AKL, some thoughts

[dennis99ss]

This is, by far, the best property at Disney. Just got back from a 7 night stay. Prior to going, I was outspoken about the location of the room not being important. However, as I write today, with hat in hand, I humbly admit, I was terribly, surely and completely wrong. The savannah rooms are well worth the extra money.

We arrived at 3:30pm or so, and, from our initial encounter with the bell and parking staff, were very impressed by the service, and how friendly they were. Upon entry into the main lobby, which is impressive, (the lighting conditions do grow on you) and walked directly to the front desk. No wait, and very attentive staff. We were upgraded to a room on the Sunset Savannah. Why, I don't know. In fact, our room was at the "end" of one of the "spokes" which come out from the main building, so it looked away from other rooms. It was great. Every day, we had giraffes eating not more than 100-125 feet from our balcony, along with all of the other animals in the area. There is a kind of "zen" to eating your breakfast watching a giraffe munch down on some leaves.

Moving to the room, it was a queen with bunk beds, which worked out great, although we were a little concerned that our 4 and 2 year old may be a little young for them. The poor ladder was worn out by the end of the week, with all of their climbing.

The housekeeping staff was equally attentive.

All in all, I had the feeling of a very upscale resort, but without the ostentatiosness of the Floridian. Kind of like the Floridian with Dixie Landings people.

 

[Patio]

I agree that AKL is a special place. I'm happy that you enjoyed your stay and received an upgrade. That's true Disney magic!!

 

[CindyLouB]

Dennis99ss - did you have a deluxe room? If so, was there a day bed in addition to the queen and bunks? You said you were upgraded, did you book a standard room as opposed to savannah? We're going in December and absolutely cannot wait!!

 

[4crusinransiers]

What was your room number?
What floor ect...?

 

[dennis99ss]

I had a standard booked. Upgraded to the savannah. The room appeared to be a standard room. bed, bunk beds, table, two chairs.

We were on the sunset savannah, rm. 2282. 2d floor. First "spoke" out from the main hub, as you go left from the lobby, as looking at a map.

 

[Rneighh]

I am planning our Feb. trip what are the chances of getting an upgrade from standard to savanna. I definately want savanna but wondered how often as upgrade occurs and should I risk it?

Renee

 

[Dizpro]

Are certain floors better than others? 2nd vs 4th etc? Better to be higher or lower?

Thanks!

 

[dennis99ss]

don't know re: savannah upgrades, or better locales.

 

[sharoncity]

Rneighh - If you definitely want savannah view, better to book it than risk being disappointed. Upgrades are sometimes granted but you should not count on one. I faxed some specifics on room requests (location, set-up, etc.) I was very pleased to have all my requests granted. Remember, feb can be a very busy time of year.

Dizpro - Floor choice just seems to be a matter of preference. We had second floor and very much liked it. Animals seemed much closer. Some like the higher floors - it seems like a more sweeping view. Also any obstructions of view would be less noticable.

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

Another fan here! We decided years ago to see if we could stay in a different resort every time we went, Well, last year we stayed at AKL and we're stuck! We may have to repeat here for a while!

 

[CindyLouB]

From what I understand, the 5th & 6th floors are deluxe and concierge rooms only. Below that are standard. Some say the lower the better, 'cause you are closer to animals. Others say the higher you are, you get more of a view.

 

[madcoco]

IMHO AKL gets the vote for unique theming.Like to go out all hours of the day/night to watch the animals. Often hear complaints about the pool not being themed enough It hits the mark. It is themed after an African water hole. Tahiti it is not.

We have a funny story about our first stay there just after the resort opened.We were staying on the 5th floor sav (trying to remember the room# but it was the door right next to the Royal Asanti(sp?) suite. Just left of Arusha rock. The first 2 days we sat and sat on the balcony, camera in hand, no animals insight except for the 3 cattle and some pelicans. While in the lounge I asked the concierge about the lack of animals and no joke It was like they turned a switch on and brought out all the "animal"tronics Next trip to the balcony,there were Zebra,Giraffe,Wilderbeast,etc all around.It started to rain and the animals were running like crazy.It was like a Disney movie.Been hooked ever since. Glad you all enjoyed your stay

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Rneighh
I am planning our Feb. trip what are the chances of getting an upgrade from standard to savanna. I definately want savanna but wondered how often as upgrade occurs and should I risk it?

Renee

Rneighh,

If savanna is important to you then I would book it. We stayed at the AKL twice during 2001 both times booked pool view rooms and both times that is what we got. Which was 100% fine with us because that is what we paid for.

My advice is to never count on a free upgrade. Book the level of room you are comfortable with because there is a very good chance that is the level of room you are going to be given.

Hope you have a great trip.