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Old 05-14-2003   #1 (permalink)
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Check-in day (AKL, Espn Club)

Hey guys! Wow, to imagine that just 3 days ago I was walking around the Lobby of the AKL, geting excited about our PS's for Boma's is just so sad:cry: . lol. But Now Im back and I get to share my experience with you guys! Even though my trip was so short, it's chalk-full of information, and that is why I decided to post the report seperatly based on each day (check-in day, park day, check-out day). This report will include my first impression of the AKL, our deluxe savannah view rooms, and dinner that night at the ESPN club at the boardwalk inn. So lets get started!
After the 3 1/2 hour drive north up U.S. 27, we finally arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge ( I just love saying the full name, lol.) It was my families first time staying there, however me and my mom visited the resort during christmas time last year. Our first impression as we walked through the sliding doors was "WOW!" You felt like you just stepped into the heart of Africa. There was an african Acapella song playing, the smells of rich, foriegn spices filled the air thanks to Boma and Jiko. And as you step into the big clearing you look up and see the huge affrican chandellers (sp?) held up by the amazing real life thatched roof (Disney flew in members of the Zulu tribe to thatch the 6 story resort roof!) The Lobby is full of african art and artifacts for you too look at. Me and my mom checked in as my dad, younger brother (12) and older Brother (23) parked the car and brought in the luggage. The check-in man wasn't very nice and didn't have the Disney Charm, but that was ok, nothing could of ruined this vacation for me! Lol. We stayed on the Zebra trail, 5th floor, room 5506. We had a bell hop carry the luggage for us, he was very nice and pretty much gave us a short tour of the resort and explained everything to us in our room. To be honest, the rooms were kind of small for a deluxe room. the bunk beds saved room, but when the day bed was out, it was hard to walk in between it and the other bed. The Bathroom space was big, and I loved the wallpaper! There were not-so-hidden mickeys on the draps and sheets. And the african armoire (sp?) was also nice. Despite what I've heard, I really didn't think the room was that dark. The view was amazing! I know you guys might of heard me ask about what the view would be like from the 5th floor, but it was amazing! It wasn't as high as I expected, and no the animals weren't little dots. lol. We were on the Uzima savannah (there are 3 different ones), so we pretty much saw giraffes, gazelles, and some buffalo thing all day. lol. Jeff (our bell hop) told us they keep the zebras seperate becuase they can be aggresive. The view was really nice to wake up too. The pool was so cool! You could see the Uzima savannah right from the water. It was pretty big, it also didnt have any stairs so it was like the beach. There also was a nice little slide. The AKL really is a deluxe resort in every way, if I could only use one word to describe it, I would say "Inspirational." Now before you all give me dirty looks, and raise your eyebrows let me explain! lol. I spent hours just walking around the Resort, and I didnt want to stop. The archeticture and just the entire feel of the place was inspiring, It made me feel adventurous, and curious. I sat out on a rocking chair looking out on the savannah at one of the viewing spots for about 45 minutes. It was quite time, I had the place all to my self and I just sat there and relaxed! It was amazing! Hard to believe that the resort was totally booked that weekend too. Soon it was getting dark, and time to head out to the ESPN club at Disneys Boardwalk Resort. We drove there, and valeted parked for my first time. I loved it! lol. the wait for ESPN was about 20 minutes. Thank you mickey for the great suggestion about making PS's to spoodles just incase. It was a great back up! The ESPN club was good, my hamburger had waaay to many onions though, but with a fork that was easily solved. lol. My whole family enjoyed it. And yes they do have tv's in the bathroom! lol. The prices were ok for Disney as well. By time we got out of the restaurant the fireworks were going off at epcot. We stopped on the boardwalk to watch, they were so nice! After that we drove back to the hotel and crashed. Ill stop there and save the next day for another post. In that I will talk about the keys to the kingdom tour and dinner at Boma's so stick around! lol. And if you have any questions about the AKL or ESPN just ask, and Ill be happy to try and answer you, lol.

Joe:)
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Old 05-14-2003   #2 (permalink)
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How old are you Joe? Your report is amazing!

Thanks for doing this. We're staying there in June, and I'm glad to hear you really enjoyed your time there. Looking forward to more.
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Old 05-15-2003   #3 (permalink)
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that made me miss AKL .. I remember sitting on the baloncey watching the animals. And that amazing lobby. sitting out on the look out where the rocking chairs are in the evenings and spending a whole evening sitting out by the pool with my best friend in the whole world. Our families talking for hours into the night. There is nothing like sharing WDW with people you love :)
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Old 05-15-2003   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks for the report Joe. Its great!
We loved the AKL last year, still hoping to stay there again someday.
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Old 05-15-2003   #5 (permalink)
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That was a wonderful report Joe!! It sounds like you all spoiled yourselves a bit!! Can't wait to read more!

Mickey Mac... so happy to hear you'll be staying at AKL in June. What changed?? I thought you were going to CBR.
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Old 05-15-2003   #6 (permalink)
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Great report I can't wait to read more.
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Old 05-15-2003   #7 (permalink)
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Great report Joe, I can't wait for your other two days!!
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Old 05-15-2003   #8 (permalink)
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Thanks guys! I didn't think the report was that great, I was in a hurry when I typed it (note the poor grammer and sentence construction, lol). I think I have a fetish with the word "Amazing", lol. Mickeymac, Im 16, but dont hold that agianst me! lol. I may not get to posting the 2nd day until tomorrow though guys, becuase I have a project to work on tonight, Im the worlds biggest procrastinater (sp?). Luckily, this weekend I get to go snorkeling down in the keys! So Ill try to get it done tomorrow, rather then making you guys wait until monday!
Joe:)
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Old 05-15-2003   #9 (permalink)
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Joe,
All of us moms here are going to be mad at you if you don't get your project done first!! We know you'll indulge us with all the details when you get the chance. Have an "amazing" time snorkeling!! :D :D
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Old 05-16-2003   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally posted by dab
Joe,
All of us moms here are going to be mad at you if you don't get your project done first!! We know you'll indulge us with all the details when you get the chance. Have an "amazing" time snorkeling!! :D :D
lol! My mom told me she didn't want me on the internet when I was doing my project becuase she knew I'd be on DC, lol. Thank god i finished my project just in time to still get a good nights sleep. I will try my bet to post day 2 today, but for now I have to pack and call my dad and give him a list of things to do that my mom left for him, lol. Don't worry I think it will be on by tonight! I will try my very best to have an "amazing" time snorkeling, lol. Thanks!
Joe:)
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Old 05-16-2003   #11 (permalink)
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Joe, ignore Dab - I'm a Mom looking toward your next report with baited breath (ha! a punny!) And as for your Mom, I should program a Boss button for Mickey... that way DC addicts can click quick on it and it will take you to a research page of stuffy stuff. :p
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Old 05-16-2003   #12 (permalink)
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Joe ~ Your report was great!! It makes me want to stay at the AKL!! You were great about describing everything in detail so we felt like we were right there with you!!
Can't wait to read your next report.
Have a great time snorkeling!!

again, thanks for the great report :)

neena
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Old 05-16-2003   #13 (permalink)
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Didn't you love the tvs in the bathrooms? I heard that there are more in the men's than the women's (which only has 4).

Did you play the boxing game?
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Old 05-16-2003   #14 (permalink)
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Thanks guys! Mickeymac- I've found myself on several occasions quickly minimizing DC and enlarging a search from Yahoo or some research page, lol. I would love that button! lol. Thanks neen for the kind words! Im glad my report touched you that much! lol. Trish, I loved the TV's in the bathroom, they were great! There are deffinitely more in the mens bathroom, there are 2 by the sinks, 2 by the urinals and I think 2 or 3 over the stalls. That place was great!
Joe:)
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Collector of WDW Resorts...

Animal Kingdom Lodge, Contemporary, Port Orleans FQ, All Star Sports, Music and Movies,Pop Century, Fort Wilderness Campground
and counting...
GO KNIGHTS
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