Bummed about my AKV "Savannah" view

[jaimeadk]

We are at AKV Kidani for our first trip to our home resort since purchasing. I'm not one to typically be disappointed or complain. Usually we'll just make the best of it and be happy but I wanted to share for someone else that might do the same thing. We are staying on the Pembe Savanna and there are no giraffes, no zebras and no animals at all most of the time. We are right by the fence so when an occasional hog or deer to come to graze they don't come anywhere near our room because of the fence. We had really talked up to our kids (6,4) how we were going to get to sit on our balcony and see giraffes and it's kind of sad that they're bummed too. We do see birds but that doesn't capture their attention much. I would DEFINITELY request a sunset savannah view at Kidani. I'm so sad I didn't. I know it's not guaranteed but at least you would know you did all you could. Sad to be bummed about our first trip home : (. The room is really nice though.

 

[tjkraz]

Been there myself. In fact, the view you describe sounds like an improvement on the AKL Savanna experience we had about 4 years ago. All we saw were two birds (storks?) over our 3 days an 2 nights.

Second stay was much better so I guess the only thing we can take away from this is the unpredictability of working with the animals. But I can certainly relate to the disappointment. Make liberal use of the public viewing facilities.

 

[dgaston]

Not much consolation, but I thought the red river hogs were so cute when they would run to follow the truck with treats in the afternoon. And the okapi is pregnant; has she had her little one yet? That might help me enjoy the Pembe savanna a little more.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Is Pembe the savannah that Sanaa overlooks? If so, I left there a few hours ago (love free internet at the airport) and I know that one of the zebras is sick and staying behind. But the other two should be kicking up a storm. Otherwise, how do you like Kidani? I stayed in Jambo and was wondering how they compare.

 

[ValpoCory]

Is Pembe the savannah that Sanaa overlooks? If so, I left there a few hours ago (love free internet at the airport) ...

Free Wi-Fi internet at MCO?

 

[LisaS]

I agree that while there are some unique animals on the Pembe Savanna (okapi, red river hogs and the hornbills) it seems to be a less active savanna. Depending on how long you are staying you could ask to move to a different room, one that faces the Sunset savanna.

Otherwise, see if you can find out when they put out the food for the giraffes (it happens several times a day) and then head for the outdoor viewing area off the lobby or the balcony off the library at that time. You should get a great view of several giraffes and probably a lot of other animals too.

 

[LisaS]

Is Pembe the savannah that Sanaa overlooks?

Sanaa overlooks the Sunset Savanna. The Pembe Savanna is smaller and does not have giraffes or zebras.

 

[Inkmahm]

Don't be so quick to assume Sunset Savanna has animals to see. We were there in March for 3 nights and only saw a couple animals the first afternoon we checked in. We looked every morning before we left for the parks and there were none.

 

[ldo]

Spring break, we got assigned the corner of the fences looking over a holding pen--had to be the worst view ever. I had walked the to room, looked out, went right back to front desk and asked for another room--now, it was at the end of the hall, so I just said too far to walk--I also said I was willing to wait until later that evening to get a room (it was 10 AM). We got a great Savannah view. Sometimes checking in late at night, you have to take what you get, but, you can still request a room change the next day if it is awful--I think it is $25 after you have stayed in the room--but for a few extra nights in a better savannah, might be worth it.

 

[LisaS]

Don't be so quick to assume Sunset Savanna has animals to see. We were there in March for 3 nights and only saw a couple animals the first afternoon we checked in. We looked every morning before we left for the parks and there were none.

The animals are brought back to the barns for an hour or two every morning to be checked over and to have their most nutritious meal of the day. I think the Sunset Savanna empties out from 9:00-11:00 (or maybe it was 8:30-10:30).

The best time to see the animals is at feeding times.

 

[lilpooh108]

Spring break, we got assigned the corner of the fences looking over a holding pen--had to be the worst view ever. I had walked the to room, looked out, went right back to front desk and asked for another room--now, it was at the end of the hall, so I just said too far to walk--I also said I was willing to wait until later that evening to get a room (it was 10 AM). We got a great Savannah view. Sometimes checking in late at night, you have to take what you get, but, you can still request a room change the next day if it is awful--I think it is $25 after you have stayed in the room--but for a few extra nights in a better savannah, might be worth it.

Is it $25 to change a room after you've stayed one night? Do they charge if you've already checked in and you request a change right away? Thought I saw somewhere that there was a fee. Do they enforce this? (Sorry--waiting on ROFR, and very excited about possibly staying at AKV!)

 

[ldo]

I do not think they charge $25 if you walk to the room and don't disturb anything and come right back and ask for a room change--certainly after you have stayed in the room overnight or done anything to disturb the room (they asked me--I said all I did was walk in and walk out). But, I would even pay $25 for a better view if I was staying more than a day or so, esp. at AKV.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I do not think they charge $25 if you walk to the room and don't disturb anything and come right back and ask for a room change--certainly after you have stayed in the room overnight or done anything to disturb the room (they asked me--I said all I did was walk in and walk out). But, I would even pay $25 for a better view if I was staying more than a day or so, esp. at AKV.

It really depends on the CM at the desk and the manager on duty. It's not done often, but after we received a HA Villa without a tub, I was told I would have to pay to switch. I ended up not paying, but it is their decision.

I agree, now I am prepared to pay the $25 jic.

 

[jaimeadk]

I do have to say that Kidani is beautiful and much quieter than Jambo house. We have gone over to Jambo house for dinner a couple of times and it seems to always be bustling. The pool area is wonderful and not at all crowded AND our room was ready when we got here at 8:30 AM. We ate at Sanaa and while probably not my favorite meal we got to sit right by the window and watch the zebras and giraffes out the window. So great! Complaining about the view seems so petty. I just wish I would have put in a room request.

 

[LisaS]

I just wish I would have put in a room request.

Since DVC resorts operate at close to 100% capacity some guests are going to have to accept a room facing the Pembe Savanna regardless of what they requested. Even if you had requested the Sunset Savanna, you might have ended up in exactly the same room you have now. (In other words, don't be too hard on yourself that you didn't add a request to your reservation.)

I'm really sorry this happened on your first visit. It's easier to accept getting a lesser view when you have stayed somewhere a couple of times and you can chalk it up to "taking your turn".

Having said that, our first stays at VWL and BWV were not the best rooms but we have since had some great rooms at both resorts on subsequent visits.

 

[kimberh]

We had a two bedroom on the fence, really not much to see, but we went to the viewing areas. Kids did alright. I want to say that last week we went to AKL one night, stayed at VWL, dinner at Bomas. Went to Savanna area and saw great view of animals on Sunset savanna. Much better than my last 3 trips total. Giraffes came over, big and hungry. It was great. I will sure do this from now on, even if I am staying there.

 

[disneynutz]

I agree that while there are some unique animals on the Pembe Savanna (okapi, red river hogs and the hornbills) it seems to be a less active savanna. Depending on how long you are staying you could ask to move to a different room, one that faces the Sunset savanna.

We were told in February at Kidani that if you enter the room, they are suppose to charge you for the room change.

Studio $30
One Bedroom $45
Two Bedroom $60
GV $75

We had to get a Manager to wave the fee.

Bill

 

[Daddio]

Free Wi-Fi internet at MCO?

Yes, Wi-Fi access is free at MCO.

David

 

[Simba's Mom]

Free Wi-Fi internet at MCO?

At least in the "pod" for gates 100-129 (Jet Blue and Southwest, I think-definitely Southwest).

 

[ValpoCory]

Yes, Wi-Fi access is free at MCO.

David

Thank David. That is great news. The past couple times, the Magical Express bus got us to the gate an hour and a half early. Free Wi-Fi would help get our mind off of the sadness that is sitting there knowing you are leaving Disney World.