AKL Standard view question

[dddisrunner]

We just switched resorts from POFQ to the AKL and we are thrilled! However we booked through AAA and there was only a standard room available. Even on Disney's website a standard view is the only thing available. My question is this...I have frequently read that AKL guests are given a free upgrade to pool view or savannah view. Does this happen only during "less" busy times? We will be there from 4/20-4/30 and are hoping for an upgrade. I am willing to pay for it. What is your advice, should I ask at check in or first wait to see if one is offered? Thanks for any insight you all can give me. We are newbies to deluxe and are so thrilled to even be staying at AKL.

 

[stellablue]

We were just there last week-got a savannah view but no upgrades from there.

It's all luck of the draw I would guess.

Even if you don't get a savannah view though, there are definately plenty of viewing areas all around the resort!

 

[wdhinn89]

We just switched resorts from POFQ to the AKL and we are thrilled! However we booked through AAA and there was only a standard room available. Even on Disney's website a standard view is the only thing available. My question is this...I have frequently read that AKL guests are given a free upgrade to pool view or savannah view. Does this happen only during "less" busy times? We will be there from 4/20-4/30 and are hoping for an upgrade. I am willing to pay for it. What is your advice, should I ask at check in or first wait to see if one is offered? Thanks for any insight you all can give me. We are newbies to deluxe and are so thrilled to even be staying at AKL.

You have the best chance of finding an availabilty for a Savannah View when rooms need to be paid in full. I don't remember if it is 90 or 75 days before. Alot of people book rooms and then have to cancel for many different reasons.

 

[jcb]

My experience confirms wdhinn89's point. We did a bounceback (i.e., 30% off the value rack rate) at AKL standard view and requested a king bed. We got what we paid for (and loved it). We asked about upgrading to Savannah view but it was prohibitively expensive.

At the time we were there (January), several cruise passengers were staying there so while it wasn't full it wasn't empty.

Regardless, there are so many places to see the Savannah and wildlife on the second floor of the AKL that we were able to see pretty much all the animals. Also, the outside stairwells at the end of each trail are great places to photograph the animals as the wall is above waist level and flat enough to put a camera on it.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

If you are willing to pay the difference just ask at check in. I would definately pay the difference for a pool view it is not much difference and ours was amazing and peaceful. I would say at busy times the chance of a free upgrade are pretty slim. We got one to a pool view but it was not very busy at the resort. You will love it either way!!!