[CaraMia]

I know nothing about this resort. I reserved standard room. How far is it to the bus depots? We like to be close to them . Is it a shorter walk then at the moderates? Or should I request a certain section?

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

I know nothing about this resort. I reserved standard room. How far is it to the bus depots? We like to be close to them . Is it a shorter walk then at the moderates? Or should I request a certain section?

Oh my, knowing nothing about the resort, I can guarantee you are going to be AMAZED when you get there. It is NOTHING short of amazing. We've been really lucky, we've stayed there 3 times and have always been close to the lobby which leads to the buses. The buses are literally right outside the gift shop's doors. If you want to be close to everything it can't hurt to request a room near the lobby, we've always loved being right there. Although, the way the resort is shaped and situated it doesn't seem like any room would offer too long a walk. Even if you were at the very end of the hallways all the walking would be indoors and air conditioned.

[CaraMia]

Thanks for the info. I just booked a second room for my parents. They usually go with us . I am looking forward to staying at AKL now.

I was a little concerned about the food there though. According to allears.net there is a little place that has regular food (as opposed to african themed meals). There is no way my 4.5 yr old will eat any of those dishes that he has never seen or heard of. Maras...I think is what it was called.

Any info on it would be appreciated.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

Thanks for the info. I just booked a second room for my parents. They usually go with us . I am looking forward to staying at AKL now.

I was a little concerned about the food there though. According to allears.net there is a little place that has regular food (as opposed to african themed meals). There is no way my 4.5 yr old will eat any of those dishes that he has never seen or heard of. Maras...I think is what it was called.

Any info on it would be appreciated.

Your concern CaraMia is the concern of MANY parents staying at the AKL. There are three dining options at the AKL; Jiko, Boma, and the Mara.

* Jiko is a more upscale dining experience which offers some pretty artful presentation on dishes such as steaks, chicken, and more than the average vegatarian dishes. It is a very warm and peaceful environment that has wood-burning ovens. I was there only once to eat and had a huge pork chop with potatoes and vegis. I will just say that the wood grilling adds a DELICIOUS taste to all the meats and poultries, DH had ribs which were extremely yummy too. We have seen children in this restuarant but know nothing of the children's menu. You can see Jiko's menu on the following link:
Jiko Dinner Menu - Animal Kingdom Lodge
children's menu: Jiko Kids' Menu - Animal Kingdom Lodge

* Boma, ahhhh Boma, one of my FAVORITE restaurants in WDW. Even though Boma offers some interesting dishes for adults (it's a buffet), they DO have a COMPLETELY kid friendly area with chicken tenders, pasta, pizza, vegis, ,mac & cheese, etc. One of the reason I think children and adults alike LOVE Boma is the dessert area. It does feature their famed "zebra domes" BUT it's offers many fresh fruits, pasteries, cakes, cookies, but I insist that it's one of the BEST dessert buffet areas in all WDW. I honestly think Boma is a safe, and recommended, choice for children and adults.
Menu: Boma - Dinner Buffet - Animal Kingdom Lodge

(PS: if you are nervous to try Boma at dinner, i REALLY REALLY loved it for breakfast!! They had some adorable breakfast drinks (think Zebra juice concoctions, etc), and some yummy offerings not common on other WDW breakfast buffets like brioche, bobotie (which is like a potato, egg, cream, and corn beef bake.. its delicious). Of course along with all the normal breakfast fare.
Boma breakfast menu:Boma - Breakfast Buffet - Animal Kingdom Lodge

* then you have The Mara , which is a pool-side counter service restaurant. Last year we ate at the Mara more than a few times for lunch b/c it would rain so hard we would go back to the resort, eat lunch & take a nap before heading out again. One great thing about the Mara is most of those delic. dessert they have at Boma (ie. Zebra Domes) are available in the Mara. I've had the Caesar Salad, some hot turkey sandwich, and a pizza there once. DH stuck with standard things like burgers, and their delicious homemade soups. There are PLENTY of children choices there also. Things like chicken with apple sauce, mac & cheese, pizza, fries, etc... Mara is actually an adorable little counter service place too, it's really well-themed.
My only complaint were the pizzas, I personally think they were gross. Everything else we've had there was great.
Mara offerings: Mara Lunch/Dinner Menu - Animal Kingdom Lodge


I hope that was somewhat helpful

[dznygrl]

Well Wish gave you the best information possible! But I want to second what she said...you will be BLOWN AWAY by this resort. It is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! It can be very spread out, but the bus stops are right outside the front entrance so they're not super far from anything.

You'll be fine with the food at The Mara...I think they realize that A LOT of kids (and adults ) won't touch unfamiliar food with a ten-foot pole. So there's lots of very standard choices.

Have fun!

[Dana]

I have stayed there twice and both times was in the Zebra trail. It's a bit far from the center of things, but not that big of a deal. They have so many different routes to take to get the to the pool/food area, that you will easily find something quicker than going through the lobby. As for the bus stop, it can be a bit far from the zebra trail, but still no biggie to me and I hate walking forever to just hitch a ride on a bus. Their transportation is absultely great though. You are going to thrilled with how well their buses run. Request an upgrade at check in. I have got one twice now withouth even asking, but asking never hurts. They only have very few standard rooms there, so your chances of getting savannah are very good. The savannah rooms in the Zebra trail are AWESOME! Great animals.

[Soundgod]

Wish just put up one impressive post. We've stayed there once and will be there again next month. One thing I think I've seen overlooked when talking about AKL, and I've done this too, is that as you walk out the wings to the rooms on the savannah side, there are several obeservation areas, public balconies if you will, complete with chairs where you can sit and watch animals, even if your room is facing the wrong way. One other point about Boma, breakfast is great there too. I won't be able to tell anyone about Jiko until after Sept 26. You'll love the lobby too, but I think it's on the third floor.

[hrbib21]

I'll be eating at Boma on Sunday 9/24 but my real intention is to get a good look at AKL because we're thinking of staying there next year.

[Cavey]

Wish is to AKL as Cavey is to Spoodles.

[hrbib21]

Hopefully, after 9/23, it will be "...as hrbib21 is to Spoodles." too.

[chris24]

i am eating at boma for the same reason. i want to see what all the hype is about. my only hesitation with staying there is that it is so far away froim everything.....

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

One thing I think I've seen overlooked when talking about AKL, and I've done this too, is that as you walk out the wings to the rooms on the savannah side, there are several obeservation areas, public balconies if you will, complete with chairs where you can sit and watch animals

Thank you Soundgod! Yes, you brought up a great point, those balconies are amazing. And surprisingly enough, perhaps b/c of the inconspicuous doors, THEY WERE HARDLY EVER OCCUPIED!!! I don't remember walking by them and ever seeing more than 3-5 people out there. They rocking chairs are so comfy, it would be a very nice place to read te paper in the early morning when the animals are most active. My favorite spot is inside the lobby around the firepits. Those are great!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Wish is to AKL as Cavey is to Spoodles.

hehe, I am starting to think so!! I feel like an AKL Ambassador or something. Speaking of Spoodles Cavey I have been thinking about their Sangria all week. haha.

[CaraMia]

Now you all have me wanting to have breakfest at Boma's! That casserole with the corn beef, eggs, cream and onions sounds gooooood. Can you also get it at Mara's?

When we go I definitely will ask about the savannah upgrade. Would be awesome if we got it for free...I will have to tell them we are there in part for ds's 5th b-day. Maybe that will help.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by CaraMia

Now you all have me wanting to have breakfest at Boma's! That casserole with the corn beef, eggs, cream and onions sounds gooooood. Can you also get it at Mara's?

When we go I definitely will ask about the savannah upgrade. Would be awesome if we got it for free...I will have to tell them we are there in part for ds's 5th b-day. Maybe that will help.

Mention at check in casually that it's DS's birthday.....you never know. As for the mara, they have excellent breakfast selections...my DD is in love with their breakfast wrap..lol Do get a zebra dome at least once...OMGoodness Delicious!