Jambo! The newest AKL Information thread

[TheCars16]

My wife and i were able to get a value studio in October! Staying from 10/17 - 10/ 23, fingers crossed for a Sunset room. This is our first stay at a deluxe so we're pretty excited.

 

[dgbg100106]

My wife and i were able to get a value studio in October! Staying from 10/17 - 10/ 23, fingers crossed for a Sunset room. This is our first stay at a deluxe so we're pretty excited.

October
10/1 - 10/15 tinkerbell1991 - AKL
10/17 - 10/23 TheCars16 - AKL

 

[amarberry]

I posted a thread about this on the general Resorts board, but it was suggested that I ask about this her too since it pertains specifically to AKL.

We booked free dining and are excited to stay at AKL, but as I was reading up on the resort I discovered that the bunk bed rooms are pretty much gone. I have a teen and a tween (opposite gender) that would strongly prefer to not share a bed. Having the kids share with the same gendered parent doesn't really work for us either because DH snores very loudly and the only thing that would bring the kids together on the idea of sharing a bed is the suggestion of them sharing a bed with their snoremaster dad!

We've used a classic Aerobed in the past, but my kids are kind of getting too big for that and it's uncomfortable. We are open to getting a new, higher quality air mattress (looking for suggestions on that), but I'd like to confirm that a twin sized, possibly elevated air mattress will fit in the renovated AKL rooms. From what I've read, I believe that the elevated ones are supposed to be more comfortable (if anyone is knowledgeable about this, please let me know!). We're okay if it takes up a lot of floor space....just want to make sure it will fit somewhere.

Our other idea was to try and divide the bed that the kids would be sharing so they'd both have a decent mattress, but feel somewhat separated. One idea we had was to bring a foam bed bumper to put between them and use sleep sacks (like the type you would bring to a hostel) so they would at least feel somewhat separated. As my other thread states, I'm looking for creative solutions to try and make this work! I imagine that someone out there has dealt with this and has a better idea than I would have.

I realize it would just be easiest to tell my spoiled brat kids to just suck it up and share a bed. I agree in theory with that, but I also get where they are coming from. I hated sharing a bed with my younger brother on vacation too, so if we can find a workable solution I'm happy to make them happier about this.

Here's the bumper we were thinking about getting for that idea:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...c45-cd78f07a84d8&pf_rd_r=Q4G5MY8GX6KCW40NEJ7D

 

[amarberry]

Oh...to add to my other questions...from what I could find, it doesn't look like a rollaway bed is an option at AKL. Is that correct? It would solve all of my problems if that were an option, but it looked like that wasn't something they offered anymore.

 

[youngdeb12]

Oh...to add to my other questions...from what I could find, it doesn't look like a rollaway bed is an option at AKL. Is that correct? It would solve all of my problems if that were an option, but it looked like that wasn't something they offered anymore.

I was going to suggest asking about this. I know it's offered in other resorts but not sure about AKL.

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Oh...to add to my other questions...from what I could find, it doesn't look like a rollaway bed is an option at AKL. Is that correct? It would solve all of my problems if that were an option, but it looked like that wasn't something they offered anymore.

I don't think a roll away is an option at AKL. A twin sized air bed will fit, but it's tight. You will want to stand it up when not in use. We have a taller twin sized on that my DD16 uses a fair amount between sleepovers and staying with grandparents and it is pretty comfortable. It is a little more than a foot thick. I would think any of the ticker ones would beat sleeping with a sibling.

 

[Starwind]

I posted a thread about this on the general Resorts board, but it was suggested that I ask about this her too since it pertains specifically to AKL.

We booked free dining and are excited to stay at AKL, but as I was reading up on the resort I discovered that the bunk bed rooms are pretty much gone. I have a teen and a tween (opposite gender) that would strongly prefer to not share a bed. Having the kids share with the same gendered parent doesn't really work for us either because DH snores very loudly and the only thing that would bring the kids together on the idea of sharing a bed is the suggestion of them sharing a bed with their snoremaster dad!

We've used a classic Aerobed in the past, but my kids are kind of getting too big for that and it's uncomfortable. We are open to getting a new, higher quality air mattress (looking for suggestions on that), but I'd like to confirm that a twin sized, possibly elevated air mattress will fit in the renovated AKL rooms. From what I've read, I believe that the elevated ones are supposed to be more comfortable (if anyone is knowledgeable about this, please let me know!). We're okay if it takes up a lot of floor space....just want to make sure it will fit somewhere.

Our other idea was to try and divide the bed that the kids would be sharing so they'd both have a decent mattress, but feel somewhat separated. One idea we had was to bring a foam bed bumper to put between them and use sleep sacks (like the type you would bring to a hostel) so they would at least feel somewhat separated. As my other thread states, I'm looking for creative solutions to try and make this work! I imagine that someone out there has dealt with this and has a better idea than I would have.

I realize it would just be easiest to tell my spoiled brat kids to just suck it up and share a bed. I agree in theory with that, but I also get where they are coming from. I hated sharing a bed with my younger brother on vacation too, so if we can find a workable solution I'm happy to make them happier about this.

Here's the bumper we were thinking about getting for that idea:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...c45-cd78f07a84d8&pf_rd_r=Q4G5MY8GX6KCW40NEJ7D

You could improvise the bed bumper you are considering by wrapping the extra room blanket around a couple foam pool noodles -- much cheaper Them maybe add a pillow or two on top at head level for some extra barrier.

As for a twin air mattress. The AKL hotel rooms are SMALL for a deluxe WDW hotel room. There is not a lot of excess room and to be honest I don't think a twin air mattress will fit. If it does it will be shoehorned in and you won't have room around it plus will likely have had to have the table and chairs removed. I really would look to options that involve them sharing the same bed in a way that keeps them happy enough [or, as you say, tell them to suck it up ;-) ].

SW

 

[cmarsh31]

Added an extra day!
7/21‐7/25 AKV Jambo then we set sail on Fantasy!

 

[dgbg100106]

Added an extra day!
7/21‐7/25 AKV Jambo then we set sail on Fantasy!

July
7/21 - 7/25 cmarsh31 - AKL

 

[starfrenzy]

Of course, thanks for being so nice about it.
June
6/5 - 6/13 DigitalOlli - AKV Jambo
6/6 - 6/12 malissa90 - AKL
6/14 - 6/21 amyadams1020 - AKL
6/24 - 6/27 DizDad7 - Vero
6/27 - 7/2 DizDaD7 - OKW
6/28 - 7/4 DisneyDiana - AKV

Could you please add me?

6/2-6/9 at AKL

 

[gillep]

Sitting in the lounge on the 6th floor now with my coffee and a mimosa!!!

I love a few of the other hotels, but AKL feels like ‘home’, so glad to be back!

Jiko for dinner tonight.

Tag me if you have specific questions, but I have really only ever stayed on the 6th floor in the DVC CL rooms, so I am not very knowledgeable regarding the different trails and such but I will try my best.

 

[maranara]

Tag me if you have specific questions, but I have really only ever stayed on the 6th floor in the DVC CL rooms, so I am not very knowledgeable regarding the different trails and such but I will try my best.

2 questions that maybe you know the answer to...when we were there in 2017, the Mara had soup of the day each day. It changed daily, and it was usually one of the soups they serve at Boma (I know because my absolute favorite from our first night at Boma showed up for dinner halfway through the trip!). Do they still do that or is it the same soup offered every day? (it's hard to tell on the menu!) I'm also wondering if you have a sense of where they are with construction. We have a savannah view booked for the end of January - I requested Zebra trail with my fingers crossed...THANKS!

 

[kimmar067]

....Jiko for dinner tonight.....

....one of our all-time fave restaurants....

 

[kimmar067]

....We booked free dining and are excited to stay at AKL, but as I was reading up on the resort I discovered that the bunk bed rooms are pretty much gone. I have a teen and a tween (opposite gender) that would strongly prefer to not share a bed. Having the kids share with the same gendered parent doesn't really work for us either because DH snores very loudly and the only thing that would bring the kids together on the idea of sharing a bed is the suggestion of them sharing a bed with their snoremaster dad!....I realize it would just be easiest to tell my spoiled brat kids to just suck it up and share a bed. I agree in theory with that, but I also get where they are coming from. I hated sharing a bed with my younger brother on vacation too, so if we can find a workable solution I'm happy to make them happier about this...

.....I could very well be incorrect, but I was under the assumption that when the rooms were renovated, the pullout single beds (which replaced the dressers) were added to most of the rooms.....

 

[starfrenzy]

Really? If they sleep 5 now I would be thrilled!

 

[mullysisters]

Hi, I'm looking forward to staying at AKL in Feb, my first ever Deluxe resort. I have been following this thread and just watched the video on the refurbished rooms. Two questions, firstly, no more baths? I know showers are more desired these days but I am old school and loved my mid-day soak to ease the tired muscles etc. Second question, can you buy bottles of wine at The Mara quick serve? Okay, yes, it is for my mid-day soak but will also work on the balcony-LOL.
Staying at the AKL is a dream come true, I retired early to care for a family member last year and this will be my retirement gift to myself. I wish my Disneyworld partner (DSis) could be going with me but it was not to be. A solo trip it is. This will be trip #11, a solo trip at a Deluxe with no soaking. There had better be wine. Just kidding, can't wait.

 

[flangel813]

Hi, I'm looking forward to staying at AKL in Feb, my first ever Deluxe resort. I have been following this thread and just watched the video on the refurbished rooms. Two questions, firstly, no more baths? I know showers are more desired these days but I am old school and loved my mid-day soak to ease the tired muscles etc. Second question, can you buy bottles of wine at The Mara quick serve? Okay, yes, it is for my mid-day soak but will also work on the balcony-LOL.
Staying at the AKL is a dream come true, I retired early to care for a family member last year and this will be my retirement gift to myself. I wish my Disneyworld partner (DSis) could be going with me but it was not to be. A solo trip it is. This will be trip #11, a solo trip at a Deluxe with no soaking. There had better be wine. Just kidding, can't wait.

We got a bottle at Mara and we were just there in December. The prices were really good too!

 

[mullysisters]

Thank you! I suspected that there would be bottled wine. There are small single serving sizes at the mod resorts.

 

[JoJoGirl]

Hi, I'm looking forward to staying at AKL in Feb, my first ever Deluxe resort. I have been following this thread and just watched the video on the refurbished rooms. Two questions, firstly, no more baths? I know showers are more desired these days but I am old school and loved my mid-day soak to ease the tired muscles etc. Second question, can you buy bottles of wine at The Mara quick serve? Okay, yes, it is for my mid-day soak but will also work on the balcony-LOL.
Staying at the AKL is a dream come true, I retired early to care for a family member last year and this will be my retirement gift to myself. I wish my Disneyworld partner (DSis) could be going with me but it was not to be. A solo trip it is. This will be trip #11, a solo trip at a Deluxe with no soaking. There had better be wine. Just kidding, can't wait.

IIRC you can also get bottles of wine at the Zawadi gift shop - including the South African wines. Someone please correct me if this is no longer the case - I am counting on it myself for my May solo trip!

 

[amarberry]

.....I could very well be incorrect, but I was under the assumption that when the rooms were renovated, the pullout single beds (which replaced the dressers) were added to most of the rooms.....

That would be ideal. I haven't seen anything saying that though. If someone could report back, I'd appreciate it!