AKL - Standard View Worth The Money?

[becka]

I realize this is probably a matter of preference but I would like your opinions. Is the standard view at AKL worth it? For about $400 less we can stay at a moderate (we are considering CBR) and stay an extra night.

I am not sure we have the money to upgrade to savannah view but I still think AKL looks great and DS is a HUGE animal lover who loves to look at pictures of the resort. Do you lose a lot by not being able to see the animals from your room? To me that seems like the main attraction and I didn't know if we would feel "cheated" by getting a standard view and just wished we had saved money and been able to stay longer. What would be the chance of getting a complimentary upgrade in mid-December? I know I couldn't count on it but if it happens a lot we might be willing to gamble.

Also if it factors into your opinion we will be staying in the room quite a bit since we will have a baby that will need to nap and we will not being going to the parks everyday so the resort amenities/pool, etc.. are important to us.

Thanks!

 

[HopperFan]

I would go with AKL.....for your little guy and especially with a baby.

One trip we booked standard and were bumped to savanna, not to say it will happen, but it does. We don't know how other than after he asked if we wanted bunk beds (we said yes) he offered it to us. Other trip we paid for pool view, and wish we had saved the money and done standard.

There are LOTS of places for you to see the animals. You can see all three savannahs from public areas. The sunset overlook off the lobby, the main arusha rock area off the lobby and past the pool there is an overlook area. Guides all over to answer any questions about the animals. Walk all the halls and there are windows to look out and there are several porchs to sit on and watch the animals.

If you are going to have lots of hotel time, it is perfect. There are so many activities...one of you can stay with sleeping baby while other does the activities. ~ Build an African Bead Necklace by participating in Flamingo Feedings, Animal Tracking, Junior Researcher, Music of the Savanna, and Games with Savanna Guides.

~ Also have: Horticulture activity, Culinary Tour of Africa, Cookie Decorating, Spirit of Africa Art Tour (art exhibited all over hotel), African Folktales around the Firepit, Animal Viewsing with Night Vision (if you have night vision on your video camera it works too), African Safari with Medallion Crayon rubbings, Pool Activities, African Games and Crafts.

My kids also enjoyed going all over the hotel pin trading with the CMs, there seemed to be a large number of CMs with pins to trade with. The also have many of the activities hosted by students from countries in Africa. They are very interesting and always willing to talk to you about where they are from.

Pool is great, with a zero entry, pool games and a slide. Playground, arcade, food court, great bathrooms all right there by the pool.

The gift shop is great and has all kinds of African items to look at and on one of our stays had teens from Africa actually making beautiful natural art. The restaurants are awesome and BOMA especially would be a good thing to PS on a hotel day. There are lots of different spaces to view animals from, some with chairs & lenses. The art and artifacts are also spread all over hotel, so it is fun just to explore.

ps CBR is huge and spread out. I stayed there with a 4 mos old and it was not a good experience. If the weather is bad you are stuck in your room. Deluxe is well worth it with little ones.

 

[Leota]

ITA - AKL would be well worth it, even without a Savannah room.

 

[F1Julie]

I think that the standard view at AKL is one of the best deals for a WDW resort, especially for a deluxe. We stayed there in August and it was great. Our room faced a parking lot, but there was a lot of foliage between the balcony and the lot. It was very quiet. Even though we couldn't see the animals from our balcony, there was a great viewing spot just a few steps down the hallway. The pool is great at AKL too as are the restaurants. When we were there, we didn't even go to the parks (August is too hot for us) but we just relaxed at the resort.

 

[CindyBella]

AkL! Even with a standard view. We have stayed 3 times and have been upgraded to Savannah view twice!! We were not so lucky last week. They were completely booked. We booked a pool view and that is what we got. I did not even miss the animals. The pool view was beautiful. I just love the lobby and the decor of the rooms. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Rattat]

I'm so glad to see someone say that the standard view is worth it at AKL.
I booked a standard room facing the parking lot for June. We have never stayed at a deluxe resort before, so I'm very excited about the trip!!! Thanks to all of your positive posts about AKL. It just makes me feel better about changing my reservations from POFQ to AKL. OOOHHHH I CAN'T WAIT TIL JUNE 5th!!!
My children are going to be in shock when we arrive at AKL. I switched resorts without telling them.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Definitely AKL! There are many places to view the animals. In fact, dh and I spent quite a bit of time checking out the viewing locations, despite having a savanna view room. Remember: This is a deluxe resort. You really cannot compare a moderate with a deluxe.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I agree with every reply written here! You will love AKL. We stayed standard for the first time ever and I too was a bit skeptical but I would stay that way again just to be in that gorgeous lodge. It's absolutely breathtaking. Our family loved everything about it.

 

[Tinkaroo]

We're staying at the AKL for the first time in 9 days. After reading so many posts (not only about possible upgrades, since there are so few standard room at AKL, but also about the ample opportunities to view the animals elsewhere), I'm quite comfortable with our decision to just book the standard view. We're never in our room a lot anyway, and I'm just so thrilled to have gotten a decent rate to stay there.

But of course, I will try my luck with the front desk CM for any upgrade - but I'm happy either way!!

 

[klb5]

We stayed 3 N in DEC in SAV DEL rm. after 5N in POR 1827( 5 people) ( 5518?) View was obstructed by trees and key is to be by feeding station in the morning. we were above! them and could hardly see anything.. Best thing was smell from Boma in hotel.... Not much grounds to wonder around so hang out by the balconies off lobby to 3rd floor and enjoy the rockers, pool area is great , theres a few small hot tubs on back side of main pool,, one to to left gives you view w/ some animals,,,, Have a great time

 

[mom23guys2]

AKL, AKL, AKL! Ask for a quieter room due to the baby. You probably want to be away from the rooms leading to the buses.