Cobb Family Vacation - AKL

[TiggeRia]

This trip we decided to stay at the AKL...it was my second time staying there and the rest of my family's first time so all they had to compare it to was the Polynesian. We we has a SV room for 8 days and 7 nights and managed to cram four adults into one room.

AKL is my favorite hotel theming wise. I love the lobby and find the window absolutely breathtaking. It's even better looking from Arusha Rock inside to the lobby at night when everything is lit up. My dad and I spent several nights sitting by the fire in the rocking chairs and just relaxing. Unfortunately we never got a chance to hear the story teller...that is something to look forward to next time! We did take advantage of the night vision animal viewing, which was pretty interesting. They only have two pairs of goggles, so everyone has to wait their turn, which was no problem. Other than that we did not do any of the other activities offered by the hotel--we simply ran out of time!

The hotel rooms were on the smaller side, and it was pretty crowded with four of us in there. I had tried to reserve a concierge room months ago for more space, but there were none to be had. The hotel seemed to be very crowded as it was Mardi Gras week, Presidents Weekend coming up and there were multiple conventions going on. We did take advantage of the night vision animal viewing, which was pretty interesting. Other than that we did not do any of the other activities offered by the hotel-we simply ran out of time!

We were in room 2215, which is three rooms out from Arusha Rock. The view was ok...it was mostly a view of the rock and it was hard to see much in the other direction due to the large posts. You had to stand on the right side of the balcony in order to see out onto the savanna. Also, because it was so close to Arusha Rock, you could hear people all the time that were outside on the rock. Plus, people could see directly into our room if the curtain wasn't pulled. The water hole was right outside our balcony, and the birds were extremely noisy (as most are!) and woke us up every morning. If I could help it, I wouldn't stay in that same room again, but I would definitely take a room on that same trail further down. All in all, it didn't bother me too much--I was in Disney World after all!!!

My brother didn't enjoy the hotel as much. He preferred the location and room sizes of the Polynesian much more. He liked the fact that we could watch the fireworks every night from our balcony and that it was right on the monorail. He said it was worth the difference in the money in order to stay at the Poly.

Both my parents, however, absolutely loved the hotel. They loved the theming and all of the decorations. My dad was thrilled with being able to see the animals from our room and took tons of pictures. Both of them enjoyed the AKL more so than the Polynesian.

We wound up taking the DVC tour because my parents are interested in buying into the AKL. They aren't quite as Disney crazy as I am, but they both truly enjoy spending time on property and want to continue to do so. We spent almost 2.5 hours on the tour because they had so many questions. Our guide was wonderful and the models that they showed us were gorgeous! I couldn't believe the bathrooms in the one bedroom. I need one of those at home! It would make much more sense for us to stay in a one bedroom villa than try to cram so many adults into one hotel room. Also, DBF would be able to tag along with room to spare. They haven't made their decision yet but I'm pretty sure they're leaning towards purchasing, which would make me happy!!!

All in all, I really like the AKL. I prefer having a more remote location because it is typically quieter. Transportation was not an issue. We had our own vehicle in order to transport my dad's ECV and it never took longer than 15 minutes to get anywhere. We only took the bus once to go to DTD, but we did not wait long at all. When I stayed there in October, I had no issues with the buses. I would definitely recommend staying at least once to anyone who hasn't tried it!

[#1disneyfan]

Great review! Thanks for sharing your views on AKL. We stayed there in June of 2006 and really enjoyed it as well. We were on the Zebra Trail, SV, on the 5th floor. We had an awesome view of the rock, and the animals grazing in the morning. I have to say that if I ever stay there again, I wouldn't stay anywhere but on the savannah. It is a truly breathtaking resort. We too love the Poly, and are staying there in August this year, but AKL is definately a high ranking resort for our family. We didn't have great luck with the transportation however. It was probably best you had your own. We also took advantage of the animal night viewing, and I have to say that if you take advantage of no extras at the resorts, this is one you MUST see. It was really cool.

Thanks again for sharing, and making me reminisce!!

[dolphinmickey9170]

Thanks for sharing.

[RedheadWriter]

This is on my list of places to stay when I am a famous author! Thank you for the review

[TIdoubleGR]

AKL is definitely one of my favorites to visit and is on the list of future places to stay-- I'm plotting when to take DBF for the first time since he was 5 and you've sold me; we'll definitely be staying here. He will absolutely love that view and all the animals!

[AbeeNormal]

I really hope your parents buy into the DVC. I think it would mean many, many, more family vacations in your future.

Thanks for sharing!!!

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the report!

[faline]

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge on our last trip. It is wonderful to be able to watch the animals right outside your window!

Glad you enjoyed your resort!

[DakotaDisney]

All in all, I really like the AKL. I prefer having a more remote location because it is typically quieter.

Thanks for the report!

I totally agree about eht remote, quiet location.

I view it as an oasis from the rest of the parks and resorts. With all the trees, plants, etc. It is hidden from the road and such. After the hectic crowds it was always nice to come back to the African Oasis with the animals!

[BronxTigger]

Thanks for the review of AKL. I've visited it a few times to look around the lobby, and I'd like to stay there are some point.