Have CBR but little one wants AKL

[eeyore1226]

Hi All,
I have booked a secret week at Disney for the first week of August this summer and got code rate at CBR for $94 a night - a GREAT price. My little girl keeps asking about AKL; we visited this resort last summer and fell in love with it. The new code price is reasonable for a standard view room ($139 a night) but I've read some pretty discouraging posts about these rooms on these boards. Has anyone ever asked for a complimentary up-grade to a Savannah view at this hotel and gotten it? She loves bunk beds and we got them last summer at the WL. I just can't afford the price for a Savannah view room for the week. Anyone have any advice?

 

[Patio]

Hi eeyore, I love CBR and had the same dilemma this past Dec. I have stayed at CBR twice before and paid about $129/ night. We had a $134 postcard rate for a standard view at AKL and couldn't decide what to do. We ended up choosing AKL at that great rate and I knew and accepted the fact that we would have a parking lot view. I liked the idea that the resort was new and had interior corridors, a balcony, Boma's, nice pool with a larger slide than CBR and figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. The only request we made was bunk beds. At check-in, we recieved a free savanna upgrade, Kudu Trail, Sunset Savanna. The CM told my DH that 600 families were checking out the next day (Sunday) and only 125 were checking in. We were thrilled and thankful, too. My DH, DD,12, and DS,7, loved AKL. I enjoyed walking around the grounds in the morning and of course, sitting on the balcony. I did miss CBR and even ventured over there one afternoon, but I'd pick AKL just for the experience. I'll be wishing for you to be fortunate enough for an upgrade, but even in a standard room, there's still plenty to see and do. Have fun and enjoy!!

 

[eeyore1226]

Hi Patio,
Thanks so much for your reply; you are right about the "once in a lifetime opportunity" that's why the decision is hard to make. I think we'll go for it and hope for the best. Summer time is pretty busy so I'm not going to get my hopes up for an up-grade then if it happens, it will be a welcome surprise. I just can't wait to get there!!

 

[familymagic7]

Hi! We just got back from Disney over Easter. We stayed off-site and were sooooo disappointed--totally lacked the magic! We drove, so I decided to add 1 more night to the trip and stay on Disney property. We got a standard with bunks at AKL and it was awesome!! My kids didn't want to leave. The rate of $139 is great (We paid $190, and I'd do it all over again). The detail in that hotel is spectacular and we loved Boma for dinner. Regardless of which you choose, as long as you're on Disney property, you'll be happy!! Have a great trip

P.S. Even though our view wasn't Savannah (it was of valet parking), we didn't care b/c it's fun to go out on the trails to see the wildlife. It was fun just being there!

 

[msvlwb]

I would go if you have the chance. We booked a standard view room and were upgraded to pool side. I personally liked the pool view better. It was Feb when we were there and you could smell the animals pretty well when you were savanah side. In August it might be a litlle smelly. Also if the animals weren't availbable for viewing it was kind of a grassy muddy view with out much to see. And there are so many places to view animals we didn't feel like we missed anything. But the hotel itself is great. The kids loved the pool and Boma was good not as great as I had expected. But I loved the hummus and flat bread. Do make PS ahead of time we made them at check in and the only time left was after 8:30p.m. ANd then we still waited till almost 9:00 to be seated. The kids were too tired to enjoy it (3and 5) But they did have a good selection of fruit and chicken tenders, mac and cheese, etc. To make them happy for a few minutes.
I did find the lobby a comfy place to sit and chat. We look forward to going again. But our next visit is May15-18 and we're staying at the Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[gepetto]

Summer is quite busy. When you book a standard view room, chances are that's what you will recieve. If you think you will be disappointed if you don't get a free upgrade to savannah view, I would suggest staying with CBR.

 

[flagal]

Anyone else say in a savannah view room and find the air a little too, uh, pungent? I just changed from standard to savannah and I'm a little sensitive to odors.

 

[MJames41]

eeyore1226, my suggestion is to go for the AKL standard. If they upgrade you, that would be great, but if they do have at least one observation area. It's enclosed with a balcony (you get a great view indoors or outdoor). I stopped by to visit there on our last trip and enjoyed it. It was very relaxing. Enjoy your trip.

Flagal, if the smell gets too bad you can always either close the door, (which does kind of defeat the reason for the room) or maybe they could switch you to another room. Hope that helps.

 

[Patio]

Eeyore, you're welcome!! I also feel that I'm just happy to be on Disney's grounds, even if I'm sleeping in a hut. If I ever stayed at AKL again, I'd take the standard view, it's a bargain at $139.