AKL Standard View or Savannah View

[MamaKate]

I currently have 2 ressie's for AKL for Dec. 6th-14th (Value Season). One is for a Standard View & the other is for a Savannah View.

My question is, how often do they upgrade guests from Standard to Savannah View when you check-in? I'd like to have a Savannah view, but it is not necessary. I'd like to save the money & just hope they upgrade me when I check-in.

Do they upgrade frequently (especially since it's low season)?

Anyone who's stayed at AKL, please let me know!

Thanks!
,
Katherine

 

[mark & sandra]

Hi MamaKate- When we stayed there last Memorial Day weekend, we had a standard room reserved. We asked for a room with bunkbeds, and stressed their importance to us. DD is 10 and doesn't sleep well with DS 8. CM asked if we would like to pay 65.00 per for an upgrade and we told her it wasn't in our budget. She looked for the room w/ bunkbeds, made a couple of phonecalls and then said she found a room w/ bunkbeds and it was a savannah view for no add. charge. I was happy with the free upgrade and the savannah view was wonderful, but all savannah room views are NOT equal. We were on the Kudu trail overlooking the Sunset savannah. If it wasn't for the food being put in this area, I don't think any animals would go there. We were also over a people's pen ( an area for emergency exits from the hotel into the savannah ) If I had paid for a savannah view I would have requested a better room. A savannah room overlooking the center area, I believe Arusha savannah, would be a much more desirable view. Also try to get the Zebra trail side of the resort, it's much closer to pool and food court.

 

[kerrynic78]

We also stayed there over Memorial Day week and had a standard view room while my brother and his family had a savannah view. Before we left I faxed over a room request stating that we were excited for our upcoming graduation trip and requested a standard view room that was not ground level. We got to check in and we were told that we were given a complimentary upgrade to savannah view, we were shocked. I actually felt bad because my brother who paid for a savannah didn't have as much as a view as we did and we didn't pay for it. Next time we go(we will stay at AKl again, it is amazing) we will splurge for the savannah view, I felt for myself it was very worth it.

 

[gepetto]

I think free upgrades are the exception rather than the norm. If you want a savannah view I would suggest paying for one.

 

[WDW2002]

If it is important to you to have the view them pay for it. If you don't mind a view of the parking lot or "concrete wall" then by all means, save the money and go with the standard.

 

[Carol]

We just came back from AKL and loved it. We paid for a standard view and at check in, we were upgraded to a pool view. I knew we wouldn't be in our room enough to justify the extra charge for a savannah view and we were right. The 3 viewing areas for every one were wonderful. The guides there were very helpful, answering all our questions. I'm glad we didn't pay the extra.

 

[sharoncity]

As with any of the resorts, if you truly want the view, then you should stay with that ressie. If it doesn't matter one way or the other, or if money is somewhat tight, take the standard and hope for an upgrade. If you book a standard room and count on a free upgrade, you may be dissappointed. From reading other posts on these boards, a lot of people set themselves up for this type of dissappointment. You can never assume that they will offer you a free upgrade. Yes, it is a slow time, but you just never know. I personnally always try to book the best room that I can afford. I truly appreciate the view, amenities, etc. But I never book a room that I can't really "afford". If I did that, I would spend the vacation worrying about all the other incidental expenses that I wouldn't relax. If you can comfortably afford the savannah view, I think it is worth it. If you are NOT comfortable in that price range, don't worry. There are plenty of public viewing areas that are wonderful and I am sure that you'll just fall in love with the entire resort. It is an experience you will love!

 

[Turtlegirl]

I would pay for the Savannah if you want that view-I have a feeling there won't be as many upgrades with all the CBR relocations.

 

[pewing]

We are booked at AKL 12/8-12/14 When we booked our original room...no savannah views were available (so I booked the standard view). I called every day...and finally today there was a savannah view available But....it cost me $33/day to upgrade. I am thinking it will be well worth it. Remember...not many 'free rides' these days (anywhere). Good luck