How likely to get upgraded at AKL?

[labdogs42]

I'm thinking about trying the AKL for a trip in September 2008. I can't justify paying for the savannah view room, but I'd love to get it as an upgrade! How likely is it that they will offer this upgrade? Have you ever gotten upgraded to savannah view at AKL? I know when we stayed at the Beach club, we paid for standard view and got a nice water view instead. I wonder if my luck would hold for the AKL trip? Any tips on getting upgraded? This trip will be for our 10 year wedding anniversary -- think if I mention that it would help?

 

[kittylady1972]

We stayed at AKL for the first time last October, for a short 3-night anniversary trip. When we got to our room and I had a LOVELY (not!) view of the parking lot, after one night I decided that just wasn't working for me. I went back down to the desk the next day, told them we were there for our anniversary, I'd love an upgrade, but it wasn't offerred for free...I had to pay for it. I bit the bullet and paid though.

 

[Allison]

Less likely now that some of the rooms are being remodeled to DVC.

 

[pilferk]

Given the reduction of room inventory due to the DVC conversion.....nobody can really say.

From anecdotal data, it seems they were relatively frequent in the past. They don't happen to EVERYONE, obviously, but they seemed to get reported more frequently than at other deluxes.

But occupancy was reportedly low, too...which I'm sure had something to do with it.

Taking the deluxe units "out of service" and making them DVC rooms is going to have SOME effect on that occupancy rate for cash guests....there's simply fewer rooms to fill now. So until all the construction is done, and we see what happens, it's tough to make any sort of informed prediction....because all the past info we have pretty much goes out the window.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Considering that upgrades at any Walt Disney World Resort Hotel are a surprise whenever they happen it's best to book the type of room you want, because chances are you won't get upgraded. This way there is you can not be disappointed if you are not upgraded for free.

 

[stina]

We always travel in September. We've stayed at AKL twice for a whole week in Sept. Both times we booked standard and were upgraded for FREE when we arrived. The first trip we were upgraded to pool view (after a little smooth talking at check in) and the second time we were upgraded to savannah view (in fact our whole party, 3 rooms total were upgraded) with no prompting at all. The savannah view room we had (Ostrich trail) was marvelous. At AKL I would be pleasantly surprised by ANY upgrade. Even our pool view room was lovely. Every morning we'd wake to hear African music on our balcony. That said, AKL is an amazing hotel and you will enjoy it no matter where you sleep. There is so much public space at that hotel that you will be enjoying 90% of what the hotel has to offer with other guests. If you don't have a savannah room don't despair! There are public savanna lookouts with gorgeous rocking chairs stationed throughout the hotel. You won't miss the experience that is AKL just because you don't have a premium room.

Enjoy your trip! You will love it.