Akl??

[mom2threeboys]

Okay, as of right now, we have a room booked and CBR, but I've been reading and looking at the resorts and I'd love to stay at AKL!!
Here's my question - is AKL worth the extra money if I can only get a standard view room? I'd love a Savannah view room, but its just not in our budget this year.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

YES YES YES!!!
You can see the animals from many look outs so the room really isn't that big of a deal (IMHO)
This time we are getting pool view so we can be closer to things. Last time we were wayyyyyyy down at the end.
The resort is so nice, you will love it. Also you can go out on the grounds and look at the animals. Many activities for adults and kids and BOMA is great! We loved it.
Mara is a nice quick service area also.
I say go for it!!!!!!

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Having stayed at ALK twice this year - once in deluxe savannah ( free upgrade from standard ) and pool view ( no upgrade that time ) I would say YES ! There are so many things do do at the lodge, and so many viewing areas that not having a view from your room will not make that much of a difference. I admit having a view is nice but even without it you will still have a nice room in one of disney's most interesting resorts.

The resort itself is visually stunning. There are many activities and viewing areas around the resort. It has one of the better counter-service restaurants (Mara) , the BEST buffet ( Boma !!!! ) and one of the best sit-down (Jiko). Though the only transportation is by bus it does not share it's service with any other resort. We have usually had minimal waits using the busses at AKL.

Would I stay there again, in a standard room ? In a new york minute !

 

[my3boys]

Mom2threeboys,


Yes, it is worth it! The hotel is so different from anything in the US and so rich in its theming. When we had a standard view room, we were surprised with an upgrade to pool view! The pool is huge, and the playground is lots of fun for kids (the equipment has thatched roofs!). My little guys took advantage of many of the children activities (no charge) throughout the hotel; make sure to inquire at the desk about them. As for the animals, there are plenty of look outs for all the guests throughout the entire resort.

PS - It looks like we have a bit in common by your name

 

[dmslush]

I want to thank all of you. We are going in July and have booked a standard view. We just can't swing the $$$ for a savannah view this time, and I was having some real regrets this afternoon. But now I know that any AKL room is going to be great because there is just so much to do and try while we are there.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I want to thank all of you. We are going in July and have booked a standard view. We just can't swing the $$$ for a savannah view this time, and I was having some real regrets this afternoon. But now I know that any AKL room is going to be great because there is just so much to do and try while we are there.

You will LOVE it. We stayed at CBR our first trip and we really enjoyed our stay there and there was nothing wrong with this resort, but after staying at AKL after the POFQ relocate, we won't ever leave AKL for another resort. It's wonderful!!!! We are going to stay poolview this time due to the $$$ as well for a savannah view. I'll blow pixie dust your way so you might get an free upgrade!!

 

[ptrbryant]

Our family loves WL, but that's the only resort we've ever stayed at. I was thinking of a split-stay between WL/VWL and a moderate to save money. After checking out the resorts on the WDW website, my DH and DS8 are adamant about trying Animal Kingdom Lodge for a split-stay. My DH really loves sitting on a balcony, looking out over a relaxing view...I'm worried a parking lot or rooftop may not cut it! But, like others, the Savannah View is a bit steep for our budget.
Does anyone have any guess as to likelihood of an upgrade to Savannah View if we go the end of Sept. - early Oct. 2005, Value Season?
Thanks!
Karla B.

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

Did a split stay WL and AKL. We went from WL to AKL and were not impresesd. The CMs were much more friendlier at the WL and the atmosphere was just so different. I would look into staying at the WL! Goodluck!

 

[mom2threeboys]

Thanks for all the replies. I think we'll try AKL, and maybe with a bit of luck we'll get upgraded! (Not counting on it - but it'd be awesome!) The more I look at it the more I just "have" to stay there! LOL

my3 boys - It does seem we have a lot in common!! How old are your three?

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

Just to warn you, they are very strict and snotty about upgrades. We checked-in and january and politley asked if we could upgrade. The lady was rude, short and acted offended that we asked. So in my opinion no, its not worth the extra money. You can also visit the resort and see the animals yourself from the public viewing area. The excitement wears off after about a day there. Not that great. So again, don't expect an upgrade, and with a standard room, whats the point?

 

[Peter Pirate]

They get so many requests for upgrades I'm sure they're a bit tired of it and while this is certainly NO excuse for rudeness I can imagine it would get old.

IMO, your best bet with a standard room is to bite your tounge and NOT ask for an upgrade. I think the upgrades come more often to those who don't ask vs. those who do, sort of a CM's revenge (make someones day who's not asking, not pushing, denying someone who they may feel is asking for something for nothing).

Anyway you look at it though, AKL is worh the stay whether you're in a suite or staring at the parking lot because the views are there for everyone, those with pool or std. rooms just have to work a little harder for the view but believe me it is not work.

 

[mom2threeboys]

Oh, I'd NEVER ask for an upgrade! I hope no one thought I meant that!! I had heard tell that some get them on arrival, or find they have one when they get to their rooms! (Disney magic!! ) I'd never ask for something to be given to me, if I didn't intend to pay for it!
Thanks again for all your replies - the hotel looks beautiful whether the room has a view or not. We can always walk around the hotel and use the public viewing spots.

 

[ead79]

Just to warn you, they are very strict and snotty about upgrades. We checked-in and january and politley asked if we could upgrade. The lady was rude, short and acted offended that we asked. So in my opinion no, its not worth the extra money. You can also visit the resort and see the animals yourself from the public viewing area. The excitement wears off after about a day there. Not that great. So again, don't expect an upgrade, and with a standard room, whats the point?

That was not our experience at all. We were given an upgrade from standard to savannah cheerily. The CM warned us that it wasn't the best savannah view, but we told her that we sure weren't complaining! We were just thrilled.

I guess it's just a "different strokes for different folks" thing, but the excitement definitely hasn't worn off for us, and we've stayed there 3 times.

 

[Jackie H.]

Let me just throw this in as well:

AKL has GREAT programs for kids and adults!

They have CMs from Africa tell stories from their native lands around the fire ring outside; they have CMs talking about their homelands in the lobby; there are night time animals watches (with night scopes! - my DS LOVED this!); they feed some of the animals on schedules with the CMs there to tell you things about it. These things make AKL fantastic! I will try to find my schedule. Although it was a while back, I am sure they still do these things!

 

[Jackie H.]

OK! Here was the schedule back in 2002. I haven't heard anyone say they have stopped doing these things....I hope not. Keep in mind these programs were all done by CMs from Africa - they were brought here just to work at AKL. They were more than happy to talk to us about their homelands and adjusting to America. It was a great experience.

Horticulture Shwo & Tell - Wednesday 9am - Arusha Rock

Track the Animal - 9:30am - Arusha Rock

Flamingo Feedings - 10:30am - Uzima Savanna

Spirit of Africa Art Tour - 11am - Ogun's Firepit

Recreational Activities - 12:20pm & 2:05pm Lobby & Uzima Pool

Cooking Docorating - 1pm - Boma Restaurant

Pelican Feedings - 2pm - Arush Rock

Clinary Tour of Africa - 4pm Ogun's Firepit

Junior Researcher - 4pm - Uzima Savanna

Poolside Activities - 5pm - Uzima Pool

Games with Savanna Guides - 6:30pm - Sunset Overlook

Storytelling - 7:30pm - Arusha Rock Firepit

Night Vision Tracking - 10:15pm - Arusha Rock

Cultural Safari - 8:30pm - Sunset Overlook

 

[leighe]

You are going to love AKL!!! It's my absolute favorite resort. I would definitely stay there in a standard view room. Here's wishing you some PD for an upgrade! When we were checking in the people checking in next to us got upgraded from standard to a deluxe pool view room. They didn't even ask!

 

[littleprincessmom]

We did have a Sav. view in November but it truly would have been just as fantastic without it. We LOVED AKL!!!! It is a beautiful resort with out of this world theming. There are many viewing areas - just walk up and down the hallways and you can see different animals out of the large plate glass windows. Especially with 3 boys - AKL is a must do!

IMHO it doesn't hurt to ask for an upgrade. It just goes without saying to be VERY nice about it and don't be disappointd if one isn't available. Finally, keep watching for codes. Although I'm an AP holder, we actually found a general code for a Sav. view room for $157/nt. If you book now and a code comes out later, call and WDW can apply it for you.

Have a Magical Trip!

 

[HopperFan]

I think your family will love it !

First trip - booked standard, was bumped up to savanna (I DID NOT ASK FOR IT) and we had a wonderful view.

Second trip - now scared to book standard, so we paid extra for pool view. Mistake. Never used balcony, view of roofs, very disappointed.

Next time if I can't do savanna, I will do standard. If we get an upgrade SUPER, and if not no problem. There are LOTS of places on all levels at the hotel to view the animals. There are balconies all over you can sit on, you can view them from ground level. There are so many other activites (as Jackie H listed) and you will find you will have plenty to do without sitting on your balcony.

ENJOY !!!!

 

[TaurusSES_Sport]

There is no point to a standard room at the AKL. Any guest from any resort can come a view the "public" viewing areas.