A Live chat with NORM NOBLE
General Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
April 16, 2001
Grand Opening

Webmasters Note:  We first met Norm Noble during the Dreams Unlimited "Around the World in 30 Days" Tour in Sept of 2000.  At that time, Norm was the General Manager of Disney's All Star Resorts (yes, all of them!).  It was during the tour that we heard he had been assigned to oversee the opening of Animal Kingdom Lodge, and take over as it's General Manager.  It was then that we knew AK Lodge would be a hit.  Norm's personality, attention to detail and excellent rapport with his Cast Members were evident at the All Star Resorts, and they are just as prevolent here at AK Lodge.  It was a real pleasure to see Norm again, and have this opportunity to speak with him about his new resort.

WebmasterPete {public msg} For starters Norm, tell us a little about the resort, and what you think makes it special?

Norm Noble {public msg} I think the most important thing about this resort is so uniquely themed, to represent a wildlife reserve, in the middle of a majestic African savannah. The resort is built in what they call a Kraal shape, which resembles a horseshoe, in which the villagers keep their livestock and people safe from harm. You'll see this theme repeated throughout the resort.

WebmasterPete {public msg} Are there any plans for special tours of the resort?

Norm Noble {public msg} Currently, the plan is to conduct a tour of the wonderful artwork that we have here in the resort. The artwork we have here is priceless, a small museum would be envious of the art we have here. Some of the artwork showcased here cannot be found anywhere else in the world, outside of Africa. We do plan to do an Art tour of the resort, and for our concierge guests, we have a Sunrise Safari which will be conducted twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday Mornings.

npatel4985 {question presented} how long did the animal kingdom take to build - from planning to construction?

Norm Noble {public msg} It took five years to complete. The idea was to piggyback off the success of the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

HappyGilmore {question presented} how many rooms does the lodge have?

Norm Noble {public msg} 1293 rooms

HostNativetxn {question presented} what is the size of a standard room?

Norm Noble {public msg} The standard rooms are 344 sq feet. The deluxe room is 381 sq feet.

mlm228 {question presented} Does AKL have a dedicated bus system to the parks?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes it does have a dedicated transportation system but it is part of the overall Walt Disney Transportations System

A_AndyL {question presented} what are the children's programs at AKL and will the children get to meet live animals if you do have them?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes, we do have children's programs at Simbas Cubhouse and from time to time there will be live contact with animals.

A_AndyL {question presented} What sort of recreation is at AKL?

Norm Noble {public msg} We have an eleven thousand sq foot swimming pool. The spa has massage and aerobic equiptment, and there is also a children's playground.

yumyum168 {question presented} Is there African music playing throughout the resort as background music, thanks?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes there is.

moofasa {question presented} Is there a AKL opening day/ limited edition Pin for this occasion ???

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes there is a limited edition pin on a special lanyard being given out to guests who check in today. It is called the first guest pin.

npatel4985 {question presented} is there breakfast at Mara?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes there is breakfast at Mara. It is a quick service restaurant and it is open from 6am to 11 pm.

HostNativetxn {question presented} what is the central theme of room décor

Norm Noble {public msg} The furniture in all the rooms is hand carved. So each piece is unique. There are multiple configurations for the bedding (you can have two queen beds, or one king bed with a day bed, or one queen bed with a bunk bed). There is a lot of warm rich coloring throughout the rooms. There is mosquito netting above the beds and a 27 in TV. As well as stowaway cribs in every room

tink3 {question presented} what is your favorite part of akl

Norm Noble {public msg} We recruited 50 representatives from Africa that bring true authenticity to the resort. Through interaction with these cultural representatives guests will be both excited and educated. I would probably consider this to be my favorite aspect of the resort.

HappyGilmore {question presented} Is it a full house at the AKL tonight?

Norm Noble {public msg} It is a full house. Pete says the resorts absorbs crowds beautifully.

A_AndyL {question presented} How close can you get to the animals from the lookouts?

Norm Noble {public msg} Animals will be as close as 15 feet to the guest areas.

A_AndyL {question presented} How handicapped acessible is AKL?

Norm Noble {public msg} Like all Disney Resorts this one is handicapped accessible and exceeds Gov. regulations in many cases.

Barb302 {question presented} Is the Resort savannah the same savannah as we see in Kalimanjaro Safari (at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park)?

Norm Noble {public msg} No it is not. The resort has its own 33 acre Savannah.

HostJayPD {question presented} What are some of the Animals We May See While at the Resort?

Norm Noble {public msg} We have over 200 different kinds of animals including Giraffes, Antelopes, and Wildebeest.

A_AndyL {question presented} What is the shopping like at the lodge?

Norm Noble {public msg} We have a 5400 sq. ft. merchandise location themed to represent an African marketplace.

moofasa {question presented} is AKL accessible from RT. 192 from the West ?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes, it is, and from Osceola Parkway as well.

yumyum168 {question presented} Is AKL available to all WDW guests? Can any WDW guest visit through the bus system or drive up?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes all WDW guests can visit the lodge.

piratesmate {question presented} Is Mara the only resort option for lunch?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes it is, but room service is also available from 6am to 11pm every day.

WebmasterAlex {public msg} Are there any special introductory deals or packages available?

Norm Noble {public msg} Yes there are. If you book by April 30th for travel before June 29th you can get a three night package starting at $589. per adult. That includes park passes and one flex feature per person. (Reservations can be made by visitng Dreams Unlimited travel at http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com)

A_AndyL {question presented} Is there live entertainment in the lounge(s)?

Norm Noble {public msg} Not at this time but there will be story telling around the fireplace in the lobby.

Cristopher {question presented} what are the pool hours??

Norm Noble {public msg} The guarded pool hours are from 10am to 10 pm. However the pool is open 24 hours.

Wendy {question presented} Can the animals wander throughout the entire 33 acre savannah or are they sectioned off in different areas?

Norm Noble {public msg} The savannah is sectioned off in three 10 acre areas. So each of the areas have their own unique mix of animals.

Lightyear {question presented} what makes this resort a must stay?

Norm Noble {public msg} We are going to emerse our guests in the true essence of Africa- the sights, sounds, art, architecture and food-both its people and its culture. It is an amazing and unique experience, not to be missed!

WebmasterPete {public msg} I want to thank Norm Noble for taking time to speak with us today on the day of the grand opening of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Its been a great treat to see this resort finally open and I can tell everyone that they will not be disappointed when they see Animal Kingdom Lodge. Thanks everybody and have a great night.