Animal Kingdom Lodge

[LizC]

So we (my husband and I) just switched to Animal Kingdom Lodge for our kid free trip in Oct. We had planned on staying at the Swan, but once the discounts came out we just couldn't resist. So excited to try something new! We have only been to AKL once, and that was years ago for drinks at Sanaa, so we know NOTHING about this resort. We are staying in a standard view room.

Now on to my questions...

What are the "not to miss" things at AKL?
Is there any specific requests I should put in for?
How is the bus service? (Transportation is the one thing I am nervous about staying here, we had a bad experience at CBR, since then we have stayed at the Boardwalk area resorts.)
What's the difference between Kidani and Jambo, will I be in one of these areas/buildings or is the Lodge separate?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!

 

[ParentsOf4]

The two Table Service restaurants, Boma and Sanaa, are excellent but expensive.

When you check-in, you will be given a sheet of activities scheduled for your days. Seriously look at this. Some of the activities are really good.

The hotel bar, Victoria Falls, never gets particularly busy. The crowds seem to gravitate towards the restaurants.

Ask for a "pool view" room. It's considered a Standard View and is much better than looking out over a parking lot.

The bus service is average, about the same as any Disney Deluxe Resort. Travel time to DHS and Epcot is comparable to other resorts but it's a bit longer than most other resorts to MK.

AKL consists of 2 buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village. "Animal Kingdom Lodge" typically refers to Jambo House since this is the main building. Kidani Village is DVC only, although you can rent rooms there from Disney. Jambo tends to be more active, Kidani more relaxing. On an adults-only trip, I suggest staying at Jambo House.

 

[Jacquellie]

oooh... you're going to love it, good move! I'm desperate to stay at AKL. I've only been there for one night for dinner at Boma or Jiko when it first opened - I was on a press trip and they whizzed us around places so fast we didn't know where we were! But I do remember it was so unlike everywhere else at WDW. It was very luxurious and sultry. The lighting was low and it was just so romantic - that's why I really want to take my Disney-resistant husband. I figure he won't even realise he's at Disney. Have a fab time! The Disney people were all a-flutter at dining there. I remember they kept driving home to us what a big deal it was that we were being treated to a meal there. Clearly, it had real kudos among the staff, so that tells you you've picked a winner!
PS. Please could you advise where you saw the discount you mentioned? I've been checking the prices every day and am just waiting for a break to make my move as I can't afford it until there's a discount pops up! The last time I went to WDW was at Christmas and I was at work (in Scotland) on December 20 and I saw a last minute deal on Expedia. I texted my friend because the deal was amazing (about £500 each for nine days including flight) and said "Fancy going to Disney day after tomorrow" and she texted me back: "Definitely, book it, I'm not joking." I went straight back to book it but price had doubled - still a great deal though and 48 hours later we were on our way - the magic had started! Been hoping to get lucky like that again but don't know where to look now.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Go to Boma for either breakfast or dinner or both. Yummmmmmm.....

 

[LizC]

The two Table Service restaurants, Boma and Sanaa, are excellent but expensive.

When you check-in, you will be given a sheet of activities scheduled for your days. Seriously look at this. Some of the activities are really good.

The hotel bar, Victoria Falls, never gets particularly busy. The crowds seem to gravitate towards the restaurants.

Ask for a "pool view" room. It's considered a Standard View and is much better than looking out over a parking lot.

The bus service is average, about the same as any Disney Deluxe Resort. Travel time to DHS and Epcot is comparable to other resorts but it's a bit longer than most other resorts to MK.

AKL consists of 2 buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village. "Animal Kingdom Lodge" typically refers to Jambo House since this is the main building. Kidani Village is DVC only, although you can rent rooms there from Disney. Jambo tends to be more active, Kidani more relaxing. On an adults-only trip, I suggest staying at Jambo House.

Thanks!

We will definitely check out Victoria Falls.

I will call tomorrow and put my request in for a pool view. I wouldn't have thought it was the same price. I would certainly prefer to look at a pool than a parking lot or roof. lol Do you think I need to request to stay ta Jambo? I don't want to get request crazy on them, I already requested a fridge and a King bed.

 

[LizC]

oooh... you're going to love it, good move! I'm desperate to stay at AKL. I've only been there for one night for dinner at Boma or Jiko when it first opened - I was on a press trip and they whizzed us around places so fast we didn't know where we were! But I do remember it was so unlike everywhere else at WDW. It was very luxurious and sultry. The lighting was low and it was just so romantic - that's why I really want to take my Disney-resistant husband. I figure he won't even realise he's at Disney. Have a fab time! The Disney people were all a-flutter at dining there. I remember they kept driving home to us what a big deal it was that we were being treated to a meal there. Clearly, it had real kudos among the staff, so that tells you you've picked a winner!
PS. Please could you advise where you saw the discount you mentioned? I've been checking the prices every day and am just waiting for a break to make my move as I can't afford it until there's a discount pops up! The last time I went to WDW was at Christmas and I was at work (in Scotland) on December 20 and I saw a last minute deal on Expedia. I texted my friend because the deal was amazing (about £500 each for nine days including flight) and said "Fancy going to Disney day after tomorrow" and she texted me back: "Definitely, book it, I'm not joking." I went straight back to book it but price had doubled - still a great deal though and 48 hours later we were on our way - the magic had started! Been hoping to get lucky like that again but don't know where to look now.

Wow that sounds awesome. You are definitely getting me excited! One of the reasons I was looking for discounts for AKL was for my husband, he has always wanted to stay there. You should for sure drag your husband!

I just used the regular 30% discount on the WDW website. It came out to about $260 a night, not that that's super cheap but it is only $20 more a night than I was paying at the Swan and now I get the Magical Express from the airport. So I am still ahead! I am also hoping that once the AP discounts come out for October I may be able to save a few more bucks. I would say keep checking their website for discounts. I am not sue how it is in Scotland, but over here you are usually going to get the best deal directly from Disney.

So jealous you have a friend that would drop everything to go to Disney!! My friends (and I think my family) think I am nuts. LOL

Edit: I see you just joined WDWMagic... WELCOME!!

 

[LizC]

Getting a King Bed or fridge should not be a problem, although they had a problem with a lot of the fridges in some of the rooms and are in the process of replacing them.

By default, I suspect you already are in Jambo House. Jambo House is both Animal Kingdom Lodge (i.e. the hotel for most cash paying guests) and DVC while Kidani Village is just DVC. I don't know what you booked but can't be sure since it is possible to book both from Disney. The two are booked separately. Just call and ask them what you booked. They should have no problem changing it.

Thanks!

 

[Bob]

Here are some of the things that can be done at the resort:

Flamingo feedings at the Flamingo Pond
Animal tracking at Arusha Rock
Music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge
Wildlife games in the Sunset Lounge
African games and crafts on the Uzima Pool Deck
Cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
Animal viewing with Night Vision

 

[LizC]

Here are some of the things that can be done at the resort:

Flamingo feedings at the Flamingo Pond
Animal tracking at Arusha Rock
Music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge
Wildlife games in the Sunset Lounge
African games and crafts on the Uzima Pool Deck
Cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
Animal viewing with Night Vision

Thanks! Have you done the Flamingo feeding, is it jut for kids?

 

[Bob]

Thanks! Have you done the Flamingo feeding, is it jut for kids?

I don't think that there is much at The World which is "just for kids". But no, I have not done this activity myself. Sounds neat.

 

[Gabe1]

I've stayed in the pool view room and it was very nice. The rooms are not much larger than a moderate though they do have a balcony. I love the QS restaurant, Boma for breakfast over dinner. The one thing I am not a fan of is the vast amount of people in the resort that are not staying there so I avoid the Boma area totally at night. During the day the resort is lovely and tranquil, it is weird though to have people waiting for their ADR times to come walking around while you are in the hot tub or in pool. Kinda why we don't stay at the Contemporary any longer.

Bus trips are dicey. The buses start in the DVC area and if they fill they move directly onto the parks without hitting the lodge. If it is a quieter season it isn't bad, our 4th of July trip, it was an issue. Just know the bus ride to DTD and MK are long hauls especially at night and standing. This is the hotel we most often use a taxi for late at night. Some times when you are tired you just want to get back to your beddie bye. The upside is the only bus stop for the lodge is nice and only a few steps from the front door, a nice bonus.

 

[gwhb75]

The Night Vision Goggles are really neat - definitely check that out

Over at Kidani every evening they have a CM who works at the hotel do a 20-30 minutes presentation on the country in Africa they are from (last year we learned about South Africa and Zimbabwe).

They do a guided resort tour every day (which we haven't done yet) that looks interesting

The best advice is to check the resort bulletin board every morning and see what is planned for the day.

 

[laynalee07]

My husband and I will also will be staying at AKV for the first time in september. We are staying at Kadani Village.
We have breakfast reservations for Boma (excited to try it out!)
Check back with me after September 10th and I will let ya know what all activities the resort has to offer and how the bus rides went!

 

[LizC]

My husband and I will also will be staying at AKV for the first time in september. We are staying at Kadani Village.
We have breakfast reservations for Boma (excited to try it out!)
Check back with me after September 10th and I will let ya know what all activities the resort has to offer and how the bus rides went!

Great, definitely let me know.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[LizC]

I've stayed in the pool view room and it was very nice. The rooms are not much larger than a moderate though they do have a balcony. I love the QS restaurant, Boma for breakfast over dinner. The one thing I am not a fan of is the vast amount of people in the resort that are not staying there so I avoid the Boma area totally at night. During the day the resort is lovely and tranquil, it is weird though to have people waiting for their ADR times to come walking around while you are in the hot tub or in pool. Kinda why we don't stay at the Contemporary any longer.

Bus trips are dicey. The buses start in the DVC area and if they fill they move directly onto the parks without hitting the lodge. If it is a quieter season it isn't bad, our 4th of July trip, it was an issue. Just know the bus ride to DTD and MK are long hauls especially at night and standing. This is the hotel we most often use a taxi for late at night. Some times when you are tired you just want to get back to your beddie bye. The upside is the only bus stop for the lodge is nice and only a few steps from the front door, a nice bonus.

Thanks for all the tips! We are prepared to take a few cabs, especially since we are leaving the kids at home for this one.

I am surprised to hear you didn't like Boma at night. I am dying to go there! I read the Disneyfoodblog and she is always saying such positive stuff about it, plus I wanna try those Zebra Domes! (I know I can get them at the Mara too) I may have to just tough this one out now, as I have pumped my husband up for it.

 

[LizC]

The Night Vision Goggles are really neat - definitely check that out

Over at Kidani every evening they have a CM who works at the hotel do a 20-30 minutes presentation on the country in Africa they are from (last year we learned about South Africa and Zimbabwe).

They do a guided resort tour every day (which we haven't done yet) that looks interesting

The best advice is to check the resort bulletin board every morning and see what is planned for the day.

Thanks! All that stuff sounds awesome. We are only going for 4 nights and want to spend lots of time at the F&W festival so we won't get to them all, but I definitely want to check out those night vision goggles. Guess I will just have to get myself back there to do the rest!

 

[Gabe1]

Thanks for all the tips! We are prepared to take a few cabs, especially since we are leaving the kids at home for this one.

I am surprised to hear you didn't like Boma at night. I am dying to go there! I read the Disneyfoodblog and she is always saying such positive stuff about it, plus I wanna try those Zebra Domes! (I know I can get them at the Mara too) I may have to just tough this one out now, as I have pumped my husband up for it.

I don't hate Boma dinners, it is perfectly fine. They are crowded, ADRs tend to run behind. I was at Boma when it opened in the first few months and it was over the top great. Over the years it has fallen victim to the DDP. But I do avoid the whole Boma/Lounge area at night. It is swarming with guests from outside the resort and they tend to wander all over the pool area, animal viewing areas until Boma settles down for the evening. Then we hit the pool later in the evening. Nothing is better than a late night swim at AKL and that is the bar we tend to hit at the resort. Boma on the other hand is so freak'n great for breakfast, hands down my favorite buffet breakfast, some unique offerings over the standard buffets. The smells in the morning waffling throughout the dining venues over the top.

FYI-Zebra Domes are also available at the QS as a take out in the fridge section. We always grab a few prepacked packages and put in fridge in our room for late night yummies.

 

[luv]

When the AKL added timeshare, which they call "Disney Vacation Club" (DVC), they started calling the AKL - the hotel itself - "Jambo House." They called the DVC (time-share) section "Kidani Village."

This is bad enough.

Sadly, they further complicated it by making some of the rooms in Jambo (the original, big hotel) into DVC (timeshare) rooms.

It is a source of confusion for everyone.

But the AKL is by far my favorite of all of Disney's hotels, even with it's smaller rooms. I hope you love it as much as I do.

 

[s&k'smom]

It is fantastic, we went a few years ago and I honestly can't say enough good things. Boma was absolutely delicious. And the smell when you walk into the lobby heavenly.

 

[LizC]

Thanks everyone. I am getting so excited we were able to switch! Although, I am feeling a little guilty we are leaving the kids home for this one. Maybe if the transportation is not to bad we can take them another time.