Animal Kingdom Lodge

[Flash]

Hi! We're a group of 11 (7 adults, 4 kids) traveling to AKL in June 2004. We chose this resort for the atmosphere, comfortable areas to get away, pool, and inside areas. Does anyone have advice on the kind or placement of rooms? With so many people, we want to be together, but we know it will be difficult. I would appreciate any input about this resort and its rooms.

[BetsyAnn]

Hi Flash!

We will get to spend a few nights there in December - I will grab an extra resort map if you would like!

Here are a couple of links if you have not already found them

Deb Wills Site AKL FAQ (http://www.wdwig.com/faq_akl.htm)

Deb Wills Site Resort map (http://www.wdwig.com/aklmap3.jpg)

[MissBianca]

Hi, Flash!

We stayed at the AKL in 2001 and adored it for all the reasons you list and more. My suggestion is to request rooms on the Zebra trail. This is the arm which runs between the largest savannah and the pool. Savannah view rooms are definitely worth the price--watching the animals at night was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I've heard that the animals are coolest on the lower floors so it is not necessary to request deluxe rooms. If any of the kids are small or if any of the party has mobility issues, request a room that isn't too far out on the trail. Those halls are really, really long!

You're planning far enough ahead that I'm sure they will be able to keep your party close together. Are you doing any of the Magical Gathering activities?

[AndyL]

Flash, just to go off on a slight tangent. Remember WDW has it's Magical Gatherings program too to help planning this trip. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/special/magicalgatherings/index?id=MGlanding

[Flash]

Thanks for the info. Do you think making reservations this far in advance will save us the rooms we need? I thought that it really didn't matter. If it does, I'll get on the phone.

We've talked about some of the gathering opportunities -- particularly the one at AK. We are a big animal loving family, so I think this would be particularly special for us.

Andy -- I'm a pretty experienced planner with the regular WDW stuff 00 just not AKL. I haven't gotten any of the Magical Gathering tools. Do you know what they can do? I originally thought they had people to help, but I don't think so, now.

Keep those hints coming!

[AliciaG]

I think the best spot is on the Zebra Trail overlooking the Arusha Savannah. Our room was on the 3rd floor which was really nice, since that is lobby level (no need to hop on an elevator to get up or down to the lobby). IMO it would be best to be about 1/2 way down that hall, or you could have a room pretty close to the observation deck. Miss B is right...those halls are LONG. Zebra Trail will put you very close to the Mara, the pool, and the other restaurants.

Have fun! AKL is our favorite. :D

[MargaretJ]

Another vote for Zebra Trail & 3rd floor. We had a 3rd floor pool view last June that was fabulous. It was near the elevators that left off near the Pool, Arcade, Laundry Room & The Mara Food Court. This past May we were again on the Zebra Trail on the 5th floor with a Deluxe Savannah room that was directly across from the elevators. I have to admit I loved the Savannah view but was just as happy with the Pool view. Enjoy your stay.

[SuzyQ]

Flash wrote:
Do you think making reservations this far in advance will save us the rooms we need? I thought that it really didn't matter. If it does, I'll get on the phone.

It is my understanding that the rooms are picked about 3 days prior to arrival by the Room Assigner. I would call and make the request for rooms together on your reservations. Then about 3-4 days out, I would send a fax to the attention of the room assigner mentioning that you would like to be near your family.

We stayed on Zebra trail (actually, we were on the savanah opposite the one mentioned above and thought that it was fabulous! So, I would just mention rooms together and Zebra Trail as your requests and see what they come up with (since you will also be there during a busier season).

What a fun trip!
~Suzy

[MikeS]

If you have booked through an agent inform the agent of your room preference.

If you have booked your room yourself then you may want to fax your request 4 days before you check into the hotel. I have done this several times and it works like a charm providing you don't ask for a number of things...stick with the Savannah Room view preference and you should be fine.

The FAX number for the AKL is 407-938-4799.

MikeS

[AndyL]

Don't forget Tink can put together the trip you want too.