Booked at CBR but....

[StitchsGirl]

Ok, so here's where I am. I'm currently booked at CBR, but really want to get into AKL (this is DH's choice). DH still doesn't know we're going (I have a post elsewhere) for his first trip (and my late b-day trip) and I want to surprise him with AKL when we get there (like getting on the bus confused kind of get there ). Thing is, he's dead set on a savanna view. I'd like CL if I can get my hands on it, but my wonder is whether or not it's really worth it. I want him to enjoy the trip and I really want him to have the "wow" factor that only Disney can provide...and hopefully in the end, get him hooked on Disney as much as me and possibly into DVC (although that one is a little far fetched).


I'd love to hear from other DIS'ers that have stayed CL vs savanna view as far as impressions. This is my first time staying anything other than value (I've gone with some super cheap people) so I'm lost on this one. Any help is appreciated.


*still hopes for FD for the end of october*

 

[P00H1010]

Ok, so here's where I am. I'm currently booked at CBR, but really want to get into AKL (this is DH's choice). DH still doesn't know we're going (I have a post elsewhere) for his first trip (and my late b-day trip) and I want to surprise him with AKL when we get there (like getting on the bus confused kind of get there ). Thing is, he's dead set on a savanna view. I'd like CL if I can get my hands on it, but my wonder is whether or not it's really worth it. I want him to enjoy the trip and I really want him to have the "wow" factor that only Disney can provide...and hopefully in the end, get him hooked on Disney as much as me and possibly into DVC (although that one is a little far fetched).


I'd love to hear from other DIS'ers that have stayed CL vs savanna view as far as impressions. This is my first time staying anything other than value (I've gone with some super cheap people) so I'm lost on this one. Any help is appreciated.


*still hopes for FD for the end of october*

I have stayed at CBR but not AKL, we personally love CBR. I understand wanting to surprise the hubby and also wanting him to fall in love with Disney. I am not here to sway your opinion one way or the other. You should pick a resort based on what you want, not just because someone else likes it . Here are something to consider when picking a resort:

* What is your price range? I understand that you have stayed in value before due to other people. Disney isn't cheap to begin with but it can get extremely expensive if you don't watch. IMO nothing is "worth it" if it puts you in the poor house . Make sure you don't break the bank.

* How much time do you plan on staying at your resort? A lot of people only spend a small amount of their vacation at their resort. If you plan on spending a lot of time there between breaks throughout the day, pool time and dining it could be worth it. If you plan on spending almost all of your time out and about is it really worth spending all that money just for a place to rest your head? True, you need to be comfortable and enjoy your stay but would it be better to save money and do that elsewhere?

* What kind of vacation style/personal style do you have? IMO picking a resort is more personal preference that anything. Everyone has different tastes, just because one family loved a resort doesn't mean it is for you. Take a look at all resorts, look at pics, even look at vids on youtube. Which resort "screams you" so to speak. For us it is CBR, we love the lush landscaping, the quietness, and the laid back feeling of the resort. AKL on the other hand doesn't do anything for me. I am not a "lodgey" kind of person & AK is my least favorite park, the things I like at the park are more of the attractions not the animals, so the animals walking around the resort isn't a draw for me....I am more of a palm tree, tropical island kinda person. But that is me....you have to see what fits you.

* You said you want the "wow" factor. Every WDW resort has a different theme/personality...the wow factor could come from anywhere IMO. The values scream "Disney" since they are very Disney themed. The moderates are still Disney-ish with themes although not as in your face as the values. The deluxes are more "refined" they are themed for sure but it isn't "Disney-cutesy" is that makes any sense .

I hope this helps atleast a little....have fun wherever you end up staying !

 

[StitchsGirl]

The biggest reason for my picking AKL is because he wants it and this is really, at least in my eyes, his trip. I've been plenty of times to the point that I don't really have a preference as to where I stay, just somewhere I haven't before.

As for price range, we really don't have one. I picked CBR because I'm sure that no matter where I pick, he's going to say "just get the Animal Kingdom Lodge and be done with it, I don't care how much it costs." He's also told me before that our first trip there together will have no budget as far as where we stay, how much we spend, or what we do.

As far as resort time, I always spend more time at the resort than I plan on, but it doesn't really bother me. I figure that we'll probably end up back at the resort during the afternoon, and if not on a day when we don't have reservations that put us out say after 9 or 10, we'll be in the resort fairly early. Maybe even early enough for me to catch a poolside movie, if the resort we end up with has them. I also know his tendancies and if we end up at AKL, he's going to want to spend some time exploring it, which is fine by me, as I will want to as well.

I've tried to get him to look at and consider other resorts, but he's consistently told me that none of the others really interest him and if he absolutely had to pick a resort, it would be a moderate, one of the Port Orleans are the only ones he'd be willing to stay at. He's not much for the beach and to my great sadness, hates Hawaii with a passion, so we may never stay at the Poly unless he's giving into a birthday trip or I'm not with him. *sniff* And he absolutely refuses to stay in a value. I keep harping on the resorts too, and I think if I don't stop soon, he's going to catch on before I can surprise him.

As for the 'wow factor' it's more or less, I want to be able to take him and get him to realize that Disney is the most wonderful place on earth and hopefully (fingers crossed) get him to understand why it's my happy place and I enjoy going so much. Since he's not into Disney as much as I am yet, the fact that the deluxe's have less of the Disney-esque feel is actually a bit of a draw. I like the fact that it's more adult, myself, and I know DH will like it as well. I figure, if I can introduce it on a smaller scale at the hotel, then DTD (the night we fly in....I always go to T-Rex Cafe the first night), then the park the next day, I stand a much better chance of him getting into the Disney feel than just shoving him into a Disney themed room and park.

Hopefully that made a little sense, as I just got off a long night shift at work. I am now headed to bed to pass out and have happy Disney dreams until I have to get up and go to work again tonight. lol

 

[SusieBea]

Well, AKL does have the wow factor! We've stayed there twice (at Kidani, not Jambo), and it quickly became my second favorite resort. We've stayed at CBR, too, and, it's nice, but there's no comparison. This is just my opinion, but, even though there are many places in the resort to view the animals, I don't think I'd stay there if I couldn't have a savannah view. I enjoy having my private viewing balcony that much. And the pools (both of which you can use) are very nice. Good luck with your decision.

 

[AshleeH]

We stayed in the Savanna view our first year and it was a great room! However, if you don't want to pay those prices, there are numerous areas where you can see the animals (just walking to your room, there are a lot of viewing areas - not to mention the lobby itself). We had a wonderful experience there for our first family trip, but it really comes down to what's best for you. The only reason we haven't stayed there again was because we go to MK many times and the walkway from the Contemporary area is the best fit for us right now. My kids loved waking up to the animals - and I loved relaxing on the balcony every morning while the rest of my family started getting ready. It was very peaceful.

It should be noted, we stayed in Kidani Village, not Jambo House.

 

[P00H1010]

Well if your hubby isn't big on "beachy" then CBR might not be great for him. Although I love the resort...it screams "laid back island resort". They even play Jimmy Buffett and other caribbean style music at Old Port Royale. If he has already expressed he really likes AKL, was clear that you wouldn't have a budget, you feel you'll spend atleast a decent amount of time at the resort and are ok staying at AKL yourself....I say go for it !

 

[thelionqueen]

If he is not a "beachy" person I would definitely avoid CBR. AKL is a completely different experience, and if he REALLY wants to go there and price is no consideration, I would say to go for it! I think the cost of Concierge vs a regular room is quite a bit, and I the cost wouldn't justify the benefits for our group. BUT, if it's just the 2 of you, and that is important to you, go for it!!!

I stayed in Jambo House and visited Kidani, and I would pick Jambo again if given the choice. There are also much more exotic dining options at AKL which most people RAVE about (I am an ultra picky/simple eater, so those options don't interest me).

It took me a couple trips to turn my (then) DH into a Disney fanatic like me..and what made him do that was our stay @ CR. After that he was hooked and we bought into DVC twice! He was even the one who wanted to attend the sales meeting before I did..so there is hope

 

[mmouse50]

You get a savannah view with concierge level at AKL. My view was of the Arusha savannah, but I don't know if they are all facing that savannah. So you would both get your wish.

The concierge level is on the top floor and you will have a room on a lower level and so you will have to use the elevator to go up to the lounge. That was the only thing that I disliked about the lounge. I like the lounge to be on the same floor that my room is on. But the lounge was great - breakfast was continental style with a few dishes from Boma's downstairs - wine and beer in the evening and cordials later.

I love the pampering that the lounge gives me.

 

[StitchsGirl]

I can't even seem to keep up with my own posts anymore!! lol

Anyway, thanks to everyone for replying. I have decided that I am going to be changing from CBR, it's mostly just to get the foot in the door with him as far as going and because I want his pick of AKL to be a surprise. Looking at AKL it seemed like the concierge level with a guaranteed savannah view was only about $50 more a night than the savannah view, so that's why I was wondering. I don't really think he'll care about the concierge and it will be more for me than anything. He has previously stated that he 'has' to have this view. Go figure.

I know we'll have a good time, at any rate, but if it comes down to it, he may not get his view, but at least he'll be in the resort he wants (and then I can surprise him with the early morning savannah trip and breakfast!).
I must say that I think he's starting to catch the Disney bug and hopefully will be a lot more into going there for vacation than anywhere else. I caught him surfing Disney sites for information! A girl can hope right?

 

[katrina1122]

Stayed at AKL and loved it, the lower balcony levels afford closer up views to the animals. If you are trying to get him to love it, save the CL money and do a savannah room and ask for a lower level. Once he's hooked you could add on CL for another trip.

we didn't do cl and didn't feel like we missed out on anything.

 

[Sue M]

Congrats on your AKL trip! Our first stay we had a sunset savana room and enjoyed it. This trip is 12 days so we decided to do a split, 6 days pool view & 6 days CL .

 

[bnk1120]

My husband was not a big Disney fan until we stayed at WL. We had only stayed value or moderate before that. He fell in love with deluxe and we bought into DVC that same year. Hopefully things will go that well for you!!

If you can get it, book AKL concierge. You will both be getting what you want. Have an amazing trip!

 

[TiggerInLBV]

You will not be disappointed with the CL at DAK Lodge. I am not sure when you are traveling but if there is a discount offered the rate for the CL is often less than a Standard Savannah room (as the Savannah Room is the most popular it is the lowest discount) and as a previous poster mentioned you get a guaranteed savannah view regardless. Keep an eye out for discounts and you may be pleasantly surprised! Also there is an exclusive safari tour for Guests staying at the DAK Lodge Club Level so definitely look into that. Enjoy your stay!

 

[StitchsGirl]

Thanks again to everyone that answered. I finally got our reservations changed, as I just surprised him yesterday, and ended up going with the CL standard room. They didn't have any savanna view available, which I'm really not going to cry about. I actually calculated the cost difference to be about $20 a day for our stay, so I'll take the pampering. I was planning on doing the early morning safari that ends at Pizzafari in AK for breakfast and I was considering doing the Wayanami (sp?) Safari in the evening until I heard about the price on it. While I would probably love it, I don't think he'l love it for the cost. Nevertheless, I am just happy getting him to go.

And now to plan the solo trips he agreed to!!! Silly man........but I do love him.

 

[P00H1010]

Thats great! Have fun !

 

[StitchsGirl]

I'm super excited about the trip but I can't tell him about the hotel change yet, that is a big surprise for when we get there. I'm just curious as to when I can start using the concierge for making reservations as there are a couple I'd love to have but haven't done yet myself. Anyone know?

 

[mariamouse]

Thanks again to everyone that answered. I finally got our reservations changed, as I just surprised him yesterday, and ended up going with the CL standard room. They didn't have any savanna view available, which I'm really not going to cry about. I actually calculated the cost difference to be about $20 a day for our stay, so I'll take the pampering. I was planning on doing the early morning safari that ends at Pizzafari in AK for breakfast and I was considering doing the Wayanami (sp?) Safari in the evening until I heard about the price on it. While I would probably love it, I don't think he'l love it for the cost. Nevertheless, I am just happy getting him to go.

And now to plan the solo trips he agreed to!!! Silly man........but I do love him.

Congrats! You will have a great time.

Just out of curiosity, though, do the CL standard view rooms look at the entrance/parking lot? I am not that familiar with CL at the AKL, but would definitely suggest springing for a pool view instead if that is a different category. We found the pool view to be a vast improvement and definitely worth the few extra dollars! If standard CL views are actually of the pool, then just ignore this suggestion.

Have a great stay. It is truly a beautiful resort-- and do not miss Boma and Jiko for dinner! Double yum. Haven't tried Sanaa yet, but have heard great things about that restaurant as well! And Boma's breakfast buffet is also supposed to be fabulous.

 

[StitchsGirl]

My understanding is that the CL rooms are all savanna view, so thankfully I'll get what he wants with it, which is ironic because they didn't show any savanna view available for our trip (but I'm also getting the return guest discount from January when I booked our original trip in September). I did however totally space about Boma and Jiko and did want to go there, but have never stayed at the resort and without personal transport, that made it slightly difficult for me. Thanks for the reminder!!