Animal Kingdom Lodge

[Tramp]

This was a GREAT and Unique experience....

Wild animals roam and sleep within yards of your balcony.... giraffes, zebras, wildebeests etc., etc.

I would recommend the lower floors so you can see under the trees to view animals roaming in the distance. By the way, there are no first floor rooms.....and there are video cameras monitoring the balconies so morons don't decide to feed the animals their half eaten muffins.

The room itself was a bit larger than a dog house....very small with huge dark wood furniture. The beds have a thick wood frame that you are destined to smack with your shins as you move about.
The Lodge is beautiful....authentically drab in color and design....all the rooms/buildings are connected to the main lobby.

I would stay at the AKL again in a heartbeat....

 

[markymark]

Sounds good. There doesn't seem to be anyone who didn't enjoy it. Suppose I'll just have to give it a go!

 

[Figaro]

Thanks for the report. We're going there in September and staying at the AKL. Can't wait!

 

[MickeyMoose15]

My mother said she wanted to check this out. The only problem I have with it is that it is so far out. The only park that is close to it is the Animal Kingdom. To get to the other parks means a 20 minute bus drive and that can be a hastle if you have reservations for a Character Breakfast before the park opens.

 

[wdwmagic]

I often hear people say that AK is too far out. I can honestly say that the bus trips were quicker from AK Lodge to all the parks, compared to the bus trips from PO Riverside. AKL only has one stop - meaning you do not ride around the resort for 10mins before you depart - plus AKL has some very direct routes - quick roads, with very little stopping and starting. I wouldnt let the thought that it is "way out" put you off going.

 

[MickeyMoose15]

Getting from Old Key West to Disney's Animal Kingdom is a real pain the butt. 20 to 30 minute bus drive.

 

[Tink]

Do you have to make a dinner reservation to check out the AKLodge if you are not staying there? If so, did you eat at the Lodge, Tramp? How was the food?

 

[MickeyMoose15]

I don't think you need a reservation just to check out the resort. If they did that, it would be weird.

 

[markymark]

Originally posted by Tink
Do you have to make a dinner reservation to check out the AKLodge if you are not staying there? If so, did you eat at the Lodge, Tramp? How was the food?

I think they have relaxed slightly now, haven't they? I understood that if you were staying in wdw property you can go without any problem.

 

[wdwmagic]

If you arrive on a Disney bus you will be fine. If you arrive by some other means, you will be interogated at the security stop. If you cant name a guests staying there, for dont have reservations, you will not be allowed in.

 

[markymark]

How about if you drive there? Is it OK as long as you are displaying your parking permit for another resort?

 

[wdwmagic]

The latest reports I have heard are that if you arrive by car it is doubtful if you will get in (unless you have the reservation etc). The safest bet is to go there by bus. I guess if you went by car you would be in the hands of whoever is in teh security booth at that time - so it could go either way!

 

[markymark]

Thanks Steve!

We are planning to eat there anyway, so I'll just kill two birds with one stone.

 

[mightyduck]

Originally posted by markymark

We are planning to eat there anyway, so I'll just kill two birds with one stone.

Marky, I think that may be against the rules...

Tramp--sounds like it was fantastic! Do they have common areas that overlook the savannahs, too? Or just the rooms? Because it would be neat to see what the animals are doing somewhere else...

 

[MickeyMoose15]

Best Bet

The best bet is to arrive at Animal Kingdom Lodge by bus just to be on the safe side.