Considering AKL - thoughts?

[j2k]

We stayed at CSR on our last trip. We were looking at moderates and might still end up in a moderate. We loved CSR but really want to stay somewhere different. There are so many resorts to explore, why always stay at the same one. To be honest, the other moderates are not really exciting us. We've looked at AKL. I know the kids will enjoy it there. So tell me what you can about it.

1. I've read people complain about the bus ride to MK. Is it much farther, and longer, than the ride from CSR?

2. Pricing - Is AKL included in discounts usually? I know there is no guarantee. I'm just curious if there are any exclusions.

3. What's your experience at AKL? Likes, Dislikes?

Thanks in advance for feedback!

[Stickey]

The AKL is a special and unique resort. A savannah view room offers the opportunity to see the animals from your balcony. The theming of the AKL is amazing as well.

The discounts are hard to predict these days. The AKL is usually less expensive than most of the other deluxe resorts. The MK area is the most remote point on WDW property. AKL and Kidani share buses, but it is a quick trip to AK, not far from Epcot and the Studios, and not too far to MK. The worst bus rides we have experienced have been from WL/Poly to AK park.

Mara is a very good resort cs option. Boma is interesting. Jiko is excellent for fine dining. If anyone in your family loves animals, the AK will provide an awesome experience. There is also animal viewing opportunities in non-savannah view rooms.

[mydisneygirls]

We have never stayed at AKL but have visited the resort. The main reason for not looking to stay is because of the distance it is from the parks. I was also talking to a travel agent friend of mine who stayed there and he didn't care for it. He said the rooms are smaller than other resorts he's stayed at. Now this is just my opinion, but when we entered the lobby, I found it to be dark and unappealing (to me). Even the grounds outside didn't do anything for me. I know a lot of people rave about Boma but it wasn't my cup of tea. I'm glad we visited the resort because I now know it's not on my Disney bucket list! We usually stay at the Poly or WL which are our two favorite resorts. This year because the amount of people in our party, we are staying at the cabins in Fort Wilderness. It looks like it should be fun!!

[j2k]

Now this is just my opinion, but when we entered the lobby, I found it to be dark and unappealing (to me).

Now that we've stayed there I can say I agree with you on this.

[mom2morgan]

We have never stayed at AKL but have visited the resort. The main reason for not looking to stay is because of the distance it is from the parks. I was also talking to a travel agent friend of mine who stayed there and he didn't care for it. He said the rooms are smaller than other resorts he's stayed at. Now this is just my opinion, but when we entered the lobby, I found it to be dark and unappealing (to me). Even the grounds outside didn't do anything for me. I know a lot of people rave about Boma but it wasn't my cup of tea. I'm glad we visited the resort because I now know it's not on my Disney bucket list! We usually stay at the Poly or WL which are our two favorite resorts. This year because the amount of people in our party, we are staying at the cabins in Fort Wilderness. It looks like it should be fun!!

This just struck me as a good example of "to each his own". I know people love Wilderness Lodge, but I would never, ever stay there. Just as you visited AKL and didn't like it, I had to visit WL - but my problem with it is that I live in the Canadian Rockies and found it to be JUST LIKE HOME. LOL - no kidding - it felt to me like a camping trip ;-)

[TheHD]

We did a split-stay last year and ended up with a Savannah view and found it to be our most favorite stay of all-time. Being able to relax and watch the animals from your balcony just separated it apart from any other stay. Contrast to this, the other half of our split-stay was at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge where we had a view of the loading dock.

Although the decor is primarily singly-colored, it is still a beautiful resort with many details engraved all around. The only thing I could not get around was the paper straws. Truly the most horrible sensation... Yuk!

I didn't feel the bus rides were too bad. The waiting area for the buses are nicely covered and fairly cool (if going in summer).

[VacationDisney]

AKL is our favorite. We don't mind the bus rides at all. At least I'm not driving...LOL

The rooms are richly decorated in brown, beige & cream tones. It's very calming and relaxing for us. The room size is not a big deal since we spend our time at the parks or by the pool.

We did not care for Boma, but then again we don't care for buffet style dining.

We have been to AKL a coupe of times and can't wait to stay there again.

[j2k]

We ended up with a Savannah view and found it to be our most favorite stay of all-time. Being able to relax and watch the animals from your balcony just separated it apart from any other stay.

This was my most favorite thing. We would return midday for naptime for DS and he would eat a snack on the balcony and it was so peaceful and quiet in comparison the parks.

[mom2morgan]

The only thing I could not get around was the paper straws. Truly the most horrible sensation... Yuk!

).

Yep, those paper straws are gross - and at Seaworld too.We solve this by taking our own hard plastic re-usable straws (I think ours came with insulated beverage cups I bought). I know it seems weird to carry those around, but it's better than a mouthful of cardboard!

[mechanic]

Love akl. Lowest priced deluxe usually. Very friendly, first class staff. Great service. Immaculate grounds. Long walk to bus stop from some areas. One of the best gift shops at wdw. Bus rides are longer, but mostly just to mk.
Highly recommended at least once. Twice for us so far.

[j2k]

Love akl. Lowest priced deluxe usually. Very friendly, first class staff. Great service. Immaculate grounds. Long walk to bus stop from some areas. One of the best gift shops at wdw. Bus rides are longer, but mostly just to mk.
Highly recommended at least once. Twice for us so far.

We stayed last month and viewing the animals was a plus; however, DH and I decided it is likely a one-time stay for us. The room was small, staff was not as cheery and attentive as expected. At check-in we were not cheerfully greeted at the counter and were not given the details of the resort (schedule, where things are located, etc.), mousekeeping was great the first day but late every other day (we returned for naptime between 2-3 every afternoon and the room had not been serviced (except the first day) but when I called for service they came quickly though).

[RedSoxFan]

AKL is a lovely resort. It is DH's favorite. Bus rides are not really that long. Grounds are beautiful and I love watching the animals. We have always gotten a pool view room and have always gotten a room discount or free dining.

[j2k]

Thanks for all the feedback!! I truly appreciate it.

[lawgirl]

AKL is my all-time favorite resort. My dad and I went the year it opened, and have been in love with it ever since. We've stayed at Jambo and Kidani, and while I loved Kidani, its quite a hike back to Jambo for the Mara and gift shop. Just keep that in mind if you stay there. In the past it seems like it has been discounted. I've rented DVC points several times for the 1 bedroom villas and DVC studio, and it was alot cheaper. I would stay there every time if we could- my hubby thinks its too dark. You are somewhat limited on dining if you don't like exotic foods (we happen to love African, Indian, and exotic foods in general, so its pretty much our perfect place.) We've never had a bad experience with the buses there, but I've heard alot of people complain about it. It does take a while to get to MK, but for me its never really mattered because I really like the more remote location.

The only bad experience I've ever had there was one night there was some issue with pipes in the wall above us making a terribly loud noise (at like 3 am), and they comped us a night. So there was a problem but the manager took care of us. I highly recommend it!

[deedee73]

Just remember while the AKL is further from MK, it is the closest of any resort to AK. There is a chart somewhere that shows the average bus time bw resort & parks but alas I cannot quickly locate it. Perhaps another PP can find it. In the meantime Disney itself lists the distances bw parks & resorts - maybe that would help you.

[j2k]

Just remember while the AKL is further from MK, it is the closest of any resort to AK.

The ride time to AK was AWESOME. Less than 5 minutes we were going through back check.
The rides to other parks and Disney Springs was not terrible. Around 20 minutes at most.

[j2k]

DH and I were reading all these responses and are convinced it is definitely worth it for us to look into staying there. It's an adventure in itself.

We like to use the buses because of the ease of not driving. Relaxing a little on the ride. 😃

We aren't really big on exotic foods, but that's not a real issue because we don't eat many meals at the resort.

Our kids (DD10 and DS2) will love the the animals.

I think we will definitely try to make AKL work in our budget.

Thanks!

[Cinderelley]

Stayed at AKL and it was AMAZING! The cast members there were the friendliest of everyone we met. The resort is very peaceful, and I loved rocking in the rocking chairs.

[TheHD]

I loved rocking in the rocking chairs.

Oh yes, the rocking chairs outside were fun overlooking the Savannah peninsula. Took a family picture sitting in them.

[j2k]

I loved rocking in the rocking chairs.

We loved the rocking chairs too.