Anyone 'underwhelmed' by the savannah view?

[TenThousandVolts]

I have never stayed at AK but have visited the resort for dining. Went out to 3 of the viewing areas and ,aybe I was there at a bad time, but we didn't see much activity. Just a few animals way in the distance. I am asking because I plan on staying there as I love the theming but I am wondering if I should save points and try for a standard view. I hear lots of people saying that sitting on the balcony watching the animals can't be beat- just wondering if there are any folks out there who thinks that particular aspect is overrated?

[Nikisha421]

I am staying there for the first time this summer with my soon to be 5 year old daughter I used the extras points and opted for the savannah view I will be so disappointed if we dont see many animals.

[ADP]

Watching the animals from your room is really what the resort is all about. There are other amazing aspects to the resort, but the main activity is watching the animals from your room balcony. I experienced it for the first time last year and we rarely turned the TV on in our room. We went from the door directly to the balcony to see what the animals were up to, or see what animals were roaming the savanna.

[crisi]

We stayed there a few years ago.

The top floors - where the DVC units are - are lousy - too far away for good viewing of the animals.

But there were animals out on our savannah all evening, all night, and all the next morning. Activity - well, there weren't any lions chasing gazelles - just Tommy's grazing and sleeping, giraffes waltzing by. I found it - even with our lousy fifth floor room - to be a awe inspiring. But if you aren't fond of watching gazelles graze - save the points and take your coffee out to the public viewing areas.

I think its a little like the Boardwalk View. Not much of a people watcher myself - at least not that sort of people watching....and the view is fine, but nothing that wows me. Other people claim its the best view at WDW. Now I'll take it every time over risking looking at the clown.....but unless we are taking guest, we save points and go standard.

[RLRDA]

We stayed at AKV in August and had a view of the Arusha savanna. While I'm sure everyone's opinion will vary, we were very impressed with the view that we had from our 5th floor villa. The animals were not far away at all. This particular savanna had giraffes, zebras, large oxen-type animals, gazelles, etc. They are not all out 24/7 but we loved to watch them throughout the day. We loved our savanna view....nothing like sitting on the balcony, drinking your morning coffee while watching giraffes eat their breakfast. :goodvibes

[pinktales]

We stayed at AKV 1 bedroom savannah view on the 5th floor last sept. I look forward to many more stays there as I really enjoyed it. The view of the savanna was beautifull. We did see many animals grazing by at different times of the day. Though like another poster said the 5th floor wasn't probably the best viewing out of the different floors. The tree tops blocked views of the animals alot since of course they like to rest under them and some (giraffes and 1 or 2 others?) get feed their food from the trees. But we brought binoculars and even without them enjoyed the view of the savannah and animals not to mention the relaxed atmosphere of looking out onto the savannah..... well except when you can hear people out on their balconies across the savannah shouting to look at whatever animal is walking by... sound definitely carries on that savannah! :laughing: I can't wait to try out the new building when it is complete, or partially complete for people to stay. Anyone got a guess if the new building might be at least partially done by March 2009 to stay in? I am hoping.... if not I will push back the dates but really want to go there in March 2009.

Hope you enjoy your trip! It really is a unique resort.

[Maistre Gracey]

I sooooo respectfully disagree with you...
I have stayed savanna view on the higher floors a few times (not all DVC), and it was INCREDIBLE.
Again, just my opinion, but I'm totally miffed how anyone could be underwhelmed. :smokin:

MG

[pouncingpluto]

I prefer lower floors myself, which is why I'm looking forward to Kidani opening.

But beyond that, I wanted to say that both of my previous stays at AKL were wonderful in terms of animal viewing. That's not to say it's great 24/7. But if you poke your head out periodically to see what's going on, you'll definitely find times with several beautiful animals in plain view.

[tjkraz]

We spent 3D/2N there about a year ago and saw a total of two animals from our balcony the entire time. And that was after telling the check-in CM that our highest priority was getting a good savanna view (didn't care about the distance, floor, etc.) and waiting nearly 10 minutes while he checked different rooms available.

I'm sure we'll try AKL/V again, but the experience was one of our most disappointing with Disney thru all of our trips. After paying extra for the savanna view and seeing the excitement on our kids' faces, we spent 3 days looking at dirt. :sad2:

Here's hoping the next experience is a better one.

[rsinj]

.

[deedeetoo]

We stayed at AKL several years ago (before we owned DVC). We booked a standard view room and got upgraded to Savannah view. At the desk they told us it wasn't one of the best savannah view rooms, so we weren't expecting much, but wow. It was great. As others have said, we were constantly looking outside to see what was there. The kids loved it.

Now, of course, there is no way I would book a room without a savannah view. That's how they get ya.

[gmboy95]

IMO...I have no love at all for the DZV (disney zoo villas)....I dont undertsand the fascination for a resort that is in the middle of nowhere....but I guess for each is own.

I do love , love BOMA, as it is one of the best restaurants in disney, and the hotel is beautiful, but I just dont get the whole zoo thing.....this probably has alot to do with my dislike for the park itself

[crisi]

We spent 3D/2N there about a year ago and saw a total of two animals from our balcony the entire time. And that was after telling the check-in CM that our highest priority was getting a good savanna view (didn't care about the distance, floor, etc.) and waiting nearly 10 minutes while he checked different rooms available.

I'm sure we'll try AKL/V again, but the experience was one of our most disappointing with Disney thru all of our trips. After paying extra for the savanna view and seeing the excitement on our kids' faces, we spent 3 days looking at dirt. :sad2:

Here's hoping the next experience is a better one.

I hope so as well - I don't think that was at all typical.

[Cruelladeville]

I ended up in a savannah room for a week, and I wasn't impressed after the first couple of days. I wanted a pool view, got savannah instead, so that might have something to do with it. This time when I went I got a pool view, and I sat in the chairs at the end of the hall to watch the animals, and I liked that much better. I agree with "to each his own".

[PinkTink63]

I am staying there for the first time this summer with my soon to be 5 year old daughter I used the extras points and opted for the savannah view I will be so disappointed if we dont see many animals.

We did this too! I splurged on the extra points! I'm not flying all that way to maybe get a parking lot view! I suppose the pool view would be okay, but what the heck!:rotfl:

[Uncleromulus]

Maybe some of this has to do with WHICH animals you might see??
I guess if you were looking to see the big cats, hippos, rhinos or elephants, you might be a bit disappointed.

[Mickey Fliers]

We have stayed at AKL several times and to be honest...after the first savannah view room, I booked pool view for each subsequent visit. Why you ask?

Well, while it was very cool to sit and watch the animals, the appeal kind of wore off after a few days. I know that sounds wierd, but we loved waking up to the giraffes, then we would be gone most of the day (parks or pool), we might see some in the afternoon while getting changed for dinner, but then it would get dark. We just didn't spend that much time on our balcony after the first few days. We were also on a small savannah (the one behind check-in). That may have had something to do with it.

I am anxious to try AKV...may even add some points. Maybe my perception will change with a Villa stay.

[3DisneyKids]

We stayed on 5th floor (before it was DVC) and had a WONDERFUL view. Definitely not too high up. We saw a variety of animals...and they schedule the feedings, etc. so that the animals are right there at times when guests are most likely to be in their rooms (early morning, late afternoon), so you will always see something.

If you are a park commando, then I would say it is definitely not worth it.

One thing to be aware of...we did a split stay one particular trip...started at OKW and then moved to AKL. At OKW, we were in the way back of the resort with, basically, an overgrown foliage view :rotfl2: ...with some water. But sitting out on the balcony was SO silent and peaceful. While at OKW, though, I kept counting the days until our AKL portion of our stay. I wanted a great view! Bored with the foliage at OKW.

So then we got to AKL--great view---loved it. The kids were on the balcony every second that they were in the room. BUT...realize that the view is "THE" reason for AKL, right? So that means that everyone else is on their balconies as well. It was actually LOUD out there. Not that people were yelling and screaming...but just lots of people chatting on lots of balconies, and lots of excited kids shouting..."Look at THAT."

Only then did we appreciate the tranquility of that OKW balcony....

[bobbiwoz]

I was less impressed with the view from the value studio of the Sunset savannah than I was from the view from our Arusha savannah balcony. The Arusha veiw was magnificent and the Sunset view was just not as nice, but it was quite a "Value."

Bobbi:goodvibes

[poggs]

Tuesday 4 December to friday 7th December – Animal Kingdom villas.

Got to the Animal kingdom lodge at 3.30. At the door the medal floor design of animals and the wooden panels surrounding it were roped of, making the entry door seemed really small. The The lobby was also really cluttered with couches and other 'junk'. At least 10 people in line infront to check in. Only 2 people doing check in, but 5 or 6 at the concierge desk chatting and laughing with each other. Initial impressions were not good. Waited in line for about 30 minutes until we got seen. Really poor this. I had requested a room on the 5th floor overlooking the central savannah, near to the lobby as possible. Never got this the Cm whom I would characterise as rude said 'I dont care what you requested. Thats your room and I cant change it) She wrote 5548 on the a bit of paper and sent us on our way. I asked for the welcome pack, but she told me they were too busy to build them up and to come back later.

So walked up to the room. Took 3 breaks and aged a bit, but eventually got to 5548. put the key in. red light. Tried all three. All red light. Then the door opened and another lady said that this was her room. ARRGH!!!!!!! After that hike, She's given me someone elses room.!!!

So back to the lobby. Waited another 20 mins in line to get dragon lady again. 'I never said 5548' says Ros (nice monsters inc link there) . 'Yes you did says I' whilst showing her the room layout card that she had written 5548 on. Tut tut goes it and says, its 5549 and sends us off with a flee in our ear. Sorry? Not a chance.

Repeat 1 mile walk to the far end of the hotel to the worst DVC room on property. Remember the number. Its Room 5549.

So we walk in and the lampshade falls of the ceiling and smashes on the floor. Oh. There's an omen. So straight to the balcony. Its a 5th floor room overlooking a circular fenced of mud pit! Totally shocking and utterly unacceptable. I just cant believe they call this a savannah view. Never saw so much as a bird the whole time we were there. DW burst into tears. This hotel was her dream. So back to the lobby and after a 15 minute wait (see getting better) got Ros to get us the floor manager. He hid in the back for 10 minutes before being very sorry but there was nothing else he could do. We got the AKVversion of the dumpster view.

The room itself was also pants. No en-suite and a toilet in a cupboard. Whats that all about. But, but, wheres the tub? Someone has shrunk it! Tiny wee thing.
Ok says DW phone up members services and get a move. I am not staying here. So I phone up member service and shockerooni, nothing available apart from Saratoga springs. Here was a dilema. Do we leave the 'mud pit view' for the poor relation of DVC? She hummed and hawed and decided that SS was a step too far. So we stayed put and tried to go to a park. Waited 40 mins on a bus to epcot. Waited 30 mins on a bus at 730pm to get back. Eventually got back to the room and thought we would try out the HD tv. Guess what only one remote. So tried it on the living room tv. Worked fine. Pulled out the sofa and put the wee man to bed. Tried the bedroom tv. Nope. Only 2 channels working. So its channel 2 or 3. Everything else is choppy and unwatchable as if the cable is not properly tuned in. Wife looks out the balcony and cries again. Went to find the Mara food place. Walked around for a while. No signs anywhere. Asked a Cm to be met with a shocked look. 'Its near the pool sir' Oh of course it is. How stupid of me not to know this. Had I had a welcome pack...... Got a rotten burger on stale brown bun (what is it with the brown buns now?)

So in the morning we phoned up member services to take them up on SS offer. VAK was that bad. But no, that room has been filled. Bah. So we simply checked out of Vak and checked into a nearby resort called bonnet creek and forgo the points at the VAK. I would advise everyone to avoid the VAK until the new building is built. Its far too great a risk book a savannah room right now in case you get the rotten views. There really are a lot of them.

[spiceycat]

poggs you would have been much happier with a standard view.

they are close to the lobby.

sorry your visit was so bad. Did you call maintence about the problems in the room?

[pilferk]

We stayed there a few years ago.

The top floors - where the DVC units are - are lousy - too far away for good viewing of the animals.


Just a quick point:

When it comes to vantage point, there are plusses and minuses to both views...and opinions vary wildly about which one is prefferential.

The views from the lower rooms are more intimate, but much less expansive and panoramic.

The views from the upper rooms are more panoramic and expansive, but further away.

Which you prefer (if you even have a preference) will be base largely on personal opinion. I like both, pretty much equally.

And note that eventually DVC members WILL have both offerings, once Kidani is opened.

[wildernessDad]

We very much enjoyed our view of the Uzima savanna from our studio villa. DW was on her cell phone immediately inviting her best friend and her husband to come down and see what it's all about. They are coming with us May 2009. It will be my wife's friend's first time to WDW. It should be quite an experience for her. Her husband has been a number of times, but not recently, so he should enjoy it as well. Here's hoping.

[pilferk]

IMO...I have no love at all for the DZV (disney zoo villas)....I dont undertsand the fascination for a resort that is in the middle of nowhere....but I guess for each is own.



I think, again, it all boils down to personal opinion.

I don't call 15 to 20 min from MK, 10 to 15 min from Epcot and MGM, and 5 min from AK "the middle of nowhere".

But I also commute an hour 1 way to work, and 10 to 15 one way to the nearest grocery store. I think if you're used to being closer (ie: A boardwalk villas or beach club villas owner) your perspective might be shaped by that.

[crisi]

Just a quick point:

When it comes to vantage point, there are plusses and minuses to both views...and opinions vary wildly about which one is prefferential.

The views from the lower rooms are more intimate, but much less expansive and panoramic.

The views from the upper rooms are more panoramic and expansive, but further away.

Which you prefer (if you even have a preference) will be base largely on personal opinion. I like both, pretty much equally.

And note that eventually DVC members WILL have both offerings, once Jambo is opened.


I can see that - I think it also depends on which animals are on your savanna - and if you had the foresight to bring binoculars. We didn't, and had a savanna mostly of Tommys - so small gazelles from a distance. It was still amazing, but would have been far better from the third floor instead of the fifth. But we could see the whole of the savanna easily from the room.

[Kurby]

IMO...I have no love at all for the DZV (disney zoo villas)....I dont undertsand the fascination for a resort that is in the middle of nowhere....but I guess for each is own.


i love that it's not in the middle of EPCOT or MK

i love that we can go to the parks and when we leave we are in a whole new world - it's like 2 vacations in 1

we never have a problem with the distance from AKV to MK and we've both driven and taken the bus. it's all part of the vacation.

everyone is rush rush rush - gotta get my coffee and run to work, gotta run to this or that meeting, gotta rush to the store to shop, gotta speed home to make dinner, watch tv or get ready to go out then gotta rush to get there.....

vacation is just that - VACATION - time to relax. so what if it takes 20 minutes instead of 3 to get to a park. it's a relaxing time for us to enjoy and really (not directed specifically at the person i quoted) i'm getting tired or reading posts from people who say AK sucks because it's in the middle of nowhere. obviously some people like it or it would be so popular. and by all means if you don't like it don't stay there but don't bash it because it's not your taste

[Lexxiefern]

I stayed at AKL a few times (all before DVC) and have had 3 different savannah view rooms. Only one did I enjoy. I really disliked the sunset savannah and another time had the very last room at the end of the arusha savannah and looked at a holding pen - no animals. I love the pool view there and have had that twice as well and actually prefer that to savannah view.

[pilferk]

Tuesday 4 December to friday 7th December – Animal Kingdom villas.

Got to the Animal kingdom lodge at 3.30. At the door the medal floor design of animals and the wooden panels surrounding it were roped of, making the entry door seemed really small. The The lobby was also really cluttered with couches and other 'junk'. At least 10 people in line infront to check in. Only 2 people doing check in, but 5 or 6 at the concierge desk chatting and laughing with each other. Initial impressions were not good. Waited in line for about 30 minutes until we got seen. Really poor this. I had requested a room on the 5th floor overlooking the central savannah, near to the lobby as possible. Never got this the Cm whom I would characterise as rude said 'I dont care what you requested. Thats your room and I cant change it) She wrote 5548 on the a bit of paper and sent us on our way. I asked for the welcome pack, but she told me they were too busy to build them up and to come back later.

So walked up to the room. Took 3 breaks and aged a bit, but eventually got to 5548. put the key in. red light. Tried all three. All red light. Then the door opened and another lady said that this was her room. ARRGH!!!!!!! After that hike, She's given me someone elses room.!!!

So back to the lobby. Waited another 20 mins in line to get dragon lady again. 'I never said 5548' says Ros (nice monsters inc link there) . 'Yes you did says I' whilst showing her the room layout card that she had written 5548 on. Tut tut goes it and says, its 5549 and sends us off with a flee in our ear. Sorry? Not a chance.

Repeat 1 mile walk to the far end of the hotel to the worst DVC room on property. Remember the number. Its Room 5549.

So we walk in and the lampshade falls of the ceiling and smashes on the floor. Oh. There's an omen. So straight to the balcony. Its a 5th floor room overlooking a circular fenced of mud pit! Totally shocking and utterly unacceptable. I just cant believe they call this a savannah view. Never saw so much as a bird the whole time we were there. DW burst into tears. This hotel was her dream. So back to the lobby and after a 15 minute wait (see getting better) got Ros to get us the floor manager. He hid in the back for 10 minutes before being very sorry but there was nothing else he could do. We got the AKVversion of the dumpster view.

The room itself was also pants. No en-suite and a toilet in a cupboard. Whats that all about. But, but, wheres the tub? Someone has shrunk it! Tiny wee thing.
Ok says DW phone up members services and get a move. I am not staying here. So I phone up member service and shockerooni, nothing available apart from Saratoga springs. Here was a dilema. Do we leave the 'mud pit view' for the poor relation of DVC? She hummed and hawed and decided that SS was a step too far. So we stayed put and tried to go to a park. Waited 40 mins on a bus to epcot. Waited 30 mins on a bus at 730pm to get back. Eventually got back to the room and thought we would try out the HD tv. Guess what only one remote. So tried it on the living room tv. Worked fine. Pulled out the sofa and put the wee man to bed. Tried the bedroom tv. Nope. Only 2 channels working. So its channel 2 or 3. Everything else is choppy and unwatchable as if the cable is not properly tuned in. Wife looks out the balcony and cries again. Went to find the Mara food place. Walked around for a while. No signs anywhere. Asked a Cm to be met with a shocked look. 'Its near the pool sir' Oh of course it is. How stupid of me not to know this. Had I had a welcome pack...... Got a rotten burger on stale brown bun (what is it with the brown buns now?)

So in the morning we phoned up member services to take them up on SS offer. VAK was that bad. But no, that room has been filled. Bah. So we simply checked out of Vak and checked into a nearby resort called bonnet creek and forgo the points at the VAK. I would advise everyone to avoid the VAK until the new building is built. Its far too great a risk book a savannah room right now in case you get the rotten views. There really are a lot of them.

As a counterpoint:

We arrived on January 5th, got our 1BR on Zebra trail overlooking Arusha Savannah, near the elevator down to the pool (which was our request). 5525. It was well maintained, TV's all worked (though the High Speed Internet port didn't...they fixed it as soon as I called them about it), and we got a welcome packet and resort map. Great view, tons of animals to be seen, and the tub was big enough for me and my wife to fit in at the same time. I've heard the other villas have even LARGER tubs, which just boggles my mind. We LOVED the room, and having the commode in a seperate area was actually sort of nice with only one bathroom for the family to use. Gives those needing it some privacy and "protects the innocent" on the other side.

We used the buses a couple of times...and never waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus. We ate at the Mara and the food was great...as was Boma's (as usual). All the CM's were friendly, attentive...heck, the front desk CM who checked us in even went over to the concierge desk to get us a print out of our ADR's for the week (he offered, FYI).

I'm so sorry you had a bad experience, poggs. It really stinks that you were treated badly and got such a lousy view. But I did want to point out that, at least for us, what you saw wasn't the norm. Maybe you'll give AKV a try again someday and things will go better for you.

[pilferk]

I can see that - I think it also depends on which animals are on your savanna - and if you had the foresight to bring binoculars. We didn't, and had a savanna mostly of Tommys - so small gazelles from a distance. It was still amazing, but would have been far better from the third floor instead of the fifth. But we could see the whole of the savanna easily from the room.

We were on Arusha, this past trip. So tommy's, giraffe's, ankola cattle, zebras, and an impala who particularly liked our side of the resort (slept outside our room every night).

But I've stayed all over the resort, on varying trips. Both "types" of rooms. Sometimes I like the intimacy of the lower rooms, sometimes I like the expansiveness of the upper level rooms. Neither will satisfy me 100% of the time, so I use the public viewing areas to get whichever "type" of view the room doesn't provide. The only strong preference I have is to be overlooking the Arusha savanna. Zebra trail near the elevator down to the pool area is nice too, but that's more a matter of convenience over asthetics.

We never bring binoculars, either. Though I guess the telephoto lens on the camera might be considered comparable. :)

Also...I corrected my original post. I said DVC members would have both views when Jambo opened....but obviously meant when KIDANI opens.

[Dman67]

the view is fine, but nothing that wows me.

I couldn't agree more. We stayed at AKV last year and had a Savanna view room on the third floor facing into the center area. Not much to see with the animals pretty much keeping their distance. Occassionally the animal keepers would put out some food (hay or something) and the animals would come over to eat. Once they were done they moved back into the trees and out of view for the most part. Our friends did have a giraffe visit them. It scared their youngest daughter so the experience was as wonderful as it could've been. If we stay there again we'll definately save the points and view the animals from the viewing area.

[Chester's Mum]

Tuesday 4 December to friday 7th December – Animal Kingdom villas.

I had requested a room on the 5th floor overlooking the central savannah, near to the lobby as possible. Never got this the Cm whom I would characterise as rude said 'I dont care what you requested. Thats your room and I cant change it) She wrote 5548 on the a bit of paper and sent us on our way. I asked for the welcome pack, but she told me they were too busy to build them up and to come back later.


Everything else aside (view, lack of animals, maintenance concerns), the treatment you received by the customer service rep at the front desk was terrible. If I received that kind of "welcome" at my resort, it wouldn't matter if they put me in the presidential suite. It would sour my whole trip. There are so many more courteous ways to let a guest know that there is no opportunity to accomodate their requests. Saying "I don't care what you requested" was completely inexcusable in my opinion...and not apologizing for the mix up in rooms...well, that wouldn't have cost the cm anything.

I'm staying there in two weeks, haven't bought points yet. If I receive that kind of treatment, I'd be inclined to avoid the resort altogether in future, it would just give me bad vibes.

[Chloe'sMom]

We had a lovely stay at AKL, pre DVC days, and we had a standard view. I would never pay for the Savannah view - to me it isn't worth it. Part of what I loved about the Standard View is that it made you get out of the room to explore other areas of the resort.

My room opened to the lobby so it was nice and close to the front of the lobby leading to the bus stops and the resturants, and the food court. So I would wake up in the morning and take a short walk to the food court and get som coffee/hotchocolate - I would then wrap my way around to the savannah by the pool and check out what was going on there. There were chairs and tables available so I might sit there and read the paper for awhile. If I didn't like that view I would head back towards my room and stop at a public balcony looking over Arusha where again their were chairs available and I would watch the animals and read my book. By then an hour or so would have passed and I would go up one flight of stairs from the balcony that let me out right next door to my room - go inside and hubby would already be ready to go. It was the perfect room and only cost me $122.00 a night. :)

When we would come back in the evenings we would always go out to the Arusha rock and look through the night vision binoculars and talk with the guides. Or we would sit around the fire pit and visit with people.

We never felt like we missed anything staying in a standard view - in fact we loved it :cutie:

~Amanda

[Tigger031266]

I think it is all about expectations. The savanah is either a bunch of boring animals orreally cool animals right outside your hotel window. It depends on your expectations.

This is a hotel, not at zoo. The fact that it has nice animals is a plus.

Some people think animals are cooler to look at than grass, water and trees. I personally think it is great. I love animals!

[Kurby]

It was the perfect room and only cost me $122.00 a night. :)
~Amanda

how did you get that for $122 a night? i thought the rooms started around $200 at AK

[Chloe'sMom]

how did you get that for $122 a night? i thought the rooms started around $200 at AK

This was back in the days where they would really lower prices in order to get guest to stay in the resorts. :) Post 9/11.

~Amanda

[crisi]

I couldn't agree more.

You misunderstood me - I actually think the view at AKL is wow - even from the lousy fifth floor I couldn't get enough of it. I don't think the Boardwalk View - which so many tout as "the best view at Disney" is all that.

However, for us the Boardwalk is all about location.

[Inkmahm]

This was back in the days where they would really lower prices in order to get guest to stay in the resorts. :) Post 9/11.

~Amanda
After 9/11 is about when I started to take advantage of a lot of the Disney A/P discount deals and we stayed quite a bit at AKL. LOVE the place and can't imagine NOT having a savannah view. We were so excited when it became part of DVC that we bought more points that we didn't really need just because AKL is our favorite resort!

[starbox]

Late July:

http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333527.f4571e.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333325.5743b8.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333336.7f6194.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333345.0a833d.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333400.7bab59.jpg


We saw lots of animals! :love: the savanna view and HUGE balconies.

We did meet and chat with some of the animal keepers who told us that most complaints about not viewing animals are usually from people who spend very little time in the room and unrealistically expect the animals to be on their schedule. (They come back to the hotel mid-day to escape the heat and are ticked that the animals are also seeking shade and not outside their window - then they go back to the park and stay gone till after dark).

Mid-day is typically not the best viewing time - but early morning and evening are great!!!

[Chloe'sMom]

I am looking forward to my boardwalk view in April - if only for the reason of being able to sit on the balcony and hopefully (fingers crossed) be able to hear the music they pipe in along the boardwalk. I love that 20's and 30's dance music. :)

~Amanda

[Chloe'sMom]

After 9/11 is about when I started to take advantage of a lot of the Disney A/P discount deals and we stayed quite a bit at AKL. LOVE the place and can't imagine NOT having a savannah view. We were so excited when it became part of DVC that we bought more points that we didn't really need just because AKL is our favorite resort!

Our first, 2nd, and 3rd trips were in 2002 and early 2004 and I swear the prices were so low it was hard to pass up a trip every 6 months :wizard: I almost go into sticker shock when people are happy they got a moderate at $120.00 a night! Which is why we bought DVC - we got so use to Deluxe accomodations but couldn't afford them w/o the discounts.

To be fair - I did love our stay at PO - French Quarter but we paid $69.00 a night for it!!!

~Amanda

[TenThousandVolts]

Starbox- those are beautiful photos- that really is a lovely view- even if you didn't see alot of animals it is really a pretty landscape. I guess it is hit or miss with the views- some of the savannahs appear dusty and barren with a minimum of foliage/greenery. Even if that is consistent with a natural African terrain, it would not be my idea of a good view- regardless of how many animals were present. But the pretty green areas in your photos are gorgeous.

[Anal Annie]

We very much enjoyed our view of the Uzima savanna from our studio villa. DW was on her cell phone immediately inviting her best friend and her husband to come down and see what it's all about. They are coming with us May 2009. It will be my wife's friend's first time to WDW. It should be quite an experience for her. Her husband has been a number of times, but not recently, so he should enjoy it as well. Here's hoping.

We were on the Uzima Savanna several years ago on our first trip to WDW with DS and we were so-o not impressed with the view! We had like 1 giraffe & some other lone animal out there all week. That was it. Very disappointing. That's why this summer we're just going to try out a Value studio & take pot luck! Not worth the extra points unless you can be guaranteed to be on the Arusha Savanna IMO. But we still love the resort!:thumbsup2 I just don't think I would use the extra points until Kidani is done & we get some feedback on those rooms!

[drakethib]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

[Chloe'sMom]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

It is the cleanest savannah you will ever see - there is no odor.

~Amanda

[ead79]

I've stayed in several different savannah view rooms at AKL (pre-DVC). They each had a different view, and each had its own charm. One of our rooms overlooked the Arusha Rock area, so it was really pretty, but when we saw the animals they were typically a little bit further off from the balcony. The second had a really great place to see giraffes close up and we also saw zebras, but there were "people pens" in that view as well. The 3rd room we had was on the 5th floor and had a wonderful view. The best times to see animals are early in the mornings and when it's not too hot. I'm not a huge animal lover, but we really found the views to be incredible. While AKV isn't the closest resort to the "action," it has such a neat theme and truly provides you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of WDW. As long as you don't expect to see tons of animals every minute of your stay, you should see some cool things!

[ADP]

I know we are all entitled to our opinions, bui what other resort in the world can you view animals roaming in a savanna. What makes AKL/V wonderful is its uniqueness. I don't think you can get this expereince anywhere else in the world.

I've never been to Africa, but I wonder if their resorts even have views of savannas from their balconies.

[kimberh]

I have stayed Savanna View several times at the Hotel, never above the 3rd floor. I have had the horrid pit room once, As a full paying guest. I had rented 3 Savanna view rooms for my family, they gave me two of these terrible rooms. The reason the other poster didn't see any animals is: the pit is for Sick Animals. I called the front desk, it took a day for them to move me, they never did move my son. I could not believe they had the nerve to even rent this room, now to hear they have given it to DVC! I had a feeling they had. I was wondering the other day about this room. It is a terrible view!!!!! It is litterally dirt and a circular fence. :eek:

To answer the original question, I feel it is worth the additional points. This resort is our favorite! We just love it. If, I get the Horrid Pit Room I will call Member Serivce and ask for compensation. We need to voice our objections. Now, if they are ever heard, is another topic.

[RLRDA]

I know we are all entitled to our opinions, bui what other resort in the world can you view animals roaming in a savanna. What makes AKL/V wonderful is its uniqueness. I don't think you can get this expereince anywhere else in the world.

I've never been to Africa, but I wonder if their resorts even have views of savannas from their balconies.

I'm right with you....we felt like we'd left Orlando. It's a great experience but not everyone feels that way

Yes, it's very true about people's opinions. You are going to get basically 2 types of posts - the ones who think it's totally worth it (me being of that frame of mind) and ones that think it's a waste of points. Only the OP can gauge for him/herself if it's worth it. If it were me I'd try it then make up my mind for future trips.

I've suggested to my DH that we should book standard or value villas to save points (from time to time) but he loved that view too much, it will take some convincing.

[pilferk]

I have stayed Savanna View several times at the Hotel, never above the 3rd floor. I have had the horrid pit room once, As a full paying guest. I had rented 3 Savanna view rooms for my family, they gave me two of these terrible rooms. The reason the other poster didn't see any animals is: the pit is for Sick Animals. I called the front desk, it took a day for them to move me, they never did move my son. I could not believe they had the nerve to even rent this room, now to hear they have given it to DVC! I had a feeling they had. I was wondering the other day about this room. It is a terrible view!!!!! It is litterally dirt and a circular fence. :eek:

To answer the original question, I feel it is worth the additional points. This resort is our favorite! We just love it. If, I get the Horrid Pit Room I will call Member Serivce and ask for compensation. We need to voice our objections. Now, if they are ever heard, is another topic.

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

[pilferk]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

I've never, ever, ever smelled anything coming from the animals.

There is a very distinct, strong, spicy smell in the lobby that some find objectionable. Most find it to be very pleasant, though. It smells sort of like cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices.

[TenThousandVolts]

I've never, ever, ever smelled anything coming from the animals.

There is a very distinct, strong, spicy smell in the lobby that some find objectionable. Most find it to be very pleasant, though. It smells sort of like cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices.

Yes- the lobby smells sooooo good. It doesn't really smell like anything outside.

[Inkmahm]

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

Exactly. You can still see animals from those rooms but they are much farther away. I've gotten the people pen rooms several times when I was a paying hotel guest arriving later at night. I have always asked to switch rooms because I am there to see the animals, not people pens.

"Sick" animals would be kept in the animal barns, not put on display in pens.

[Kurby]

does anyone remember the room number of the Pit rooms or at least the section?

i'd like to avoid them for our first stay there.

i'll add a map if it helps pinpoint the location

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/akl.jpg

[pilferk]

does anyone remember the room number of the Pit rooms or at least the section?

i'd like to avoid them for our first stay there.

i'll add a map if it helps pinpoint the location



I don't know the room numbers, but from what I remember there are 3 or 4 of them..right around the "spurs" on Kudo and Zebra trails.

I'm sure someone will have more detailed info, though.

[kimberh]

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

I am not making this up. This is what management told me when I called to get a room change. Why would people be put that close to the property in case of an evacuation?:confused3 Especially a fire. I would sure be further out than that. There was not one animal around, the whole 3 days my son was there. I will ask when I go in May.

[pilferk]

I am not making this up. This is what management told me when I called to get a room change. Why would people be put that close to the property in case of an evacuation?:confused3 Especially a fire. I would sure be further out than that. There was not one animal around, the whole 3 days my son was there. I will ask when I go in May.

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/npowe/600638-R1-00-25A_001.jpg

Or this:

http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/akl11.jpg

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

[kimberh]

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/npowe/600638-R1-00-25A_001.jpg

Or this:

http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/akl11.jpg

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

That is what we had. I just went on the Link you posted and I do apologize. I promise you that we were told they were pens for sicks animals. I even asked the front desk, " Why would you rent this room?" I rented 3 rooms over Thanskgiving weekend, my bill was unreal. This was the deciding factor that convinced me to buy DVC. The CM's moved us the next day while we were at the Park, but my son refused to move. He didn't want the hassle of packing up.

Thanks for looking this all up. Now, we have the actual picture with the info, I still would not want to be that close to the hotel, if I need to evacuate. ;)

[PEANUT1]

we are hooked on the animal kingdom! We were upgraded for free to savannah view the year after it opened and loved it...we stayed on the 5th floor on the zebra trail this past october and thought it was amazing. the rooms are beautiful, the staff is wonderful and you have to LOVE the smell of the lobby.

It was a pretty long walk to our room bc the elevators near our room weren't operating bc of construction but still it was only a 5 minute walk to the lobby. the views are breathtaking..there is no way to describe it. we also love all of the ammenities; arts and crafts for the kids and the kids club is awesome. my daughter made a pottery sculpture of ariel and adores it. This place is amazing!!:flower3:

[Kurby]

i can see these being people pens - if there is something that happens at to the resort and people have to be send out to the savannah because of fire or something - they wouldn't want them wandering off. personally i wouldn't want to make a wrong turn a 2am and run into a lion or something.

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/npowe/600638-R1-00-25A_001.jpg

Or this:

http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/akl11.jpg

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

[pilferk]

i can see these being people pens - if there is something that happens at to the resort and people have to be send out to the savannah because of fire or something - they wouldn't want them wandering off. personally i wouldn't want to make a wrong turn a 2am and run into a lion or something.

Luckily....there's no carnivores out on the savanna's. No lions and such. It's all herd beasts, herbivores, and birds.

:)

But still, it's a good point. They don't want you unexpectedly "interacting" with an animal and causing it, or YOU (because, herbivore or not, they'll bite and kick if threatened) harm.

[Beavertails Queen]

I have stayed in AKL before and I thought the view was great. I spent an evening until 3:30 in the morning sitting on the balcony and just enjoying the view and the atmosphere. We were only on the 3'rd floor but it was great to sit in total relaxation and watch the animals walking around. I loved it!

[kimberh]

I have stayed in AKL before and I thought the view was great. I spent an evening until 3:30 in the morning sitting on the balcony and just enjoying the view and the atmosphere. We were only on the 3'rd floor but it was great to sit in total relaxation and watch the animals walking around. I loved it!

We have done the same thing. My husband would get up all night, just keep going to the balcony. This is his favorite resort. I have my own night vision glasses. We bring them to help us see in the distance.

[momof3poohlovers]

Tuesday 4 December to friday 7th December – Animal Kingdom villas.

Got to the Animal kingdom lodge at 3.30. At the door the medal floor design of animals and the wooden panels surrounding it were roped of, making the entry door seemed really small. The The lobby was also really cluttered with couches and other 'junk'. At least 10 people in line infront to check in. Only 2 people doing check in, but 5 or 6 at the concierge desk chatting and laughing with each other. Initial impressions were not good. Waited in line for about 30 minutes until we got seen. Really poor this. I had requested a room on the 5th floor overlooking the central savannah, near to the lobby as possible. Never got this the Cm whom I would characterise as rude said 'I dont care what you requested. Thats your room and I cant change it) She wrote 5548 on the a bit of paper and sent us on our way. I asked for the welcome pack, but she told me they were too busy to build them up and to come back later.

So walked up to the room. Took 3 breaks and aged a bit, but eventually got to 5548. put the key in. red light. Tried all three. All red light. Then the door opened and another lady said that this was her room. ARRGH!!!!!!! After that hike, She's given me someone elses room.!!!

So back to the lobby. Waited another 20 mins in line to get dragon lady again. 'I never said 5548' says Ros (nice monsters inc link there) . 'Yes you did says I' whilst showing her the room layout card that she had written 5548 on. Tut tut goes it and says, its 5549 and sends us off with a flee in our ear. Sorry? Not a chance.

Repeat 1 mile walk to the far end of the hotel to the worst DVC room on property. Remember the number. Its Room 5549.

So we walk in and the lampshade falls of the ceiling and smashes on the floor. Oh. There's an omen. So straight to the balcony. Its a 5th floor room overlooking a circular fenced of mud pit! Totally shocking and utterly unacceptable. I just cant believe they call this a savannah view. Never saw so much as a bird the whole time we were there. DW burst into tears. This hotel was her dream. So back to the lobby and after a 15 minute wait (see getting better) got Ros to get us the floor manager. He hid in the back for 10 minutes before being very sorry but there was nothing else he could do. We got the AKVversion of the dumpster view.

The room itself was also pants. No en-suite and a toilet in a cupboard. Whats that all about. But, but, wheres the tub? Someone has shrunk it! Tiny wee thing.
Ok says DW phone up members services and get a move. I am not staying here. So I phone up member service and shockerooni, nothing available apart from Saratoga springs. Here was a dilema. Do we leave the 'mud pit view' for the poor relation of DVC? She hummed and hawed and decided that SS was a step too far. So we stayed put and tried to go to a park. Waited 40 mins on a bus to epcot. Waited 30 mins on a bus at 730pm to get back. Eventually got back to the room and thought we would try out the HD tv. Guess what only one remote. So tried it on the living room tv. Worked fine. Pulled out the sofa and put the wee man to bed. Tried the bedroom tv. Nope. Only 2 channels working. So its channel 2 or 3. Everything else is choppy and unwatchable as if the cable is not properly tuned in. Wife looks out the balcony and cries again. Went to find the Mara food place. Walked around for a while. No signs anywhere. Asked a Cm to be met with a shocked look. 'Its near the pool sir' Oh of course it is. How stupid of me not to know this. Had I had a welcome pack...... Got a rotten burger on stale brown bun (what is it with the brown buns now?)

So in the morning we phoned up member services to take them up on SS offer. VAK was that bad. But no, that room has been filled. Bah. So we simply checked out of Vak and checked into a nearby resort called bonnet creek and forgo the points at the VAK. I would advise everyone to avoid the VAK until the new building is built. Its far too great a risk book a savannah room right now in case you get the rotten views. There really are a lot of them.

I agree with this poster as well as some of the others. We actually had the 2BR right next to the one mentioned here(I believe it was 5543/5545). It has to be the worst view there is. It is located right over the people pen on a very small savannah, as well as the fact that it is about as far away from the front desk as you can get. I wrote a review when we got back. We were able to see a couple of giraffes for a very brief time very early in the morning before they were let into the another savannah for the rest of the day. I believe that this savannah is just used as a pathway for the animals to go to the other savannah so unless you happen to be outside on your balcony for those few minutes, your out of luck. However, that being said, I loved seeing the giraffes, even if it was just a few minutes. Was it worth the extra points? Not for that room but I would never stay in that part of the resort again. The bad part about coming from California is we usually arrive late and so we seem to get "stuck" with the leftovers. I think if I ever get stuck with that area again, I would ask to have my extra points for the SV refunded as it truly isn't a Savannah view. Maybe more of us need to complain about these rooms so they can be "reclassified".

So, to answer your question:p (sorry it took me so long to get to it!)it just depends on where your room is as to what your experience is.

[Mr Man]

We were at AKL last October. I have to admit. We didn't sit on the balcony much.

We spent a lot more time at the Pool (and Pool Bar). It was very hot in October.

We will try it again next year, as we will likely be doing an "add-on at AKV in the near future.

I won't say we were underwhelmed though. We just didn't go out there much.

Regards,

[DVC Mike]

The Savanna view at AKV is what makes it my wife's favorite resort! We spend a lot of time just sitting on the balcony watching the animals.

[DisneyBride'03]

We just returned...had a 1 BDR on Kudu Trail..Room #5223...well, our balcony was huge..and the view...AMAZING!

We saw Giraffe, zebra, ankole cattle, eland, and some other horned animal...? Loved this room, location...
Our friends who were up in concierge had a studio, their view was a tiny little SV, with views of a roof of another bldg, and all the Kidani construction. They did have a view of giraffe and ostrich though...while I lvoe concierge, our SV was far superior!

[PinkTink63]

Late July:

http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333527.f4571e.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333325.5743b8.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333336.7f6194.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333345.0a833d.jpg
http://nor.zorpia.com/0/3489/22333400.7bab59.jpg


We saw lots of animals! :love: the savanna view and HUGE balconies.

We did meet and chat with some of the animal keepers who told us that most complaints about not viewing animals are usually from people who spend very little time in the room and unrealistically expect the animals to be on their schedule. (They come back to the hotel mid-day to escape the heat and are ticked that the animals are also seeking shade and not outside their window - then they go back to the park and stay gone till after dark).

Mid-day is typically not the best viewing time - but early morning and evening are great!!!

Great Pictures! Can I ask which savanna you are viewing and what kind of camera you used?

[TomD]

We stayed in a 1 bedroom this past October. I had alot of personal stuff happening at the time and I found it very relaxing sitting out in the balcony watching the animals.

[PutnamDS]

Based on all these posts, I phoned Member Services and asked for our three rooms to be on the Zebra Trail in the first of second block (5407-5422 or 5423-5437) facing the savanna (toward Arusha Rock, the center of the circle). Could someone who has been there let me know if this sounds like a good location? This is a once in a lifetime trip with my whole family - we've never been able to to this before and since my husband is ill, we may never be able to do it again. Anyway, it is important to me that I get this right, so your help would be so greatly appreciated. If I messed up, I would like to call them back and fix it. Thanks so much.

I have reserved a 1-bedroom and 2 studios (savanna views all). This is for January 2009.

[starbox]

Great Pictures! Can I ask which savanna you are viewing and what kind of camera you used?

I believe we were on Zebra trail facing Arusha (sp?). 4th floor. It was the first block of rooms opened.

And that's a Canon Digital Elph. The SD700. I LOVE the digital Elph -this is my third one, we've kept upgrading the megapixels. IMHO, it's the best under 200$ digital camera on the market.

[RLRDA]

Based on all these posts, I phoned Member Services and asked for our three rooms to be on the Zebra Trail in the first of second block (5407-5422 or 5423-5437) facing the savanna (toward Arusha Rock, the center of the circle). Could someone who has been there let me know if this sounds like a good location? This is a once in a lifetime trip with my whole family - we've never been able to to this before and since my husband is ill, we may never be able to do it again. Anyway, it is important to me that I get this right, so your help would be so greatly appreciated. If I messed up, I would like to call them back and fix it. Thanks so much.

I have reserved a 1-bedroom and 2 studios (savanna views all). This is for January 2009.

We stayed in a 1BR SV on the Zebra Trail (room 5425) last August. We loved the view from our balcony! It's a great location and we'd definitely request the Zebra Trail again and again. It was very close to the elevators also which was nice. I hope you have a wonderful trip with your whole family!

[Mr Man]

Based on all these posts, I phoned Member Services and asked for our three rooms to be on the Zebra Trail in the first of second block (5407-5422 or 5423-5437) facing the savanna (toward Arusha Rock, the center of the circle). Could someone who has been there let me know if this sounds like a good location? This is a once in a lifetime trip with my whole family - we've never been able to to this before and since my husband is ill, we may never be able to do it again. Anyway, it is important to me that I get this right, so your help would be so greatly appreciated. If I messed up, I would like to call them back and fix it. Thanks so much.

I have reserved a 1-bedroom and 2 studios (savanna views all). This is for January 2009.

Last time we were there, we stayed in rm 2407 I think). it was the closest room to the lobby (and Victoria Fall bar) & restaurants on the same level. It had a very prominent view of the Rock. We had to look to the side to see animals but were very close.

We absolutely loved this location with small kids for it's convenience, but if Savannah view is important to you, I would move down a bit from where we stayed if at all possible.

[PutnamDS]

Thanks so much for the valuable feedback! Deb

[Chester's Mum]

We stayed in a "Savannah View" room March 4-8. No (well except for 1 ostrich very early one morning) animals on this savannah. To the right of the balcony was a wide driveway leading to a large concrete pad in front of (what looked like) 4 or 5 storage shed doors. To the left of the balcony was the dreaded people pen. Straight ahead was a small clump of trees, with a sort of a pond in the middle. In my opinion this was not worth the extra points I paid.

One morning about 6 a.m. I went out with my coffee. I saw an ostrich picking his way along the fence, probably looking for his friends. Hope he found them...we didn't.;)

I was thinking about adding on at AKV but won't do it now.

The last 5 days of our trip was in a standard studio at BWV, our first stay at our home resort. We could see the EPCOT fireworks from the balcony. I was thrilled with the room.

No more AKV for us, Boardwalk is calling me back already.

In case anyone was wondering that AKV room was 5212, the BWV room was 3111.

[pilferk]

We stayed in a "Savannah View" room March 4-8. No (well except for 1 ostrich very early one morning) animals on this savannah. To the right of the balcony was a wide driveway leading to a large concrete pad in front of (what looked like) 4 or 5 storage shed doors. To the left of the balcony was the dreaded people pen. Straight ahead was a small clump of trees, with a sort of a pond in the middle. In my opinion this was not worth the extra points I paid.

One morning about 6 a.m. I went out with my coffee. I saw an ostrich picking his way along the fence, probably looking for his friends. Hope he found them...we didn't.;)

I was thinking about adding on at AKV but won't do it now.

The last 5 days of our trip was in a standard studio at BWV, our first stay at our home resort. We could see the EPCOT fireworks from the balcony. I was thrilled with the room.

No more AKV for us, Boardwalk is calling me back already.

In case anyone was wondering that AKV room was 5212, the BWV room was 3111.

I hate that they do that...categorize the "people pen" area as Savanna View. They're really not....and animals seems to be scarce around those areas.

MOST of what I consider the "real" savanna view rooms, IMHO, are much better. We were there in January, in room 5525 (which is on Zebra trail, a bit more than 1/2 way down, facing Arusha savanna..the "center" one) and there were CONSTANTLY animals out there.

Sorry you had such a bad experience......maybe you'll give AKV another try (especially after Kidani is open) in the future and have better luck.

[WolfpackFan]

We just returned from AKV and had great views of the animals most of the time. We were on the Zebra trail. At any given time there were at least 4 zebras, lots of angola cattle, 2 giraffes and many other animals I didn't recognize. DW and DD also found the neatest "hidden" viewing area. You go all the way to the end of the Zebra trail, taking the last turn to the right. Then go out on the fire escape. You can see the holding pens and many animals. Sometimes you might need to leave your room to see the animals, but there are all kinds of viewing areas around the resort.

[WolfpackFan]

Based on all these posts, I phoned Member Services and asked for our three rooms to be on the Zebra Trail in the first of second block (5407-5422 or 5423-5437) facing the savanna (toward Arusha Rock, the center of the circle).
We stayed in 5413 last week and had fantastic views of the animals. One thing you do need to be careful of as you make the turn going down Zebra trail. At some point, you may have some trees hiding your view somewhat. The closer to the lobby, the better off you are IMO. Also, one more suggestion - if you are getting a studio and can get one that is the very first block of rooms in a section, you have a chance of getting a dedicated studio rather than a connector to a 1BR. By doing this you get a closet which helps a lot with the storage problems in studios. We had one of these rooms last year (I wish I could remember the room number).

[gppnj]

IMO...I have no love at all for the DZV (disney zoo villas)....I dont undertsand the fascination for a resort that is in the middle of nowhere....but I guess for each is own.

Bless you. People like you are why I was able to book AKV twice when the seven-month window opened. Don't change.

[dianeschlicht]

We LOVED AKL before DVC, and we LOVED our AKV DVC stay last month. It really is all about the atmosphere AND the animals AND conservation. When we have stayed savanna view, we had animals outside our door all night. I know, because I kept looking out there everytime I woke up to make a bathroom call! This trip we were pool view, but still had plenty of animal viewing from the fences along Uzima savanna as well as Arusha. The hallways on the left side of the resort have amazing views of both Arusha savanna as well as Sunset savanna. I also did NOT feel this was "out too far" as some seem to think. First of all, the bus transportation was fantastic from here, and it really never took us long to get anywhere. Sure, a bit longer than it does from OKW, but not as bad as I was expecting. Only DTD seemed far to me. Bear in mind that Disney works very hard to make everything seem like it is "its own little world", so it appears to be totally isolated when it really isn't. We even noticed we could see AKL from the highway when we were coming back from Fort Myers.

[BWV Dreamin]

We stayed in a "Savannah View" room March 4-8. No (well except for 1 ostrich very early one morning) animals on this savannah. To the right of the balcony was a wide driveway leading to a large concrete pad in front of (what looked like) 4 or 5 storage shed doors. To the left of the balcony was the dreaded people pen. Straight ahead was a small clump of trees, with a sort of a pond in the middle. In my opinion this was not worth the extra points I paid.

One morning about 6 a.m. I went out with my coffee. I saw an ostrich picking his way along the fence, probably looking for his friends. Hope he found them...we didn't.;)

I was thinking about adding on at AKV but won't do it now.

The last 5 days of our trip was in a standard studio at BWV, our first stay at our home resort. We could see the EPCOT fireworks from the balcony. I was thrilled with the room.

No more AKV for us, Boardwalk is calling me back already.

In case anyone was wondering that AKV room was 5212, the BWV room was 3111.

I really respect your candid comments. So often, we can get caught up on the euphoria that owners bring to the forum. Its by objectional comments that others can try to draw a more "realistic" perspective. Yes, too each his own. That's why it is very important to try to see the resorts before you purchase, if possible.:goodvibes

[Chester's Mum]

I hate that they do that...categorize the "people pen" area as Savanna View. They're really not....and animals seems to be scarce around those areas.

MOST of what I consider the "real" savanna view rooms, IMHO, are much better. We were there in January, in room 5525 (which is on Zebra trail, a bit more than 1/2 way down, facing Arusha savanna..the "center" one) and there were CONSTANTLY animals out there.

Sorry you had such a bad experience......maybe you'll give AKV another try (especially after Kidani is open) in the future and have better luck.

The stay was not a bad stay overall. The resort was lovely, the pool area very nice, and the staff kind and helpful, and we really enjoy Boma. One of my reasons for buying DVC is that I like to spend time on the balcony, I'm an early riser in a houseful of sleepy heads. I just regret paying more points for such a bad view. My BWV standard view for 20 less points and 1 more night was much more rewarding. If I do give the lodge another chance it will be in a standard view room, but thanks for your kind words.

[Coach81]

I am hoping that we see a few animals this coming May. My 6 year old is really looking forward to it!

[LisaS]

I hate that they do that...categorize the "people pen" area as Savanna View. They're really not....and animals seems to be scarce around those areas.Given the design of Kidani Village, I'm thinking there won't be a need for any people pens there. So unlike Jambo House, maybe all of Kidani's Savanna View rooms will be pretty much equal in terms of the view.

[pilferk]

Given the design of Kidani Village, I'm thinking there won't be a need for any people pens there. So unlike Jambo House, maybe all of Kidani's Savanna View rooms will be pretty much equal in terms of the view.

I figure that to be the case, as well.

I just hate that they categorize the current "people pen" view rooms as Savannah view....for exactly the reason we see here. It's so off putting to "new" guests...and it's not fair, IMHO, to charge a "premium" for those rooms. I agree it'll be less of an issue once Kidani opens...since those rooms will make up a much smaller % (they're already a small %) of the SV room category for DVC members.

Those rooms started, when the lodge first opened, as standard view. They were seen by lots of people who paid for standard view rooms as an "upgrade" to savanna view, or a nice "Disney bonus" for what they were paying.

Disney caught on pretty quick though, and within months changed them over to savanna view rooms. Now we see (as evidenced above) exactly the opposite: People seeing these rooms as not worth the "view premium" (in points or dollars) Disney is charging. For the record, I think people are right and, IMHO, better for Disney to "pleasantly surprise" standard view guests than "royally disappoint) the Savanna view guests.

[Mr Man]

I was one of the early posters who was underwhelmed by the Savannah view.......still am, yet I keep going back. :laughing:

I love the resort (visited it twice for meals on my last trip) & will be staying there on DVC points this August. DW wants to make an add-on at this resort in August. I will not argue. Can't wait to have first crack at the value category suites. :thumbsup2

Viewing animals on the Savannah from my balcony is a small part of the AKL experience for us. Nice to have but I am ok with public viewing areas for now. I spend too much time at the Pool Bar and arcade anyways......

[dianeschlicht]

Given the design of Kidani Village, I'm thinking there won't be a need for any people pens there. So unlike Jambo House, maybe all of Kidani's Savanna View rooms will be pretty much equal in terms of the view.

I think there WILL be people pens. It is a whole new building, and thus will need whole new escape routes should that be necessary. Not all areas of the resort will have easy access to the small parking lot and lobby area, so I'm sure there will be people pens on the back side of the new savanna for Kidani. The whole reason for the people pens is access to the outdoors for units that would have no direct access without going through the animal areas. If there is an emergency or fire etc, they have to be able to empty the whole resort in a very short time...thus the people pens for the wings that have only savanna access.

When we did the sunset safari last month, the Sunset Savanna is where we saw the MOST animals, not the least. There were 3 giraffes, several Ankoli cattle, Zebra, Red River Hogs and Herons on that savanna, and because it was smaller than normal with the construction area restricting it, they seemed to be more clustered and available than on the larger Arusha and Uzima savannas.

[pilferk]

I think there WILL be people pens. It is a whole new building, and thus will need whole new escape routes should that be necessary. Not all areas of the resort will have easy access to the small parking lot and lobby area, so I'm sure there will be people pens on the back side of the new savanna for Kidani. The whole reason for the people pens is access to the outdoors for units that would have no direct access without going through the animal areas. If there is an emergency or fire etc, they have to be able to empty the whole resort in a very short time...thus the people pens for the wings that have only savanna access.


If you look at where the people pens are situated for Jambo House, they are on or near "wings" which don't have an "exterior", non-savannah side. Both sides are "encased" by animal habitat/savanna.

With Kidani, I don't believe there are any such wings....MAYBE the very tip of the wing nearest the pool, where the "new" DVC exclusive savanna is.

Otherwise, they all have at least one side "open" to the parking lots, pool, or common areas.

I'm not sure that means anything, one way or the other, but it's why I suspect they won't have any (or at least, many) "people pens".

We'll have to wait and see, I guess.

[LisaS]

If you look at where the people pens are situated for Jambo House, they are on or near "wings" which don't have an "exterior", non-savannah side. Both sides are "encased" by animal habitat/savanna.

With Kidani, I don't believe there are any such wings....MAYBE the very tip of the wing nearest the pool, where the "new" DVC exclusive savanna is.

Otherwise, they all have at least one side "open" to the parking lots, pool, or common areas.

I'm not sure that means anything, one way or the other, but it's why I suspect they won't have any (or at least, many) "people pens".

We'll have to wait and see, I guess.I just took another look at the drawing of Kidani and it looks like about 1/4 of the building (the building segments just past the pool area) would need a people pen or two. But the rest of the building has parking lot or the pool area on one side. So maybe a couple of people pens will be required for that top part of the building. Oh well! Wishful thinking I guess.

[PinkTink63]

I figure that to be the case, as well.

I just hate that they categorize the current "people pen" view rooms as Savannah view....for exactly the reason we see here. It's so off putting to "new" guests...and it's not fair, IMHO, to charge a "premium" for those rooms. I agree it'll be less of an issue once Kidani opens...since those rooms will make up a much smaller % (they're already a small %) of the SV room category for DVC members.

Those rooms started, when the lodge first opened, as standard view. They were seen by lots of people who paid for standard view rooms as an "upgrade" to savanna view, or a nice "Disney bonus" for what they were paying.

Disney caught on pretty quick though, and within months changed them over to savanna view rooms. Now we see (as evidenced above) exactly the opposite: People seeing these rooms as not worth the "view premium" (in points or dollars) Disney is charging. For the record, I think people are right and, IMHO, better for Disney to "pleasantly surprise" standard view guests than "royally disappoint) the Savanna view guests.

Thanks for the "heads up" on this info, because Aug. will be our first stay at AK and I will be really disappointed to receive one of those rooms!:sad1: We have been dying to stay there for years, but couldn't until now because of DVC!:thumbsup2 I splurged on the points for SV, because we do want to enjoy it and relax for a couple of days.

[dianeschlicht]

I just took another look at the drawing of Kidani and it looks like about 1/4 of the building (the building segments just past the pool area) would need a people pen or two. But the rest of the building has parking lot or the pool area on one side. So maybe a couple of people pens will be required for that top part of the building. Oh well! Wishful thinking I guess.

That area is exactly where I was thinking of when I made that post, Lisa.

[pilferk]

I just took another look at the drawing of Kidani and it looks like about 1/4 of the building (the building segments just past the pool area) would need a people pen or two. But the rest of the building has parking lot or the pool area on one side. So maybe a couple of people pens will be required for that top part of the building. Oh well! Wishful thinking I guess.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought...just the "tip" of that end of the resort past the pool might need one.

So, at the very least, there should be a lot fewer of them...

[popstar7867]

Hi Everyone! I want to try to get the best view possible of the Savannah at Jambo house when I vacation there for the first time in December! Does anyone know if you can request a view over a certain savannah and if so, which one offers the best view of the animals?

[DVC Mike]

Hi Everyone! I want to try to get the best view possible of the Savannah at Jambo house when I vacation there for the first time in December! Does anyone know if you can request a view over a certain savannah and if so, which one offers the best view of the animals?

My personal favorite is the Arusha savanna. The Uzima savanna is nice. I would try to avoid the Sunset savanna until Spring 2009 due to the construction of Kidani Village.

[keishashadow]

Anybody have pics from their balcony located in Ostrich Trail area?

As we wait for next resort/addon:wizard: , we continually find ourselves point-shy and were shocked to be able to book AKV Value Studio for substantially less points than WLV in October over the pricey weekend.:goodvibes

While I gather the rooms will be smaller, & potential for parking lot or pool view; I'm still looking forward to finally seeing for ourselves how great it is.:goodvibes

We're happy with the parking lot view @ the BWV, honestly; it's always so hot & humid when we visit, we rarely spend much time on the balcony in the 1st place. :confused3 Even though we haven't been DVC for long, it's nice to shake things up a bit to keep it fresh imo.

[disneymom8589]

We are just returning from our 1st AKV stay in a 1-bdrm. SV room. We had a wonderful experience regarding viewing animals from our balcony. There were always plenty of animals out and about. Early in the morning the animals are off the savannah while the CMs work out there (or so we were told.) Every night we had animals sleeping directly below our balcony. It was fantastic! :goodvibes