AKL savannah view worth extra money

[kilee]

DH has expressed a desire to stay at the AKL w/ guaranteed savannah view several times. To make this an even bigger deal this is the first on site trip. I was all set to book POR- standard view. I still haven't I kept thinking that I'd like to suprise DH w/ the AKL. It is alittle over $1400.00 more though for our stay. (We are going w/ a package, I know it may be cheaper separate but we like knowing most everything is paid for). Therefore, is AKL savannah view worth the $1400.00 more? Is the view and ambience really that priceless? That is a lot of souviners. This would be w/o any codes. So of course if I could get it knocked down with a code then it would be easy to decide.

 

[A1A1]

Hi! I think you'd enjoy a standard view at AKL more than a standard view at POR. There are many parking lot views at POR standard with the cars about twenty feet from your door. Some do look in at a courtyard walkway, though.

AKL, on the other hand, the parking lot is a separate lot further away from the resort. It's one of those that you walk to, and it's one lot, not several lots in front of each building like at POR.

What I loved about a savannah view at AKL was being able to see the animals last thing before I went to bed and first thing in the morning when I woke up. I couldn't believe that these creatures were so close to my window. It was amazing. The lighting that is used at AKL at night shining on the savannah is great. Really sets the mood. It resembles moonlight. It really was wonderful. If you decide against the savannah view, there are several locations in each hallway with glass on both sides so you can look out and see the animals. Also, there are many vantage points outside. If you love to sit outside on your balcony with your coffee or book, you will love the savannah view. I would say to take the savannah view this first time if you can afford to. I bet there will be codes some time before your trip. When is the trip?

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi there... you said it is 1400.00 more for AKL Savanna view? For how many nights is this?

>>^..^<<

 

[Selket]

I have AKL standard view reserved in May for $139 per night plus taxes. The savannah view is $75 a night more - just for comparison. This is with the CZF discount code that is out now. I think you could move up to AKL standard view without it costing so much more than a moderate. If money is tight this might be a good option - better to be at AKL than not there at all! I have not stayed there yet but I think a standard view there is better than a standard view at a moderate.

Enjoy!

Carol G.

 

[webray]

AKL savannah view is definately worth the extra money.

By the way....you can still pay for your whole trip in advance, and then some...even if you don't book with a package.

Happy planning!

 

[kilee]

As for the package, dh wants the food and wishes, otherwise he won't pay individually out of pocket. Weird concept but he only wants to have to bring minimal spending money. The trip would be for 7 nights, May 4-11. Since, I am booking so late I will need to pay it all at booking and I will need about 2 more weeks to have the money so it is going to be a late booking. I have only gotten my pricing so far from the Disney website. I didn't want to bother a CM just for a quote, so I am using that for my baseline. I have noticed some codes on mousavers for the packages so I'm hoping that may make a difference.

Also, how is the transportation from AKL. I don't think I am going to rent a car, so we will have to totally rely on Disney transportation.

 

[jaysue]

Use the discount codes - AEF, CZF - whatever gets the cheapest rate - I think AKL Savannah being quoted at US$215/night for room only versus POR at $94/night so gives an idea what your difference should be of $125/night plus tax at most

As for bothering the CM's - that is their job to answer your questions - they are willing to help - they want you to come to WDW

Make sure you click on Vacation Specials on http://www.disneyworld.com and not on the upper right rooms and reservations

Thanks
Jason

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

I definitely think a Savannah view room is worth the extra money! Below is an example why. Imagine seeing this first thing in the morning. And about bothering CM at CRO, why not get a no obligation quote from DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com...they're great!

<img src="http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/3.jpg">

or have you considered the cheaper but just as attractive, pool view?

<img src="http://www.misselizabeth.com/disney/9.jpg">

Hope I was of some help! Whatever you decide, I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

There was certainly a magical feeling about opening my balcony doors and having a giraffe looking at me

But I don't think I'd pay an extra $1400 (that's another holiday to WDW ) for it just MHO as there are other good views from standard rooms and there are some great viewing areas to see the animals.

Enjoy your stay whatever you decide.

 

[Schmeck]

When we were there in October, the buses were pretty prompt, except for one morning when we had a PS for breakfast, of course... That always happens to just us, though - when we really need to be somewhere, at a specific time, then there's gotta be a glitch in the system, LOL! We even showed up 20 minutes earlier than we were told to, but the early morning bus to EPCOT was just not early that day.

Every other time we used the buses, they were just pulling in when we got there, or we had a 5 minute wait. The AKL buses were much faster than the POR buses we used at the end of our stay, plus they were never full (even at night!) and we always got a seat.

Schmeck

 

[letfuller]

Personally, I have never been to either resorts, but I cast a vote for AKL. DH and I will be staying there for three nights in June. I can't wait.

 

[DisneyFan09]

I'm convinced!! Last night I saw the AKL on the Travel Channel for about 5 minutes and started thinking again. (After months of agonizing, I had finally decided on POR for 3 nights and Poly for 4) Well now I'm rethinking that decision and considering AKL for the first 3 nights instead of POR. The price difference for me for a standard view at AKL would be about $150 - I would probably be crazy to pass this up!! Now I've got to decide if I'm willing to splurge another $375. This might be my last trip for a few years so I should probably go for it!!

 

[Selket]

I have ressies for the AKL standard view the same time as you plan to go (may 4-10th) and I'm pretty sure there are still rooms available with the discount codes. As someone mentioned, use the "vacation savings" on the WDW site to book reservations and not the reservations bar at the top. Should let you price out the vacation with the discount codes. You can try this link http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/special/generalfeature/index?id=SpecialOffer_Summer

Good luck!
Carol G.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by DisneyFan09
Now I've got to decide if I'm willing to splurge another $375. (for savanna view)

This might be my last trip for a few years so I should probably go for it!!

Think of it like this... that splurge works out to a $1.03 a day for a year.... not even the cost of a coffee!

Remember - you only live once!

>>^..^<<

 

[DisneyFan09]

I just got off the phone with CRO and I changed my 3 nights at POR to AKL and I feel so good about the decision. The CM that I talked to said that a standard view would almost certainly be a parking lot view but I just could not justify the savannah view when we will be out of the room for most of our stay so instead I booked a pool view and judging by the pictures I've seen on wdwig.com it should be gorgeous!! It only cost me an extra $30 a night. We will not spend very much time in our room so I figure we'll just use the public viewing areas.

 

[BKoenecke]

Another writer alluded to it, but I'll come out and say it. Split your stay. Spend two or three nights at AKL and then stay elsewhere to make a savings if you need to do so. Have fun!

 

[kilee]

We can't split our stay because of the package. I'd end up paying for one day twice. Not having the package isn't an option, dh has inisisted, so that remains. I think, we are going to go for it. Hopefully, I can get a discount, but at least I know the worst case scenario price already. It looks wonderful, and I read so many wonderful things here on this board. With it being our first on site trip I want to make it extra special.
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[WDW2000]

You certainly don't want to stay at the AKL and have a room overlooking a parking lot!! Personally I'd pay the extra money, otherwise you will always regret or second-guess your decision. The savanna rooms are Most Magical and on my last stay there was hardly a time that there wasn't somekind of beast or animal walking about in clear view. I personally guarantee you will not be disappointed in Savanna View, but there is a big chance you would be in a standard view room.

 

[padisneylover]

Hi,
We (DH and I) have always stayed at POR untill last April when we decided to splurge and tried AKL savanna view. Well we are now confirmed AKL lovers and you will not be sorry if you change. The AKL is just fabolus and we really enjoyed it there. The busses we thought were better than POR since we didn't share a bus with another resort and never had to stand. Plus the deluxe resorts have closer bus stops than the moderate so that saves a few steps on the park end of the transportation. We used the bus for five days last year and never had a problem and it was just after spring break and still peak season. I would not be afraid of either the pool or savanna view which either you can afford. If you are a AAA member take either 15 or 20% off your package by booking through them. My husband also likes the package plans even though we realize it might be cheaper the other way. Our thoughts are that it is all paid for and we never stop to look at what a restruant chagres since we can eat as much as the plan allows and that is a lot of food. This year in Nov-Dec we are trying the Platinum plan only because it is our 30th anniversary but have previously used the silver plan and been very happy with it. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Tigger2]

If you do switch to AKL Savannah view, make sure to fax a room request. We decided to take our chances, and ended up on the Zebra trail. We saw Giraffes the morning we checked in, and sporatically after that, but not much else in the way of animals. We had a view of a road...not what we had in mind for a "Savannah view" room. I guess we should have done more research.