AKL experts, help me out please!

[BYC]

We just upgraded to AKL with the Visa promotion. We are ecstatic! Never thought we'd stay there! So, now I feel like a babe in the woods. I am clueless! We are getting standard view. What rooms/ building should I request? I want to be close to the restaurants and buses. Any help with a good request? We have 3 rooms (6 adults), all with 2 beds in each. I would like them near each other, but they don't have to be connecting. Thanks!!

[stormer]

As for buildings, you book either Jambo or Kidani when you make your ressie. If you are just getting regular rooms, I'll assume you are at Jambo. I would ask for a room near the lobby, then you will be near the lobby and food. Our room was on the same floor as the lobby and looked out at the pool. It was perfect.

[BYC]

Thanks!

[MMrules]

We went in Dec. 2007 in a standard room and were upgraded to a savannah room . I think all the standard rooms were in the main lobby area so it was centrally located to the food and store. If they do upgrade you to the savannah I say go for it!!! It was wonderful to look out our balcony as we were getting ready in the morning and seeing all those wonderful animals walking, eating and enjoying nature!!! Enjoy your stay it is a remarkable hotel and I can't wait to go back someday!

[BYC]

Since I made this post, I have been calling to try to upgrade to Savannah View, but there aren't any available. So, I will keep calling every few days to see if anything becomes available. View or no view, I am really excited to finally stay here!

[big_red_s]

We were there last month and stayed in room 3434 - pool view.

Once we got out of our room, about ten feet tot he left there was a huge window pointing to the Savannah. Around the corner there was an elevator, one floor down we could sit on the balconey and watch the animals.
You could look at my TR, there are links to pictures there.

There are so many public places at AKL to watch the animals that unless you plan to spend a lot of time in your room I wouldn't fret about the upgrade (especially since it's a heck of a lot of money per night).

[suedaisy]

I agree with Big Red S (never thought that I would refer to a person that way, but okay)

As mentioned earlier, the savannah view is quite a bit more per night, so if you don't want to swing that (or if it is unavailable) the pool view is very little more per night. If you are able to book the pool view, then I would recommend asking for Zebra trail. This will mean that you are close to Mara (very good quick service restaurant- we are big refillable mug users) and (of course) the pool. As you walk back to your room from the lobby (you will do this amny times and it is the way to the buses), you will passs multiple windows and balconies, where you can stop and look at the animals.

It is an amazing place.

If you end up sticking with the standard view, a perk would be that you might get Giraffe Trail. This will put you closer to the bus stops. (There is a stairwell there. It took us 2 days to find and use it, but it keeps you from going all the way back through the lobby when you are tired.)

At night use the night vision goggles at Arusha rock fire area to view the animals.

That is my 2 cents. Have a great trip!

[BYC]

Originally Posted by suedaisy

I agree with Big Red S (never thought that I would refer to a person that way, but okay)

As mentioned earlier, the savannah view is quite a bit more per night, so if you don't want to swing that (or if it is unavailable) the pool view is very little more per night. If you are able to book the pool view, then I would recommend asking for Zebra trail. This will mean that you are close to Mara (very good quick service restaurant- we are big refillable mug users) and (of course) the pool. As you walk back to your room from the lobby (you will do this amny times and it is the way to the buses), you will passs multiple windows and balconies, where you can stop and look at the animals.

It is an amazing place.

If you end up sticking with the standard view, a perk would be that you might get Giraffe Trail. This will put you closer to the bus stops. (There is a stairwell there. It took us 2 days to find and use it, but it keeps you from going all the way back through the lobby when you are tired.)

At night use the night vision goggles at Arusha rock fire area to view the animals.

That is my 2 cents. Have a great trip!

I just upgraded to pool View! You are right, it was not that much more! So, I made a request for Zebra Trail, near to Mara. We also are huge refillable cup fans! Does AKL have their own refillable style, or do they have the new more generic one like all the other places?

[big_red_s]

Originally Posted by BYC

I just upgraded to pool View! You are right, it was not that much more! So, I made a request for Zebra Trail, near to Mara. We also are huge refillable cup fans! Does AKL have their own refillable style, or do they have the new more generic one like all the other places?

Since this is my first stay at a Disney resort I can't tell you if the mugs are AKL or not, but they are generic.

[big_red_s]

Originally Posted by suedaisy

I agree with Big Red S (never thought that I would refer to a person that way, but okay)

Hmmm...and I thought everybody liked Superman.

[snykymom]

Originally Posted by BYC

I just upgraded to pool View! You are right, it was not that much more! So, I made a request for Zebra Trail, near to Mara. We also are huge refillable cup fans! Does AKL have their own refillable style, or do they have the new more generic one like all the other places?

It's the same generic one as at every other hotel on property.

[MomPOM]

I wouldn't worry about not having a savannah view. They've really designed the resort so that there are multiple viewing places.

Make sure that you check to see what programs they are doing during your visit. They have tons of educational/craft sessions around the property dealing with certain animals. The evening talks by the people from Africa are interesting. There's also the night watch with the binoculars and the fireside storytime. Lots and lots to do.

[PEANUT1]

AKL is not really that big..I wouldn't worry too much about location. You will be in Jambo house so you will be near everything. We love AK!!