AKV Savanna View or Lack There Of

[Alexander]

Has anyone called DVC about this issue we keep hearing about the lack of savanna view that everyone is using their points for? We are checking in next Tuesday for 7 glorious kid-free nights and used the extra points for a savanna view since we'll be hanging out at the resort for most or our stay. I will be very disappointed if all I have to look at are cranes (not from the animal kingdom kind of cranes).

Has anyone voiced their concern after checking in? What was the result? I really had to stretch the points for the view and if we don't have one, I'd rather just head to OKW.

Anybody?

[starbox]

A year ago, we stayed at AKV and all views seemed lovely. For Spring Break, we were in a value studio (pool view) and BOY was the construction obtrusive on the sunset savanna. I had already booked a SV 2bedroom for June, but I did have them note a request for Arusha on the reservation.

I was stressed about ending up on the sunset savanna - I don't think there would be anyway around it if it had happened - I mean, nobody wants that view and everybody is going to request to not be on it. FWIW, we decided not to stay at AKV again until Kidani is safely open and there are no more construction views. :thumbsup2 I absolutely would not want to spend the money on concierge until the view is good again.

Edited to add: I will add the caveat that views are really, really, really important to me - probably the number one thing that matters. To many people, it won't be that big of a deal.

[Simba's Mom]

Has anyone called DVC about this issue we keep hearing about the lack of savanna view that everyone is using their points for? We are checking in next Tuesday for 7 glorious kid-free nights and used the extra points for a savanna view since we'll be hanging out at the resort for most or our stay. I will be very disappointed if all I have to look at are cranes (not from the animal kingdom kind of cranes).

Has anyone voiced their concern after checking in? What was the result? I really had to stretch the points for the view and if we don't have one, I'd rather just head to OKW.

Anybody?
I think people should complain about the construction if they "paid" for a savannah view-AKL doesn't call the sunset savannah "savannah view", but DVC does?! When I was at AKV in early May, the CM on the sunset savannah tour told us that while the construction is going on, AKL is booking the rooms facing that way as standard view, not savannah view. All I ask is consistency-if it's not a savannah view to AKL guests, the AKV guests shouldn't have to call it a savannah view.
Of course, if the CM told me wrong (Gasp! A CM giving the wrong info), then I retract my rant.

[snowbunny]

Has anyone voiced their concern after checking in? What was the result? I really had to stretch the points for the view and if we don't have one, I'd rather just head to OKW.

I truly wish that upon checking in and taking a look at the view, I had marched my kids back downstairs and refused to accept 5265 on Sunset savanna as a "savanna view" room. That's all the advice I can offer. Today when I went down and nicely asked if there were any alternatives, the front desk staff said they could move us - they didn't know where yet -- but we would have to pay $45 charge (which I expected) and store our groceries etc. with bell services for 4-5 hours between 11 am checkout and checking in to new (unknown) room. I decided not to bother.

During construction I would say change to standard view if you can and take your chances. The view I got is laughable as a savanna view. I took some pix (can't post them from here) and when I get home may send them to MS. I do like the room but the points difference for the view is a crime IMO.

Also on an unrelated topic - the bell services here at AKV is incompetent at best...they absolutely don't care. I had a package delivered at 3:20 pm today and it took 8 hours to get it up here, which included two personal visits to front desk staff. Finally at 11:30 pm I demanded they produce it on a bell cart and said I was not leaving there until they did; like magic the box came out on a cart.

I am not a difficult customer but it is obvious to me that service here at AKL/AKV is not up to par compared with BWV for example. I can understand they are busy but I object to being told a flat-out lie and more than once.

Edited to add: I had a very nice call this morning from manager Ryan about the problem with bell services. So that was nice. We also spoke about the view issue and the problem does seem to be with DVC continuing to allow members to reserve full construction view as savanna view. In other words, MS is selling more genuine savanna view rooms than it actually has during this construction period. We fully expected to see and hear some construction, but we also booked and expected a savanna beneath our room.

At this very moment, there are two gentlemen standing on our balcony painting, where they have been for the past hour. They rose up on one of the cranes parked below.

[snowbunny]

CM on the sunset savannah tour told us that while the construction is going on, AKL is booking the rooms facing that way as standard view, not savannah view. All I ask is consistency-if it's not a savannah view to AKL guests, the AKV guests shouldn't have to call it a savannah view.

This is what I was told also at the front desk when I inquired today about receiving this room as a savanna view.

[KLR-wlv]

When I was there in April, I immediately called DVC and complained after the front desk said they weren't able to move me. I asked DVC to refund my points to a non sv. They moved me the next day. Not sure how a room magically appeared but I think those rooms should absolutely not be considered SV during the construction. NOt only was it construction, but we were directly in front of one of the "people pens".

[ead79]

We had a studio with a sunset savannah view this past March. At first I was really disappointed in the view since you could see construction in the distance and the back area of the building as well. However, we did see a nice variety of animals from our balcony, so to me it was still worth the savannah view points. Of course, I'm looking forward to the view improvement once Kidani is completed. In the meantime, we do have a concierge 1BR villa booked for December, so we'll see what view we get and how obtrusive the construction is by then.

[PatMcDuck]

We are just back from a stay at VAK, and I just want to say that the construction is quite obvious and evident from inside and outside the resort. It would be hard to miss it. SOME rooms may have the same great views of course, so maybe if you had one of those rooms and did not walk around you could miss it? We were in a regular studio one night, then up to concierge in a 1BR. We got the pool view, which is NOT even a nice pool view, IMHO. You are over a roof for the first 30 feet or something. We were able to be switched to savannah view after one night, which was much better, but you see and hear alot of construction for the new building. Adding to all that, they are painting the wood beams right outside the building you are in, so those trucks have generators running all day, too. The animals are there at times, but probably less than they would otherwise be.

GREAT GREAT trip, had a wonderful time. We had the handicapped 1BR room, which was fine, nothing to really be concerned about, at least it had the savanah view. We preferred that shower, to stepping inside the large lipped spa tub to take a shower in the other 1BR bathroom. (no seperate shower in the bathroom)

[VAgal76]

So where are the 1 bdrm concierge rooms? :scared: We're booked in one for our November trip. Any special location I should request?

[Steamboat Girlie]

Y'all are freaking me out! We are leaving in 38 days for our first visit to AKV and our first trip as DVC members. It is our 15th anniversary and we have a savannah view studio reservation. I was really hoping for a special and magical stay. I do not want to hear construction! I am really starting to have second thoughts about choosing to stay at AKV while the construction is going on.

[kimberh]

So where are the 1 bdrm concierge rooms? :scared: We're booked in one for our November trip. Any special location I should request?

You will be on the 6th floor facing the Pool or the Sunset Savanna with all the construction. You are over a roof. This is a poor design, but this is what they have for a Concierge room. We saw very few animals during the whole 5 days. We had a wonderful trip! Concierge services were wonderful. The food was great, the staff, great! The view... bad! I am a view person too. Hopefully this is temporary, but for right now, this is what you get. We had painters also.

[Dean]

I do understand the concerns and don't necessarily disagree with them. However, my general timeshare background and experience tells me not to take view representations too literally. Ocean Front may mean you could see the ocean if the dunes were lower and there was no vegetation in place.

[ncsjodi]

We stayed at AKV in December for two nights. We didn't have a problem with construction because we were on the opposite side from where Kidani is being built, but I did have a problem with our view. Since we were on the 5th floor, it seemed like we were above the tree canopy and couldn't see the animals through all the leaves. Has anyone else had this problem? The only animals we could see were the ones directly beneath our balcony. For me, the view wasn't worth the extra time it took to get anywhere. I'd much rather be closer to the parks since we really couldn't see animals anyway.

[snowbunny]

Since we were on the 5th floor, it seemed like we were above the tree canopy and couldn't see the animals through all the leaves. Has anyone else had this problem?

Yes we are on 5 but I expected that issue and it would not bother me. However it brings up the question of whether any views at DVC resorts are really worth the additional points. It's a personal preference of course but in future the only guaranteed (ha ha) view I would use points for is boardwalk view at BWV or castle view at BLT.

[bobbiwoz]

DS had a wonderful savannah view studio in June...absolutely no problems with the view. I had my concerns, they were arriving at MCO after 5PM but they had a great room for view.

I was in a value 1 bedroom with friends for that stay, and no complaints from me either. We had pool view, convenient room.

Bobbi:)

[Paulieuk1969]

We are in a savanna view studio for 14 nights later this month, I have been looking at an aerial view the rooms on the Sunset savanna (rooms beginning 52--) appear to have the worst view. I haven't made any room requests, was that a mistake, especially as we will be arriving late in the evening?

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/paulieuk1969/AnimalKingdomLodgeBirdsEye.jpg

[kimberh]

We are in a savanna view studio for 14 nights later this month, I have been looking at an aerial view the rooms on the Sunset savanna (rooms beginning 52--) appear to have the worst view. I haven't made any room requests, was that a mistake, especially as we will be arriving late in the evening?

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/paulieuk1969/AnimalKingdomLodgeBirdsEye.jpg

It is not to late to request a Savanna to be on, It does not mean that you will get it, but you might...especially for 14 days!

[starbox]

We are in a savanna view studio for 14 nights later this month, I have been looking at an aerial view the rooms on the Sunset savanna (rooms beginning 52--) appear to have the worst view. I haven't made any room requests, was that a mistake, especially as we will be arriving late in the evening?

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/paulieuk1969/AnimalKingdomLodgeBirdsEye.jpg

I would request to be on the Arusha or Uzima savanna and cross your fingers. What your picture does not show is that the entire sunset savanna side is now a construction zone - there's a very small area that's fenced off for animals - and you'll see animals - but against the backdrop of very heavy construction. (If you look at the SS in the picture, you'll see a small building that was the barn - this is located in the spot that now houses Kidani's large lobby - with the villas branching out on either side. The frame of the building looks about complete - but it's not even remotely pretty yet.)

Once Kidani is done - the SS side will overlook the savanna with Kidani in the background, and it will be a very nice view indeed.

[Steamboat Girlie]

We are in a savanna view studio for 14 nights later this month, I have been looking at an aerial view the rooms on the Sunset savanna (rooms beginning 52--) appear to have the worst view. I haven't made any room requests, was that a mistake, especially as we will be arriving late in the evening?

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/paulieuk1969/AnimalKingdomLodgeBirdsEye.jpg

We will be there Aug. 10-16. I haven't made any requests either. I was wondering if I should call MS to put in a request. I am a new member so I am not really sure how this even works. I was just going to request something at check in. But now I'm not sure what to do. This whole thread has me
panicking!

[DebbieB]

I requested Arusha for my 1 night stay last week (before we moved to concierge) and got Sunset (5322). So remember requests are not guaranteed.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d923b3127ccec4d1ef8b285c00000060O08AZOGTFq4ZtA e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d923b3127ccec4d079d3893300000050O08AZOGTFq4ZtA e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

[alldiz]

I do understand the concerns and don't necessarily disagree with them. However, my general timeshare background and experience tells me not to take view representations too literally. Ocean Front may mean you could see the ocean if the dunes were lower and there was no vegetation in place.

:scared: Geez.....that would be dissapointing to be looking at dunes.....when you reserve and ocean view:headache:

Honestly....I thought they were NOT charging for Savannah view....I honestly would be OUTRAGED that AKL guests do not PAY for sunset savannah....but DVC guests do:mad:
That is beyond pathetic...and unacceptable...IMO
Kerri

[hakepb]

Does DVC wind up with too many ramifications if they take out SS view rooms?
Legally there are, at least, maximum point charts (recorded with the state) so reducing an entire section to lower points may not hurt that legal qualification. The other factor is points available. DVC has sold all Jambo points and must be able to provide accomodations for the owners of all those points. If rooms start costing fewer points, then owners get longer stays, and may result in some owners getting no availability that they could book on DVC.

[tinkerbell 766]

Do we have an idea about when the visable construction will be finished? I know that Kidani isn't opening until next spring, but we have a Savannah view booked 1 - 8 December (I have requested Arusha, but not guaranteed of course!!). Do we think that by December most of the construction will have moved inside a finished building? I know that they are moving the animals from Sunset in January. What does this mean? I'm starting to freak out now too!!!!!!:scared1:

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

popcorn::

Until construction is done, we're booking standard or value views. Not in response to this thread...that was always our plan. :wizard:

[Dean]

[/B]

:scared: Geez.....that would be dissapointing to be looking at dunes.....when you reserve and ocean view:Remember I said Ocean Front. Ocean view or ocean side would be even further down the ladder. Just let it serve as a warning if exchanging, esp for private exchanges.

[snowbunny]

I haven't made any room requests, was that a mistake, especially as we will be arriving late in the evening?

It really makes no difference - a request is just a request. I requested Arusha, arrived at 6:00 pm and was given Sunset.

In Debbie B's photo, the top part (where you see the cranes) is directly below my room.

[Anjelica]

I do understand the concerns and don't necessarily disagree with them. However, my general timeshare background and experience tells me not to take view representations too literally. Ocean Front may mean you could see the ocean if the dunes were lower and there was no vegetation in place.

While I agree in theory when it comes to Disney I think people have come to expect that what they advertise is what you will actually get. This is especially true when the "regular" savannah views truly have savannah views and MS books rooms for folks in that category.

[Dean]

While I agree in theory when it comes to Disney I think people have come to expect that what they advertise is what you will actually get. This is especially true when the "regular" savannah views truly have savannah views and MS books rooms for folks in that category.While I understand the premise and I don't totally disagree, to me it's not really much different than if the pool is close, Savannah is closed for cleaning, or even a full Park is closed for a private event. In none of those events would they have an obligation to let you know in my eye, I know others will disagree. At AKV there has always been a disparity between different savannah views. It's much like getting a "preferred" unit at BWV and having a view of vegetation outside your window and nothing else. And I definitely think the expectations should be different to a degree for a timeshare vs a cash reservation.

DVC has "sold" those units as a specific type with the points to match. And if they charge less points overall, the additional units those extra points will reserve must come from somewhere. Legally DVC can't simply charge less points and they likely don't own enough points themselves to absorb such a modification even with declared but unsold inventory at AKV and you couldn't legally spread such a change over the entire membership. Could/should they have taken such into account and sold less initially, possibly. I also wonder how easy/costly it would be to reprogram the DVC computer system to do this, I'm betting it would be a major issue. Likely it's a much easier issue for the resort itself and possibly for CRO as well.

[El&Asmom]

This is why we will likely never stay at Jumbo since all of the rooms are on the 5th and 6th floors. We stayed at AKL for our first Disney visit 3 years ago. We were on the third floor, and said that we would never want to be higher. The trees would obstruct a good view of the entire savannah. The main reason for us to stay at AKV would be to see animals outside our balcony. If we couldn't see any, it wouldn't be worth it.


We stayed at AKV in December for two nights. We didn't have a problem with construction because we were on the opposite side from where Kidani is being built, but I did have a problem with our view. Since we were on the 5th floor, it seemed like we were above the tree canopy and couldn't see the animals through all the leaves. Has anyone else had this problem? The only animals we could see were the ones directly beneath our balcony. For me, the view wasn't worth the extra time it took to get anywhere. I'd much rather be closer to the parks since we really couldn't see animals anyway.

[dianeschlicht]

[/B]

:scared: Geez.....that would be dissapointing to be looking at dunes.....when you reserve and ocean view:headache:

Honestly....I thought they were NOT charging for Savannah view....I honestly would be OUTRAGED that AKL guests do not PAY for sunset savannah....but DVC guests do:mad:
That is beyond pathetic...and unacceptable...IMO
Kerri

You misread Dean's post....It said "ocean front", not ocean view. Ocean front means that it is facing the ocean, but it specifically does NOT say it is a view of the ocean.

[kmurawski]

In June we stayed in room 5229 on the Arusha Savannah. It was an absolutely wonderful view. I made no requests for rooms until we arrived. Upon check-in I requested that our room just not be on the Sunset Savannah. We did have to wait until 4:00 to get into our room but it was worth the wait!

[Dean]

You misread Dean's post....It said "ocean front", not ocean view. Ocean front means that it is facing the ocean, but it specifically does NOT say it is a view of the ocean.The order of unit views/demand that I have encountered are (from most to least desirable and using Beach resorts as an example).

Ocean Front usually means a direct line to the ocean but not always an actual view.
Ocean View - similar to OF except not a direct line. Usually it means you and stand on the balcony and see the ocean if you look around the buildings, pst the huts, through the foliage, etc.
Ocean Side - sometimes it is used interchangeably with ocean view, sometimes it means you can't see the ocean but almost can.
Mountain/Island/Pool/Garden view usually used fairly interchangeably and is used for most everything else.

[Simba's Mom]

While I understand the premise and I don't totally disagree, to me it's not really much different than if the pool is close, Savannah is closed for cleaning, or even a full Park is closed for a private event. In none of those events would they have an obligation to let you know in my eye, I know others will disagree. At AKV there has always been a disparity between different savannah views. It's much like getting a "preferred" unit at BWV and having a view of vegetation outside your window and nothing else. And I definitely think the expectations should be different to a degree for a timeshare vs a cash reservation.

DVC has "sold" those units as a specific type with the points to match. And if they charge less points overall, the additional units those extra points will reserve must come from somewhere. Legally DVC can't simply charge less points and they likely don't own enough points themselves to absorb such a modification even with declared but unsold inventory at AKV and you couldn't legally spread such a change over the entire membership. Could/should they have taken such into account and sold less initially, possibly. I also wonder how easy/costly it would be to reprogram the DVC computer system to do this, I'm betting it would be a major issue. Likely it's a much easier issue for the resort itself and possibly for CRO as well.

So are you saying that these specific rooms were "sold" as savannah view, and therefore can't be called anything else temporarily? If so, I understand-I don't like it, but I understand. What I really don't like is that AKL can call this view something else temporarily (standard view), while the construction is going on, but DVC supposedly can't.

[starbox]

So are you saying that these specific rooms were "sold" as savannah view, and therefore can't be called anything else temporarily? If so, I understand-I don't like it, but I understand. What I really don't like is that AKL can call this view something else temporarily (standard view), while the construction is going on, but DVC supposedly can't.

Actually - DVC stated that they will only charge standard view points for the room during the months that the animals are removed from the sunset savanna - so it's possible to do.

Personally, I think all sunset savanna rooms should be charged value points at this point in the construction and until the savanna is restored and Kidani is attractive. That's JMHO - but concierge and savanna view rooms are EXPENSIVE.

Honestly, I think DVC has done a good job with the views and point break down - after a year of ownership we added on specifically so that we'd have enough points to always request premium views - we found that OVIR, Boardwalk View BWVs and Savanna View rooms were completely worth the additional points to our family. Some people really need one-bedrooms - but all I really need is a balcony with a view :goodvibes. The current issues with sunset savanna are temporary - they will be very nice views come late spring.

[Dean]

So are you saying that these specific rooms were "sold" as savannah view, and therefore can't be called anything else temporarily? If so, I understand-I don't like it, but I understand. What I really don't like is that AKL can call this view something else temporarily (standard view), while the construction is going on, but DVC supposedly can't.Basically yes. They would have to have X amount of savannah views at a given time. All the lodge has to do is cut the cost, DVC can't simply cut the points as they have to go somewhere else. They have some flexibility in the points they own and the declared but unsold inventory. One difference in the time when the animals are gone is it's all the same and I hear DVC has accounted for those points.

[lisareniff]

.... Some people really need one-bedrooms - but all I really need is a balcony with a view :goodvibes. ....

Or there are those of us that need both!!;)

[BriarRose59]

We got back a few days ago from AKV room 5325. I had reserved a 1 bdrm savanna view room around 9 months ago. When we check in at 5:30 pm on Monday, June 23, they tried to give me a room on the sunset savanna facing the construction. I asked if there was another room available with a better view. She did some checking and we were moved to 5325. I really liked the room, but I think the view would have been better from a lower floor. We saw animals at most times of the day. I spent a lot of time on the balcony since my college-age daughter was with us and she needed to come in almost daily to work on her on-line college courses. Also, there is no wireless internet in the rooms at AKL/V at this time. We were, however, able to get free wired internet since we were DVC members.

[ahill004]

Ok - I am getting a bit worried. We are booked at AKV in a value studio room. The CM who booked me couldn't tell me what the view would be for the room. After reading how terrible the views are and knowing that the value studio rooms are SMALLER than standard view AKL room should I change my reservation to a standard room? (There are 4 of us - DH, me, and DD2 and DD4).

[carmie3377]

I'm getting worried now too. I have wanted to stay at AKL ever since we discovered WDW in 2004. Also, this is MIL's first trip and she is really looking forward to staying here. We will be checking in early (around 7:30am) so I guess that will help my chances of getting a good room?? I will also call and request the Arusha Savannah.

Another thing I am worried about is that we will be heading to the parks for a full day once we check in. I'm sure our room won't be ready when we check in so I won't actually get a chance to check out the view until we arrive back in our room late and I'm sure it will be dark by then. By the next day, it will be too late to request a room change, correct? I guess my best bet would be to return to the resort midday to check out the view. What a pain that will be as we will be at MK that day. Oh well, if I want a view I guess that's what I'll have to do. However, for the points I'm using, I shouldn't have to.