Underwhelmed at AKL

[danheaton]

We've stayed at the AKL twice in the past two years, and the one that I disagree about is the food. I've found the food to be a better value than at other similar resorts, particularly at the Mara. The values are definitely better than at the parks. The variety of choices is also quite extensive too.

The location is an issue for the MK, but what's nice is that you are apart from a lot of the craziness of the parks. It does feel like an escape.

I agree about the savanna view rooms; we spent a lot more to get one, and the benefit was mostly just a better location. There were a lot of animals at a few points, but I wouldn't pay for it again.

 

[epcotisbest]

Loved everything about our AKL stays. Wonderful resorts, both Jambo and Kidani. For us, second only to WL.

 

[surfsupdon]

I too was way underwhelmed at AKL. I'm a spoiled Deluxe Epcot snob, so that might make sense towards my preferences.

I did find the food at AKL, particularly at Mara and Jiko, to be outstanding!

 

[mouse_luv]

It's so funny to see all the differing opinions here and that's what makes the boards go round, so be it.

AKL is our "home" and that happened by accident to be honest, the one resort I didn't think I was going to originally like was the one I ended up falling in love with, and it's funny because in contrast to someone above that hates AKL and loves EPCOT deluxes to each their own because we stayed at Boardwalk this past trip and were really disappointed at the quality of the villas and hated it. The only good thing about it was the 10 min walk to EPCOT's IG. oh well.

 

[danheaton]

I think what this conversation shows is how different each person's interests are for deluxe resorts. The food was really important to me, especially with the quick service at The Mara. I also love the design of the lobby and the resort. For others, it's the proximity to the park are the specific pools. I am excited to check out some other deluxes (only stayed at AKL so far), but it's going to be tough for them to top it.

 

[LAKid53]

We stayed in Kidani over the weekend. While not convenient to the other three parks, we really had no problems with outbound buses - managed to arrive at bus stop minutes before the bus to the park we were visiting showed up. Had a wait returning to the resort, but that's been my experience for just about any resort.

My only issue? The confusing underground parking at Kidani, especially for a first timer. We parked waaay too far from our building and room. But once we got to the room, I moved the car closer - we lucked out and had a room very near one of the elevators and I found parking only a few spots from the elevator. But the covered parking was a nice treat, since it stormed both days we were in the parks and was raining the morning we left.

And we had a great view of the Savannah...and all the animals. Saw giraffes, zebras, ostrich, antelope, cattle, wildebeest and birds. Loved AKL and will certainly stay again.

 

[righttrack]

You will spend a lot of time on the bus there. I think staying along the more internal larger savannahs gives you better sightlines for the animals. Mostly kudus and giraffes anyway. I generally stay away from the resort quick services and that may be a key difference between our experiences. Quick service we typically enjoy in the parks. Boma is pricey, I give you that, but we tend to stay long and make it the meal of the day with something light earlier. Alcohol is pricey no matter where you go. No cheap drinks at WDW. As for the pool being hot, I'm guessing it just goes with the theme.