Are the standard rooms at AKL really that bad?

[padkas]

we're going in May and I booked a standard room for $139. The savannah view rooms were $208 at the time. I thought this was a great deal. We had a savannah view last year and I figured we'd be able to see the animals from the pool and elsewhere. So many posts suggest that you might as well not even stay at the
AKL w/o a savannah view. The hotel itself is fabulous. Does anyone have anything positive to say about the standard view?
(or maybe a suggestion on which area of the hotel to request the
room?)
-pam

 

[ozzel]

It's my understanding that the 'standard' rooms are all the rooms facing the front of the resort, ie the parking lot. Now, while some of those rooms may face a nicely landscaped section, you may also have a lovely view of the bus depot.

There are 'pool view' rooms that face the pool and in the distance you may see some of the savannah. I would rather face the pool than the parking lot. But if staying there is more important than the view, then the 'standard' room is probably fine. You can still go see the animals and the rest of the resort. Check out the map of the resort (found here at the DIS) and see what I'm talking about.

I stayed once last Oct. in a savannah view - so now I'm spoiled, I wouldn't stay there again unless it was Savannah view - nothing like waking up and checking who's outside the window

-Kim

 

[sharbear]

I stayed in a pool view room (upgraded from a standard view) and I never felt like I was missing something by not staying in a savannah view room. First of all, we are All-Star kind of people to stay at a deluxe was great for us. We just are not the kind of people who want to pay a lot for a hotel room.

For us, we were at the parks most of the day. I did not spend much time in my room sitting on the balcony looking out and would not have done that even if I had a savannah view room. First of all I was at the parks and second of all it was cold at night and I didn't want to be out on the balcony. Whenever I wanted to see the animals I either went across the hallway from my room where there was a viewing area with comfortable chairs or went down to the lobby to the viewing area.

I loved AKL,I was very happy staying in a standard view room. I thought that it had the best and friendlyist(sp?) CM's and was truely a deluxe resort with great service.

Sharbear

 

[gepetto]

Pool/water view rooms are a separate category than standard and costs about $50/night more. The standard view rooms overlook the parking lot.

 

[PieInYourEye]

There's a lot to be said for a view of the parking lot... I especially love white cars and red sports cars.

From above, in an upper floor room is even better. After all, how many times do you actually inspect the tops of cars... that's the part or our car we all take for granted. Sometimes we don't even like the roof of our cars and we think we should have a removable roof... We neglect the roof of the car far too much and I say it's time to stop it!!!!

Actually, I'm just cheap and stay in standard rooms because I see a room as mearly a place to rest my head between park activities.

 

[Gillian]

I'd go for the standard view room this time, since you've already stayed in a savannah view. There is also a chance of an upgrade to a pool view room, as I don't think there are that many standard view rooms. That is what I got a few weeks ago.

The only real problem is the noise from people walking to & from the busses. Make sure you request a high floor, away from the busses & you should be fine.

Spend the extra money on dinner at Jiko!!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

When I was there in Dec., I had a pool-view room reserved (last minute and no savannah-views were available). At check-in, I asked about the possibility of being upgraded to a savannah-view room, and was able to do that for just $10 more per night. So you might want to ask about an upgrade from standard to pool view. You might get it at a pretty good deal. Just a thought!

 

[jaguar9748]

There is nothing "wrong" with a standard room. The room itself is fine. The view is horrible - you can see the highway and businesses in the distance - you don't feel that you're inside the "Disney cocoon". Sitting on the balcony, there is a lot of noise from the buses, many cars, valets, people walking by, etc. - even on the 5th floor! I decided that for me, a pool view or savannah was the way for me to go next time.

 

[TDC Nala]

Having been in two savannah view rooms, I chose Standard for my June trip because of the price. It's the 5th trip I booked this year and I can't justify the extra cost to myself! There are plenty of areas to sit and watch the animals, and take photos. And during the day, I'll be in the parks or at the pool!

 

[padkas]

Thank you all! I now feel as though I'm in for a fabulous time even though I don't have a savannah view at the AKL!
-pam

 

[padkas]

bump

 

[Patio]

padkas, I wouldn't mind the standard view for that price. I was fortunate enough to be upgraded to savanna view in Dec, but I paid the $134 postcard rate for a standard view and would stay there again in a standard room for that price. There are so many places to view the animals that you can take advantage of. Since you've already stayed savanna view, stick with the standard and spend the extra $$$ on Boma's.Maybe some pixie dust will come your way and you'll be upgraded.

LOL- PieInYourEye!!