Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[Mousemommy1]

You should see availability around the 7 month mark unless you opt to rent points from an AKL/AKV dvc owner. Then you could book at 11 months but there are limitations to what you can do with those reservations. If you are interested I would do some research.

Thank you! We are just looking at doing a cash reservation.

 

[kimmar067]

I'm almost down to 30 days until the AKL portion of my trip! I currently have room #3471 selected in Touring Plans. I emailed them a few weeks ago and they said they believe garden views are now classified as standard....

....I've never heard of 'Garden Views' when it comes to AKL, but that could be an update....personally, I cannot think of where they'd even be located, as I'm having trouble picturing 'gardens' on property.

 

[Grmnshplvr]

anyone know what hours I can expect for the pool during August? we love to do late night swims but never seem to make it back to the resort in time.

 

[Grmnshplvr]

I'm just wondering does Animal Kingdom Lodge have the same "feel" as AK? Very jungle type landscaping? i hope so. I love that feeling.

 

[Doug S]

....I've never heard of 'Garden Views' when it comes to AKL, but that could be an update....personally, I cannot think of where they'd even be located, as I'm having trouble picturing 'gardens' on property.

It was a previous category of rooms they removed a few years ago. TP says they're classified as standard view, yet the DVC rooms up on level 5 in the same wing are classified savannah. I'm thinking I might change my room selection so I don't risk requesting something outside standard.

 

[kimmar067]

It was a previous category of rooms they removed a few years ago. TP says they're classified as standard view, yet the DVC rooms up on level 5 in the same wing are classified savannah. I'm thinking I might change my room selection so I don't risk requesting something outside standard.

....I don't blame you on THAT....

 

[kimmar067]

I'm just wondering does Animal Kingdom Lodge have the same "feel" as AK? Very jungle type landscaping? i hope so. I love that feeling.

....yes...somewhat....especially by Kidani.

 

[incoo50]

What floor is on the same level as the lobby,cant remember 2 or 3
Thank you

 

[kimmar067]

3

 

[sndral]

Thanks. We can see the animals around the resort correct? We go every year but this is my first at AKL. Last year we were at the Poly. We plan on spending a couple of days by the pool. So excited to stay here! Yacht club was the other option for the discount in our price range. The pool looks nice but I live 5 minutes from the beach in Maine so the theming wouldn't feel like vacation.

The two main spots to see the savannas in Jambo are from the Arusha Rock overlook which juts into the Arusha savanna - it's behind the lobby and beyond where the fire pit and rocking chairs are located. And the overlook out by the pool, which looks out on Uzima savanna and has a cast member stationed there to answer questions. Most of the hallways (called trails @ AKL) have large windows which enable you to look out of them at the savannas as you walk to and from your room. The only trail that does not overlook a savanna is Giraffe. There are also a few seating areas scattered about. It's worth the short walk/shuttle van ride over to Kidani to see the Sunset savanna from the overlook behind the smaller Kidani lobby (or, my personal favorite to eat lunch at Sanaa and hope for a Sunset savanna window front table.) I think they have a Pembe savanna view overlook out by Kidani's pool too. Kidani has some nice rocking chairs near the outlook you can use as well if you want to spend some time gazing at the savanna.
I love the YC as I really like to stroll in & out of the IG at Epcot and it has full balconies for 99% of it's rooms (unlike BC w/ it's 50% or so Juliette balconies.) Since I'm from the west coast, the YC is not the same old same old type experience for me.

 

[Minnesota!]

You requested a Savannah view but paid for standard and they honored the request? That's awesome!

How did you pull the savannah room off? We booked standard but requesting the kudu trail so hoping to get partial view. Anything specific I should request?

I just requested upper floor, partial Savannah. We have a dead on view of.the Savannah, however. It's fantastic!!

Must have been a little pixie dust

Fantastic day; Epcot open, HS afternoon. Chilling in room.now, hitting AK later.

Have used Amazon Prime Now twice since yesterday, and requested and received a box fan...it was 5 minutes from request to receiving.

Not sure I am going home...

 

[Jpmoore]

Anyone stayed in either the first or second buildings on zebra or kudu trail - savanna view? Does the Arusha rock block your view to much? How is the walk to the lobby?

 

[DizDaD7]

Jambo main level is 3 like Kim said & 2 if by Kidani..

I don't think the Arusha rock would block the view any if at all.Especially from a mid to higher floor.

I've only stayed Savanna view on the Kidani side..

 

[OThopeful35]

Checking into AKL Friday and I cannot wait. We are currently at CSR and while it is a nice resort, it's just not for us.

 

[leebee]

.....SOMEONE'S hooked...

I know... it's awful! From the second they opened AKL, I've wanted to stay there but couldn't justify the hotel room price when we are going to be in the theme parks all day and night. Gosh, I remember when AKL rooms were $125 a night and we were appalled at the cost, LOL! Anyhoo... now I am trying to plan a split stay- SHOCKING!! I'm thinking 5 nights at AllStars (we really like Music, better than POP even) when doing the parks and then 2 nights at AKL to relax before going home- or 3 nights, or... Good thing we have LOTS of Southwest rapid rewards points, $400 in "free" Disney gift cards, and a whole bunch of Disney VISA points stocked up, LOL!

 

[monica9]

I just requested upper floor, partial Savannah. We have a dead on view of.the Savannah, however. It's fantastic!!

Must have been a little pixie dust

Fantastic day; Epcot open, HS afternoon. Chilling in room.now, hitting AK later.

Have used Amazon Prime Now twice since yesterday, and requested and received a box fan...it was 5 minutes from request to receiving.

Not sure I am going home...

Wow awesome. So just put in the address fro AKL when checking out in prime?
Also, did you get a 2 queen room or a king and day bed?
How far would you say the walk was to your the busses from your room?

 

[gillep]

I will be in Disney in about a month, and as much as I like The Yacht Club, all of these great AKL posts make me want to be back to my first love and original home resort!!!! January cannot come soon enough. Enjoy The Lodge everyone!!!!!

I am going to go drown my sorrows in coffee out of my favorite mug now.

 

[Minnesota!]

Wow awesome. So just put in the address fro AKL when checking out in prime?
Also, did you get a 2 queen room or a king and day bed?
How far would you say the walk was to your the busses from your room?

2 queen. Offered 1 Queen and bunk beds for my kids, but apparently my kids are too tall...

The busses are a haul. We are on Zebra trail, I believe? It's a long walk. Definitely not.the trail to request to be close.to transportation!

 

[ekendall2]

Staying in Jambi deluxe villa-standard view June 3-9, 2018. Love all of the tips on here! Keep them coming!

 

[bwbuddy5]

We're hoping that the Minnie-vans will be operating at AKL by our trip in June 2018. We'll take the busses most of the time, but would be nice for those pre-park opening ADRs.