First world problem

[msk]

I currently have surprise trip AKL savannah view room booked for myself, my daughter and two granddaughters. My grandson is now able to join us, but that would be 5 in the room which is not available. (I imagine we would get in big trouble if we just snuck him into the room) We can get a one bedroom villa but it is a standard view. Our original intent was to be able to see the animals from our room. This is a true first world problem but are we going to be disappointed with the villa? What are the villas like? I never stayed in one.
Thanks

 

[Pennstate6411]

There are 1 bedroom villas jambo house ( where the normal rooms are)- you can chose a savannah view as well. Also, some of the Villas do have partial savannah views ( touring plans can help you search for these to request them prior to trip)

 

[bumbershoot]

Our original intent was to be able to see the animals from our room. This is a true first world problem but are we going to be disappointed with the villa? What are the villas like?

So, I've had savannah view villas, and honestly I'm disappointed by *them*. I would *rather* have the standard room, and just go out to see the animals. But we've had (3 times now) bad luck in seeing "interesting" animals. Birds and the ankole cattle are as interesting as it's gotten for me. And then when you're sitting on the balcony you just hear other families yelling at each other, calling into their rooms, etc etc. It's not a peaceful tranquil wilderness in my experience.

So if I'm going to deal with other people anyway, I might as well go out to the main viewing areas where I might see giraffes etc.

A one bedroom is nice, since there's a kitchen and full sized fridge etc. But we always have a rental car and get desserts etc from the store, sometimes hubby makes us breakfast, etc.

 

[gillep]

Do you know if it is possible for you to reserve a 1bdr at Kidani? The Kidani 1bdrs have two full bathrooms which is really nice. There are obviously differences between Kidani and Jambo, and I usually prefer Jambo, but not if staying in a 1bdr, as I love the second bathroom. We took my mom and her husband to stay in a Kidani 1bdr in November, and they were really impressed with the room itself.

I have never had any of the issues that the previous poster described regarding hearing other families yelling at one another, or not finding the viewing peaceful, and I have stayed in different savanna view rooms at both Kidani and Jambo well over a dozen times. I have never had a trip where I haven't seen multiple giraffes and zebras each day. That said, the viewing areas around both Kidani and Jambo are really nice, and I think the kids will still enjoy those areas for animal viewing. It is also a great resort as you can use either the pool at Jambo or Kidani, and Kidani has a kids splash and play area that is really nice if the kids are younger.

I think your family will love the room and resort no matter whether you get savanna view or not, be sure to check out both of the buildings for activities and animal viewing!

 

[Regan117]

So, I've had savannah view villas, and honestly I'm disappointed by *them*. I would *rather* have the standard room, and just go out to see the animals. But we've had (3 times now) bad luck in seeing "interesting" animals. Birds and the ankole cattle are as interesting as it's gotten for me. And then when you're sitting on the balcony you just hear other families yelling at each other, calling into their rooms, etc etc. It's not a peaceful tranquil wilderness in my experience.

So if I'm going to deal with other people anyway, I might as well go out to the main viewing areas where I might see giraffes etc.

A one bedroom is nice, since there's a kitchen and full sized fridge etc. But we always have a rental car and get desserts etc from the store, sometimes hubby makes us breakfast, etc.

That's so disappointing! We've always had good luck seeing lots of animals from our balcony.

 

[msk]

Thanks to all! I think my travel agent is booking a one bedroom villa at Kidani. It will be wonderful no matter the room view.

Now that that is booked, I wonder what happens to people to try to put more people in the room that what is allowed.

 

[LilyWDW]

Thanks to all! I think my travel agent is booking a one bedroom villa at Kidani. It will be wonderful no matter the room view.

Now that that is booked, I wonder what happens to people to try to put more people in the room that what is allowed.

If Disney catches you, you will be told to book another room at rack rate or leave. They are not going to mess around with occupancy.

 

[msk]

LilyWDW that is what I figured would be the least they would do. If I tried it my guilt would be written all over face and the worry of getting caught would ruin my vacation

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The 1-bedrooms at AKV are really lovely. We had a standard 1-bedroom in Jambo and ended up with a view of a building that the animals gathered near every morning. We saw more animals on that visit than when we stayed savannah view. No guarantee you'll get a standard with that view, but I wouldn't hesitate booking standard at AKV if that's all they have. The public viewing areas are wonderful. I agree with the PP that with savannah view you do, also, get a view of everyone else who has a savannah view sitting out on their balconies and lots of guinea fowl and cattle. IMHO, savannah view wasn't great.

 

[jimandami]

Thanks to all! I think my travel agent is booking a one bedroom villa at Kidani. It will be wonderful no matter the room view.

Now that that is booked, I wonder what happens to people to try to put more people in the room that what is allowed.

Also, it really messes up your Magical Express and Fastpass bookings bc the person people try to sneak in doesn't have an official reservation.

 

[GTApex]

So, I've had savannah view villas, and honestly I'm disappointed by *them*. I would *rather* have the standard room, and just go out to see the animals. But we've had (3 times now) bad luck in seeing "interesting" animals. Birds and the ankole cattle are as interesting as it's gotten for me. And then when you're sitting on the balcony you just hear other families yelling at each other, calling into their rooms, etc etc. It's not a peaceful tranquil wilderness in my experience.

So if I'm going to deal with other people anyway, I might as well go out to the main viewing areas where I might see giraffes etc.

A one bedroom is nice, since there's a kitchen and full sized fridge etc. But we always have a rental car and get desserts etc from the store, sometimes hubby makes us breakfast, etc.

We weren't disappointed with the Savannah views at KV, but the novelty wore off pretty quick. After 2 nights, I would have traded down to save money with no regrets.