AKL standard room

[WDW2002]

I booked a standard room at AKL because my DD9 wants to stay there. Tell me more about the standard rooms at AKL.

 

[tlt]

We booked a standard room for this Dec. using the code and got it for $119/night. We are wondering the same thing. I keep reading that they overlook the parking lots, bus area, etc...is there a section that we could request that would be in a quiet area of the resort? We don't really care about how far it is from everything...we just want a quiet room...any suggestions out there? Thanks!

 

[WDW2002]

The overlooking the parking lot etc is the one thing that is making me think twice. The reason we wanted to stay there was to be able to look out and see the animals, now I understand the standards room don't do this. For me, it is not worth the extra $40 a night to see the parking lot. Maybe the AP rates will come out and be even better then the code rates and we will move to AKL for two night (instead of 3) in a savanah room.

Anyone who has stayed at AKL standard room out there that can give some insight???

 

[cigar95]

Our AKL stay was in a savannah view room, so I can't really say anything about the standard rooms, but . . . . . .

I wouldn't expect any future discount rates to be lower than the current discounts. Previous AP rates have been what Disney calls "level 3 discounts", which are pretty much the best they have, and those rates were *higher* than what the new codes are showing. The present rates are practically unheard of.

 

[WDW2002]

cigar95 - I am just going off the rumors that I have heard that AP rates will be better then the current code rates, if not, not.

 

[gepetto]

Standard rooms at AKL overlook either the roof (with a lot of industrial stuff and a concrete wall) or the parking lot or bus stop. That's why they are $119.

I don't think you will see AP rates for a deluxe resort/premium view any lower than they are now. The code rates are pretty good.

AKL is a great resort. Even if you can't see animals from your room, there are plenty of viewing areas.

 

[WDW2002]

Originally posted by gepetto
Standard rooms at AKL overlook either the roof (with a lot of industrial stuff and a concrete wall) or the parking lot or bus stop. That's why they are $119.

AKL is a great resort. Even if you can't see animals from your room, there are plenty of viewing areas.

Seeing the animals from the room was the only reason we were splitting our stay to stay there. If after the AP rates come out they aren't any better I think I will cancel the AKL room and stickwith ASMo, I could use the extra $150 for other things .

 

[bigsis1970]

about your savanah room cigar95 .. i have 2 nights with the current code Dec 5&6 ? i requested 4th floor zebra trail ? where were you and did you like it.. ? thanks for any other info.. Michelle

 

[Disneylvr]

WDW2002, I had the same concerns you do as my main attraction to AKL are the animals. I have a standard room reserved for Sept/October at the $119 rate. However, I am not paying much more than a moderate and there are plenty of savannah viewing areas around the resort. And where else can you view animals while swimming in the resort pool? I also like the fact that everything is in one building; guest rooms/foodcourt/check-in/guest services/restaurants/laundry room..... Since it is a deluxe resort there are hair dryers, irons and ironing boards in the room. Although the balcony might overlook a roof or parking lot I can dry swim suits and towels out there instead of draping them in the bathroom. DH also has a private place to read while I take an afternoon nap. Savannah guides are near the savannah viewing areas to tell the guests about the animals, there is storytelling and lodge tours, although available to anyone WDW resort guest ,it is much more convenient to the AKL guest. Transportation isn't shared with 2 or 3 other resorts.... These reasons may seem minor to some but to me it is worth the extra $$$ just this one time. Next trip we will back at the All Stars.

 

[cigar95]

BigSis, we were indeed - fourth floor, Zebra Trail! We had a view of the Arusha Savannah - that's the one inside the "horseshoe", and it seemed to have the best selection of animals. Some Zebra Trail rooms have views of the Uzima Savannah on the outside of the horseshoe.

Our room number was 4429 - not far from the lobby. It seemed that the rooms farther out had a better view of the animals, though ours was still delightful. If you check out a resort map, the rooms 4501 or higher would be the best.

Our favorite were the Ankole cattle - mondo-cool horns!

 

[WDW2002]

Originally posted by Disneylvr
These reasons may seem minor to some but to me it is worth the extra $$$ just this one time.

Those are some great reasons but I just feel I am going to be disapointed...
I am going to hold tight until the AP rates come out (supposedly on Sunday??) and go from there.
Thanks to all for all the insights.

 

[las3888]

WDW2002,

I'm glad you asked the question, because we are considering AKL standard view with codes or A/P discounts for Oct. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like too many people opt for the standard view, so there is not a whole lot of feedback. I still think the rate can't beat for the overall amenities the resort provides and I think I can live with parking lot view. I just wish there was some area out there that isn't half bad (overlooking trees, prairie, something???) that I could request.

We sprung for the courtyard room at the WL earlier this year and were disappointed with spending the extra money on a view of a noisy pool. I think I will feel better about the savings at AKL, although I do think springing for the savannah at AKL is definitely more worth it than the premium view at WL.

I also have hope the AP rates will be better on Sunday (if that's when they come out). I called CRO and was told Poly was $199/nite with codes, and $184 with A/P code due to come out on Sunday...this alone gives me hope...

 

[Disneylvr]

I understand your dilemma so I suggest just going with your gut feeling. Hey, you'll be in Disney either way.

 

[WDW2002]

Originally posted by Disneylvr
Hey, you'll be in Disney either way.

And that is the important thing anyway right??

 

[JudithM]

I am not an animal lover (too many allergies), but I loved the AKL! We stayed in a standard view room on the 3rd floor overlooking the handicapped parking lot. there was plenty of vegetation between us & the parking lot. It was pretty quiet & pleasant to just sit out on the balcony & enjoy the sights & sounds. We had plenty of opportunities to see the animals & talk to the savannah guides. The guides enjoyed talking about the animals, their culture, etc. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!

 

[las3888]

Judith M - Was your room bright and sunny? I don't want to get stuck with a dark room (like at W/L). Would other rooms overlooking parking lot be somewhat bright do you think?

 

[susy]

I am staying in a standard room at AKL for $119 for Labor day weekend and my birthday! I am not counting on getting an upgrade, because we are arriving late on the friday of a three day weekend.

On the flip side, If I pay for a savannah room and then don't spend much time in there or don't see "enough" animals , I might be more disappointed. I think I would feel more pressure to spend more time sitting on my balcony and I only have three days to enjoy this resort!!!! We plan on eating in the restaurants, swimming and doing all the Lodge stuff.

 

[gepetto]

Originally posted by las3888
Judith M - Was your room bright and sunny? I don't want to get stuck with a dark room (like at W/L). Would other rooms overlooking parking lot be somewhat bright do you think?

The rooms would be dark like WL.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by las3888
Judith M - Was your room bright and sunny? I don't want to get stuck with a dark room (like at W/L). Would other rooms overlooking parking lot be somewhat bright do you think?

The room was brighter than what I expected after reading some of the posts on the bb. I don't recall it feeling too dark.

 

[cigar95]

I made a comment earlier in this thread, a few days ago, that I didn't expect the new Annual Pass discounts to be any better than the other recently released code rates.

Well, I stand corrected, and "WDW2002" was right. The rates that came out yesterday are a little lower than the code rates - not a lot, but a little.