AKL experts? Help, please!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think we are going to stay at AKL in August. DH is completely unglued about the price, so we're doing "bargain" AKL. Standard view, standard room. We've only stayed at Pop before. Baby steps as I move DH into the mindset of deluxe. I know concierge would be beyond my imagination, but there will be more trips in the future. We can build from here.

From looking at the map it seems Giraffe trail rooms facing the parking lot would get MOBS of foot traffic, and therefore would be VERY loud. Ostrich rooms facing the parking lot look more promising because most people will be coming out of the door and heading for the bus stops, yes?

Part 2 of this question:
How do I go about making room requests on a room booked through a TA? We booked through AAA and the agent thinks I am certifiable. I don't want to call her with a room request list as long as my arm because I already know I annoy her, and I don't know for sure my requests would reach the proper place.

So I want non-smoking (medical reasons), Ostrich Trail, queen w/bunk beds? Does that sound right? Any other tips on getting a quiet room?

While I'm at it, are mini-fridge and coffee maker standard? I am seeing all sorts of conflicting info. If they are on request, WHEN do I need to request them? Any other advice? Thanks!

 

[LukenDC]

I recommend having your TA note your requests when making the reservation. For example, he/she should definitely mention that you would like a non-smoking room for health reasons. The TA can also list some of your other preferences on the reservation. Additionally, you should politely reiterate your requests when checking in.

Please note that your requests are just that---requests. They are not guaranteed. I'm sure that Disney will make every effort to satisfy you, but their flexibility will be determined by room availability and bookings.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I already told my TA about the non-smoking because it is a medical necessity. So that is definitely already in place.

The other requests are exactly that - requests. I know they won't guarantee the type of beds or the room location or anything. I was just wondering if anyone had added requests to the ressie without having the TA do it.

In January we had a great room at Pop. In October we had a HORRIBLE room location at Pop and I was kicking myself for not requesting SOMETHING (anything!) to avoid being in the 80's building that was far from everything. It was MILES to the food court, the bus stops, you name it. I tried to protest but they were completely full except for smoking rooms. Great. So we stayed in the Pop equivalent of Siberia for all 9 nights. They did tell me I could keep calling to see if we could move but it just wasn't worth it.

So we'll see. We are booked for AKL, but we have friends who may be joining us and that may mean switching resorts. I'll leave it alone for now.

 

[Ilovestitch]

We stayed on Ostrich Trail, 5th floor, facing the parking lot, bunkbed room, Room #5115 last month. We stayed Savannah view before but this was a budget trip so I really didn't care- but I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the view. We didn't spend much time on the balcony but the roof is thatched and there are lots of palm trees so the view isn't horrible.

It was also VERY quiet and we didn't hear any car/people noise inside our room. I liked that the room wasn't very far from the elevator so it was quick to the lobby. When we stayed savannah view last time we were on the same floor as the lobby but it was a loooong walk.

Here are some pics from our room:

-Stephanie

 

[Ilovestitch]

Here's 2 more:

Who says you won't see animals from a standard view room???

 

[Got Quattro?]

dont bother paying extra for savanah room. It is cute the first night or day...but soon after.....it's just more of a "hey look, theres that giraff" kind of thing.

Just book standard and hope for the free upgrade, but do not be upset if you dont get it....it's not worth the extra $60 a night.

 

[John's Mom]

Mini-fridges and coffee makers are standard at the AKL.

 

[Ilovestitch]

....it's not worth the extra $60 a night.

With the 2006 rates its $80 more/night

 

[johnsonet]

twice I have reserved standard view, standard rooms at AKL. Both times I was upgraded to savanna view rooms. I'm not saying this will happen to you but I think the fewer requests, the easier it is for them to upgrade you. Of course, if you need to have bunk beds that is going to make a difference. But I recommend requesting non-smoking and nothing else.
Good luck. I've stayed at most of the Deluxes and several concierge levels at Disney and any room at AKL is still my fave

 

[SandrainNC]

twice I have reserved standard view, standard rooms at AKL. Both times I was upgraded to savanna view rooms.

Did you ask for an upgrade or did they just do it? Thanks!

Sandra

 

[johnsonet]

Did you ask for an upgrade or did they just do it? Thanks!

Sandra

I never ask. They just did it. In fact, I was not even told. I found out when I looked at the map or walked in!
Also, I was booked w/ Passholder/BRP rate (so it's not as though I was paying top dollar for the room). I think it is completely a matter of availability. Also, one stay was just for one night. That makes it easier for them as well.

 

[SandrainNC]

Thanks for the reply!

That is great that it has happened to you twice!

Sandra

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Well, the non-smoking is the absolute most critical. I did request bunk beds, come to think of it, because the TA and I talked about it. So I guess I have asked for non-smoking with queen and bunk beds. If the TA remembered the part about the bunk beds when she called Disney. I just thought DS9 would enjoy bunk beds. If we don't get them it's not a big deal at all.

I guess I will just leave it alone. If I can stand 9 nights of adventure trekking across Pop then I can handle whatever AKL can dish out! If we end up in a room that is unbearably noisy I will politely ask if there is something else available in a quieter location. I'm not much of a "view" kind of girl. I'm sure we will enjoy seeing the animals from other vantage points around the resort.

I was CERTAIN our 2nd floor, middle of the row room at Pop was going to be horribly noisy but it was fine. That was the biggest reason I didn't call back to see if something closer opened up. The room we were in was quiet, and that was more important than being close to the food court!

I love Stitch -
Are those doves? DH and DS like doves - we had a pair nesting on our balcony (at home) last Spring. And I must say I have never seen a more impressive photo of thatched roof!

 

[Ilovestitch]

I love Stitch -
Are those doves? DH and DS like doves - we had a pair nesting on our balcony (at home) last Spring. And I must say I have never seen a more impressive photo of thatched roof!

I have no idea what kind of bird they were, but I thought they were pretty. Can you believe the thatched roof is actually plastic? It looks real but I'm sure that would be a fire hazard.

 

[Leota]

dont bother paying extra for savanah room. It is cute the first night or day...but soon after.....it's just more of a "hey look, theres that giraff" kind of thing.

Just book standard and hope for the free upgrade, but do not be upset if you dont get it....it's not worth the extra $60 a night.

That's a matter of personal opinion. We love the Savannah View & spend alot of time on our balcony watching the animals. Frankly, it's the ONLY reason we are staying at AKL again. The rooms are ok, a little small & dark. I don't love the beds & the transporation is a bit cumbersome. But the ability to wake up in the morning with the Savannah, in your jammies with your coffee is Priceless - worth every penny & every second of waiting on busses.

Now, if I could only have a Savannah view at the Dolphin

 

[AJKMOM]

I think I saw here that if your reservations are made through a travel agent, you cannot contact Disney directly about them. You probably could fax something directly to AKL right before you go.

 

[S. C.]

If you are not happy with the location of your room they will switch your room for you. We did this when our savannah room did not have a good view. The cm's were very good and helpful in finding us a room with a great view and said there is no problem in changing rooms that you can even be put on a list for a better location when one opens up.

first time we stayed at AKL we booked a standard room and just asked for a quiet location since we are not early morning people.

 

[salmoneous]

Since your TA already thinks you're nuts, I say have a little fun with her. Tell her you've heard that some of the standard room have doves outside the window and you want to request one of those rooms

PS - Keep in mind that TA's deal with obsessive planners all the time. Sure they may seem a bit kooky, but they pay the bills.

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi there!

I'm not sure of which side would be quieter-Ostrich or Giraffe.

I call the Disney CM prior to our trips-often changing resorts and also requesting certain views for the room. They probably have my name written down somewhere.

You pay your TA for setting up the room etc. Go on, give her another call and ask her to make your room requests.

My guess is that you are going to be glad that you did when you arrrive at the AKL.

P.s.
We used to stay at the budget off site hotels. We then started staying at the Deluxes. Last trip stayed at a Moderate and got lots of talk from DH about how he would like to be at one of the Deluxes. I did not hear from him how great it was that we saved lots of $$$ by staying at a moderate.

 

[allaboard]

We're booked for Spring Break at AKL as a surprise to our children for Christmas. Our TA at AAA actually made all the requests while talking to the CM on the phone with us nearby. Since we have 5 in our family we're getting a deluxe room (Queen bed, bunk beds, and a daybed) and are getting the Savannah view ... I can't wait for the trip and especially to see our kids faces on Christmas !! We've never stayed at AKL before, so this should be a treat. We even added on the dining plan. aw: