Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Information & Questions

[sndral]

Hey everyone! I've searched around and haven't been able to locate the answers to to my questions. I've booked my first stay to AKL Jambo house using rented DVC points we got a "standard view deluxe studio villa". I'm a bit confused by all of the room types listed in the very first post.. where are these rooms located? How long of a walk is it to the lobby ftom the rooms farthest away? I also wanted to ask how the bus service is to AKL, the most recent thread I found was 5 years old... I'm a little nervous about it being so far away from the parks. Thanks in advance everyone!

Unfortunately the room types listed for Jambo house in the first post of this thread haven't been accurate since 2007, when the former rooms on the 5th and 6th floors were converted to DVC villas. With a standard view deluxe villa you will be on the 5th floor on Zebra or Kudu trail and will have a view of the pool or a limited/partial savanna view.
The walk to the lobby can be a hike if you are at the furthest end of either Zebra or Kudu trail, if that concerns you during online check in request near lobby or near elevator.
I'm ok with the buses, I just add extra time if I have a specific time I have to be somewhere (like an ADR.) But I do that where ever I stay on property. The good news is that the buses are for AKL/AKV only, so no sharing with other resorts like other Deluxes and only 2 stops (Kidani then Jambo for all park buses, Jambo then Kidani for DTD.)

 

[RachelTori]

Unfortunately the room types listed for Jambo house in the first post of this thread haven't been accurate since 2007, when the former rooms on the 5th and 6th floors were converted to DVC villas. With a standard view deluxe villa you will be on the 5th floor on Zebra or Kudu trail and will have a view of the pool or a limited/partial savanna view.
The walk to the lobby can be a hike if you are at the furthest end of either Zebra or Kudu trail, if that concerns you during online check in request near lobby or near elevator.
I'm ok with the buses, I just add extra time if I have a specific time I have to be somewhere (like an ADR.) But I do that where ever I stay on property. The good news is that the buses are for AKL/AKV only, so no sharing with other resorts like other Deluxes and only 2 stops (Kidani then Jambo for all park buses, Jambo then Kidani for DTD.)

Great information! I never look at the first post so wasn't aware that it's outdated.

I also want to add that during peak times lately, Jambo and Kidani have run SEPARATE buses to the parks! Not sure if that was a "test" or if it will continue, but it was so nice to have direct bus service Jambo -> Park; Park -> Jambo (Kidani had their own buses! ) during our stay in August!

 

[nkereina]

I also want to add that during peak times lately, Jambo and Kidani have run SEPARATE buses to the parks! Not sure if that was a "test" or if it will continue, but it was so nice to have direct bus service Jambo -> Park; Park -> Jambo (Kidani had their own buses! ) during our stay in August!

This was not our experience the week of Halloween in October. The buses were fine, but did stop at both Jambo and Kidani. Maybe just not enough of a peak time? Will be interested to see if this occurs next week during Thanksgiving!

 

[mouselovinmamatoo]

We will be staying at AKL for the first time from Dec 21-28/15. Hoping that since it will be super-busy there will be separate buses but if not, how long is the walk from Jambo to Kidani?

 

[sdsatl]

Sorry if this has been answered, and it's probably a stupid question, but will Rivers of Lights (fireworks?) be viewable from AKL?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Sorry if this has been answered, and it's probably a stupid question, but will Rivers of Lights (fireworks?) be viewable from AKL?

Hard to say. If so, only the finale will be viewable.

 

[RachelTori]

This was not our experience the week of Halloween in October. The buses were fine, but did stop at both Jambo and Kidani. Maybe just not enough of a peak time? Will be interested to see if this occurs next week during Thanksgiving!

I stay at AKL/AKV 3 or 4 times a year and August was the first time the buses were separate during my visit. I hope if it was a "test", it passed and they will keep doing it during busy times! I would expect if it is to continue, Thanksgiving week and Christmas/New Years would be times they'd offer separate buses.

 

[subtchr]

Sorry if this has been answered, and it's probably a stupid question, but will Rivers of Lights (fireworks?) be viewable from AKL?

I think this show is going to be very different from the nighttime spectaculars at the other parks. I found this description online:

"Rivers of Light," the new immersive nighttime experience coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in spring 2016, will combine live performances with beautiful floating lanterns, water screens and grand theatrical imagery, in a celebration of animals and nature. The event begins with the arrival of a pair of Shamans, two complimentary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light. Along with their Acolytes, or assistants, the Shamans set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels, engaging in a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits.

I can't imagine they will have pyrotechnics, with the animals so close.

 

[subtchr]

To submit a room request or not?

We have a standard room reserved in a couple of weeks, using the military salute discount. Should we request a room location? Does making a request seem to affect one's chances for an upgrade?

Note: I am perfectly content with a standard room. I would NEVER count on or expect a free upgrade. If I desperately wanted a savannah view, I would pay for one. I am just wondering if making a room request affects the chances of receiving one.

Thanks!

 

[sdsatl]

I can't imagine they will have pyrotechnics, with the animals so close.

Oh, duh. I swear I read somewhere that there would be fireworks, but that makes sense (and is good!).

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Oh, duh. I swear I read somewhere that there would be fireworks, but that makes sense (and is good!).

There might be lights, though. Something without explosions and with more controlled noise levels. Lots can be done without pyro.

 

[dansdad]

To submit a room request or not?

We have a standard room reserved in a couple of weeks, using the military salute discount. Should we request a room location?

I don't see why you wouldn't.

Does making a request seem to affect one's chances for an upgrade?

Nope, not at all.

 

[eeyore81]

Can anyone tell me where the one bedroom savanna view suites are located? I keep getting conflicting information. This is not a DVC room. It appears on the Disney website as 1 Bedroom Suite- Club Level Access- View of one of the savannas. I am trying to figure out what floors these rooms are located and on what trail.

 

[Jetta8300]

To submit a room request or not?

We have a standard room reserved in a couple of weeks, using the military salute discount. Should we request a room location? Does making a request seem to affect one's chances for an upgrade?

Note: I am perfectly content with a standard room. I would NEVER count on or expect a free upgrade. If I desperately wanted a savannah view, I would pay for one. I am just wondering if making a room request affects the chances of receiving one.

Thanks!

I am in the same situation! We are perfectly happy with a standard view. We won't be in the room much anyway I'm sure, not enough to justify the cost. However we are going during a slow time, (end of February) I'm wondering if requesting a King bed room would hurt our chances of a savannah upgrade if one was available. Like if they would try to find us a king room instead of possibly putting us in a vacant savannah with 2 queens. Right now I'm leaning towards not making a request just due to the slow time, but I really just don't want a room with bunk beds. It's just my hubby and I on a couples trip!

 

[marinejjh]

Does anyone know how to find the activity schedule for the resort? When will they come out with an update for January?

 

[dansdad]

Does anyone know how to find the activity schedule for the resort?

http://www.themouseforless.com/walt-disney-world/resort-hotels/movies-under-stars/

When will they come out with an update for January?

Usually on the 2nd or 3rd of each month.

 

[Candycane83]

First time poster looking at options for next year. I booked 2 nights at AKL pool view and was wondering if this is worth it compared to a standard view? We will be staying in the room a bit since its my DS2 first trip and we're planning afternoon breaks... Or should we splurge on a Savannah view? If we get a pool view, what area should I request? TIA!

 

[Aladora]

I bet the answer to this question is here somewhere but there are 118 pages to this thread which is a lot of reading!

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out approximate travel time between Jambo and the 4 parks in the mornings.

Every park we want to go to opens at 9:00 on the days we want to go there so, assuming a 9:00am opening, what time should we look at leaving Jambo to get there in a timely manner?

As always, thanks for any advice!

 

[Lacoccinelle]

Great information! I never look at the first post so wasn't aware that it's outdated.

I also want to add that during peak times lately, Jambo and Kidani have run SEPARATE buses to the parks! Not sure if that was a "test" or if it will continue, but it was so nice to have direct bus service Jambo -> Park; Park -> Jambo (Kidani had their own buses! ) during our stay in August!

Getting to the park at peak times, they have been separate this week, but every bus back to resort has gone to Kidani first, then Jambo.

 

[Lacoccinelle]

I bet the answer to this question is here somewhere but there are 118 pages to this thread which is a lot of reading!

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out approximate travel time between Jambo and the 4 parks in the mornings.

Every park we want to go to opens at 9:00 on the days we want to go there so, assuming a 9:00am opening, what time should we look at leaving Jambo to get there in a timely manner?

As always, thanks for any advice!

The problem is that if everyone who is in line does not fit on one bus, you may miss two buses and have to wait for a third and that is 20 minutes between buses. I would give yourself a good hour or more for MK and a little less for others.