful representation of real Lodges throughout Africa. I believe the pool is done wonderfully to fit into the theme, if you look from floor 5 it appears as a giant watering hole and gives a great illusion of not being a pool. The largest Lodges in Africa are only 1000 rooms big, so Disney did not want to overkill the feel at their resort, (although many many rooms larger) they make the Lodge seem smaller than it is on purpose. Even on the open levels, you are still looking up from the third floor. I thought the food courst having so many special meals was a great plus. The Night Vision at 10:30, the story telling, Bomas, and definetly Jikos all make this an awesome Deluxe. The rooms are a tad on the small side, but very beautifully detailed. The balconies are plenty big enough I found, and at the right times, many animals can be found throughout the day. I loved this resort, it was very magical, and I was very impressed with all the extremes Disney went to to make AKL so culturally rich and accurate as possible. So any flaws people are finding where done on purpose, so therefore it isn't a flaw really.

 

[RevRay]

"AkiraRaptor - No, these are the regular code discounts, or in some cases annual pass discounts. I think others here have already posted about this one."


Where does one find these code discounts?

We just got back from AKL and LOVED IT. Rooms were good, and we DID feel like stars walking into the place. My mother said out loud like she was dreaming, that we were out of place. Pretty good star effect if you ask me.

Service is awesome, and there is no waythey skimped on cost, the furniture and beds are hand carved, unless Disney is lying on it's pamphlet, the animals ARE NOT the ones from the safari in AK, I asked that question, unless again they are lying to me, Personally I liked it better than Beach Club because you are away from EVERYTHING, I like that in a hotel, I like to get away from people when I am resting, the beach club has EVERYONE AND THIER MOM crawling all over it.

Again, where does one find the code discounts?

 

[Rogue21]

AKL Wins Award!

I've stayed at several moderate priced Disney resorts (Dixie Landings and Port Orleans), but the AKL was my first deluxe resort. It was wortth every non-discounted penny!

Btw, where does one find those discount codes??

I digress . . . from the moment I pulled up to the entrance gate I knew I was in for a special trip. The exterior was beautifully done. The lobby was simply breathtaking. I had to stop several times on the walk to my room to just look around in awe.
The room itself was perfectly fine -- after all, how much time do you spend there in relation to being out of it? For the morning coffee and paper on the balcony -- perfectly sized for two -- while watching the animals and for the purpose of winding down and sleeping there was no better room.
The restaurants: Boma was great for a relaxing, albeit a bit noisy, breakfast. And Jiko was one of the best dining experiences both me and my partner had at WDW.

Overall, it was the best trip to Disney I've experienced (so far). In fact, my sisters and I are planning on bringing our parents to the AKL for their 50th wedding anniversary -- that's how much impact the AKL had.

So, yeah, I like it. :animwink:

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Originally posted by RevRay
"AkiraRaptor - No, these are the regular code discounts, or in some cases annual pass discounts. I think others here have already posted about this one."


Where does one find these code discounts?


Again, where does one find the code discounts?

The first place to start is MouseSavers.Com

They track all the current codes and discounts. You can also use things like the Annual Passes, Disney Club (although that was is going to stop soon), and depending on where you live (like in FL or Canada), there are other discounts you can get.

Other things that can save you money, but can be out of your control it how the resort is fairing. This depends upon the time of year you go. It is *sometimes* common that if the resort is not full, Disney will upgrade rooms for you at no cost. Also, sometimes they will do renovations and move people from on resort to another, but give you the new rooms at discounted or at same cost.

Some of theis is good planning, some of it is pure luck. Sometimes it's the person on the phone you call. Some Travel Agents can help too if they are savvy about this stuff and are just not selling you a canned package.

I saved about 41% off my trip this year. It allowed me to upgrade my trip to a conceiage room at AKL, add the deluxe plan (the one with the 2 wishes a day), and add some tours (with the help of the DC card discounts), and still spend less than I did a year ago with a AAA package. It took some work, and alot of phone calls and looking for deals and codes, but to save over $2500, I think the time was well worth it.

And we had a ball!