As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
I loved AKL and all my CM experiences were really positive. In fact, some of my favorite CM experiences were at the lodge! I was a little worried about the low lighting that people didn't like, but I actually found it soothing. Since the AKL is so removed from the rest of the resort it actually felt quite relaxing and I didn't feel like it took very long to get places. Its so relaxing to sit on your balcony and watch the animals, its an almost spa like experience. I hope you have a wonderful time.
__________________
"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life...They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures..." --Walt Disney
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
As for the lighting - my DH is an avid reader. If it was too dark, he wouldn't ever want to go there. He has no problem whatsoever with the lighting and reading.
Mousekeepers are good - some are not as good. If there's a problem, call the housekeeping line. That's what they are there for!
I find the cms at the AKL very friendly. I have never had a problem with anyone we've come into contact with.
We're just home from a wonderful stay at AKL. It was our first stay there and we all loved it. Our room was spotless, and had a warm feel. As it has already been said you will get good and bad CM's at every resort, if your room is not up to your standards let them know after all it's Disney they will do everything they can to make your stay wonderful!
I've stayed at AKL several times and love it (we even created Overview | Animal Kingdom Lodge Fansite as a tribute!). CMs have been wonderful--consistently--and the rooms are beautiful. The "dark" issue is a concern for AKL and WL, but it's really not that bad.
So glad this question was posted. We'll be staying there for the first time this fall when my DH and I run the EE 5K. Thanks for all of the great reviews. Any suggestions as to where to request a room if we have only a standard view?
Thanks to you all for your opinions on the AKL. We are staying there in August for the first time. I had not heard bad things about it.
I can say that in regards to mousekeeping you never know. We stayed at the POFQ one year and it was great; the next year it was not even good.
We just called mousekeeping as it was suggested and it was taken care of.
So glad this question was posted. We'll be staying there for the first time this fall when my DH and I run the EE 5K. Thanks for all of the great reviews. Any suggestions as to where to request a room if we have only a standard view?
Dawn, I originally booked standard view too, but was told that it was only $5 more per night to upgrade to pool view (I'm on the free Disney Dining Plan), which I went ahead and did, but then a few days later I asked about the bunkbed rooms in the pool view area, and booked that for $28 more per night as my kids preferred to sleep in the bunks. So, if you want to upgrade to pool view, it might be worth it if it's only little money. Also, it's a shorter walk from the pool view rooms to the restaurants.
I do know that some of the standard view rooms, especially on the lower levels, can be right near the bus stop and pedestrian walkway to the entry of the resort. When I visited the resort on my last trip, I was suprised as to how close the patio/balcony of these rooms were to the driveway and main walkway of the resort entrance (not much grass or shrubs to separate it). This wing of the resort is called the Giraffe trail guest rooms. On the other side of the entrance way, the wing is called Ostrich trail guest rooms. So this may be a noisy area should your standard view end up in this part of the resort, especially on the bus stop side (the Giraffe trail guest rooms). Maybe someone else who has experience in staying in either one of these wings can shed some light on the noise level.
Dawn, I originally booked standard view too, but was told that it was only $5 more per night to upgrade to pool view (I'm on the free Disney Dining Plan), which I went ahead and did, but then a few days later I asked about the bunkbed rooms in the pool view area, and booked that for $28 more per night as my kids preferred to sleep in the bunks. So, if you want to upgrade to pool view, it might be worth it if it's only little money. Also, it's a shorter walk from the pool view rooms to the restaurants.
I do know that some of the standard view rooms, especially on the lower levels, can be right near the bus stop and pedestrian walkway to the entry of the resort. When I visited the resort on my last trip, I was suprised as to how close the patio/balcony of these rooms were to the driveway and main walkway of the resort entrance (not much grass or shrubs to separate it). This wing of the resort is called the Giraffe trail guest rooms. On the other side of the entrance way, the wing is called Ostrich trail guest rooms. So this may be a noisy area should your standard view end up in this part of the resort, especially on the bus stop side (the Giraffe trail guest rooms). Maybe someone else who has experience in staying in either one of these wings can shed some light on the noise level.
I'll have to call and look into it. We got a discounted rate because we are running in the Expedition Everest 5K. So, I'm not sure if the upgrade is part of it, but it's worth the call. Thanks for the info!!
Unfortunately, our room was not as clean as I would have liked upon check in. I had to get on my hands and knees to open the bottom drawer in the dresser, and the console for the TV was just covered in dust, as was the cable box & the remote. There was also two gum wrappers sitting on the floor in an area that clearly hadn't been vacummed in a while as well. It was a little gross. Mousekeeping also hadn't put a fresh roll of TP in the bathroom - they just left the partial, almost gone roll from the last guests. That really annoyed me. Now, the Mousekeeper we had the following day after checkin was great, when we came back later that evening the room was spotless, there were lots of towels, she left a mickey towel display and little candies for the kids, and she even did a fancy display with the hand soaps & such too. She tucked all of Matthew's toys into bed. So, I guess it's just hit and miss. But, the rest of what I noticed I will mention in my trip report.
Did you have to call mousekeeping to get it cleaned, or was it just that the next Mousekeeper did a better job? I think I would feel uncomfortable asking someone to re-clean, but I guess I shouldn't if it's what I'm paying for...
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
I stayed at AKL in January 2009 for 1 week (they had the buy 4 nights get 3 free special). The hotel itself everyone loved,
Pros:
I personally thought the decor inside was fabulous. The group I went with consisted of my mom, dad, older brother and his family (wife, 6 yr old boy, 2 yr old boy and his baby girl turned 1 during our stay). My brother had a room with bunk beds and his boys LOVED them. I also highly recommend getting a savannah view room (you get night vision goggles and can look at the animals at night which is very cool). At night they will have the campfire lit and tell stories. The pool at the resort is very nice as well. The kids club people let my brother's kids play and sit in one night for free.
Cons:
Check-in took over 45 min. and there was only 1 person in front of us. Transportation was a nightmere. They were experiencing problems with their buses and at times we waited about 1 hr. to get a bus to go to the Magic Kingdom (during that time we would see 3 buses for Downtown Disney, Hollywood Studios, Epcoet, etc.). It seemed that everytime we wanted to go to a particular park those buses took forever in actually getting to the resort (and we got up early in the mornings too). I got sick at Boma...food poisoning. Housekeeping left a lot to be desired.
All in all my brother's kids loved it there and really that's what matters. However, I am taking his boys to Disney for a combo bday/Christmas gift this December and have booked us a room at the Grand Floridian because of how lovely it is decorated for the holidays and for the ease of transportation with the monorail. I could have booked a room at AKL for $500 less, however that wasn't enough to make me even second think my choice. It all depends on each person's preferences.
I've only visited AKL but never stayed there so I can't really give you a great opinion. I do know though that for every negative thing I've read about AKL, I've read many more positive ones. My personal favorite is the WL and I have stayed there many, many times. I've also read negative things about it but sure haven't had any negatives in my many experiences. I really don't think you can go wrong with any Disney resort and I think AKL is lovely and very unique. Good luck.
We have stayed there 3 times and loved it! The CMs were great and mousekeeping did a splendid job, even at 1 in the morning when DS got sick. They were there right away to change the bed and clean the carpet. And they were so kind about it. We never had a problem with transportation.
I stayed at AKL in January 2009 for 1 week (they had the buy 4 nights get 3 free special). The hotel itself everyone loved,
Cons:
Check-in took over 45 min. and there was only 1 person in front of us. Transportation was a nightmere. They were experiencing problems with their buses and at times we waited about 1 hr. to get a bus to go to the Magic Kingdom (during that time we would see 3 buses for Downtown Disney, Hollywood Studios, Epcoet, etc.). It seemed that everytime we wanted to go to a particular park those buses took forever in actually getting to the resort (and we got up early in the mornings too). I got sick at Boma...food poisoning. Housekeeping left a lot to be desired.
All in all my brother's kids loved it there and really that's what matters. However, I am taking his boys to Disney for a combo bday/Christmas gift this December and have booked us a room at the Grand Floridian because of how lovely it is decorated for the holidays and for the ease of transportation with the monorail. I could have booked a room at AKL for $500 less, however that wasn't enough to make me even second think my choice. It all depends on each person's preferences.
Sorry about your food poisoning..that's aweful! I've read a lot of negative things about the housekeeping, so if they turn out ok, then that's more than I would expect. I'm renting a car, so I don't need to worry about any issues with their buses.
The GF is wonderful. The staff and service is top notch there. I loved everything about it, and the Christmas decorations are gorgeous! Have a great trip.
I am glad everyone is alleviating your concerns... we bought DVC AKL and are 16 days away from our first DVC vacation. Last year we did go to Boma and I tried to prepare mom that it was very dark but it was really dark for her. She is functionally blind. Legally for my lifetime, but it is so much worse now as it is a progressive disease. For this trip and because of developer points, I told her we would book primarily Boardwalk and Saratoga, but that DH, Papa, Ds and wanted 3 nights with the animals too. So I keep warning her that it will probably be her least favorite place and be prepared its only 3 nights. IMO the lighting levels are mainly a personal preference and are fine as part of the theming. IMO only folks that have visual issues will have difficulty at AKL. But these would be folks who have trouble in poorly lit situations. I am basing this on Boma and the model room on DVC. Secretly I am hoping to be surprised by more lighting than I expect... but I am preparing her for dark so she wont freak out.....
Again, lighting for most people is personal taste issue vs. a real need....
Did you have to call mousekeeping to get it cleaned, or was it just that the next Mousekeeper did a better job? I think I would feel uncomfortable asking someone to re-clean, but I guess I shouldn't if it's what I'm paying for...
I know as staying DVC we get limited housekeeping, in fact our stay at AKL is only 3 nights so we wont get any....so for me if it doesnt start clean...I will have them come fix it immediately because I know mousekeeping is not going to be back...
I wonder if that could be part of the issue....the difference between when DVCer's stay and non DVCer's stay? Except that chepz and others are DVC and havent had issues....
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
the AKL!!
Lynne
Linear Mode
