AKL: room requests

[disneybliss2]

Do most of you make room requests, or do you just chance what you get?

We are booked pool view. If you request a room, what's a great location under this booking category? (giraffe trail, zebra trail, upper floor, etc)

Ideally, we'd LOVE to be savanna view, but can't justify the cost. I'm wondering since we're not close to the animals, should I request closer to transportation if possible (something that would be nice with two little ones)?

DH says don't place transportation as a request and instead we should ask for an upgrade to savanna when we get there. I think that would be a bad move; in my mind, we might as well just pay for it if we're going to ask. Too awkward, and I tell him that's not how the system works. However, DH works with a coworker who stays quite often at the BC & always asks if an upgrade is available and she's often granted one. ???

Just curious what everyone's experiences are. Please know I am NOT looking for ways to get an upgrade. If anything, I'm trying to show my husband that getting an upgrade is entirely unrealistic, and therefore, we might as well request close to transportation which would be helpful with our girls, or hear that requesting near transportation isn't necessary and there's a better spot/trail area to request (trail/area, floor, etc).

 

[Singinglizzie]

Dont worry about the view - there are plenty of animal viewing areas all around the resort - so you will be able to see animals. Plus chances are you will spend time at the parks, so the view will not be used during that time. I've stayed in the pool view rooms and they are fine - close to elevator. Regarding asking for an upgrade - you can always ask. But I suspect that you won't be upgraded - it could happen, just saying chances are it won't. And I have asked before (more than once), and was politely told sorry no savannah views available. I hope you and your family love AKL as much as I do - it truly is a beautiful place.

 

[WsPrincess]

I have read many times that when people ask for an upgrade they are told the rack rate cost to upgrade. Pixie Dust is supposed to be magical and special so I can see why it is used to surprise people. Also, if you ask for an upgrade, you could lost the promo you are booked under (if any) since it would be at rack rate. Personally, I would just feel weird asking for something I had not booked.

 

[disneybliss2]

I too would feel weird asking. If it wasn't for DH's colleague suggesting we ask for an upgrade because she's gotten lucky several times doing that, then DH wouldn't have even thought to ask himself. I'm canning that idea.

Beyond the upgrade...(because odds are beyond slim of that magically happening & I'm just thrilled to be staying at AKL no matter what the view is)...here's my biggest question:
is there a room request many of you make that are pool view, or are all the areas great? Are many of those pool view areas close to lobby/transportation, or are they far away so it would be helpful to request that?

 

[Cappy81]

I was wondering the same thing as far as pool view room requests. We are staying in a pool view room this Sept. From what I have read it seems that the pool view rooms are centrally located and are either on the zebra trail or giraffe trail. I requested the zebra trail and not to be on the ground floor as I think that may be noisy being near the pool on ground level. I am all ears for any additional info though!

 

[LovinPooh]

When I did online checkin for CBR it gave me a couple of room options to choose from. I too am doing pool view at AKL. What does online checkin for AKL give you? I think I would put in a close to transportation request like I did at CBR.

 

[disneybliss2]

I was wondering the same thing as far as pool view room requests. We are staying in a pool view room this Sept. From what I have read it seems that the pool view rooms are centrally located and are either on the zebra trail or giraffe trail. I requested the zebra trail and not to be on the ground floor as I think that may be noisy being near the pool on ground level. I am all ears for any additional info though!

Yes, like you I don't want to on the ground floor for the very same reason. I don't know whether the zebra trail or giraffe trail would be better. ????

 

[Cappy81]

I have read that Giraffe Trail is closest to bus stop, but I have read so many reviews that Zebra Trail is the best location all around so I went with that!

 

[disneybliss2]

I have read that Giraffe Trail is closest to bus stop, but I have read so many reviews that Zebra Trail is the best location all around so I went with that!

Thanks for the info! I like the idea of being closer to the bus stop that the Giraffe Trail offers. What have people said about the Zebra Trail? Is it just that it's a little further back and you feel more immersed? Thanks!