Just got back from a short trip to DisneyWorld and a first at the AK lodge.
My friend really wanted to stay there and I was lukewarm but willing, esp after reading all the wonderful posts.
But I have to admit that I was unimpressed. The Lodge great room was pretty...tho it was very dark indeed!. We didn't have any wild parties or noises in our 2 night stay BUT: I had requested a location in either one of two savanaas, any floor and instead got a room in Sunset savannah directly over a PEN. I asked what the PEN was for and was told that it was there in case there was an EMERGENCY. I suppose in the event of an act of war or something that they would herd the animals (or the guests..I was never clear which) into this pen. But of course UNLESS there was an emergency, we had a room overlooking a pile of dirt surrounded by a high fence over which we couldn't really see all that well...ie...no possibility of seeing any animals from our balcony. And the front desk did not care a whit and actually lied to us: First, we checked in @ 2 and of course our room wasn't ready but they gave us the first two numbers...so I knew floor and savannah. I went down the hall to check out this savannah as it wasn't one of the two I had requested and I noted the big pen and the fact that a good portion of the rooms overlooked this big pen and that the second floor had a most unappealing view of only the big pen. So I went back to the desk and asked for a change...before actually having the room assignment (they keep it a secret so that you can't sneak over to it early since it might not be 'made up') I was told that the CM didn't know what room we had so how could I want to exchange it becasue of the lack of view. I was told that the rooms were randomly assigned by computer....so then I asked why they took preferences in that case and was given a duh, I don't know stare. While I was being lied to (computers don't randomly give rooms unless the AK is different from all the other resorts in that reguard) a man next to me was asking (at 2:45 pm)to be assigned ANY room that was ready...he didn't care about the location anymore. His accent was British so I am assuming he flew from England that day as he said he and his wife were exhausted and jsut needed to nap....they were willing to give up a savannah view just to get a bed....They were told: Sir, our check in is from 3:30 -5:30 and we have no rooms available at the moment so just sit and wait.
This isn't the kind of service or empathy that one should receive at a delux resort.
We never did see any animal from our room...a bird flew over once, think it was a crow. We walked around to other view posts and saw some animals, but I guess it just doenst' feel the same.
I just read a poster who hated the Poly because of screaming kids and lack of remedy by the staff and I have to wonder....is Disney falling down on its laurels as to providing good service. Disney has always had somewhat of a 'you must do it our way' policy, but this lack of empathy on the part of the desk staff managers really troubles me. The maids and waitpeople were really kind throughout our stay at AK, but the front desk was like NaziDisney or something. WHat is going on?????
I won't stay at the AK again, just because I dont' think it worth the money. I was engaged at the Poly and loved it...but recently divorced so I may not feel good about going back there. I like Old Key West and Port Orleans and might try BoardWalk next time...like its location. So there are plenty of options. But I think maybe Disney needs to hear that the front desk people aren't doing their jobs insofar as trying to accommodate the guests best they can. We had such better treatment at a $63 Radisson the first night we flew in.
Gotta go for now, but will post about Merry Xmas party and CP later!
Colorado Belle
I just had to write and say the Animal Kingdom Lodge was beautiful but we had the little animals above us ever night they ran back in forth till around ten or so then around in the 6am in the morning it started again...I was surprised because we have stayed at the Movies on the bottom floor and never heard anyone...I was looking forward to getting home to my own bed...
Thanks for all the responses I have to say I will probably not stay there again 1) because I cannot afford to stay on the top floor 2) when your on vacation you need sleep to keep going especially at Disney...3) I was really upset at the fact you have a hotel room and that room is for sleeping and showering at Disney that stands true you get ready and your leave the room and you shouldn't have to worry about whether or not you can get sleep...I will go back to AStars first I never hearda thing!!! 
