AKL Standard View or Savannah View About This Page:

[MindibellCM]

We have reservations to stay at the AKL in December with a savannah view. I am wondering if it is worth the extra money. Can someone that has stayed there tell me if there really is a difference and if it worth it?

Thanks

[DebiDebiDebi]

HI Mindi...I have not stayed there yet, be we definately opted for the savannah view for our Sept 2003 trip. I can't wait to stand on my balcony and watch the animals walk by! I am sure that whatever you choose, it will be fantastic!

[ 10-02-2002, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: DebiDebiDebi ]

[AliciaG]

We originally had a standard view room booked at AKL for this October. After much debate, we decided to spring for the savannah view. There was one thing that changed my mind, maybe it will help you decide. A lady who had just gotten back, posted a link to a website of pictures she had taken from her balcony at AKL. I thought all the pics were amazing, and that it would be worth spending the extra money. See what you think... Dianne's AKL pics.

Have a great trip!

[ 10-03-2002, 07:33 AM: Message edited by: AliciaG ]

[DisneyDreamin']

Alicia-
Thanks for posting the link to the AKL photos. Wow! Those are amazing! We are booked for a standard room in December but it makes me wish that I could upgrade!

Has anyone ever heard of someone lucking into a savannah view with a standard room rate? Maybe if I sprinkle enough pixie dust.... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[AKLRULZ]

MindibellCM,

Welcome!! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] The AKL is my all time favorite Disney resort - even beats out the monorail resorts for me! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] I think that the savanna view is highly worth the extra cost - we found that we lingered more at this resort, spent more time relaxing on the balcony - we often brought breakfast up from Mara to enjoy it on the balcony. It is so cool to see the animals up close and personal! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] So, in my opinion, the savanna view is definitely worth the added cost.

However, for folks who are considering staying at the AKL in a non-savanna room, keep in mind that their are numerous public viewing areas so that folks with pool or standard views can enjoy the animals as well. While the animals are the top "attraction" of the resort, the restaurants, shopping, the pool, and general overall theme (you feel completely immersed in the African theme!) all are great reasons to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in ANY room category! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

It's a fabulous resort - quite a few folks have just returned from AKL - check out the trip report forum! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[AliciaG]

I have heard of people being offered upgrades at AKL, but that you really can't count on it. The weekend that we are going, seemed to be a busy one due to the golf tourney. And we thought several people may be moved over in the CBR refurbishment also. We decided that it would be worth it to us to go ahead and guarantee a savannah view room. I'd seen lots of pictures, but I think these just made me realize how special a view really could be. Even if you can only do the std. view, you still have several places you can view the animals. The entire resort is supposed to be magnificent. Have a great trip!

[ 10-03-2002, 07:41 AM: Message edited by: AliciaG ]

[Bert & Sully]

Originally posted by DisneyDreamin':
Alicia-
Thanks for posting the link to the AKL photos. Wow! Those are amazing! We are booked for a standard room in December but it makes me wish that I could upgrade!

Has anyone ever heard of someone lucking into a savannah view with a standard room rate? Maybe if I sprinkle enough pixie dust.... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Actually we have been told on numerous occasions that the number of Savannah View rooms so outnumbers the standard view rooms that you stand the highest chance of being upgraded at AKL.

[HiddenMickey]

I've had a standard reservation twice. First time was Aug 2001. Got upgraded to Savannah view. Second was Early Dec 2001. Asked and couldn't be upgraded.....the place was full. There is no difference in the rooms (other than view). The view only makes a difference if you plan to spend time in your resort relaxing and prefer to do so in your room. As Dadtojbj said, there are plenty of public viewing areas if you decide to stick with the standard view. You'll probably want to check them out regardless of what room you get. All the savannahs have different mixes of wildlife and you;ll find yourself exploring the resort. Good luck with your decision. -HiddenMickey

[DAD]

If you can afford the savanna-view room and still enjoy your vacation to the hilt, then I say go for it. Keep in mind that the non-savanna rooms are great, too. You will have just as much fun.

[Suzy Q'Disney]

The difference is personal. I have stayed in all view rooms there now. Pool, parking lot and savannah. I love this resort even without the animals. The hotel itself is just wonderful and so relaxing.

I have never had to pay more than standard view, so I choose to bet for an upgrade every time.

Susan

[Joguss]

We stayed at the AKL in Sept.. We were upgraded from a standard view to a savanah view. I can say the upgrade was great, but I think I would have enjoyed any kind of view at the AKL. We looked at the animals in the morning and at sunset, but most of the time we were in the parks. I know for me I got up way early to watch the giraffe and went to sleep way too late watching the giraffe and was very tired when I got home. They were great to watch, but I thing that if we had not had the savanah view I would have wandered more around the resort and looked at the animals from different lookouts. I did one day and enjoyed the views, and they were much different from the one from my balcony. Even if you don't get a savanah view you will still have a great time because it is one great resort. If the view is important to you, then I would say book a savanah view.

Pat

[MindibellCM]

I am so excited. We had planned to stay at AKL savannah view for 4 nights and then hop to the Carribean Beach for 3 nights to save money. Last week they called and upgraded us for $20 fromt he Carribean Beach to the AKL for the last 3 nights of the trip. I just got our confirmation in and those last 3 nights are going to be in a SAVANNAH View room too. I thought they may try to switch us to a regular view room!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy.

Minid

[blooberry]

We just came back from our first trip to WDW, and AKL was DEFINITELY the highlight of the trip. We had a savannah view, which just made it more magical. I will warn you, though, that not all the savannah view rooms are great. We stayed in 3140, and our view was partially obstructed by some ugly building. We really only had half a view. It was at the end of the giraffe trail. My brother stayed in 3132, and they had a better view, but their room overlooked the fire escape (a big area that's fenced off in the savannah for guests to gather in case the hotel has to be evacuated), which was pretty ugly, too, and no animals.

SO, if you choose a savannah view, check around on the boards to find out which SPECIFIC rooms are the best ones. Most people recommend 3rd floor, like we had, but there are probably a lot of rooms with unobstructed views.

BTW, I did complain (nicely) about it, and they said they'd move us to another part of the hotel, but by then my brother's family had already unpacked and it seemed like a pain.

-- Mary

[Demogr2001]

After checking out AKL on our last trip in February I'm not sure the extra money is worth it for savannah view. Some of the rooms had a great view of the animals BUT others had "obstructions" to look around -- and the animals can be seen in the "common areas" as well as or better than many rooms. The lodge was very nice but I think I'd stay at Wilderness Lodge and forego "viewing the animals from the balcony."