Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
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2901 Osceola Parkway
Bay Lake, Florida 32830
Phone: 407-938-3000
Fax: 407-938-4799
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Resort Map | Photo Gallery | Reviews
Deluxe Resort Classification
Located in the Animal Kingdom resort area
Check In: 3:00 p.m. / Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a Deluxe Disney resort and likely the closest thing to a true African journey without crossing the ocean. The resort has its own savannahs and guests staying in a savannah view room can literally view the animals from their balconies. Guests choosing to not stay on the savannah, or just visiting the resort also get the opportunity to experience the African wilderness in the many areas set aside for viewing. The lobby houses a great number of African artifacts, the restaurants offer their own interpretations of African cuisine and even the gift shop offers a variety of unique African treasures.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, like all Disney resorts, is smoke-free. Designated outdoor smoking areas are indicated on the Resort Map.
Resort Refurbishment: Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas construction will occur in phases with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2009. During this time, guests will hear and/or see construction staff and equipment inside the resort as well as in the external areas of the property during the daytime hours. Note: There will be no animals on Sunset Savanna between January 15-April 15, 2009, due to construction in the area.
Resort Theme:
Animal Kingdom Lodge has an elaborate African safari theme.
Resort Rooms:
In addition to standard rooms, there are two views available, pool and savannah (which overlooks one of the exclusive Lodge savannahs). The Pool or Savannah Views have a standard set up with 2 queen beds, or the option of 1 queen size bed and bunk beds. Deluxe rooms, available with pool or savannah views, are larger than the standard size. Full suites include one and two bedroom suites, Vice-Presidential Suite and Presidential Suite.
1293 Guest Rooms
Disabled accessible rooms available
Building offers elevators and interior corridors
Alarm Clock
Balcony/Patio
Ceiling Fan
Coffee Maker & Setup
Dial-Up Internet
Hair Dryer
In-Room Wall Safe
Iron and Board
Mini-Refrigerator
Table & Chairs
Tea Setup
Telephone
Television
- ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN & more
USA Today Delivery (Mon-Fri)
Vanity Area with two sinks
Voice Mail
Resort Rates:
2008 Rates
Animal Kingdom Lodge (12.5% tax not included) |
2008 Rates Per Night |
|
Value Season |
Regular Season |
Peak Season |
Holiday Season |
Standard View |
Weekday |
$225 |
$275 |
$340 |
$370 |
Weekend |
$225 |
$275 |
$360 |
$390 |
MLK |
$245 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$370 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$360 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$295 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$295 |
-- |
-- |
Pool View |
Weekday |
$235 |
$285 |
$350 |
$385 |
Weekend |
$235 |
$285 |
$370 |
$405 |
MLK |
$255 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$370 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$305 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$305 |
-- |
-- |
Pool View Bunk Bed |
Weekday |
$255 |
$310 |
$370 |
$405 |
Weekend |
$255 |
$310 |
$390 |
$425 |
MLK |
$275 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$400 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$390 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$330 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$330 |
-- |
-- |
Savanna View |
Weekday |
$290 |
$345 |
$410 |
$445 |
Weekend |
$290 |
$345 |
$430 |
$465 |
MLK |
$310 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$440 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$430 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$365 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$365 |
-- |
-- |
Savanna View with Bunk Beds |
Weekday |
$320 |
$370 |
$435 |
$475 |
Weekend |
$320 |
$370 |
$455 |
$495 |
MLK |
$340 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$465 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$455 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$390 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$390 |
-- |
-- |
Standard Room Club Level |
Weekday |
$335 |
$390 |
$470 |
$520 |
Weekend |
$335 |
$390 |
$490 |
$540 |
MLK |
$355 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$500 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$490 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$410 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$410 |
-- |
-- |
Deluxe Pool View |
Weekday |
$310 |
$360 |
$425 |
$465 |
Weekend |
$310 |
$360 |
$445 |
$485 |
MLK |
$330 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$455 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$445 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
Deluxe Savanna View |
Weekday |
$360 |
$405 |
$475 |
$540 |
Weekend |
$360 |
$405 |
$495 |
$560 |
MLK |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$505 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$495 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$425 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$425 |
-- |
-- |
Deluxe Savanna View Bunk Beds |
Weekday |
$390 |
$440 |
$510 |
$575 |
Weekend |
$390 |
$440 |
$530 |
$595 |
MLK |
$410 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$540 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$530 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$460 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$460 |
-- |
-- |
Deluxe Room Club Level |
Weekday |
$445 |
$505 |
$570 |
$655 |
Weekend |
$445 |
$505 |
$590 |
$675 |
MLK |
$465 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$600 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$590 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$525 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$525 |
-- |
-- |
1 Bedroom Suite Club Level |
Weekday |
$705 |
$800 |
$925 |
$1015 |
Weekend |
$705 |
$800 |
$945 |
$1035 |
MLK |
$725 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$955 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$945 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$820 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$820 |
-- |
-- |
2 Bedroom Suite Club Level |
Weekday |
$1250 |
$1370 |
$1530 |
$1770 |
Weekend |
$1250 |
$1370 |
$1550 |
$1790 |
MLK |
$1270 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$1560 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$1550 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$1390 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$1390 |
-- |
-- |
Royal Kuba VP Suite - Club Level |
Weekday |
$1855 |
$2045 |
$2265 |
$2535 |
Weekend |
$1855 |
$2045 |
$2265 |
$2555 |
MLK |
$1875 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$2295 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$2285 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$2065 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$2065 |
-- |
-- |
Royal Assante Presidential Suite - Club Level |
Weekday |
$2140 |
$2335 |
$2555 |
$2820 |
Weekend |
$2140 |
$2335 |
$2575 |
$2840 |
MLK |
$2160 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day |
-- |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
Easter |
-- |
-- |
$370 |
-- |
Independence Day |
-- |
$2355 |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving |
-- |
$2355 |
-- |
-- |
2008 Seasons for Disney's Deluxe Resorts
Value Season: Jan. 1 - Feb 13; Jul. 20 - Oct. 1; Nov. 30 - Dec. 18
Holidays: Martin Luther King Weekend Jan. 18-20
Regular Season: Mar. 30 - Jul. 19; Oct. 2 - Nov. 29
Holidays: Independence Day Weekend July 4-5 (July 4)
Thanksgiving November 26-29
Peak Season: Feb. 14 - Mar. 29
Holidays: Presidents Day Weekend Feb. 15-17
Easter Week Mar. 16-27
Holiday Season: Dec. 19 - Dec. 31
2009 Rates
Animal Kingdom Lodge (add 12.5% tax) |
2009 Rates Per Night |
|
Value Season |
Regular Season |
Peak Season |
Holiday Season 1 |
Holiday Season 2 |
Standard View |
Weekday |
$240 |
$290 |
$355 |
$385 |
$405 |
Weekend |
$240 |
$290 |
$375 |
$385 |
$405 |
MLK* |
$260 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day *
|
-- |
-- |
$375 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$375 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$310 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$310 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Pool View |
Weekday |
$245 |
$300 |
$360 |
$400 |
$420 |
Weekend |
$245 |
$300 |
$380 |
$400 |
$420 |
MLK*
|
$265 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$320 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$320 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Pool View Bunk Bed |
Weekday |
$270 |
$325 |
$385 |
$425 |
$445 |
Weekend |
$270 |
$325 |
$405 |
$425 |
-- |
MLK* |
$290 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day *
|
-- |
-- |
$405 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$405 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$345 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$345 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Savanna View |
Weekday |
$305 |
$360 |
$430 |
$465 |
$485 |
Weekend |
$305 |
$360 |
$450 |
$465 |
$485 |
MLK*
|
$325 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$450 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$450 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$380 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Savanna View with Bunk Beds |
Weekday |
$335 |
$390 |
$460 |
$495 |
$515 |
Weekend |
$335 |
$390 |
$480 |
$495 |
$515 |
MLK* |
$355 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$480 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$480 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$410 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$410 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Standard Room Kilimanjaro Club |
Weekday |
$345 |
$405 |
$485 |
$535 |
$555 |
Weekend |
$345 |
$405 |
$505 |
$535 |
$555 |
MLK*
|
$365 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$505 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$505 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$425 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$425 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
1 Bedroom Suite Kilimanjaro Club |
Weekday |
$735 |
$825 |
$975 |
$1,070 |
$1,090 |
Weekend |
$735 |
$825 |
$995 |
$1,070 |
$1,090 |
MLK* |
$755 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day *
|
-- |
-- |
$995 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$995 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$845 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$845 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
2 Bedroom Suite Kilimanjaro Club |
Weekday |
$1,285 |
$1,410 |
$1,595 |
$1770 |
|
Weekend |
$1,285 |
$1,410 |
$1,615 |
$1,820 |
$1,840 |
MLK*
|
$1,305 |
-- |
-- |
$1,820 |
$1,840 |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$1,615 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$1,615 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$1,430 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$1,430 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Royal Kuba VP Suite - Kilimanjaro Club |
Weekday |
$1,910 |
$2,105 |
$2,330 |
$2,605 |
$2,625 |
Weekend |
$1,910 |
$2,105 |
$2,350 |
$2,605 |
$2,625 |
MLK* |
$1,930 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day *
|
-- |
-- |
$2,350 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$2,350 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$2,125 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$2,125 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Royal Assante Presidential Suite - Kilimanjaro Club |
Weekday |
$2,210 |
$2,400 |
$2,660 |
$2,900 |
$2,920 |
Weekend |
$2,210 |
$2,400 |
$2,680 |
$2,900 |
$2,920 |
MLK*
|
$2,230 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Presidents Day*
|
-- |
-- |
$2,680 |
-- |
-- |
Easter* |
-- |
-- |
$2,680 |
-- |
-- |
Independence Day* |
-- |
$2,420 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Thanksgiving* |
-- |
$2,420 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
2009 Seasons for Disney's Deluxe Resorts
Value Season: Jan. 1 - Feb 12; Jul. 19 - Oct. 1; Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
Holidays: Martin Luther King Weekend Jan. 16-18
Regular Season: April 19 - Jul. 18; Oct. 2 - Nov. 28
Holidays: Independence Day Weekend July 3-5 (July 4)
Thanksgiving November 25 - 28 Peak Season: Feb. 13 - April 18
Holidays: Presidents Day Weekend Feb 13-15
Easter Week April 4 - 18
Holiday Season 1: Dec. 18 - Dec. 24
Holiday Season 2: Dec. 25 - Dec. 31
Resort Dining:
Boma - Full Service buffet-style restaurant
Jiko - Full Service restaurant
Mara - Quick Service Location
Pool Bar
Two Lounges
In-Room Dining Available 6am to midnight
Refillable mugs are available for purchase at the food court, for $11.99
Resort Recreation:
1 Pool featuring zero-depth entry and 67 ft long water slide
Child pool
2 whirlpool spas
Children's playground
Arcade
Health Club
Massage services
Resort Shopping:
Zawadi Marketplace stocks Disney character apparel and souvenirs as well as Animal Kingdom Lodge logo merchandise. In addition, there is a large variety of African treasures that are fun and unexpected. You can also find snack foods, beverages (including adult beverages), magazines and books, and other general sundries.
Resort Transportation:
Disney's bus service is available to and from this resort. There is one bus stop for this resort outside of the lobby area.
Transportation Times Between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney Destinations
These times are approximate, provided to give you an idea of average travel times. Please plan on up to a 15 minute wait for Disney transportation.
Magic Kingdom- 22 minutes by bus, 35 minutes by car (with transfers)
Epcot- 18 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car
Disney's Hollywood Studios- 15 minutes by bus, 16 minutes by car
Disney’s Animal Kingdom- 11 minutes by bus, 7 minutes by car
Downtown Disney- 20 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car
Blizzard Beach water park- 18 minutes by bus, 14 minutes by car
Typhoon Lagoon water park- 25 minutes by bus, 17 minutes by car
Resort Childcare:
Simba's Cubhouse
Hours: 4:30 pm to 12 midnight
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE
Supervised activities including toys by Hasbro, free play arcade games (2), arts and crafts, games, Disney movies, and Sony Playstations. Price is $11 USD per hour, per child with a two-hour minimum. Advance reservations recommended.
Simba's Cubhouse provides a complimentary dinner for children in the Cubhouse. Guests can order meals for their children when they check in. Menu items include: peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chicken fingers, mini burger, hotdog, macaroni and cheese. No outside food allowed.
In-room child care is also available at all resorts.
From Our MouseForLess Members:
MouseForLess Interesting Facts about the resort:
At AKL they make use of much natural light (and less artificial lighting) in order to keep it natural for the animals on the surrounding savannahs. This is the reason the resort seems a bit dark. AKL is home to one of the largest collection of African art in the USA. The lobby is six stories tall, with a floor to ceiling window at the back overlooking the Arusha savannah. Currently there is construction underway to build the new Animal Kingdom Villas, the newest DVC resort. Some of the rooms on the 5th and 6th floors of the existing resort are being converted to DVC villas, and there is an entirely new building being constructed next to the existing Lodge that will house DVC villas. The new building is scheduled to open in 2009 and will have a new pool area, table service restaurant. They are also creating a new savannah which will be home to animals not currently on any of the existing savannahs. - Joan Faux
The thatched roof was built by African thatch roof builders! - JUD
The Ceremonial Mask in the lobby (the one that looks to be about 4 stories tall, who knew it was a mask?) is the only one located outside of Africa. - Mike Corbo
AND Each person on the mask in the lobby signifies someone for the village that the mask originated from. - Marie Lemmon
MouseForLess Room Request Tips:
It is definitely worth paying extra for the savannah view for your room so you can enjoy watching the animals right from your own balcony. You can request a room to overlook a specific savannah. Each savannah has a different variety of animals and birds on it. *Sunset Savannah: Male Giraffe, Bongo, Impala, Thompsons Gazelles, Ostrich, Ankole Cattle, Waterbuck, African crown cranes, stork and blue cranes. * Arusha Savannah:* Pelicans, geese, giraffe, ankole cattle, zebra, Wildebeest, eland, gemsbok. *Uzima Savannah:* Giraffe, Impala, Kudu, Bongo, Blesbok, Thompsons Gazelles - Joan Faux
Since we have two little ones, we chose a room with the queen size bed and bunkbeds. One important thing to note, we were in the Kudo section, with our room at lobby level (third floor). It was extremely noisy, because everybody would traipse past our room talking loudly as they made their way further down the hall or headed for the elevators. The bulk of the hotel traffic on that side of the building went down this 3rd floor hallway. I would not get a room there again, because it was next to impossible to take a nap (and I wear earplugs), and even nighttime could be noisy as people came back from the park at all hours. - Susan Janke
Higher floors are not always better to see the animals. Request a room on the third (lobby) floor. - Mike Corbo
AND On the lower floors you have a chance at having the giraffe looking right at you while you drink your morning coffee. - Anna Skamarakas
Request close to lobby, third or fourth floor. The rooms way out at the end of the trails are a LONG walk - especially after a long day and/or night at the parks. - Leanne Paul
MouseForLess Hidden Treasures:
There are lots of extra cultural activities and opportunities. You get a map at check in and on the back is a list of all the activities, but no times. Check the board in the lobby and write down the times on your list so you don't forget. There were at least 10+ activities daily. - JoLynne AND Ask the front desk for a copy of "The Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge African Art Collection." - Susan Janke
Ask at the front desk for the clue sheet for finding hidden Mickeys. It is called Hidden Mickey Safari and points are assigned for each of the various hidden Mickeys that you find. - Susan Janke
The Cast Members that are there from their native lands. They are always more than happy to have a chat. - Mike Corbo
The nightly bonfire is fabulous. My daughter and I would get there early to grab some rocking chairs and just tell stories about our day. - Venus Windmiller AND Be sure to ask to use the night vision goggles in the viewing area near the bonfire. - Marie Lemmon.
If you do not have a savannah overlook room, fear not! At about the midway point out on each wing is a public outside "lounge" complete with chairs tables and rockers to sit in the cool evening and watch the animals as they roam a few feet from you. - JUD
The resort shop, Zawadi Marketplace, has a nice selection of African carvings, sculpture and other art amongst other things which are unique to AKL, not available elsewhere. At night there are night vision goggles available in certain spots to view the animals. You can wander around to enjoy the resort and savannah views even if you are not a guest staying at AKL. - Joan Faux
Scrapbookers, take lots of pictures of the different patterns here and there i.e., carpet, bedding, wallpaper, etc Those pictures can be cut for borders or other embellishments. My AKL scrapbook pages have turned out to be my favorite! - Jenny Brown
Breakfast buffet at Boma - best meal we had! Be sure to wander all around the resort and find all the overlooks to watch the animals from. Go to the ends of the trails and out on the stairwells to view different animals. Crafts and other activities for kids all day long - the hard part is making time for everything there is to do! - Leanne Paul
MouseForLess Tips for Romance:
For those traveling with kids, make use of Simbas Clubhouse. Also a glass (or two) of wine on the balcony at the end of the day is nice. The spa (hot tub) is open 24 hours and is much quieter in the evenings. - JoLynne
For romance, order the in room Savannah Sunset Package. Excellent Food. They come up to your room and set up your 3 course meal plus desert on your balcony. Also, make sure you note on your reservation if you are celebrating a special event. They sometimes do something special for a honeymoon or anniversary. It's never a definite, but always a bonus. - Jenny Brown
If you have a savannah view room, you and your partner the balcony is a cozy spot to just relax and enjoy each others company. - Patty Arabia AND Be sure to bring an insect repellant candle for the balcony. - Teresa
Victoria Falls lounge on a mezzanine level just below the lobby is a nice quiet place to relax and have a drink, coffee or tea. Jiko is an excellent restaurant that is more adult oriented with a fine selection of South African wines, some of which are exclusive to AKL. Uzima Springs Pool Bar has a nice seating area and a nice selection of drinks. - Joan Faux
Sitting around the fire pit with the one you love. - Mike Corbo
Wandering around by the pool and through the animal outlooks at night are very romantic - not that I got to experience this being there with 2 kids! - Leanne Paul
MouseForLess Tips for Families:
The bunk beds were great fun for our kids and the animal views kept them occupied and happy when mom and dad were doing other things. The zero entry pool is especially nice for little kids that don't want to play in the tiny kiddy pool, and there are plenty of life vests on hand. - JoLynne
The main Uzima pool is the largest single pool on property. Near the Front Desk and in the waiting area near Boma is a list and schedule of lots of fun activities at the resort such as feeding the flamingoes, story telling on Arusha rock (usually in the early evening) and many others. - Joan Faux
The pool and slide are really fun. Try to make time for all the activities - kids can collect beads when they complete them. CM's are at the animal outlooks to answer questions about the animals. Most of them were from Africa and the kids were very interested to hear what it was like to live there. - Leanne Paul
MouseForLess Tips for Large Travel Groups:
I believe there is a Safari & dinner that is only for grand gathering groups of 8 or larger. It may be AK (park) that I'm thinking of but it's still really close by. - JoLynne
AKL is a fairly large resort. It would be worthwhile requesting rooms near or next to each other to save time. - Joan Faux
Boma is a great place for a meal with a large group. - Mike Corbo
MouseForLess Tips for Guests with Special needs:
The hot tub has wheelchair access. I was told there is also a water wheelchair available. - JoLynne
If you have kids with allergies, Boma is the place to be! I feel that the chefs there are the nicest and best in all of Disney. They will walk you through the buffet line, and tell you exactly what is safe and what is not. The chef brought my son extra things -- like humus that was sure to be nut-free, and a special soup -- since all the soups that day had either dairy or nuts in them. We didn't ask for anything special, but the chef offered it all to us with much joy, and he kept checking back with us. He made my little son the best desert he ever had -- it was soy or rice ice cream, with chocolate syrup drizzled over it, served with fried oreos in a humongous bowl all fancy-like. For once in his young life, my little guy had the best desert at the table. Now, that folks, is Disney Magic! - Susan Janke
I have done pretty much a complete tour of AKL in my ECV without any problems. Including the Savannah walks out back. - JUD
The lobby is on the third floor, which is where you enter the resort. The pool and restaurants are on the first floor and there are elevators just off the lobby to access the other floors. - Joan Faux
MouseForLess Tips for WDW Newbies:
You may want to opt for a cab if you are going to other resorts for dinner. With the bus plus monorail or ferry the trip can take 45 to 60 minutes. A cab is less than $10 with tip. - JoLynne
BOMA, BOMA, BOMA!! I almost didn't book this because I am such a picky eater. I thought for sure that the "African flair" would be a bit too much for my liking but I was completely wrong. There was so much to choose from such as meats, exotic cheeses, loads of humus, the zebra domed desserts, and all of the salads. - Venus Windmiller
Work some time into your schedule to spend a day at this resort. There is so much to see and do. They have a lot of activities for the kids to do at the resort and a lot of the times they are free! - Patty Arabia AND When we were there, the kids would get a bead to add to a necklace for each activity they completed. My kids favorite activity was a tracking activity, where the CM would hide a Timon with a tracking device attached, and then my boys would have to find it by using the tracking equipment. They also have other non-bead activities for kids, like Medallion Rubbings in the Lobby and drumming on the various instruments in the gift shop -- ask at the gift shop for the times. We planned one day for staying at the resort, and still could not fit in all of the kid activities available. - Susan Janke
MouseForLess Tips for Budget Travelers:
Laundry facilities on site are expensive; bring your own detergent. Also, we had water delivered and kept it cold in the fridge to save money. - JoLynne
The Mara was a great little place to eat. They always serve at least one soup from BOMA, and the soups are delicious. I would recommend the soups for a taste of BOMA even if you didn't want the full expense of a meal at Boma. The Cast Members at the MARA were also very generous about allowing us to use our remaining dining plan credits on all sorts of things to take home. They even corrected us and told us we were allowed extra fruits and such, even when we thought we had gotten all that we were allowed -- we had both counter service and snacks left, and sometimes at the self serves it is hard to tell exactly what you are entitled to. We ended up with plenty of sandwiches, fruits and veggie sticks for our homeward journey (And Zebra Domes, too!) --big money saver. - Susan Janke
See if you can rent points from a DVC member for a stay from Sunday to Thursday. You'll pay much less than rack rates for room. - Mike Corbo
Many say that if you are staying at the AKL you have to upgrade and get the Savannah View room. I disagree! I booked this hotel for the ambiance and surely got my share of the animals from my walks around the property. I say....it's a great deluxe at an affordable rate. - Venus Windmiller
You can wander around to enjoy the resort and savannah views even if you are not a guest staying at AKL. Refillable mugs available at the Mara. All AKL rooms have refrigerators. You can purchase a bottle of African wine at the Mara, bring this back to your room (or fill up your refillable mug at the Mara) to chill and enjoy the view of the animals from your balcony. - Joan Faux
If you want to try the hotel stay at a value resort and for a treat go to the AKL for your last night of the trip. - Marie Lemmon
Keep looking for codes and discounts for this resort. Rack rate is expensive but we were able to get a great discount so we could afford to stay here. Also, a standard view room is worth it if that's all you can afford. The resort itself is so beautiful and views of the animals are only steps away. - Leanne Paul
MouseForLess Tips for Luxury Travelers:
Try a massage or spa treatment at the Zahanti fitness center. Book the concierge level if you can afford it. The concierge desk is a great way to make or change Advance Dining Reservations at the last minute. I called Disney Dining and was told "nothing is available." Then I went to the concierge desk and they would get me the reservation I wanted. This happened twice. - JoLynne
The luxury suites at AKL are completely amazing! - Joan Faux
Definitely consider a concierge level room. The lounge offers various meals and snacks throughout the day, as well as complimentary newspapers and magazines. You also can go on the Sunrise Safari Adventure or the Wildlife Discovery tour as a guest of the concierge level. - Anna Skamarakas
Book a Concierge Room, the Lounge up on the sixth floor. This lounge is one of the best on property. - Mike Corbo
Reserve concierge and do the sunrise or sunset safaris. Make sure to try a spa treatment. - Leanne Paul
Try dinner at Jiko, complemented by a special wine from South Africa. Jiko has a lot of free range and organic menu choices, too. - Susan Janke
Updated August 03, 2008
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