AK Savannah View - worth the price?

[kugelette]

Those who have stayed at the AK resort and had a savannah view, do you think it is worth the higher price tag? I wasn't planning to book a deluxe resort (was thinking of going with value or going off-site), but the idea of seeing the animals really appeals. Is the experience as cool as they sell it to be? Is there anything else about AK that would justify the bump in price from an off-site or value resort?

Anyone have pics to share of the view from their savannah balconies?

 

[Judyat]

We were just there and we had an Arusha savannah view from the fifth floor. While it was nice you really don't need it. There are so many places to view the animals. We saw some animals from our balcony but we saw many more just walking around. And in the morning we only saw a few from our balcony. They like to take their two hour breaks in the morning and many don't come back out until around noon. So while there are many to see we found getting views from different windows along the corridors and the main viewing area in the middle off the grand room where you check in to be just as nice. They also have some large porches with big rocking chairs for viewing as well. We also walked over to Kidani for views from their main viewing area over there which was great as well.

 

[blessedby3]

Those who have stayed at the AK resort and had a savannah view, do you think it is worth the higher price tag? I wasn't planning to book a deluxe resort (was thinking of going with value or going off-site), but the idea of seeing the animals really appeals. Is the experience as cool as they sell it to be? Is there anything else about AK that would justify the bump in price from an off-site or value resort?

Anyone have pics to share of the view from their savannah balconies?

You may want to post this on the Resorts board. You will probably get more answers and pictures there.

 

[chalee94]

or you could do a google search for "disboards savanna view" and find a number of threads that way (like these):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2708950

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1943768

your question is tough to answer as having a giraffe (or whatever) outside your balcony has a different value to different people. i enjoyed it - but i was staying very inexpensively in a DVC studio (as a DVC owner).

 

[jaykorf001]

We have done both AKL with a savannah view and WBC. We got back from WBC a couple weeks ago.

I wouldn't stay at AKL without a savannah view. I have a 5 year old that loves animals and I really enjoyed it as well. I could see giraffes outside the balcony in the middle of the night. We are a family of animal lovers.

We stayed club level which ensures an Arusha view. It wasn't that much more than a regular Arusha view and then we had the club and were eligible for the Sunrise Safari (highly recommend).

Having said this, my family preferred the space and price of WBC. I would stay at AKL for a few nights -- no more. We actually went over and visited AKL and my son enjoyed reminiscing. If you decide to do some sort of split stay and go for club level at AKL make sure you stay on the days they offer the Sunrise Safari. I think it's offered two days a week.

 

[puffkin]

We are DVC with points at AKV and we hardly ever get a savannah view anymore. Its a lot of points and we find that once the novelty wears off it isn't really worth it. The animals are rarely out when we are in the room. There are so many areas to see the animals walking through the resort that we don't really feel the need. I absolutely adore giraffes and would find it worth it if we could guarantee the giraffes would hang outside our room, but it rarely happens when we are there. We just save our points now and get Standard View and stay an extra few days and just enjoy the animals from other vantage points at the resort.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

I wouldn't pay the AKL price without a savannah view. That's the only view I've ever had while staying there and it was quite magical. I loved drinking my coffee on the balcony & watching the zebras and giraffes every morning. For me, it's worth the extra $$ for the experience. Otherwise, I'd just select a different resort and pay less.

 

[ccgirl]

Those who have stayed at the AK resort and had a savannah view, do you think it is worth the higher price tag? I wasn't planning to book a deluxe resort (was thinking of going with value or going off-site), but the idea of seeing the animals really appeals. Is the experience as cool as they sell it to be? Is there anything else about AK that would justify the bump in price from an off-site or value resort?

Anyone have pics to share of the view from their savannah balconies?

Imho, in one word...Yes.

 

[happymommy]

I would say no.

I've stayed 3 times at AKL, and yes it's nice, but if it is worrying you for a view and cost, no! First time, we had standard view, and were given view of the pool. Other 2 times we must have had savannah view, but honestly, we were in the room so little time, and when we were we were relaxing, so it didn't matter at all!

 

[jperrot1]

Imho, in one word...Yes.

Ditto! It's worth it

 

[trudyt623]

Yes, it is worth it but not necessary for an entire vacation. Why not split your stay between the two? Disney handles the room changes or checkouts with holding luggage very well.