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Have you
stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in the past? If so, did
you enjoy your stay there and would you recommend this
resort to others? What about this resort did you
particularly enjoy? Any tips for getting the most out of
your Animal Kingdom Lodge stay?
Answers posted to the list:
"My husband and I stayed at the AKL last year for my
birthday. We stayed on the concierge level and participated
in the sunrise safari -- which was spectacular, even though
we were freezing (it was January and had to be less than 40
degrees -- there was frost on the ground and they gave us
blankets for the trip). That said, I would highly recommend
the safari. The animals are much more active and you get to
stay much longer and really observe them.
We also loved the resort itself. It reminded me of the
Wilderness Lodge, but with a much more exotic feel. We ate
at Jiko, which is our favorite restaurant on property. The
animals out in the courtyard are really a sight to see.
Even if you don't stay at AKL, it's worth it to go for
dinner or a drink just to feel the ambience of the hotel.
We also liked that it was well off the beaten path.
Anyway, it's a great resort with lots of appeal."
Michele
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"We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for my daughter's
13th birthday in November 2002. We stayed in the concierge
and totally LOVED it!! The people were wonderful, very
helpful and nice beyond compare. We were even surprised
with a card, cake, party hats and streamers in our room for
her birthday. And a most wonderful thing is that they
called her the next year on her birthday to wish her a
happy birthday!! They also called my son whose birthday was
in July!!! I could not have been more impressed by that!!!
Sadly we only went for long weekend and could not do the
sunrise safari but I would love to go back for that. The
rooms were decent size. We had bunk beds for the kids and
they loved it. The only complaint was that the rooms were a
bit dark. The view was breathtaking though. I took many
pictures from the balcony. The resort itself is lovely and
very relaxing.
As far as the concierge lounge and whether or not it is
worth the extra money...I say yes, yes, yes!!!! It was
great. And let me just say one more thing...cappuccino
machine!!!!!"
Ann
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"Love it, love it, love it! We stayed there 2 years ago
on the concierge level and fell in love with the place. I
think it is the most relaxing resort at WDW.
We loved watching the animals, attending the fireside
storytelling, the ranger programs for the kids, BOMA, the
pool, sunrise safari, etc. etc.
Needless to say...yes I would recommend it."
Cora
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"We have stayed at the AK Lodge twice. I'm planning to
stay there in February of 2005. I think the resort is very
relaxing and the animals are beautiful. The only thing we
don't love is the size...long walks to the room sometimes.
The restaurants are excellent and the cast members have
been very helpful during each visit. I have never swam in a
prettier pool at night."
TJ
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"We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge In May this year. It
was at the back end of a DVC stay to save on weekend
points. I booked us into a water view room on an AP rate
which came out at $160/night including the taxes. Our room
was nice but not as nice as a DVC studio IMHO. The pool was
nice for a change and the overall theme of the resort
itself is great. Jiko and Boma are both nice.
I personally would rather eat at Jiko but the buffet is
a good value if you like to try different stuff and are a
big eater :-)
I was a bit p***** off that there was an additional charge
for the fitness center though, at that rate the facilities
should be included in the price IMO.
We're gonna try Wilderness Lodge in September. For anyone
that didn't know they were designed by the same guy, that's
probably why they look similar but different ;-)"
Greg
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"We stayed at AKL a couple of years ago and
absolutely loved it. I would recommend a room with a view
toward the animals - it was especially nice walking out
onto the balcony at night and first thing in the morning to
see who was around. The three caballeros (the three cattle)
were our favorites.
That said, I would also walk around the Lodge and the
grounds to check the animals out from various angles and in
various settings. We learned on about our third day that a
great place is down at the far end of the pool, especially
at feeding time.
Boma is worth a visit or two for dinner and, I hear, for
breakfast as well. Actually, Boma is one of our favorite
places to eat in all of WDW. The lobby is also a great
place to just sit and relax."
Bob
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"We LOVE Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!! Can't say enough
about it!!!! When it comes to tips - I would say:
Ask for a free upgrade when you check in - I've heard that
there are more savannah rooms than standard - so you have a
good chance of getting one.
Don't forget to find the CM at night with the night vision
goggles to view the animals.
Pack a small pair of binoculars to enjoy the animals from
your balcony.
EAT AT BOMA!!!! Especially the soups and desserts - and
remember that you can ask for Frunch at dinner too!!!!
Frunch is the fruit drink they serve at breakfast.
Don't miss the storyteller around the firepit.
Don't miss the gift shop - it's wonderful!!!
Schedule some "down time" to just enjoy the hotel!!!!
Hope this helps some people enjoy Animal Kingdom Lodge as
much as we do."
Lynn
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"We stayed at the AKL 2 years ago, had a room with
savannah view
(Kudu Trail), besides from the storks and few other birds,
the only
time we really saw the giraffes was at feeding time (they
know why
the trucks are coming around). It was still nice to be able
to go
out on the balcony and see them from time to time.
If anyone is planning a stay at ALK, I would recommend a
room/view
towards the Arusha Savannah no higher than the third floor
(better
eye view of the animals).
Our stay was for three nights, we ate at Boma's two nights
and had
breakfast there once. We enjoyed both. It became a
tradition
everytime we visited WDW to eat breakfast at least once on
every
trip (we try to go at least 3 times a year), and dinner at
least
once. I have to admit though, our last few trips for dinner
have
been a little disappointing having us wondering whether or
not the
$60 for the two of us is really worth it (the food is good
but they
change their menu every couple of days - so when you find
something
you really enjoy it may not be there when you go again). We
still
love their breakfast and will continue doing that.
One of the other things I enjoyed about AKL was one night
when my
husband was watching a football game (I know, how can you
watch
football when you're in DW??? - but he loves football), I
went out
to the Arusha Rock area and one of the guides had night
vision
binoculars so I was able to see the animals and get a lot
information from him. I believe the guides stay out at
night until 1
or 2 a.m. (check with the front desk when you check in). I
thought
that was a nice detail Disney added (not something you can
get at
any of the other resorts).
Since we are now DVC members we probably will not stay
there again
(even though I would like to) but I would recommend it to
others.
The resort is absolutely beautiful and it truly does make
you feel
as though we are not in Florida from the moment you drive
up to the
guard gate to hearing the music being played outside and in
the
lobby, it helps transport you to another world."
Goofymom
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