Originally posted by crazygirley
We will be leaving for WDW next Friday, and we will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first time. We have never been to or seen the resort, so we have no idea what lies ahead. Does anyone have any tips, suggestions, comments or things we should know before we go? Anything would be helpful, as we want to make the most of our stay there, and we won't have a savannah view room. Thanks for the help!
You may want to ask at the front desk what the upgrade cost of the Savannah room is - there's nothing like watching Zebras walk by in the morning with your coffee, and a Giraffe slink around at night with your nightcap. Sometimes there are good deals when you arrive if they're not too busy.
The resort is my favourite and I'll be there again later this year. Take some time to walk around - even the hallways of the areas where you're not located. There are historical African artefacts, artwork etc. throughout the entire resort.
The restaurants are great - Mara is a reasonable Quick Service type restaurant - not exactly counter service because after you order your food they will bring it to your table. (then you have to get up and add the condiments anyway)
Boma - my favourite restaurant in WDW. Don't miss this Buffet (African themed with American and African influences):slurp:
Jiko - also very good restaurant. I've only eaten there once and was most impressed with the food and the service. Unfortunately we didn't get any appetizers (we'd eaten late in the day and wanted to enjoy the entree) so we didn't get to see them make it in "The Cooking Place"
The hot tub of choice for me (it's hotter, smaller and usually less busy) is the one to the left of the pool. It's great because it's right next to one of the Savannahs so again while you're in the hot tub it's very likely you'll see a Giraffe or something walk by. This is one of the best hot tubs I've been in on Disney Property. Be prepared to hold on because the jets can shoot you across the pool :lol:
If you are a smoker be aware that if you have a Savannah room YOU CANNOT SMOKE ON THE BALCONY. (now - I have smoked on the balcony before I knew that I couldn't and nobody said anything - there ARE cameras though so be careful. Certainly - don't toss your butts. That's rude at the best of times anyway...)
The Marketplace (Zawadi) is filled with unique items you can only get at DAKL. Be prepared to spend top dollar though. Discounts (such as annual pass discounts) don't apply at resort gift shops - so you should do most of your shopping at Downtown Disney if you're not looking for something specific to your resort.
I've never been yet, but every night there is a storytelling by the firepit outside the lobby at Arusha Rock.
Anyway - that's it for now. I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Rick