Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[dizpinlvr2]

Hi all! It has been about a year and a half since my last trip to WDW, but we are going back in June.

We are registered at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard room)
but my DH has heard rumors that often people get upgraded for FREE to a Savana Side Room. Is there any truth to this?

Does anyone have any other hints, or tips regarding this resort?

We have never stayed at this one. We have stayed at the following resorts before:
All Stars Resorts, the Port Orleans & Carribean Beach resort.

I know that everyone probably thinks I am nuts to be thinking about the trip 24/7 but - it is only a few months away. Time seems to go so quickly for me, that it will be here before you know it and I would love any tips or information that anyone would like to share.

Thanks for reading!

 

[karylrocks]

I know that everyone probably thinks I am nuts to be thinking about the trip 24/7 but - it is only a few months away.

Believe me, we are all thinking about our trips 24/7!
Yes, lots of people get upgraded at AKL, but you have to be prepared to be happy with standard. I am hoping for an upgrade for my trip next month. I will be checking in before 10:00 a.m. so am hoping I will have a better chance.

 

[dizpinlvr2]

Thanks karylrocks!

I do feel better to know that everyone is thinking about their next trip all the time.

As for the possibility of an upgrade, we are prepared to be happy with the standard. But my DH has been talking amongst his co-workers who just returned from there and they told him - that they got a FREE ungrade.

So is checking in early the key to the better possibility of an upgrade at AKL? We live in NY, and our flights come in around noon. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[karylrocks]

You never can tell when you will be offered an upgrade but I believe that the earlier you check in the better your chance. You should check in as soon as you arrive, even though the rooms will probably not be ready yet. If you are not offered one, it won't hurt to ask (although it may hurt to ask before you give them a chance to offer you one).

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, dizpinlvr2!!

We always think about our next trip - in fact, sometimes I dream about being at WDW!!

AKL is a beautiful resort. Don't miss all the activities, storytelling, the night vision tracking, the cultural safari, and if you have kids, they have a lot of children's activities.

Boma and Jiko are both fabulous restaurants - Boma is the best buffet on property, IMO, and Jiko is a wonderful upscale restaurant with the largest selection of South African wines in the country. Very, very good!!

Have fun, I'm sure you can't wait!!

 

[dansyr]

If you can afford it i would reconsider a savannah view room. We stayed there on our last trip and there was nothing like getting up in the morning, going out on your balcony and watching the animals. I spent hours just sitting on the balcony watching the giraffes and zebras. It was absolutely amazing.
If not ....there still are tons of places to view the animals. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[DisFlan]

oops! I posted as my MIL. :must go log on as princesstommi now:

I loved AKL! We stayed there on our honeymoon in July 2002.

We did get a free upgrade to the Arusha savannah. It was amazing. We didn't ask, and were so surprised. After reading on here, it seems like this is a common occurrence. There are more savannah and pool view rooms than standard, and if they have open rooms, it doesn't cost them anything to upgrade. So, it's possible that you may get upgraded, but it's just as possible that you won't.

Even if you don't, AKL is an amazing resort. There is so much to see, and the public viewing areas for the animals are cool. We had dinner at Boma the night we got there, and it was the most amazing meal ever!

And I'm totally with you...my trip has been on my mind 24/7 for quite awhile now. I don't know how I'm going to get any work at all done this week!!! You are definitely not alone!

 

[ead79]

We were fortunate enough to be upgraded from standard to savannah view on our May 2002 trip. I think the trick is to not get your heart set on an upgrade so you're not disappointed. We did ask, very politely, if there were any extra savannah upgrades available. We did get a savannah view, but the cast member warned us that is wasn't the best savannah view. We said, "No problem at all. You won't catch us complaining. We're just thrilled to have a savannah view." She was right, it wasn't the best savannah view ever, but it was still wonderful. We woke up one morning to a giraffe eating breakfast about 10 feet from our balcony. Either way, there are lots of great places around the resort to animal watch. Enjoy your trip!

 

[disneydragon]

There is also the possibility of an upgrade to pool view, if you don't get an upgrade to savannah. Good luck!

 

[dizpinlvr2]

That is great! Thank you all!
Any room - any where on property is always good!
But I didn't know if DH's co-workers were just pulling his leg, or not.

We are totally prepared for the standard view. Not the end of the world, as we don't spend a lot of time at the hotels anyway.
But if we got the savannah view --- we probably would spend more time there. Either way - just glad to be at WDW.

Is there a particularly good time of day to see the most animals?

Is the storytelling good for adults too? As we have no children.

What else is a "Must See or Do" there?

 

[Schmeck]

I'd like to add my questions to the mix as well -

How long does the fireside stroytelling last? Could a 10 yr old and 13 yr old attend by themselves?

It'll be our 15th anniversary, and we're trying to plan some alone time, LOL!

 

[currycook]

We have stayed at the AKL on several occasions and one time we were fortunate enough to get an upgrade. However, I dont think I would plan on the upgrade because chances are it wont happen, but only might happen.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Story telling doesn't last that long; maybe 20 minutes? I wouldn't see a problem with having a 10 and 13 year old staying together and investigating the resort if they're the average 10 and 13 year old. Adults would love the story telling! I know I did when I sat in the back while DS listened in this past January!

I felt very safe at AKL and didn't hesitate to let DS be "ahead" of me by ten minutes when we were heading to places around the resort. Check the resort activities board by bell services and between Mara and Jiko for activities. Chances are there might be plenty for them to do! If not, there are many look out areas and other things that they can explore on their own. They would know where you are if something came up. If you have a cell phone, leave it with them and program in the lodges phone number in case of an emergency. If you have two, obviously you're all set!

Have a great time, everyone who is going to AKL! It is one of my favorite resorts! Now I just need to figure out how to move the savannah next to the Swan and I'll be totally happy! LOL

Debbie

 

[Wef]

We just returned from one night stay at AKL--and loved it!! We had a GREAT savannah view room (2nd floor--zebra trail) but next time I might just ask for a standard view instead!!! The reason is that the hotel is SO beautiful and fun that we hardly wanted to spend any time in our room. We spent hours exploring the property. There are many beautiful overlooks with comforable rocking chairs that everyone can enjoy. Even if you end up with a standard view, it will hardly be a disappointment.

 

[dizpinlvr2]

Thanks to all! You have magnified my excitement for our trip - which is not until JUNE.

I am so pumped for this trip. Any an all comments, regarding anything to do with Disney - especially "Must See or Do"
I love!!!!

We are staying at AKL for 4 nights, as we got the summer rate which is amazing savings!!!! We just got our confirmation --- we are saving $100 a night.

So regardless if we just have our standard, or if we get lucky and get upgraded -- It is going to be GREAT!

Keep posting -- it's so exciting to hear about everyone's experiences. Thanks again!

Deb

 

[lillygator]

This is getting me pumped for our trip coming up in May....we have yet to stay at AKL but I bit the bullet and booked a savannah view for four nights. I am so excited ~ I can hardly wait!

 

[26555]

What time is the story telling? We will be staying at POFQ but may head over to AK for a meal or dessert. Thanks!