I have not read the entire thread, so I appologize for any repetition. We stayed at AKL last May, when it first opened. We had an Savanah view, on the second floor. Things that were noteworthy: If you do not see the animals, go to the fire escapes and look to the ends of the building. They like it there, possible because it's very quite, as well as more shade. A castmember told us this and it really was true. The best Savannah appeared to be, IMHO, the one to the right side of the lodge as you enter. I can't remember the name of it, but it is not the big or the small one, it's the middle size one. Also keep in mind that a second floor room is actually third floor, as the bottom level has no rooms (animal barrier and storage). I would reccomend the first floor, which is actualy the second level. By the way, I read about the smoking situation there, and wanted to say that we were there during the fires. There was thick smoke much of the time, and the entire resort smelled like smoke from the rooms to the parking lot!!! Have Fun!!!