Advice on AKL?

[Hadjii]

Hi. We'll be splitting our stay in October between AKL and BI. Was wondering if anyone could suggest the best rooms to stay in so we can fax in our request before hand? We didn't want to spend the money for the Savannah room so that's out. We toured it last year and found the viewing areas were plentiful without having to absorb that extra cost. We would like to have a nice room though with some type of view. Any AKL fans out there that can offer advice? - thanks, Nancy

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Hadjii
Hi. We'll be splitting our stay in October between AKL and BI. Was wondering if anyone could suggest the best rooms to stay in so we can fax in our request before hand? We didn't want to spend the money for the Savannah room so that's out. We toured it last year and found the viewing areas were plentiful without having to absorb that extra cost. We would like to have a nice room though with some type of view. Any AKL fans out there that can offer advice? - thanks, Nancy

It sounds as if you booked standard view rooms. At the AKL standard view rooms are located on the Ostrich Trail and the Giraffe Trail. The views from the standard view rooms are of the front of the resort(parking lot valet area).

Standard view rooms at the BWI also face the front of the resort (parking lot valet area).

People will tell you about free upgrades they have gotten but you should not depend on them. If a view is important to you then I always reconmend that people book the least expensive view that they will be happy with.

Standard view at these two resorts means parking area. If this is not something you want then I would suggest upgrading to a Pool View at the AKL and a Garden View at the BWI. Nice views and not as expensive as a savanna view or lagoon view.

 

[Hadjii]

Thanks Tiffany. I'll definitely do that then. I don't want a view of the parking lot as nice as I'm sure it is lol.

 

[kdibattista]

This should help

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/aklmap.html

 

[Eyesnur]

Having just recently stayed in a standard parking lot view room I can tell you that it is really inconseqential, especially if you don't mind exploring the nooks and crannies of this wonderful resort for the animal views.

We've stayed at AKL 7 times (5 savannah view, 1 pool and 1 standard). While I won't minimalize the wonderfulnes of the savannah rooms I honestly would never pay to upgrade from a parking lot to a pool view room. In many cases the pool is not very close or shrouded by landscaping anyway and truthfuly it was no more appealing than the standard room.

Tiffany is right about the upgrades. They are given fairly often (but less and less lately, I think). As she stated you, under no circumstances should you count on this being offered. The Resort is great by itself an setting yourself up for a disappointement is bad karma. Remember they upgade a very small pecentage.

Lastly, AKL is just wonderful and you mght find that you can actually use that money you save (by not upgrading) to really make your trip special in some other way...After all it becomes 'free' money, right?

 

[DisneyVa.]

Do you remember if your standard view was on the Ostrich Trail or the Giraffe trail at the Animal Kingdom? Or better yet, do you remember your room number?

 

[DisneyVa.]

bump

 

[grayhawk]

We're hoping to stay at AKL for just two nights in February. Are the rooms going to be comfortable enough for 3 adults and 2 kids? We'll be at a suite hotel for the first 5 days and then would like a resort experience just for a couple of days and this looks like the best bet.

Thanks

 

[Gillian]

The ostrich trail rooms would probably be quieter, but you'll have to go through the lobby to get to the pool & food areas. not a big deal.

I just read that someone faxed in a request to WL and asked for a "complimentary upgrade to xx view" if available. They did get the view requested. You could do something similar. If it were me I would request a quiet room (which is important to us) and possibly also ask for the comp. upgrade to pool or savannah view if available.

grayhawk, the rooms are a little on the small side, especially compared to a suite. Is one of your children under 3? Unless you book a deluxe room, they only have bedding for 4. It's a lovely resort & I'm sure your family will love it! There's so much to do that you won't be in the room much anyway!

 

[kevind65]

we stayed at AKL last year. we booked a standard view and upon check-in were upgraded to a pool-view at no charge. we ended up in room 1456 in the Zebra trail. awesome room location! The best we have ever had at a disney resort. across the hall from Simba's playhouse and the laundry facilities and elevators as well. closest room to the pool area. directly outside the doors was the arcade, mara(sort of a food court), the pool, and workout facilities. less than one minute walk from Jiko or Boma! 30 seconds to animal viewing area. AKL rocks!

 

[soccer mom]

The only rooms I would stay away from with a standard view are on the third floor which I believe is the lobby floor. The sidewalk to the bus stop butts right up against these balconies/patios and you would have to keep your drapes closed all the time to have any privacy.

 

[Hadjii]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the fantastic advice. We'll keep our standard and request an upgrade if possible. ( I'd much rather spend the money on pastries at the French pavillion in Epcot *wink*. ) If not, no big deal. We're just excited to stay at a deluxe for the first time and we'll enjoy ourselves no matter what. What a thrill!! By the way....does anyone know how I can locate the fax number to the AKL? Thanks, Nancy

 

[eshannon]

Here is the number that someone gave me when I asked this questiona a couple of days ago
(407)938-4799
We arrive on the 2nd and leave on the 7th. I am going to fax a request in on Saturday. We jsut have a standard, but I would love a better view. does anyone know where the buses pick up at? We usually just drive ourselves but someone said that there is no other stop on the AKL buses. HOping for a nice uncrowded visit!! Elaine