Back from AKV; thoughts on studio, Sunset Savanna, and construction...

[Keara'sMom]

Hi all!
My dh, dd11, and I just returned from a great 4-night stay in a Savanna view studio. I had requested either Arusha or Uzima savannas, and I was disappointed to find that we were on the Sunset savanna (frankly, our check-in cast member seemed a little clueless--told us we would have no view of construction and circled a competely different area on the map when directing us to our room, but that's another story). It turned out that the Sunset Savanna was fine--not the best ever, but FINE.

Our room (5026) was beautiful overall. We didn't find it to be too dark, although we kind of like it on the dark side. The room was located just above the reservation/check in desk, so our door opened into the lobby area. We had a closet in the entryway, which was handy, and we found that we had plenty of space for our clothing. We did purposely try to travel "light," though. The only thing that was not working properly was the drain closure in the kitchenette sink. Everything else was great! My dh did hit his shins quite frequently on the footboard of the bed--it became a joke by the second day!

Our view of the Sunset Savanna offered us the opportunity to watch giraffe, zebras, ostriches, bongos (we think), and a crowned crane who was there quite frequently. My only disappointment was that the animals were most frequently on the Savanna in the afternoon, so we weren't really able to enjoy their presence when we drank our coffee in the morning.

We also had a great view of the Kidani construction, which I was really hoping to avoid. Surprisingly, we heard no noise inside our room. On the balcony, however, the construction noise was ever-present! It did not seem to bother the animals, though, and it really didn't bother us, either.

I'd be happy to answer any questions if anyone has them. It's a wonderful place to stay, and I wish we had taken advantage of the activities presented...

 

[AKV707]

Thanks for a great report!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Thanks we will be heading there for the finish of our July4th time split stay

 

[Kurby]

did you take any pics of the room and the view?

how did you find having the room door in the loby?

thanks

 

[Keara'sMom]

Yes, we took pictures, and if I can figure out how to upload them to here, I'll post them in the next couple of days.

We didn't notice anything unusual about having the door face the lobby. There wasn't much foot traffic in our hall (frankly, I didn't see any other people walking in that hall!). One night when my dd was going to bed, there was drumming from Boma (I think) that was fairly loud in the lobby and hallway, but it was very, very faint in the room--my dh said he couldn't even hear it. We were not far from the elevators, which was nice, and it was very pleasant to look at the beautiful lobby each time we left or came back to the room.

 

[Atotty]

Which type view did you book? Did you book Savannah?

 

[Keara'sMom]

I did book Savanna, but initially we only had two of the four days in that category, with the other two days in a value (we were waitlisted for Savanna for those two days). Our waitlist came through approximately two days before we left for our trip, and this caused a little confusion at the front desk, as the cast member(s) kept talking about a "link." Not sure what that meant...We did have our room for all four days, though.

 

[kimberh]

You sound like you had a better room than the DVC Concierge guest. Glad it all worked out. I have my stay there in May.

 

[Lady V]

I am staying in a Savannah view studio for 11 nights in July. Can you recommend an area I should request? It is me and my two kids. (7 and 8)

 

[Keara'sMom]

Can't really recommend, as we didn't see the views from all areas, but I've heard others have been happy with the Zebra Trail, either Arusha or Uzima savannas. We did request those areas and didn't get them, though, but I guess it's always worth a try...

 

[wdw1972]

The animals get called into their barns from 8am - 10am each morning, so if that's when you're having your coffee you won't see many of them.

I had sunrise savannah for my concierge studio last weekend and saw the same animals. I liked it, and our guide on the Sunrise Safari worked on the Sunrise Savannah and told us about the 8-10am thing.

 

[Lady V]

8-10? is that all the animals or do they do it by Savannah? thanks-that is good info to know

 

[janette]

Did you see the river hogs? I thought I saw a post that they were in the Sunset savanna.

 

[lisareniff]

8-10? is that all the animals or do they do it by Savannah? thanks-that is good info to know

My info is a couple years old now, but when we were there (check siggie for date) the savannah's animals each had a turn for 2 hrs in the barn each morning for daily checkups etc.

 

[Inkmahm]

Did you see the river hogs? I thought I saw a post that they were in the Sunset savanna.

The river hogs are on the sunset savanna, yes. They are our favorites. I've never known zebra to be on the sunset savanna though. Unless they are moving the animals between savannas for some reason due to construction?

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I'd be happy to answer any questions if anyone has them. It's a wonderful place to stay, and I wish we had taken advantage of the activities presented...

Can you elaborate on what activities? We will be bringing a 6+2 yr. olds and would like them to see and do some stuff at this beautiful resort. Thanks