Anyone 'underwhelmed' by the savannah view?

[TenThousandVolts]

Starbox- those are beautiful photos- that really is a lovely view- even if you didn't see alot of animals it is really a pretty landscape. I guess it is hit or miss with the views- some of the savannahs appear dusty and barren with a minimum of foliage/greenery. Even if that is consistent with a natural African terrain, it would not be my idea of a good view- regardless of how many animals were present. But the pretty green areas in your photos are gorgeous.

 

[Anal Annie]

We very much enjoyed our view of the Uzima savanna from our studio villa. DW was on her cell phone immediately inviting her best friend and her husband to come down and see what it's all about. They are coming with us May 2009. It will be my wife's friend's first time to WDW. It should be quite an experience for her. Her husband has been a number of times, but not recently, so he should enjoy it as well. Here's hoping.

We were on the Uzima Savanna several years ago on our first trip to WDW with DS and we were so-o not impressed with the view! We had like 1 giraffe & some other lone animal out there all week. That was it. Very disappointing. That's why this summer we're just going to try out a Value studio & take pot luck! Not worth the extra points unless you can be guaranteed to be on the Arusha Savanna IMO. But we still love the resort! I just don't think I would use the extra points until Kidani is done & we get some feedback on those rooms!

 

[drakethib]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

 

[Chloe'sMom]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

It is the cleanest savannah you will ever see - there is no odor.

~Amanda

 

[ead79]

I've stayed in several different savannah view rooms at AKL (pre-DVC). They each had a different view, and each had its own charm. One of our rooms overlooked the Arusha Rock area, so it was really pretty, but when we saw the animals they were typically a little bit further off from the balcony. The second had a really great place to see giraffes close up and we also saw zebras, but there were "people pens" in that view as well. The 3rd room we had was on the 5th floor and had a wonderful view. The best times to see animals are early in the mornings and when it's not too hot. I'm not a huge animal lover, but we really found the views to be incredible. While AKV isn't the closest resort to the "action," it has such a neat theme and truly provides you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of WDW. As long as you don't expect to see tons of animals every minute of your stay, you should see some cool things!

 

[ADP]

I know we are all entitled to our opinions, bui what other resort in the world can you view animals roaming in a savanna. What makes AKL/V wonderful is its uniqueness. I don't think you can get this expereince anywhere else in the world.

I've never been to Africa, but I wonder if their resorts even have views of savannas from their balconies.

 

[kimberh]

I have stayed Savanna View several times at the Hotel, never above the 3rd floor. I have had the horrid pit room once, As a full paying guest. I had rented 3 Savanna view rooms for my family, they gave me two of these terrible rooms. The reason the other poster didn't see any animals is: the pit is for Sick Animals. I called the front desk, it took a day for them to move me, they never did move my son. I could not believe they had the nerve to even rent this room, now to hear they have given it to DVC! I had a feeling they had. I was wondering the other day about this room. It is a terrible view!!!!! It is litterally dirt and a circular fence.

To answer the original question, I feel it is worth the additional points. This resort is our favorite! We just love it. If, I get the Horrid Pit Room I will call Member Serivce and ask for compensation. We need to voice our objections. Now, if they are ever heard, is another topic.

 

[RLRDA]

I know we are all entitled to our opinions, bui what other resort in the world can you view animals roaming in a savanna. What makes AKL/V wonderful is its uniqueness. I don't think you can get this expereince anywhere else in the world.

I've never been to Africa, but I wonder if their resorts even have views of savannas from their balconies.

I'm right with you....we felt like we'd left Orlando. It's a great experience but not everyone feels that way

Yes, it's very true about people's opinions. You are going to get basically 2 types of posts - the ones who think it's totally worth it (me being of that frame of mind) and ones that think it's a waste of points. Only the OP can gauge for him/herself if it's worth it. If it were me I'd try it then make up my mind for future trips.

I've suggested to my DH that we should book standard or value villas to save points (from time to time) but he loved that view too much, it will take some convincing.

 

[pilferk]

I have stayed Savanna View several times at the Hotel, never above the 3rd floor. I have had the horrid pit room once, As a full paying guest. I had rented 3 Savanna view rooms for my family, they gave me two of these terrible rooms. The reason the other poster didn't see any animals is: the pit is for Sick Animals. I called the front desk, it took a day for them to move me, they never did move my son. I could not believe they had the nerve to even rent this room, now to hear they have given it to DVC! I had a feeling they had. I was wondering the other day about this room. It is a terrible view!!!!! It is litterally dirt and a circular fence.

To answer the original question, I feel it is worth the additional points. This resort is our favorite! We just love it. If, I get the Horrid Pit Room I will call Member Serivce and ask for compensation. We need to voice our objections. Now, if they are ever heard, is another topic.

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

 

[pilferk]

Okay, not trying to be gross, but isn't there an odor associated with animals being so close to your room?

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask as sooner or later my little one is going to want to stay there.

I've never, ever, ever smelled anything coming from the animals.

There is a very distinct, strong, spicy smell in the lobby that some find objectionable. Most find it to be very pleasant, though. It smells sort of like cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I've never, ever, ever smelled anything coming from the animals.

There is a very distinct, strong, spicy smell in the lobby that some find objectionable. Most find it to be very pleasant, though. It smells sort of like cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices.

Yes- the lobby smells sooooo good. It doesn't really smell like anything outside.

 

[Inkmahm]

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

Exactly. You can still see animals from those rooms but they are much farther away. I've gotten the people pen rooms several times when I was a paying hotel guest arriving later at night. I have always asked to switch rooms because I am there to see the animals, not people pens.

"Sick" animals would be kept in the animal barns, not put on display in pens.

 

[Kurby]

does anyone remember the room number of the Pit rooms or at least the section?

i'd like to avoid them for our first stay there.

i'll add a map if it helps pinpoint the location

 

[pilferk]

does anyone remember the room number of the Pit rooms or at least the section?

i'd like to avoid them for our first stay there.

i'll add a map if it helps pinpoint the location

I don't know the room numbers, but from what I remember there are 3 or 4 of them..right around the "spurs" on Kudo and Zebra trails.

I'm sure someone will have more detailed info, though.

 

[kimberh]

Just a heads up: The "pit" (which, if I'm thinking of the same thing, is a round circle fenced in by what looks like bamboo..but isn't) isn't for sick animals, at all. It's an evacuation place for PEOPLE in case of emergency. It's a people pen, to get people OUT of the resort, but not into the animals habitat, in case of fire or other reason for hotel evacuation.

I am not making this up. This is what management told me when I called to get a room change. Why would people be put that close to the property in case of an evacuation? Especially a fire. I would sure be further out than that. There was not one animal around, the whole 3 days my son was there. I will ask when I go in May.

 

[pilferk]

I am not making this up. This is what management told me when I called to get a room change. Why would people be put that close to the property in case of an evacuation? Especially a fire. I would sure be further out than that. There was not one animal around, the whole 3 days my son was there. I will ask when I go in May.

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

Or this:

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

 

[kimberh]

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

Or this:

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

That is what we had. I just went on the Link you posted and I do apologize. I promise you that we were told they were pens for sicks animals. I even asked the front desk, " Why would you rent this room?" I rented 3 rooms over Thanskgiving weekend, my bill was unreal. This was the deciding factor that convinced me to buy DVC. The CM's moved us the next day while we were at the Park, but my son refused to move. He didn't want the hassle of packing up.

Thanks for looking this all up. Now, we have the actual picture with the info, I still would not want to be that close to the hotel, if I need to evacuate.

 

[PEANUT1]

we are hooked on the animal kingdom! We were upgraded for free to savannah view the year after it opened and loved it...we stayed on the 5th floor on the zebra trail this past october and thought it was amazing. the rooms are beautiful, the staff is wonderful and you have to LOVE the smell of the lobby.

It was a pretty long walk to our room bc the elevators near our room weren't operating bc of construction but still it was only a 5 minute walk to the lobby. the views are breathtaking..there is no way to describe it. we also love all of the ammenities; arts and crafts for the kids and the kids club is awesome. my daughter made a pottery sculpture of ariel and adores it. This place is amazing!!

 

[Kurby]

i can see these being people pens - if there is something that happens at to the resort and people have to be send out to the savannah because of fire or something - they wouldn't want them wandering off. personally i wouldn't want to make a wrong turn a 2am and run into a lion or something.

I know you're not making it up...and I wouldn't be surprised if it's what management or a CM told you.

But what I'm telling you is, in fact, what they are.

Does this look similar to what you're describing? That "pen" on the right side of the picture?

Or this:

If so, they are, in fact, "people pens" in case of evacuation. I'm sure, if you'd like, you can ask around the rest of the board for verification. But that's what they are.

From http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/06/resort_reflections_animal_king_1.html

"Lastly, what are those fenced areas on the savannahs? Ever seen those wooden "pens" in the Savannahs that are very close to the resort? These are actually contingency locations for guests to use in case the lodge must be evacuated."

And I agree, FYI: Those are not, IMHO, "savanna view" rooms. I know the lodge places them in that category, but.....it's a stretch to do so, I think.

 

[pilferk]

i can see these being people pens - if there is something that happens at to the resort and people have to be send out to the savannah because of fire or something - they wouldn't want them wandering off. personally i wouldn't want to make a wrong turn a 2am and run into a lion or something.

Luckily....there's no carnivores out on the savanna's. No lions and such. It's all herd beasts, herbivores, and birds.



But still, it's a good point. They don't want you unexpectedly "interacting" with an animal and causing it, or YOU (because, herbivore or not, they'll bite and kick if threatened) harm.