Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[Jpmoore]

Giraffe trail is super convenient for access to the Mara & pool & there's the secret door that's a shortcut to/from the bus stop but none of the rooms face a savanna.

I remember reading about a secret door on giraffe trail that comes out near the buses. Can you refresh my memory about how to get to it from inside the building?

 

[kimmar067]

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...

.....nice! Definitely a little bit of Pixie Dust was sprinkled your way.....I. am. jealous.

 

[kimmar067]

I remember reading about a secret door on giraffe trail that comes out near the buses. Can you refresh my memory about how to get to it from inside the building?

.....if you walk along the Giraffe Trail corridor and go all the way to the end of that hallway, there is an exit door, which is very close to the bus depot. It's kind of unobtrusive on the outside - I'll bet most folks don't even notice it.

 

[kimmar067]

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!

...how do you think I'm paying for OUR stay [at BWV] in October?

 

[DizDaD7]

Just found out that a partial waitlist came through....So in Nov. we too, will be coming back to the villas....Kidani that is.

Here is the latest list of everyone visiting in 2017 & 2018

If you have any updates please let me know…

2017

August

Minnesota!, 1st - 8th, AKL

OThopeful35, 1st - 12th, AKL

Izzylovesmickey, 3rd - 6th, AKL

Cantoine, 4th - 6th, Kidani

JodyLynC, 8th - 10th, AKL

Anjalee6, 8th - 11th, Jambo

Arden01, 16th - 23rd, AKL

MISSYLEXI, 18th - 27th, AKL

DizDaD7, 19th - 22nd, VGF

Choppygirl, 19th - Sep 2nd, AKL

Lttlmc3, 21st - 25th, AKL

Suse66, 21st - 28th, Jambo

King of Naboombu, 19th - 28th, AKL

Cheryterese, 22nd - 24th, YC & AKL

Minnieloves4, 23rd - 29th, AKL

Ariane37, 26th - 31st AKL CL

Grmnshplvr, 24th - 30th, AKL

Cinderelly911, 27th - Sep 3rd, AKL

September

Tk0021, 1st - 5th, AKL

Jvattes, 1st - 5th, Jambo House

Rhody Red, 5th - 15th, AKL

Tonyz, 8th - 10th, AKL

Shanethesaint88, 9th - 17th, AKL

Wdw4rfam, 10th - 18th, Kidani

Rlk0875, 13th - 17th, Jambo House

Mika02, 19th - 20th, AKL

Kenziesnow, 19th - 28th, AKL

SunnyDey, 23rd - 30th, Jambo

Patster734, 23rd - Oct 1st, AKL

October

DisneyWillow1975, Sep 30th - Oct 7th, AKL

Dgbg100106, 1st -4th, BCV

Pkltm, 2nd - 11th, AKL

Hi Pluto, 4th - 5th, Kidani

Mkburme, 6th - 12th, AKV

Duder92, 9th - 14th, Jambo House

Disneybeautyfnp, 9th - 14th, AKL CL

Irish_Mike, 9th - 15th, Kidani

Jessie31383, 13th - 17th, Jambo

#1eeyoregirl, 13th - 17th, AKL

Shannie102, 14th - 18th, AKL

Luvfigment, 14th - 21st, AKL

Kristenrice, 15th - 20th, AKV- Jambo

Karen1987, 15th - 29th, AKL CL

Ameetee, 22nd - 28th, AKL

Kimmar067, 27th - 31st, BWV

Bigskip, 28th - Nov 11th, AKL CL

John's Mom, 29th - Nov 2nd, BCV

November

ALK$Disney, 1st - 9th, AKV Jambo House

Gracie09, 2nd - 11th, Kidani

DizDad7, 3rd - 11th, SSR

Paradesintherain, 4th - 12th, Jambo House

TaraPA, 11th - 13th, AKL CL

Chimo2u, 11th - 16th, AKL CL

Pennstate6411, 11th - 18th, AKL

Mindy S, 11th - 19th, AKL

nemoMomof3, 12th - 18th, AKL

RmeDad, 14th - 21st, AKL

Bjcaed, 15th - 23rd, AKL

Sparty, 15th - Dec 2nd, AKL

DevonsDisneyMom, 17th - 22nd, AKL

Sassy2000, 17th - 24th, AKL

Paperstarfish, 19th - 24th, AKL

Greg36, 25th - Dec 9th, AKL

December

Jmsaj, 1st - 5th, AKV

Monica9, 1st - 7th, AKL

Beedee12, 1st - 10th, AKL

Rlduvall, 2nd - 9th, AKV

Disdadd14, 2nd - 9th, Jambo House

Rlduvall, 2nd - 9th, AKV

Lumee23, 2nd - 9th, Kidani

Somnia, 6th - 15th Jambo CL

JoJoGirl, 8th - 12th, AKL

Disraavenlaur, 8th - 16th, AKL

Sunset7132, 8th - 17th, AKL

New Hamp, 9th - 12th, AKL

MarcV, 9th - 16th, Kidani

Sndral, 9th - 15th, Jambo

CrazzzyforDisney83, 10th - 16th, AKL

LvsTnk, 10th -19th, Kidani

Dtkids, 16th - 22nd, AKL

Mlunsford, 21st - 26th, AKL

Jeremeyp, 21st - 27th, Jambo

BaseballMoM2007, 21st - 30th, AKL

Brandyleeann, 30th - Jan 1st, AKL

2018

January

TeeterTots, 5th - 8th, AKL

Gillep, 3rd - 10th, AKL

Hosler427, 17th - 27th, Kidani

Cando86, 20th - 27th, Kidani

The Lucky Bug, 21st - 27th, AKV

February

March

Cantoine, 12th - 17th, Jambo

April

L_MD, 13th - 16th, AKL

CeruleanMoon, 21st - 28th, Jambo

NightAngelX, 22nd - 28th, AKL

May

Disnmooner2013, 29th - Jun 5th, AKL

June

Disnmooner2013, May 30th 0 5th, AKL CL

Bwbuddy5, 3rd - 9th, AKL

July

August

September

TandCmum, 15th - , AKL

October

November

December

Brandi, can you make the change on the calendar for us please...SSR from 11-3 to 6, and AKV(Kidani) 11-6 to 11-11...Thank you

 

[DisneyDiana]

Just booked 2018!! July 1st-8th at Jambo!!!

 

[izzylovesmickey]

Hi all! Just back from a great 3 night stay at AKL. Had room 4319 CL. We were greeted at the lobby entrance and brought right up to the lounge which is nicer than having to check in downstairs.
Our experiences were:
Cast members were all really friendly-from the CL to housekeeping.
Spent quite a bit of time in the lounge. Wed. was rainy and we relaxed up there and indulged in the snacks and tea time, plus appetizers-guess I know why I wasn't as hungry for dinner....
Ate at Boma for the first time-is definitely worth at return trip! Jiko, as always, was outstanding. DS enjoyed the Mara also.
Didn't make it into the pool, but seemed like lots of lounge chairs available and it is a really nice setting.
Saw lots of animals from our balcony. Love to see the giraffes!
Bus trips good, no long waits for a bus at the resort or return trips from the parks.
DD & I had massages at Zahanti Massage & Fitness center. Not a spa experience but the massage therapists were great and would definitely use them again.
Did miss the smoky scent in the lobby like some others have posted. Also overheard a CM telling someone that balloons are now allowed in the resort as someone else had posted.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[kimmar067]

Just found out that a partial waitlist came through....So in Nov. we too, will be coming back to the villas....Kidani that is.


Brandi, can you make the change on the calendar for us please...SSR from 11-3 to 6, and AKV(Kidani) 11-6 to 11-11...Thank you

.....hmmmm....split-stay....

 

[DizDaD7]

.....hmmmm....split-stay....

It's better than nuttin...

 

[KELLY]

Can someone give me a estimate about how long from the AKL to the MK by bus? Trying to figure out when to leave.

 

[DizDaD7]

Can someone give me a estimate about how long from the AKL to the MK by bus? Trying to figure out when to leave.

Leaving from the Lodge/Jambo We've found it to be on average 20 mins. * Not that bad TBH.
to EPCOT maybe 12 mins
to HS maybe 10
to AK like 5 HTH Have fun!

 

[DizDaD7]

Leaving from the Lodge/Jambo We've found it to be on average 20 mins. * Not that bad TBH.
to EPCOT maybe 12 mins
to HS maybe 10
to AK like 5 HTH Have fun!

BTW, I might add...The bus ride never feels that long, & we actually enjoy that lil bit of downtime...Or just mingling with other families.

 

[Tk0021]

We are staying at Jambo for the first time in rented points. I have a few questions. We are arriving early the Friday before Labor Day. What are the chances our room will be ready early? Hopefully around noon. As I said we are staying on rented DVC points, no savanna view. where are these rooms located? We are attending the MNSSHP on 9/1, we plan to get to the hotel between 9 and 10. We have reservations at Boma for 10:15 then we were just going to hang around the hotel till 2:30- 3:00 to head to MK for the party. We are planning on bringing swim suits for the kids with us. Is there a place for them to change if our room is not ready?

 

[pepperandchips]

We are staying at Jambo for the first time in rented points. I have a few questions. We are arriving early the Friday before Labor Day. What are the chances our room will be ready early? Hopefully around noon. As I said we are staying on rented DVC points, no savanna view. where are these rooms located? We are attending the MNSSHP on 9/1, we plan to get to the hotel between 9 and 10. We have reservations at Boma for 10:15 then we were just going to hang around the hotel till 2:30- 3:00 to head to MK for the party. We are planning on bringing swim suits for the kids with us. Is there a place for them to change if our room is not ready?

If you really want to be in your room, make sure you make "first room available" (or whatever the language reads) your selection when you do online check in. The DVC rooms are located on the 5th floor and take up the entire floor, so conceivably you could have any number of views - parking lot, roofline, pool, or even a partial savanna view. We stayed on two different DVC reservations a couple of weeks ago - for my mom I requested a room immediately off the lobby due to some mobility issues and her room was ready around 11:00 or 12:00. The other studio was not available until 4:00 on the dot, similar requests regarding location.

There is a very large bathroom/changing facility located just outside the pool near the Mara along the walkway by the lockers. There are tons of stalls and showers available so that is where we change when we don't have a room. Plus if you need a locker they are right there - bring quarters. Bell services can hold your bags for free (except gratuity) if you are comfortable with that instead of a locker.

 

[kimmar067]

It's better than nuttin...

ABSOLUTELY! Hey, just a few more days now.....

 

[KELLY]

BTW, I might add...The bus ride never feels that long, & we actually enjoy that lil bit of downtime...Or just mingling with other families.

Thanks for the estimated times. I'm pretty sure I thought it was going to take a lot longer. Everyone makes AKL to be out in another continent when talking getting to the parks!

I didn't do online check in because I really want giraffe trail. I'm sure most don't. But my mom broke her ankle last year so the closer to the busses and pools would be best for us. I'm not sure if not doing online check in will help with that? But I figure if I can talk to the front desk it may help if we are assigned a different location. We land at 925 am.

 

[dansdad]

Thanks for the estimated times. I'm pretty sure I thought it was going to take a lot longer. Everyone makes AKL to be out in another continent when talking getting to the parks!

Completely agree.

 

[kimmar067]

Thanks for the estimated times. I'm pretty sure I thought it was going to take a lot longer. Everyone makes AKL to be out in another continent when talking getting to the parks!

....I could never understand why so many put such emphasis on bus times.....gad zooks, you are on your way to a Disney park, for corn's sake, so sit back and enjoy the ride, coupled with the anticipation! On the other side of the coin, you can relax your weary bones and tired dogs in the comfort of a nicely air-conditioned bus...

 

[Tk0021]

If you really want to be in your room, make sure you make "first room available" (or whatever the language reads) your selection when you do online check in. The DVC rooms are located on the 5th floor and take up the entire floor, so conceivably you could have any number of views - parking lot, roofline, pool, or even a partial savanna view. We stayed on two different DVC reservations a couple of weeks ago - for my mom I requested a room immediately off the lobby due to some mobility issues and her room was ready around 11:00 or 12:00. The other studio was not available until 4:00 on the dot, similar requests regarding location.

There is a very large bathroom/changing facility located just outside the pool near the Mara along the walkway by the lockers. There are tons of stalls and showers available so that is where we change when we don't have a room. Plus if you need a locker they are right there - bring quarters. Bell services can hold your bags for free (except gratuity) if you are comfortable with that instead of a locker.

Thanks for the information. We have two rooms as well, but for these purposes if only one room is ready that is fine. We also have grandparents going with us and mobility will be a little issue. I have checked that room ready first box because it is more important to us then location. We stayed at the Contemporary last year in June and our room was ready by 11:00 am. I know that you can't go by that but just using that as an indicator I thought it would be ready.

 

[pepperandchips]

Thanks for the information. We have two rooms as well, but for these purposes if only one room is ready that is fine. We also have grandparents going with us and mobility will be a little issue. I have checked that room ready first box because it is more important to us then location. We stayed at the Contemporary last year in June and our room was ready by 11:00 am. I know that you can't go by that but just using that as an indicator I thought it would be ready.

I will cross my fingers for you! You can always stop by the front desk to see if they can work any magic for you but the inventory of DVC rooms is more limited so sometimes they are not available til later. One of the reasons I love that AKL pool though is for the ease of changing rooms and quick service nearby while we wait on rooms so I hope it works out for you guys also.