Visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[Tink28]

I seem to remember from awhile back that you could not go into the AKL unless you were staying there or had a restaurant reservation, is this still the case?
Or can anyone now pop in for a look around? Thanks

 

[Yodadudeman]

I am pretty sure you can pop in for a peek at the resort. You can't use the resorts pool, but you can look and see what the resort is like. I would suggest making ADR though. With Boma, Jiko, and the new Sanaa, there are many fine dining choices at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That way there will be more purpose for your visit to the resort.

 

[drew81]

Yes you can. I have stopped over there several times to see the animals and have lunch.

 

[Mukta]

I seem to remember from awhile back that you could not go into the AKL unless you were staying there or had a restaurant reservation, is this still the case?
Or can anyone now pop in for a look around? Thanks

You can definitely pop in for a look around, but since it is so far from the other hotels, you might as well enjoy a meal while you are there.

 

[fosse76]

I seem to remember from awhile back that you could not go into the AKL unless you were staying there or had a restaurant reservation, is this still the case?
Or can anyone now pop in for a look around? Thanks

I've never heard of that. I popped into the AKL a few years ago to look around, and I certainly wasn't dining or staying there. Maybe you're confusing it with Bay Lake Tower?

 

[Scuttle]

You can go to any of the resorts. Just tell them you are getting dinner. It doesn't matter if you have a reservation or not just tell them your a walk in. They might seem strict just because they don't want you to park for free and then visit the parks all day, but they can't stop you from arriving for a last minute dinner.

 

[LeeSeeBabe]

You can go to any of the resorts. Just tell them you are getting dinner. It doesn't matter if you have a reservation or not just tell them your a walk in. They might seem strict just because they don't want you to park for free and then visit the parks all day, but they can't stop you from arriving for a last minute dinner.

Better yet, actually grab a bite at the QS Mara or grab a drink at the lounge Victoria Falls. I looove the atmosphere at Victoria Falls, it's relaxing while at the same time feels like it is in the center of everything.

 

[slappy magoo]

Absolutely no restrictions from visiting the Lodge. No pool hopping, sure. You probably won't be allowed into the gym unless you sneak in (but a Nautilus is probably not why you're going to AKL, I'd assume). And of course you're not allowed to enjoy any of the concierge services. But just like all resorts, you're allowed to walk around the resort itself. WDW knows that just being able to look around the resorts, "see what you're missing," is a reason why many people wind up upgrading on the next trip. Plus it means more restaurants and lounges and shops where you might part with some dough-re-mi. Why wouldn't they want you to look around?

 

[Scuttle]

Better yet, actually grab a bite at the QS Mara or grab a drink at the lounge Victoria Falls. I looove the atmosphere at Victoria Falls, it's relaxing while at the same time feels like it is in the center of everything.

Victoria falls huh? I have never even been to the AKL, but me and my girlfriend love to go to different bars at the resorts. It is actually one of our favorite things about WDW. Our two favorite are Mizner's lounge and Tambu of course. Is Victoria falls nice? I guess we have even more reason to go to AKL.

 

[Stellajack]

I seem to remember from awhile back that you could not go into the AKL unless you were staying there or had a restaurant reservation, is this still the case?
Or can anyone now pop in for a look around? Thanks

Nope, don't have to be a guest there. You can take a look around the resort, watch the animals at one of the observation areas inside the resort, visit the gift shop AND have a meal if you like (but not necessary).

It's an incredible place.

 

[LeeSeeBabe]

Victoria falls huh? I have never even been to the AKL, but me and my girlfriend love to go to different bars at the resorts. It is actually one of our favorite things about WDW. Our two favorite are Mizner's lounge and Tambu of course. Is Victoria falls nice? I guess we have even more reason to go to AKL.

Hubby and I enjoy exploring the lounges/bars around the resorts, and I love Victoria Falls. It's kind of hidden away on a middle landing between the lobby and Boma/Jiko. It is actually overlooking Boma. I believe it was the first time I went to explore AKL that I stumbled upon it and it was a nice treat! It's small and dimly lit with a great atmosphere.... I would definitely suggest checking it out!!

 

[CaptainShortty]

Absolutely no restrictions from visiting the Lodge. No pool hopping, sure. You probably won't be allowed into the gym unless you sneak in (but a Nautilus is probably not why you're going to AKL, I'd assume). And of course you're not allowed to enjoy any of the concierge services. But just like all resorts, you're allowed to walk around the resort itself. WDW knows that just being able to look around the resorts, "see what you're missing," is a reason why many people wind up upgrading on the next trip. Plus it means more restaurants and lounges and shops where you might part with some dough-re-mi. Why wouldn't they want you to look around?

Not completely true actually. OP, did you happen to try to visit the lodge on a holiday or an excessively busy time of year. Somedays (and this is very few throughout the year) the resort goes into a mode where you will only be allowed to enter through the security gates if you are staying at the resort, checking in or have dining reservations. As I said, this happens very few days of the year at the Lodge and all the Disney hotels (for example Easter Sunday) so you shouldn't really have a problem. I HIGHLY recommend stopping in and looking around. It's a beautiful resort. You can also stop by the front desk and get a list of the days activities which you can partake in if you so choose.

 

[TinkerChelli]

You can visit any hotel. We do it all the time. No worries, if they have a room available you can even check a room out to see if you like it or not. :wave::sohappy:

 

[Tink28]

Thanks for the info everyone, sounds as if worth a visit for sure!

 

[fabulousdisney]

Beautiful resort that is worth checking out! As others have said, the dining options are wonderful... loved every one of their table service restaurants!

 

[CaptainShortty]

You can visit any hotel. We do it all the time. No worries, if they have a room available you can even check a room out to see if you like it or not. :wave::sohappy:

If you want to see a room, go there during the day and not at night. Often they won't let you see a room after a certain hour because of staffing needs on the front desk.

 

[lbrad]

Depending on where you are staying ...this can be a long trip ... make the most of it. It is a beautiful Resort. Have fun!!