The EPIC AKV Photo Report!

[starbox]

We just got back from 5 amazing, amazing days at AKV. I am happy to report that reports of the resort closure have been greatly over-exagerated! There was NO shortage of animals, everything was running smoothly and most of the resort seemed full of people. Constuction noise was minimal and in-the-distance - firework noise from Wishes was just as loud.

I know you all want details and I'll be posting everything you could want to know here with about a billion pictures as soon as I get them uploaded. I'll try to take it one subject at a time.

The bottom line is that we were amazed by AKV. I think my sleeping around days are over because I have found my dream resort . I am sooooooo glad we are owners. The trip was absolutely perfect - DD8 even won a cool dream by being in
"the right dream place at the right dream time". .

We spent lots and lots of time at the resort because there were so many activities (I think we did every activity offered), we ate at Jiko, Boma, and Mara (breakfast and lunch), and DH and I enjoyed Victoria Falls.

The CMs were amazing. We had four different AKL CMs go out of their way to make our trip magical. Full details about everything AKV with photos to follow ASAP!

 

[MLK-RI]

Sounds fantastic Starbox, glad you had such a great trip. Look forward to your full report with photos!

 

[Muushka]

I look forward to your report and pictures. Glad it was great!

 

[LisaS]

I'm glad you had such a great time. I can't wait to see your photos!

 

[justjudy]

I can't wait to see those pictures and am so glad to hear all the wonderful things about AKV. We go there on Labor Day and we're so excited!!

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Thank you for your post. I can't wait to see your pictures!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm so glad for you, and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures!!!
Bobbi

 

[DisneyDVCdad]

Bring on the pictures!

 

[Disney_Mama]

Can't wait to read your report and see the pictures.

 

[Ratpack]

Can't wait to see the photos and read about your experience.

 

[MdmMim]

I will be there in Sept, so I am looking forward to your photos.

 

[starbox]

We spent the weekend prior to our Sunday check-in off-site but in Orlando via. a fabulous Travelzoo deal, so we were ready to arrive at AKV bright and early Sunday morning! My plan was to check-in at 8am and get our room keys/dining plan, then catch a bus to AK and spent the day at the park while we waited for our room to be ready. DH valet parked and had bell services store the bags while I went to check-in.

There was a very small glitch when the front desk CM could not find the reservation - turns out AKV reservations are seperate somehow. It was her first time checking in a DVC member, so the payment of the dining plan and etc. was all new to her. Surprisingly, at 8am on Sunday morning our room was READY!!! So - change of plans. Instead of getting to AK for rope drop, we "moved in" to our room and had breakfast at Mara.

I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of Jambo house. I've been inside of every Disney resort at least once, and DH and I both agree that Jambo is on a whole new level. I was have a minor in art history, and the fact that the entire lodge is basically a museum of African art was an incredible experience for us. This was our first trip to AKL and it exceeded any expectations I had because of the incredible attention to detail and authenticity. Seriously, I don't think we'll ever stay anywhere else onsite.

While the fourth and fifth floors were covered with tarp, the rest of the lodge appeared full of life, activity, guests and was completely functional. When I mentioned the closure rumors, I got a lot of chuckles and eye-rolls from CMs. I'd say that the lodge rooms might be 20% closed and 80% open - and it will only get more open between now and September.

I will say that it is dark - but, for us, it added to the ambiance.
Welcome!

Photos of Jambo:
Lobby and African Artifacts

Fireplace in lobby:

This is not the best picture, but it gives a good idea of the massive scale of the lobby - DS10 and DD8 on one of the medallions on the floor.

 

[starbox]

Zawadi Marketplace:

Art displays in every hallway landing:

Cool abstract lion with stair-railway "mane" - overlooks the large lobby windows.

DVC floor hallway (they are dark):

Savanna viewing windows throughout hallways:

Beautiful traditional wood-carved panels by the front door - you rub them for good luck, safety, and health (obviously, DD wanted lots of luck) as you exit.

5th floor construction area:

Hall Lights:

DVC room doors:

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Very cool!!! You are giving me addonitis!!!!

 

[tomandrobin]

March is not coming soon enough!

 

[starbox]

Room 5435

HUGE Flatscreen

Hidden Mickeys:

 

[starbox]

I thought the room was beautiful, but (again) it was dark - especially the bathroom area and seating area (there is no light above the table). The quality of the materials is superb - members should be very happy because everything- including carpet and fabrics - seems selected to withstand guest use/abuse.

The flatscreen tv was HUGE and amazing, and the bed was much higher than other beds very comfortable. The two small tables in front of the couch were really practical. Even with the walled 5th floor construction area only one room away from ours, it was nice and quiet - even during the day. The only time we heard construction was when we had the balcony door open. All in all, I liked the room itself as much as I like the lovely SSR rooms.

My only issue was that the bathroom itself was very small and really dark. We talked with one of the construction managers at length and told him how much we loved the room and he said that these rooms were nowhere as nice as Kidani is going to be.

 

[starbox]

Room from balcony:

Lion King curtains:

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feeding Time!

The savanna-view blew us away. The balcony was very spacious, and there were SO many animals. Every time of the day and night we saw different behavior - from the Ankole cattle lowing in the early morning, to the crowned cranes chasing bunnies in the afternoon, to the giraffes feeding in the evening. It was incredible. I had reserved a standard-view room for July 08 - and I called and switched to savanna-view - it is TOTALLY worth the extra points.

 

[TomD]

Thanks for sharing the magic. We are looking forward to staying there in Oct

 

[LisaS]

I had reserved a standard-view room for July 08 - and I called and switched to savanna-view - it is TOTALLY worth the extra points.

I totally agree! It is amazing to step out onto the balcony at different times of day and watch what's going on out on the savanna. There are many places around the resort to view the animals, but I love having them right outside my balcony door 24 hours a day.

Thanks for taking the time to do a trip report and for posting so many photos. I've stayed at AKL a few times and never noticed that the big rock at the foot of the stairs (by the doors leading out to Arusha Rock) looked like a lion's head!