~Just back from AKL CL, BC and GF~

[johnsonet]

Had an amazing, amazing time. Disney Magic everywhere!! I was really impressed with the service we got every single place we went. And at the BC the valet services people and most of the other CM's were constantly saying "My pleasure" just like at a Ritz Carlton. I was pleasantly surprised, as it does leave one with a nice feeling!
AKL Concierge is still my absolute favorite - and the GF is still DD's favorite! We also enjoyed our 3 nights at the Beach Club. Our room was beautiful and we all loved SAB, of course.
We had beautiful, sunny days and afternoon thunderstorms just about every single day.
My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the Wanyama Safari - an incredible experience and an incredible dinner at Jiko! We also lucked into two spots at the Jiko Wine Dinner a few nights later. This is the real deal, folks. I will definitely do this again! We met some awesome people that night and learned a lot...
Discovery Cove was fantastic. The nicest theme park EVER! Swimming with "Lester" was the highlight but there is so much more! I HIGHLY recommend DC. We were there from 8am to 6pm and when we left I was utterly blissed out (except for leaving in a severe thunderstorm!)
We tried Sci-Fi Dine-In for the first time ever and I'm so glad we did. It is so much fun and my food was great! What a relaxing spot.
I could go on and on...16 nights was definitely more than necessary for us but the relaxed pace we kept made it a true vacation. I felt like we were gone a month. We ended up coming home 3 days early!
Any questions? Fire away~

 

[triplefigs]

How was the GF? Which bldg were you in? Glad you had a good time!

 

[Redbudlover]

Hi, We are going to BC for the first time after twice at POR and once at AKL - both of which we loved. What can you tell us about the rooms at BC - did you have standard? or water view? I would pay for water view if I actually got one but hear that is 50/50 - and a couple of people just got upgraded for free to a water view - trying to decide
Also wonder about AKL what makes that your favorite over BC? We loved the lobby, but found the room small....
Redbudlover

 

[TMM]

So glad you had a good time! We are staying at AKL in January and doing a couple of nights at concierge level in order to do the both the Sunrise and Sunset Safaris. Can you tell me exactly what the Jiko Wine Dinner is? I thought the dinner at Jiko for the Wanyama Safari was a wine pairing.

What kind of room were you assigned for AKL concierge?

Lastly, what is Discovery Cove? I am intrigued

 

[johnsonet]

triplefigs We were in Boca Chica which I had requested. It is my favorite building (although I haven't stayed in all of them) This was my 9th stay at the GF and I would say it was better than ever! Great valet guys, incredible bellmen (very, very helpful), good Mousekeeping (turndown CM wrote notes to say thank you for the tips we left)...
We enjoyed tea at the Garden View Lounge three times and the staff there are awesome! The view from our room (8123) was amazing! I could see people milling around at the entrance to MK, along with Space Mountain, The Castle, the train station, etc. Also, great view of the Contemporary and, to our right, a good view of WL ~
Redbudlover we had a water view room reserved at BC. We had a pretty view of one of the smaller pools. I'll try and get some pics posted. I was very happy with our view.
AKL - particularly the concierge level - is just my favorite. It "speaks" to me. I think the theming is very, very special. The colors and aromas and details here just have won me over completely. I love a lot of the resorts but AKL Concierge is my #1!!

 

[jacksmom]

I would love to hear more about AKL CL! Did you go on the early morning safari?

 

[Redbudlover]

Thanks Johnsonet! I too am curious about the Wanyama Safair and the Jiko wine dinner. We loved the food at Boma and the different tastes, particularly the soup - am very curious about Jiko - four years ago the reviews were not as good as they seem to be now....
Redbudlover

 

[johnsonet]

TMM
You will LOVE AKL CL.
I was lucky and got all my room requests:
Non-smoking
Savanna view
Arusha savanna view(Main savanna and only one with zebras)
Zebra trail (this puts you on the same side of the resort as the pool, laundry, Mara food court, arcade and restaurants)


jacksmom We were scheduled to do the Sunrise Safari but changed our plans and tried a few nights at BC which caused us to have to give up the Safari. But DD and I have done it once before and it is wonderful. I highly recommend it!

 

[triplefigs]

triplefigs We were in Boca Chica which I had requested. It is my favorite building (although I haven't stayed in all of them) This was my 9th stay at the GF and I would say it was better than ever! Great valet guys, incredible bellmen (very, very helpful), good Mousekeeping (turndown CM wrote notes to say thank you for the tips we left)...
We enjoyed tea at the Garden View Lounge three times and the staff there are awesome! The view from our room (8123) was awesome! I could see people milling around at the entrance to MK! Along with Space Mountain, The Castle, thetrain station, etc. Also, great view of the Contemporary and to our right, a good view of WL)~
Redbudlover we had a water view room reserved at BC. We had a pretty view of one of the smaller pools. I'll try and get some pics posted. I was very happy with our view.
AKL - particularly the concierge level - is just my favorite. It "speaks" to me. I think the theming is very, very special. The colors and aromas and details here just have won me over completely. I love a lot of the resorts but AKL Concierge is my #1!!

Glad you had such a great time! Thanks for the update!

 

[johnsonet]

Here is a little info on the Jiko Wine Dinners from allearsnet:
Monthly Wine Dinners at Jiko-The Cooking Place

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge has launched a monthly wine dinner, planned the first Thursday of every month in the restaurant's private dining room, Cape Town.

Chef Anette Grecchi Gray will step outside the menu and create dishes from around the globe, with wines paired by sommelier Stephen Shepherd.

"We'd like to branch out a bit," said Gray. She said she envisions featuring an Italian-inspired dish paired with a South African Sangiovese, or a course from the Australian outback paired with a Shiraz from Australia and a Syrah from South Africa.

"Or perhaps French-inspired foods with a South African bordeaux, or a hearty German meal paired with a Gewûrtstraminer from Dehlheim," she continued. "The sky is the limit."

The wine dinners are $130 per person. For reservations, call 407/WDW-DINE

 

[Redbudlover]

Thanks, Liz,

Can I ask one more question? Is there a place I can get information on the morning and sunset safaris at AK? From what you have been telling me I am thinking about changing to AK or splitting our time there with BC...
Redbudlover

 

[johnsonet]

redbudlover
Try this link: http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm

also from allearsnet:

What is the Sunrise Safari?


Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is available to concierge guests only. The tour, along the safari ride path, lasts about 45 minutes and includes multiple stops so that you can stand up and take many pictures. Each of the animals along the way is described in great detail, since there is plenty of time. The Adventure is available on Sunday and Thursdays (change from Tue/Sat 8/2005).

After the Safari, you go to Tusker House for a breakfast buffet which includes both standard American and African items. Each person also gets a FastPass to Kilimanjaro Safari to experience it "the regular way".

Bill Leska writes: We just returned from a six night stay at AKL, where we did the Sunrise Safari twice. It was that great! Here are a couple of updates you may want to consider:

The price is now just a shade less than $50 per person, including tax. (Our total for three people was $149.xx.) The fact sheet says it's $39.95. It leaves the AKL at 7:30, not 6:30 as shown. (I imagine that this would probably vary with season, the park's opening time, etc., but for our trip, it left at 7:30.)

The fact sheet said that there was a limit of 28 persons. This wasn't the case for either of our safaris. One of them had 55 people and the other had about 50. However, there does appear to be a limit to the number of people: We went on the safari on a Saturday and like it so much, we booked it again for the following Tuesday. As the Concierge was setting things up, he mentioned that it looked good, because there wasn't anyone on the waiting list. (Having a waiting list indicates to me that there is a limit of some kind.)

As I mentioned, we had a great time on the safari and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari. The Sunrise Safaris were the highlight of our trip. (7/04)

The group leaves AKL at 6:30am and you are transported to the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari area.

It can be booked up to 90 days out, by contacting AKL concierge directly (once you have your room reservation).

What is the Sunset Safari?

Todd Allen writes: I just got a really neat new piece of info from the AKL Concierge Itinerary Planners. Here's the email text: "I did want to quickly tell you about something that will be starting on November 3rd, we actually just began booking it this week, and that is our Mnyama Safari. Pronounced Wanjama and meaning our SUNSET Safari.

Like the Sunrise Safari, this is offered exclusively to our Concierge Guests saying with us at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Admission is limited to 8 guests and can be reserved 90 days in advanced.

During this approximately 1 and a half our safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge you will experience a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the DAKL animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas.

Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at Jiko. Just like the lodges in Africa, a multi-course meal will await you. Be advised it is a preset menu, give you a sampling of various appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and a wine pairing along with each course. Also be advised that all 8 guests on this Safari Experience will be dining together.

Offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday (as of 8/2005) -- Guests must be 16 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $150 per person, tax and gratuity included, 48 hour cancellation policy."


Sunset Safari Photo Gallery

 

[TammiMcMan]

Liz, welcome back. Glad you had such a nice vacation.

Tammi

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you Tammi

 

[TMM]

Thanks, Liz,

Can I ask one more question? Is there a place I can get information on the morning and sunset safaris at AK? From what you have been telling me I am thinking about changing to AK or splitting our time there with BC...
Redbudlover

Redbudlover, thisis what AKL sent me about the safaris. They said they would contact me about the 120 day to make our arrangements.

Wanyama Safari (exclusively offered to Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Guests)

During this approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Safari a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. It is an opportunity to spend time with members from the DAKL animal programs team in a very personal environment; learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas. Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you.

Guest meet in the Porte Cochere an hour and a half prior to Sunset. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

Guests must be 12 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $150 per person tax and gratuity included. 48-hour cancellation policy.

Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room. Admission is limited to 8 Guests and can be reserved 90 days in advance of arrival date.



The Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is held on Sundays and Thursdays and is exclusively offered to our concierge guests staying here at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Concierge guests going on the Sunrise Safari will meet in the 6th floor concierge lounge between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. At this time, there will be coffee and juice available and the Animal Programs Cast Member will be on hand to give you a run-down of the morning's activities. At promptly 7:30am, a private bus will be departing from the Animal Kingdom Lodge to the Animal Kingdom Park, where our guests will be able to see some of the backstage animal areas (via the bus). Once there, our guests will board the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride, where they will go on a 45 min. or so safari with our Animal Programs Cast Member. The Animal Programs cast member will be able to share with our guests information about the animals, the habitat we have created and answer any questions that they may have. After the Safari, guests will be escorted to a private dining room (called the School Room) in the Tusker House Restaurant. There they will find a lavish buffet set-up that has an assortment of both traditional American and African Items. At this time, guests will be given a Fast Pass to enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride as it for our regular guests. There is a separate charge for the Sunrise Safari. For adults is $49.95 and for children (3-11) it is $24.95. Park admission is required at a separate charge and a credit card is required at the time of booking in order to guarantee the reservation (this number will be used as a guarantee only, as the safari is charged to the guests room the day of the event). There is a 48-hour cancellation policy and the safari is booked 90 days out from the day of the event. This event can only be booked by contacting the Animal Kingdom Lodge Itinerary Planning Office.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Hi Liz!

Welcome back. I knew you had to be home any day now. So glad to hear that you had a wonderful trip!

I can't wait to try the Wanyama Safari. Tell me more about the Wine Dinner...sounds like a good evening. Isn't the SCI FI pretty cool! Any other restaurants that you enjoyed?

Also, did you have to "suffer" through a massage every other day!?!?!?

Gordon

 

[johnsonet]

Hi Gordon! I thought of you often while I was at the GF (you too, Tammi!)
The Wine Dinner was so amazing. Guest of Honor Freddy Matson of Vineyard Brands was very friendly and enthusiastic. His family has been making wine in S.Africa since 1605!
I'm going to post our menu over on the Restaurants Board but let me tell you - the evening was fantastic! We arrived at 6:30pm out on the rounded porch area near the Sunset Lounge off the Lobby. Here we were greeted with a glass of wine and later hors d'oeuvres were passed. We chatted and enjoyed the wine, food and scenery and were later ushered down to Jiko for dinner.
Many of the people there were Floridians who had come over for the event. There were some serious foodies there and it was interesting to talk to them. I learned a lot about the Food and Wine Festival from them and am now planning to attend
The night was very special. I can't recommend it enough!! My friend and I loved it and I don't think we left AKL until about 11:30pm!

I also enjoyed Jiko on the very first night of the trip... Rose and Crown on our fourth night, Chefs de France was FABULOUS for dinner one evening, always love Tangierine Cafe, Kona Cafe was scrumptious for dinner on 2 separate occasions this trip and we tried the Plaza Restaurant for the very first time and really enjoyed it. Aside from the Wanyama Safari and the wine dinner plus my first night at Jiko, not a lot of "fancy" meals - I spent my money at The Spa

I think I had 7 massages all with the same person and it was divine! I HIGHLY recommend the 80-minute over the 50-minute A MAJOR vacation for me After a while, the staff at the GF Spa greeted me by name and it was embarassing but funny. I couldn't help myself. I got VERY comfortable with the place. DD had the My First Facial and My First pedicure and loved it the facial in particular. One of the receptionists even told me they were going to miss me when I was gone! She was so sweet. They are such a nice group of people. I met lots of great people in the Spa Lounge as well. One sweet woman had had her nails polished for the first time in 39 years (since her wedding day) - it was awesome!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Sounds like an absolutely great time! We've stayed at AKL three times and I've never heard of the Wine Dinner Do they do it often?

Great news on your DD's spa experience. As I remember you were anxious about her during your massages.

Your brief descriptions on your dining choices has made me hungry!

 

[Angel16]

Hi Liz, Welcome back. I have been awaiting your return to hear all about your vacation. It sounds like you had a great time. I am so happy for you.

I will have to read your report on the Jiko wine dinner. I had brought this up to IPO at AKL and it was suggested I did not need to bother, as we were doing the Sunset Safari. Sounds like we may need to schedule. The first Thursday of the month will be our last night there. What do you think? Would that be a good way to end our vacation?


Angel

 

[johnsonet]

Gordon I believe the Wine Dinners are something new but I'm not positive. They are the first Thursday of the month. It would be fun to meet up at one
Yes - DD loved her treatments. She'd wanted the facial so I booked that but you were sweet to recommend the mani and pedi just before we left as well. She got the pedi and the woman put Mickeys on her big toes
I ended up having my massages in the early evening and taking her to Neverland Club. My friend and I took all three children there several times, as well as to the Sandcastle Cub at the BC and to Simba's at AKL. DD went once to the Mouseketeer Club at GF also.