Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[Tonyz]

What's the consensus on the best thing to put in a room request for getting a better chance at a partial savannah or even an upgrade?

Call and ask for a savanna room. They might put your request in as a partial view. But still a partial view is awesome. I had one when I stayed there and it was great.

I read that something like 75-80% of the rooms have at least a partial view of the savanna, so if you request that you've got a decent chance at getting it. And it also depends when you're going. Requests probably have a better shot at being filled the week after Labor Day compared to Christmas week.

 

[goofygal531]

Can we uber from AKL to Poly? Not sure of uber rules etc in WDW.

We just returned from 10 days in WDW and Ubered all week. It was wonderful! Especially to/from the waterparks. If you Uber to/from Disney Springs, the location is behind LaNouba theatre. Each ride was never more than $10. On average $7. The Minnie Van is $20 flat rate.

 

[kimmar067]

Can you still have breakfast at Boma and then go outside and see the animals?

...of course....the animals are out and about for most of the day....

 

[Frankie Vivian]

Hi!
We're very excited to be staying in Kildani Village Jan. 27th thru Feb. 3rd.. so far away I know. Just had a couple questions that I'm sure everyone has seen before but I tried to scroll through and didn't see them..

1. After reading a lot of posts I know we really want to be in Sunset Savanna we have purchased dvc points privately and are booked in a savana view deluxe studio. Will I have a good chance at getting the Sunset request checking in online at the 60 day mark? Or is there a better way?

2. We would like to bring extra coffee, does anyone know if the rooms have a Keurig or standard pot or and different brand pod?

We are celebrating our 15th anniversary so we are so looking forward to having an amazing time! I'm trying to make everything perfect (ya right..I know)

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Frankie

 

[RachelTori]

Hi!
We're very excited to be staying in Kildani Village Jan. 27th thru Feb. 3rd.. so far away I know. Just had a couple questions that I'm sure everyone has seen before but I tried to scroll through and didn't see them..

1. After reading a lot of posts I know we really want to be in Sunset Savanna we have purchased dvc points privately and are booked in a savana view deluxe studio. Will I have a good chance at getting the Sunset request checking in online at the 60 day mark? Or is there a better way?

2. We would like to bring extra coffee, does anyone know if the rooms have a Keurig or standard pot or and different brand pod?

We are celebrating our 15th anniversary so we are so looking forward to having an amazing time! I'm trying to make everything perfect (ya right..I know)

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Frankie

At Kidani there are 2 possible Savannah Views - Sunset nod Pembe. Although I always do online check-in, I do not trust the "room requests" -- very glitchy lately. I always call in my requests (that can be done any time up to several days prior to check-in). You rented points from an owner? Have that DVC member call Member Services and have your requests added to the reservation.

Do the online checkin at 60 days, but leave the room request section blank -- any requests you make then will override and cancel any requests previously made.

The coffee pots in the villas are the Mr Coffee basket-type coffee makers.

Congrats on the reservation!

 

[mickey1968]

I'm personally using Touring Plans' auto faxer. I booked standard and requesting far end of Zebra trail. This is what TP is sending for me:

Jambo,Flr 3,E-facing room.Exmple:3580,3578,3582,3576,3584,3574,3572,3566,3565

Giving them a floor, direction, and room number range gives you a better chance. Both my requests for POFQ and CSR last year were fulfilled using TP's system, so I'm fairly confident I'll get my request this year too.

I have used their service several times with great results as well. I was able to get one of the refurbished Pop rooms with a king size bed for the fourth of July.

 

[Arden01]

Just back from our trip and had a terrific room on the 4th floor Kudu trail (standard). We have a "partial" savannah view, but it certainly felt like a full view to us! We saw a ton of animals every day and my daughters loved watching the animals. We used the TP fax service and got the exact room we requested. However, we did include some language that gave the room assignors a range of rooms and added a note that we were hoping for a partial savannah view anywhere convenient. The resort was beautiful and we loved it. Ate at Sanaa for our arrival day lunch, Mara and Jiko for dinner. All excellent. Buses were generally ok, but we did have a few long waits for Magic Kingdom buses in the evening. We used Uber a couple of times and it worked out well. Will definitely stay at AKL again!

 

[kkproulx]

I am finally getting MY visit! I've wanted to stay at the AKL for years! Finally get to enjoy it in December!!! We have a Savannah View with bunk beds reserved at the time being. Trying to go through the thread to see what are some helpful hints in getting the perfect room. We also want to do the Starlight Safari, but there is no availability at this time. Hoping someone cancels December 7 or 8, so that the three of us can grab the reservation!!! Cannot wait!!!

 

[Pennstate6411]

75 days until we are at AKL! Any suggestions on how to game plan for our 60 day out things such as FP+ etc- have never been with FP+ how should I prioritize our FP?

 

[DIShawn]

75 days until we are at AKL! Any suggestions on how to game plan for our 60 day out things such as FP+ etc- have never been with FP+ how should I prioritize our FP?

Start with FOP/NRJ (preferably later in your trip so you have a better shot at getting one), then FEA, then 7DMT. I think after that you can just fill in the rest starting at the beginning of your trip to the end and you won't have any problem.

 

[dgbg100106]

Hi!
We're very excited to be staying in Kildani Village Jan. 27th thru Feb. 3rd.. so far away I know. Just had a couple questions that I'm sure everyone has seen before but I tried to scroll through and didn't see them..

1. After reading a lot of posts I know we really want to be in Sunset Savanna we have purchased dvc points privately and are booked in a savana view deluxe studio. Will I have a good chance at getting the Sunset request checking in online at the 60 day mark? Or is there a better way?

2. We would like to bring extra coffee, does anyone know if the rooms have a Keurig or standard pot or and different brand pod?

We are celebrating our 15th anniversary so we are so looking forward to having an amazing time! I'm trying to make everything perfect (ya right..I know)

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Frankie

January

TeeterTots, 5th - 8th, AKL

Gillep, 3rd - 10th, AKL

Hosler427, 17th - 27th, Kidani

Cando86, 20th - 27th, Kidani

The Lucky Bug, 21st - 27th, AKV

Frankie Vivian, 27th - Feb 3rd, Kidani

 

[Frankie Vivian]

At Kidani there are 2 possible Savannah Views - Sunset nod Pembe. Although I always do online check-in, I do not trust the "room requests" -- very glitchy lately. I always call in my requests (that can be done any time up to several days prior to check-in). You rented points from an owner? Have that DVC member call Member Services and have your requests added to the reservation.

Do the online checkin at 60 days, but leave the room request section blank -- any requests you make then will override and cancel any requests previously made.

The coffee pots in the villas are the Mr Coffee basket-type coffee makers.

Congrats on the reservation![/QUOTE

Thank you so much for your reply! That's exactly what I will do!

151 days to go....

 

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

Im staying AKL in November in a Savannah view room. Have never stayed there before and Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park (although Pandora looks cool). The last 3 trips I was booked here but changed it. Once to POFQ and once to Contemporary. I like to try new resorts. That being said Im still searching for some other resort besides this one. Family doesnt seemed that thrilled with the theme. Can anyone convince me I made right choice?

 

[clmsongrl]

Start with FOP/NRJ (preferably later in your trip so you have a better shot at getting one), then FEA, then 7DMT. I think after that you can just fill in the rest starting at the beginning of your trip to the end and you won't have any problem.

What is FEA?

 

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

What is FEA?

Frozen

 

[DizDaD7]

Im staying AKL in November in a Savannah view room. Have never stayed there before and Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park (although Pandora looks cool). The last 3 trips I was booked here but changed it. Once to POFQ and once to Contemporary. I like to try new resorts. That being said Im still searching for some other resort besides this one. Family doesnt seemed that thrilled with the theme. Can anyone convince me I made right choice?

You've just stated that you like to try resorts that you've never been? This is one of those resorts that would make that list correct?

Admit it, there is a small part of you that wants to stay here, otherwise you wouldn't have booked 4 times now...Maybe this one will be the time that you don't change it.

From the moment you step into the Grand Lobby at Jambo, you'll just get it...Your eyes will be wide open, with Amazement, and your head will be on a constant swivel...& this is only the atrium lobby...From the views inside to the outside, from the 4 restaurants to eat it, to the 2 incredible immersive themed pool areas, to the tranquility that this place puts you in, to the most amazing CM's that there are on any WDW Resort, to the animals right in your back yard....Truly indescribable .... The only drawback is the 20 min bus ride from here to MK, but quite honestly the time goes by rather quickly, and being that far away puts you in a whole different bubble, when your on your Disney trip...

 

[MeeskaMooska13]

Please add me to the list for 3/27-4/2/18! Super excited - I haven't stayed here (or even seen) since 2002! That's 15 years!! We're splurging for Savannah View (non-DVC)!

 

[Akess]

I'm seeking advice on non-resort days during upcoming December trip. My trip is December 13-22. My husband and I are arriving December 13 to MCO around 3:00 pm. We just plan on checking into our room, exploring the hotel, and eating a quick service dinner at The Mara on our arrival day. However, my daughter and her friend are joining us after their college finals and will arrive after midnight on December 15. We currently are only planning on doing 3 park days (we have the park hoppers because we are booked under free dining). Additionally, we will be going to the Christmas party one evening.

We have visited AKL for dinner at Boma twice before, but never stayed there. Our last two holiday trips have been at the Wilderness Lodge. Because AKL has the animal viewing areas and is such a nice resort, I thought it was important to schedule some resort time into our stay. However, my husband and I will end up with a bit more resort time than my daughter and her friend since our arrival days differ. We don't plan on starting our park days until around 11:00 am-12:00 pm on December 16 (to give daughter and friend plenty of rest after their late arrival), and we are not planning on any park time on our departure day. My husband and I will have the evening of the 13th, and the entire day on the 14th and 15th to explore the resort, shop at Disney Springs, and check out holiday decor at other resorts. We were also planning on two whole resort days with my daughter and her friend, in addition to the morning/afternoon of the Christmas party. Is this too much resort time? Would one whole resort day plus the morning of the Christmas party be plenty? Also, any suggestions on how much time should be reserved for Disney Springs, checking out holiday decor at other resorts, and any other suggestions of things for my husband and I to do until my daughter and her friend arrive would be appreciated. My husband and I are planning on eating at Jiko one night and we plan on seeing La Nouba one night with daughter and her friend.

Thanks in advance for suggestions. I'm really struggling with how much time to reserve for the resort because I have read there is so much to do and see at AKL, but I'm not sure if that pertains to adults or children's activities. Plus, this will be the first trip for my daughter's friend.

 

[cwis]

I'm seeking advice on non-resort days during upcoming December trip. My trip is December 13-22. My husband and I are arriving December 13 to MCO around 3:00 pm. We just plan on checking into our room, exploring the hotel, and eating a quick service dinner at The Mara on our arrival day. However, my daughter and her friend are joining us after their college finals and will arrive after midnight on December 15. We currently are only planning on doing 3 park days (we have the park hoppers because we are booked under free dining). Additionally, we will be going to the Christmas party one evening.

We have visited AKL for dinner at Boma twice before, but never stayed there. Our last two holiday trips have been at the Wilderness Lodge. Because AKL has the animal viewing areas and is such a nice resort, I thought it was important to schedule some resort time into our stay. However, my husband and I will end up with a bit more resort time than my daughter and her friend since our arrival days differ. We don't plan on starting our park days until around 11:00 am-12:00 pm on December 16 (to give daughter and friend plenty of rest after their late arrival), and we are not planning on any park time on our departure day. My husband and I will have the evening of the 13th, and the entire day on the 14th and 15th to explore the resort, shop at Disney Springs, and check out holiday decor at other resorts. We were also planning on two whole resort days with my daughter and her friend, in addition to the morning/afternoon of the Christmas party. Is this too much resort time? Would one whole resort day plus the morning of the Christmas party be plenty? Also, any suggestions on how much time should be reserved for Disney Springs, checking out holiday decor at other resorts, and any other suggestions of things for my husband and I to do until my daughter and her friend arrive would be appreciated. My husband and I are planning on eating at Jiko one night and we plan on seeing La Nouba one night with daughter and her friend.

Thanks in advance for suggestions. I'm really struggling with how much time to reserve for the resort because I have read there is so much to do and see at AKL, but I'm not sure if that pertains to adults or children's activities. Plus, this will be the first trip for my daughter's friend.

DW and I are on our last day of a 14-days trip at the AKL, in CL. We spent so many days in the resort that we would not say that 2 are too much! it always depends if you are more park persons or resort persons, though in the AKL there is always plenty of things to do, be it go to the savanaah overlooks (you didn't say if you have a savannah-view room), enjoy the pool or a drink. As far as we were concerned, two weeks were not even enough to go check the Kidani Village, though if we come back tot his resort, I'm sure we will try to walk/bus hop to there!

 

[dgbg100106]

Please add me to the list for 3/27-4/2/18! Super excited - I haven't stayed here (or even seen) since 2002! That's 15 years!! We're splurging for Savannah View (non-DVC)!

March

Cantoine, 12th - 17th, Jambo

MeeskaMooska13, 27th - Apr 2nd, AKL