Reviews of Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge, Walt Disney World, Florida

DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs K Parker

Comments:

DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

WARNING FOR OTHERS



DO NOT STAY AT THE ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE WE LEFT AFTER ONE NIGHT

THERE IS BUILDING WORKS ON GOING UNTIL SPRING 09 AND THE HOTEL ARE NOT LETTING PEOPLE KNOW WHEN THEY BOOK OR WHEN THEY CHECK IN AND THEY REFUSE TO GIVE YOUR MONEY BACK, INSTEAD OF THE VIEW OF ANIMALS AS PROMISED WE HAVE JCB`S DIGGERS AND LOTS OF WORKMEN....AND THREE VERY UPSET SMALL CHILDREN...

Overall this is the perfect...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

May 2008

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs J J Bunney

Comments:

Overall this is the perfect place on Disney property to stay if you do not want to be in the hustle and bustle of the madness of Disney. This was my first trip to Disney but I did get to visit most of the other hotels as I booked lots of other hotels for dining (something I would strongly suggest you research and book before you go to save being disappointed at eating quick service meals only), and have to say that AKL is a very impressive hotel on first impressions.... However...

I agree with a previous reviewer that it is just the same as 'a very small zoo' and once you have seen the animals, you have seen them.

I was also not able to have a Savannah view room due to popularity, even though I had booked one and they wanted an extra $500 per night to be upgraded to a suite (which I declined). I soon got over my disappointment at not having a Savannah room and wasnt there enough to benefit from a savannah view room anyway. If you plan on sitting on your balcony all day every day then maybe you would!!!

The food was a bit spicy for my husband but should have thought about that before booking an African themed hotel!!

One person has commented on the colour of the pool water - it is supposed to look like that. It is supposed to be a tropical oasis so the floor is coloured green to give the impression of swimming in a lake or river.

As above, if you want a proper sit down breakfast in the morning you will need to book Boma for every day to avoid disappointment as the walk in wait can be about 90 mins otherwise.

Shop is quite big and sells all the little bits and bobs you forget like toothpaste and sun cream etc.

Never had a problem getting a lounger by the pool. Even had waiter service by the pool. Try the blue glowtinis!!!

Travelling around can be a bit time consuming by bus service as its so far away but after all... you are on holiday...whats the rush!

I am not a snob but due to the price of the accommodation you do tend to get nice refined families there as opposed to the large families with screaming kids.

Concierge services were all very good at reception. Very knowledgeable. Check in fairly fast and gave me all the information i needed.

Room was cleaned daily. Towels and toiletries refreshed every day.

House keeping very friendly. Came home one afternoon to find the tv on and the childrens bears propped up at the end of one of the beds with the remote control to look as if they had been watching tv whilst we were out. Very effective. My daughter loved it!

Arline in the Mara very helpful to 1st time guests with dining plan. Lovely lady. Be nice to her she only gets 1 day off per week.

Most of the staff are of African origin. Can sometimes be a bit of a language barrier but never had a problem that couldnt be resolved.

Lifeguards at the pool all very vigilant. Several times saw one jump in to rescue little kiddies.

Towels always stocked up and available at pool side (take these to water parks with you else you'll have to pay $1 for your towels there)... Life jackets in short supply by the pool side though. People seem to bag them in the morning and hide them next to their sun loungers even when their kids are not using them!

Look out for the resident duck who has just had ducklings and takes them for a swim in the pool every morning!

All in all lovely location, quiet and relaxing. Will not be going back as a lot to pay when you can go to Port Orleans French Quarter for 1/2 the price and from what I have been told, the same service.

This was our first visit to...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson Jetsave

Submitted By:

Miss J Cook

Comments:

This was our first visit to Disney World and it could not have been more magical.



If I had to use one word that would describe Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge it would have to be Fantastic.



We had the Disney Dining Plan added to our trip which was great, as we didn't need to worry about keeping our money for food separate from our spending money. It’s a great idea and would recommended it to anyone.



As soon as I set foot inside the lobby, I didn't feel like I was in Florida, I felt like I was in Africa. The staff were really friendly and always happy to help.



The restaurants were lovely, Boma (buffet) had something for everyone, Mara (Counter service) was great for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you are on the go and Jiko was great for a special meal.



There was a fire that was lit in the evenings which had rocking chairs all around was a great place to relax after walking around the parks all day.



The theme of Africa was also carried into the rooms; from African themed wallpaper to huge wooden carved beds that were so comfortable that you really could re charge your batteries ready for the next day.



If you are thinking of visiting Walt Disney World, I would recommend travelling in December.



Not only is the weather good but you get to see Disney working its magic ready for Christmas; you must get tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party held in Magic Kingdom where the park is open until midnight for around 1000 people and select attractions are open throughout.



There is a Christmas parade that is on only during the party and not at any other time throughout the day and the special firework show that is just spectacular and breathtaking.



I really can’t wait to go back - already going back next year and trying to squeeze in another trip at the end of this year.



If you can go - GO.

WOW! That’s the quickest way...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

HW Techie

Videos:

Video Clip  

Comments:

WOW! That’s the quickest way to describe Animal Kingdom Lodge. I’d recommend you try and get there at least once in your life, especially if you have kids.



Mrs A Husselbee’s review below gives a great idea of what to expect, and there’s not really much more I can add. Although I would definitely stress the point that you should buy a refill cup as soon as you visit the Mara restaurant, great value for money.



As well as the Mara we ate in the Boma restaurant, which is buffet style. The food has an African theme, but the selections were amazing, from the carvery right through to the deserts. We counted 19 different deserts on offer! It’s advisable to book for the Boma, as there were always queues in the evening.



The layout of the hotel is massive, to give the most views of the Savannahs, and it is quite a trek to your room if you’re at the far ends. You really have to remember to take everything with you first trip, or it can be a 20 minute wait while someone runs back to the room! I’ve included the walk from reception to our room in my video, which gives you an idea of just how big the hotel is.



We were facing the sunrise Savannah, and lots of the animals were fed in this area, it’s just unbelievable how close they are. You find yourself stepping out onto the balcony for a minute, and you’re still there half an hour later. Again, there’s some clips from our balcony in the video.



This is an ideal base for those with kids, as the non-Park days when you stay at the hotel will be just as fun, and the kids won’t get bored!

Hotel was wonderful and really...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs B Roach

Comments:

Hotel was wonderful and really added to the whole Disney experience. We stayed in a savannah view room, and struggled to leave the room, as it was such a joy to watch all of the animals wandering past the balcony, the children loved sitting out there after dark also.



Sharing a room with the kids, can be a little stressful though as we walked miles and miles, kids often become tired and tetchy and there is no where to escape to as you are in a family room.

An impressive hotel set in it's...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2006

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs A Husselbee

Comments:

An impressive hotel set in it's own grounds, with 3 restaurants, a good sized pool with life-guards, toddler pool and giraffes, zebras, flamingos- what more could you want?

Check in was a bit of a wait but we got there eventually! Don't forget a credit card with a decent limit on it - your card is linked to your room key and can be used to pay for all Disneyland purchases including food and all purchases from the parks are delivered to the hotel which saves struggling with lots of cuddly toys.



Our room was on the 5th floor over-looking the front of the hotel with an excellent view of the car-park! but because of the excellent glazing we were not disturbed by any noise. The room was a decent size for 2 adults and 2 small children with a double sink in the bathroom which was handy. Very clean throughout and there was maid service daily. The housekeeping service was excellent with a same day laundry service provided at a small charge.



The food was filling and there were 3 eating places to suit all pockets. The Mara was a fast food joint which did serve some healthy options - look out for the free oranges, apples and bananas! It was the cheapest place to eat in the hotel and there was no need to book a table. A top tip is to buy a cup when you first visit the Mara- $11.95 I think they were and once this had been purchased all the soft/hot drinks were free. The staff were excellent and very good with children. Didn't use the Boma (mid-price, reservations required) or the Jiko (serves dinner, reservations, most expensive).



The pool was a good size with life-guards on duty. However, after seeing ducks use it as a loo we were a little put off! The toddler pool was very small and was in a different area to the main pool which could be problematic if you have kids of varying ages.

Loads of activities for the kids (with an African/Conservation theme) - parental supervision needed. Notice board details everything that's going on.



Now to the best bit - the animals! 3 Savannahs staffed by knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very friendly guides from the African Continent. They were happy to take the time and chat about anything and everything! and they also lead the kids activities. We visited the Savannahs at all hours and saw all types of animal behaviour - totally absorbing and our youngest formed a strong bond with the flamingos! The night-vision goggles were amazing although we had quite a wait to use them on a few nights but it was worth it.



The bar in the hotel was small and a getting a table wasn't always possible but the pool bar was ok for a quick beer in the evenings.



The hotel shop sold the usual range of Disney merchandise and some basics – sun cream, postage stamps, snacks etc. Plus there was a large selection of African musical instruments which the children could play with for as they wanted. Good job the shop sold headache tablets too!



Transportation to the parks is provided by buses and they run every 20 minutes from the hotel. To go further afield, go to the valet service to order taxis - which are reasonably priced.



All in all, I usually find something to complain about when on holiday, but with this hotel even I was stumped and we are thinking about going back next year so it must be good!

We spent 2 weeks at this hotel...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2005

Tour Operator:

Virgin

Submitted By:

Mrs K Clarke

Comments:

We spent 2 weeks at this hotel in June this year and I would recommend it without reservation. We took 2 children aged 3 and 11 and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Our room overlooked the wild animals.



The only slightly negative thing was that although it is classed as a deluxe resort the room was not very large, however it was kept spotless by the housekeeping staff. The food was excellent. Regular transport to the Disney theme parks. We did not have our own transport but there was a courtesy phone in the hotel so we could arrange transport with Mears to all the other Orlando theme parks.



Would go back again but would avoid June - very wet!.