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Have you stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in the past? If so, did you enjoy your stay there and would you recommend this resort to others? What about this resort did you particularly enjoy? Any tips for getting the most out of your Animal Kingdom Lodge stay?

Answers posted to the list:

"My husband and I stayed at the AKL last year for my birthday. We stayed on the concierge level and participated in the sunrise safari -- which was spectacular, even though we were freezing (it was January and had to be less than 40 degrees -- there was frost on the ground and they gave us blankets for the trip). That said, I would highly recommend the safari. The animals are much more active and you get to stay much longer and really observe them.

We also loved the resort itself. It reminded me of the Wilderness Lodge, but with a much more exotic feel. We ate at Jiko, which is our favorite restaurant on property. The animals out in the courtyard are really a sight to see. Even if you don't stay at AKL, it's worth it to go for dinner or a drink just to feel the ambience of the hotel. We also liked that it was well off the beaten path.
Anyway, it's a great resort with lots of appeal."
 

Michele

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"We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for my daughter's 13th birthday in November 2002. We stayed in the concierge and totally LOVED it!! The people were wonderful, very helpful and nice beyond compare. We were even surprised with a card, cake, party hats and streamers in our room for her birthday. And a most wonderful thing is that they called her the next year on her birthday to wish her a happy birthday!! They also called my son whose birthday was in July!!! I could not have been more impressed by that!!!

Sadly we only went for long weekend and could not do the sunrise safari but I would love to go back for that. The rooms were decent size. We had bunk beds for the kids and they loved it. The only complaint was that the rooms were a bit dark. The view was breathtaking though. I took many pictures from the balcony. The resort itself is lovely and very relaxing.

As far as the concierge lounge and whether or not it is worth the extra money...I say yes, yes, yes!!!! It was great. And let me just say one more thing...cappuccino machine!!!!!"

Ann

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"Love it, love it, love it! We stayed there 2 years ago on the concierge level and fell in love with the place. I think it is the most relaxing resort at WDW.
 

We loved watching the animals, attending the fireside storytelling, the ranger programs for the kids, BOMA, the pool, sunrise safari, etc. etc.

Needless to say...yes I would recommend it."

Cora

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"We have stayed at the AK Lodge twice. I'm planning to stay there in February of 2005. I think the resort is very relaxing and the animals are beautiful. The only thing we don't love is the size...long walks to the room sometimes. The restaurants are excellent and the cast members have been very helpful during each visit. I have never swam in a prettier pool at night."

TJ

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"We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge In May this year. It was at the back end of a DVC stay to save on weekend points. I booked us into a water view room on an AP rate which came out at $160/night including the taxes. Our room was nice but not as nice as a DVC studio IMHO. The pool was nice for a change and the overall theme of the resort itself is great. Jiko and Boma are both nice.
 

I personally would rather eat at Jiko but the buffet is a good value if you like to try different stuff and are a big eater :-)

I was a bit p***** off that there was an additional charge for the fitness center though, at that rate the facilities should be included in the price IMO.

We're gonna try Wilderness Lodge in September. For anyone that didn't know they were designed by the same guy, that's probably why they look similar but different ;-)"

Greg
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"We stayed at AKL a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. I would recommend a room with a view toward the animals - it was especially nice walking out onto the balcony at night and first thing in the morning to see who was around. The three caballeros (the three cattle) were our favorites.
 

That said, I would also walk around the Lodge and the grounds to check the animals out from various angles and in various settings. We learned on about our third day that a great place is down at the far end of the pool, especially at feeding time.

Boma is worth a visit or two for dinner and, I hear, for breakfast as well. Actually, Boma is one of our favorite places to eat in all of WDW. The lobby is also a great place to just sit and relax."

Bob

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"We LOVE Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!! Can't say enough about it!!!! When it comes to tips - I would say:

Ask for a free upgrade when you check in - I've heard that there are more savannah rooms than standard - so you have a good chance of getting one.

Don't forget to find the CM at night with the night vision goggles to view the animals.

Pack a small pair of binoculars to enjoy the animals from your balcony.

EAT AT BOMA!!!! Especially the soups and desserts - and remember that you can ask for Frunch at dinner too!!!! Frunch is the fruit drink they serve at breakfast.

Don't miss the storyteller around the firepit.

Don't miss the gift shop - it's wonderful!!!

Schedule some "down time" to just enjoy the hotel!!!!

Hope this helps some people enjoy Animal Kingdom Lodge as much as we do."

Lynn

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"We stayed at the AKL 2 years ago, had a room with savannah view
(Kudu Trail), besides from the storks and few other birds, the only
time we really saw the giraffes was at feeding time (they know why
the trucks are coming around). It was still nice to be able to go
out on the balcony and see them from time to time.

If anyone is planning a stay at ALK, I would recommend a room/view
towards the Arusha Savannah no higher than the third floor (better
eye view of the animals).

Our stay was for three nights, we ate at Boma's two nights and had
breakfast there once. We enjoyed both. It became a tradition
everytime we visited WDW to eat breakfast at least once on every
trip (we try to go at least 3 times a year), and dinner at least
once. I have to admit though, our last few trips for dinner have
been a little disappointing having us wondering whether or not the
$60 for the two of us is really worth it (the food is good but they
change their menu every couple of days - so when you find something
you really enjoy it may not be there when you go again). We still
love their breakfast and will continue doing that.

One of the other things I enjoyed about AKL was one night when my
husband was watching a football game (I know, how can you watch
football when you're in DW??? - but he loves football), I went out
to the Arusha Rock area and one of the guides had night vision
binoculars so I was able to see the animals and get a lot
information from him. I believe the guides stay out at night until 1
or 2 a.m. (check with the front desk when you check in). I thought
that was a nice detail Disney added (not something you can get at
any of the other resorts).

Since we are now DVC members we probably will not stay there again
(even though I would like to) but I would recommend it to others.
The resort is absolutely beautiful and it truly does make you feel
as though we are not in Florida from the moment you drive up to the
guard gate to hearing the music being played outside and in the
lobby, it helps transport you to another world."

Goofymom

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