Animal Kingdom Lodge - when to book?

[MissyPooh5890]

We are planning on going to Disney World again in September of 2009 and are thinking of staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (probably standard or pool view) and are hoping that Disney offers the free dining package again. We just took advantage of this and it was wonderful. My question is can I reserve a room now and then apply the free dining part later if it becomes available? My concern is that with so few standard rooms offered there they might not be available if and when the free dining deal is made available for that time period.
I know that the savanah rooms are ideal but money is a factor for us and the standard room at AKL would be a splurge for us. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Disneenut]

We are planning on going to Disney World again in September of 2009 and are thinking of staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (probably standard or pool view) and are hoping that Disney offers the free dining package again. We just took advantage of this and it was wonderful. My question is can I reserve a room now and then apply the free dining part later if it becomes available? My concern is that with so few standard rooms offered there they might not be available if and when the free dining deal is made available for that time period.
I know that the savanah rooms are ideal but money is a factor for us and the standard room at AKL would be a splurge for us. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

First off.... TO THE DIS!

The best time to book would be when they release the room rates for 2009 and that wont be until august 08. (i think) We are going OCT of 08 and booked our trip August of this year.

As far as the room goes the savanah rooms are GREAT... but over all i could sleep in the lobby of AKL and be happy!

Hope my $0.02 helps.

 

[s&k'smom]

I would check mousesavers.com for trip tips as well, they always have updated info, they also have an electronic email you can get. I highly recommend AKL we stayed there 3 years ago and it was FANTASTIC!!!

 

[raven69david]

This is our resort of choice and have already planned our December 2008 trip. If you plan on booking a standard-view room, i would book 499 days out. This is the maximum time-frame you can book. If a discount is released between the time you book and the time of your visit (which is VERY likely that something will come out within that time-frame) you can always apply the code in the future without losing your room reservation. If you go during Value season, it is very possible that you may get a free upgrade to a savannah-view room. We have gotten this on our 2 visits to the lodge simply by asking the CM during check-in.

 

[MissyPooh5890]

Thanks for all your replies! I love these boards - everyone is always so helpful and I really appreciate you all taking the time to answer. I usually am a little shy to post but I am planning on trying to help answer others questions when I can.
We just had dinner at Bomas last week and thought that the Lodge was just beautiful. Looking forward to staying there with my family. Our daughter loves animals and will really enjoy the resort.

 

[All Things Simba]

Thanks for all your replies! I love these boards - everyone is always so helpful and I really appreciate you all taking the time to answer. I usually am a little shy to post but I am planning on trying to help answer others questions when I can.
We just had dinner at Bomas last week and thought that the Lodge was just beautiful. Looking forward to staying there with my family. Our daughter loves animals and will really enjoy the resort.

We always seem to visit this beautiful resort after a day at the Animal Kingdom. And since I needed a resort for an additional night at the beginning of our December 2007 trip, my sister-in-law suggested we book a one nighter at AKL! What a GREAT suggestion... our AAA agent got us a fantastic rate on a standard view room - $205.60 total.
If you're a AAA member, don't forget to check into AAA discounts whatever you book at Disney! Wishing you a magical time! P.S. - I can't wait to stay there either!