Animal Kingdom Lodge...Zebra Section plus other questions

[StaceyA]

Hello!

We are staying at the AKL in May 2008 and have booked a Savannah View, we have been trying to decide which section to request and so far have decided on the Zebra section. Im not sure if we can request a section (for example: ask for the room to be closer to the lobby) but if we can, which section is best all around?

I was afraid if we requested to be close to the main lobby (closer walk to and from the busses) would we see as many animals as we would if we were in the middle of the section or at the end?

I have stayed at several resorts but this is a first for AKL so any and all comments are greatly welcomed!!

Also...there are 3 adults going and we each want our own bed (this is a girls only trip) so we have put in a request for a roll away bed, has anyone used a roll away at this resort before and if so, will we have trouble with there being enough room for the bed?

One more question, are the rooms all inside or do you have to go outside to get to your room like at the value and moderate resorts? I was looking at a map of the resort and it looks like you walk down a long hallway to get to your room, but im really not sure.

Thanks so much!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

What you want to request is Arusha Savannah (the main one) on Zebra Trail. That is the best section IMO to request. The resort is all interior halls so you wont be outside but it is a hike if you are all the way down one of the wings but I did find that the better views are a little farther out on the horseshoe. It is a fabulous resort have fun!!!!

 

[Twende]

We stayed on the Arusha Savannah on Zebra Trail. I loved it. When I requested my room I had that marked as a preference.

When we checked in they had a map and showed me a choice of several rooms. It worked out well but I was so excited that I got very little sleep the first night.

I was so busy looking at the animals and listening to the unusual sounds. I slept in the bed closest to the window and with my head at the foot of the bed so I could look out the window.

I know they warn you to close the drapes because the have security cameras pointed at the animals but I figured I was more covered in my shorts and t-shirt than in a swim suit, so I left the drapes open as I tried to sleep.

Twice during the night there were really strange sounds that startled me out of my sleep. It was fun!

I think we were three buildings out and on the second level above the ground. I think the floors are numbered a bit different as the ground floor as no rooms or something like that. Maybe someone else can tell you about that part.

 

[PolyAddict]

Hello!

We are staying at the AKL in May 2008 and have booked a Savannah View, we have been trying to decide which section to request and so far have decided on the Zebra section. Im not sure if we can request a section (for example: ask for the room to be closer to the lobby) but if we can, which section is best all around?

I was afraid if we requested to be close to the main lobby (closer walk to and from the busses) would we see as many animals as we would if we were in the middle of the section or at the end?

I have stayed at several resorts but this is a first for AKL so any and all comments are greatly welcomed!!

Also...there are 3 adults going and we each want our own bed (this is a girls only trip) so we have put in a request for a roll away bed, has anyone used a roll away at this resort before and if so, will we have trouble with there being enough room for the bed?

One more question, are the rooms all inside or do you have to go outside to get to your room like at the value and moderate resorts? I was looking at a map of the resort and it looks like you walk down a long hallway to get to your room, but im really not sure.

Thanks so much!!

Stacy,

I cannot imagine where you would put a rollaway, honestly. I am not sure if the savanna view rooms are bigger than the standard we had, but the 2 beds take up all of one side of the room and the other side has the table and chairs, fridge and armoire for the tv with very little room between the beds and wall with armoire.

 

[StaceyA]

thank you all so much for your quick replies....we called AKL and the woman that answered said it is a tight squeeze for the roll away but that when you get up in the AM it is folded up and out of the way....

Should we go with bunk beds instead? Im the youngest of all of us and I just know I will be stuck at the top LOL
Has anyone here as an adult ever slept in one of the bunk beds? im wondering if they are comfortable.

 

[PolyAddict]

thank you all so much for your quick replies....we called AKL and the woman that answered said it is a tight squeeze for the roll away but that when you get up in the AM it is folded up and out of the way....

Should we go with bunk beds instead? Im the youngest of all of us (im 32) and I just know I will be stuck at the top LOL
Has anyone here as an adult ever slept in one of the bunk beds? im wondering if they are comfortable.

Can't imagine those bunks being worse than a rollaway.

 

[StaceyA]

Can't imagine those bunks being worse than a rollaway.

lol to tell you the truth I wasn't going to have to sleep in the roll away, one of the other ladies already offered, so I was trying to save myself

 

[DisTeach1]

Are you opposed to sleeping in bunk beds? I know I do not like to sleep with another female, so I would want my own bed. The beds are twins. My mom slept comfortably on the bottom, but I don't know how someone would feel about the top bunk. But I would do a bunkbed over sleeping with another woman.

 

[Kimberle]

We requested a Savannah view room close to the pool. We got 4423, which was the 2nd building from the lobby on the right side. It was a wonderful room. I believe that block is all concierge, but you could request the 3rd or 2nd floor.

If you are on the Zebra trail, you have an easier walk to the pool than if you are in the left wing (Sunset Savannah). Mara is near the pool area (where you refill your mug).

 

[disneydance]

Ok we stayed here last June and we didnt request at all and had a Savannah view room and were very satified. Also the resort is all inside there is no walking ourside to get to your room. Also I didnt know there were roll aways and even if there are I cant see anyone putting one in a room. Also my brother slept just fine on the top of the bunk bed and he really love and hes 6feet tall. And i slept fine on the bottom bed also and i'm 5foot4 so i think it would work fine

 

[kevg1889]

We were on Zebra trail room 4484, which overlooked the savannah & one of the spa pools. It was a fair old walk back from the bus, but easy to get to the pool & restaurants. Read my trippie cos it has loads of AKL pics & believe me you do not know how lucky you are cos this place is truly paradise.

 

[StaceyA]

Ok we stayed here last June and we didnt request at all and had a Savannah view room and were very satified. Also the resort is all inside there is no walking ourside to get to your room. Also I didnt know there were roll aways and even if there are I cant see anyone putting one in a room. Also my brother slept just fine on the top of the bunk bed and he really love and hes 6feet tall. And i slept fine on the bottom bed also and i'm 5foot4 so i think it would work fine

This is helping me to lean toward the bunk beds, the fact that your brother is 6 foot and didn't have a problem, now I know I won't have an issue with it.
Thanks!

We were on Zebra trail room 4484, which overlooked the savannah & one of the spa pools. It was a fair old walk back from the bus, but easy to get to the pool & restaurants. Read my trippie cos it has loads of AKL pics & believe me you do not know how lucky you are cos this place is truly paradise.

Im going to read your report now...thanks so much!!

Thanks to everyone who is posting!

 

[StaceyA]

kevg1889, I checked out your trip report, it was great! looks like you had a really good time and you look happy in every single pic lol

 

[SharonLowe]

bunk bed rooms are a separate category so if you want one, you should call to see if available and book it.

 

[StaceyA]

bunk bed rooms are a separate category so if you want one, you should call to see if available and book it.

I was actually just signing on here to report about it....get this one....you can't book a bunk bed room when your on a package (we are on the deluxe dining package) only if you are doing room only

That doesn't make sense, our AAA agent told us this and we double checked with disney directly and its true...

So it's a roll away bed for us!

 

[DisTeach1]

I was just checking in to see if you had considered the bunk bed idea. The fact that you can't request it makes no sense to me...It's a request...Why can't they mark it down?

Anyway, I would consider sending a fax about 3 days before you go...It can't hurt. Then when you check in, requesting a bunk bed again.

Disney sometimes has some weird rules.

 

[StaceyA]

I was just checking in to see if you had considered the bunk bed idea. The fact that you can't request it makes no sense to me...It's a request...Why can't they mark it down?

Anyway, I would consider sending a fax about 3 days before you go...It can't hurt. Then when you check in, requesting a bunk bed again.

Disney sometimes has some weird rules.

Hi there!

We actually got together and decided to go ahead and get the bunk bed room, im going with my mom and a friend of ours, my mom called to switch the reservations and they said they only have a few of the bunk bed rooms available with packages, that the most of them are available only as room only...it does seem weird...they told her that they set aside so many "package rooms" and once these are booked thats it.

We are going have our AAA travel agent continue to check on it, and we will too...hopefully by our Trip (may 2008) one will open up for us.

 

[Anal Annie]

We loved AKL when we stayed there & have booked it for 3 n pre-cruise next summer too. I can't wait to stay there again! I agree that the Arusha Savanna would be your best bet. We were on the back side of the Uzima Savanna & it didn't seem to have as many animals. The lodge is beautiful but the rooms are sorta small and the furniture is big, heavy stuff. I really can't figure out where they think you'd put a roll-a-way! I hope you can get the bunk beds! If not, you might consider sharing the bed with your Mom as she IS your Mom...that wouldn't be quite as weird as one of you sharing with the other lady. But I understand that your own beds would be best.

(PS) My most favorite restaurant EVER is BOMA which is at the AKL. You should make ressies to try it out while you're there! It's fantastic!

 

[DisTeach1]

Just another comment...I have had both the Uzima and Arusha savannah, and actually prefer the Uzima. I found it quieter and more peaceful. I liked not being able to see another building, like you do on Arusha. There were more giraffes, and the baby giraffe was there. So, if you have to decide between a bunk bed room and another Savannah, I would take the bunkbed room. I think all Savannahs have something good to offer, but after experiencing two of them, I prefer Uzima.

 

[SharonLowe]

I was just checking in to see if you had considered the bunk bed idea. The fact that you can't request it makes no sense to me...It's a request...Why can't they mark it down?

Anyway, I would consider sending a fax about 3 days before you go...It can't hurt. Then when you check in, requesting a bunk bed again.

Disney sometimes has some weird rules.

It isn't a request anymore; it is a separate category of room and you pay more for it than a room with 2 queen beds. Yes, she can request one but if all of them are sold out, there won't be one to give her.