How to get an upgrade at AKL

[zimaaaaah]

I read about a lot of people being upgraded from Standard to Savanna view at AKL and was wondering if it was totally up to the CM or if there are "Magic Words" that up your chances of being upgraded at check-in. We booked a standard room thinking it would be fine, which it probably will be, but our 4 year old now really wants to see the giraffes outside. Any advice would be appreciated! 12 days to the mouse!

 

[Laura22]

Magic Words - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, lol

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Do not get your hopes up on a free upgrade. If they are not fully booked, they may just give you one... I use to think that is was ok to ask. Every time I asked, I never got.... the two times I did get upgraded, I didn't ask. That is just how I think. There are others who have asked & gotten. So it is really just luck.

 

[eculmone]

No magic words anymore, BUT when your checking in ask for any room upgrades. Then they can try to accomodate you. I had a standard view and kept calling and nothing. So when I got down there, lo and behold we got a pool view. Took some kind manners and all, but if they can do it, they'll try. Good luck.

Besides IF you don't get the savannah view it might not be a bad thing, sometimes the nearness of it all can kind of freak out little ones. It's a bit shocking to see them so up close and personal and all.

You gotta tell yourself. IT'S DISNEY, How bad could a standard anything be?

Liz

 

[scoutsmom99]

Just wanted to add that there are plenty of places to view the animals around the resort as well. I really enjoy the pool view at AKL and I can always find somewhere to see the animals either inside or outside on thier respective savanahs.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I wouldn't count on it.

But the standards are very nice. I loved our room. We walked out our front door and could look right down at the lobby and we were literally about a minute and a half from the shop, pool, restaurants.

 

[dizmomofrjf3]

Back in May I booked the cheapest standard room. At the check-in desk she told me I was upgraded to pool view without even asking.Maybe because I stayed last May in a savanah view room?Anyway me and my kids so liked this room better.It is a VERY large resort and we just loved te fact that our room was a quick elevator ride down,a quick walk after coming back from the parks and right near the lobby.The animals..you can see anywhere on the resort.

 

[Crazydadusa]

Greetings all! I love this site. 3 of us, CDD, DW and DS (2.5) are going to AKL for the first time Sept 22 - 25. We booked a Savanah not wanting to chance the "benevolent upgrade." Has anyone ever been upgraded to something bigger/better nicer?
I can't wait to figure out all of the tickers, icons, photos...

 

[etink67]

I wouldn't count on it.

But the standards are very nice. I loved our room. We walked out our front door and could look right down at the lobby and we were literally about a minute and a half from the shop, pool, restaurants.

What view is this considered? DH just mentioned that he wanted a room overlooking the lobby when we go in December.

 

[tekmom]

We were there in July and, at check in, were told we had already been upgraded to savanna. I would never ask. It was very nice. Our only requests were non smoking, bunk beds, 3rd floor or higher. We ended up on sunset savanna kudu trail, 4th floor by the elevators. It was most definately done before our arrival. We booked almost 7 months out and I think that once the few standard rooms go, they move you around to open them up again for resell. I know when we were there, the resort was at full capacity. Good luck!

 

[DutchsMommy]

Perhaps you could take an emu hostage?

 

[jonkatony]

I was at AKL in August for two weeks stayed one week pool view, the other savana view, this is a great place to stay with plenty of opportunity to see animals from different areas around the hotel. If you have to have animals outside your bedroom to enjoy the holiday then book savanah view before you go. If not do not worry about upgrades just go and enjoy a beautiful hotel and you will have a great time.

 

[Northstar]

Hi, if you don't get the upgrade, take your kids out to Arusha Rock public viewing area just before 7 am... they put food out then nearby and the animals drift over to nosh. Giraffes are on the Arusha Savanna.

The flamingo pool viewing area just near the people pool is also great for getting close to the wildlife... if flamingos will do it for your kids.

Actually, better check on that 7 am time at the desk... maybe it changes at different times of the year.

We loved AKL and are going back this December.

Northstar

 

[zimaaaaah]

Thanks everyone for the info. We will have a great time no matter where we end up! We booked back in April, so maybe we will get lucky.
11 days to the Mouse!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

What view is this considered? DH just mentioned that he wanted a room overlooking the lobby when we go in December.

It was a standard. The balcony didn't really overlook anything, but once you stepped out the front door into the hallway, there was the lobby and we were right by the elevators that lead a down to the restaurants and pool. It was great.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Which view did you prefer: pool or savannah?

We are booked in a pool view and I was thinking about asking for a savannah upgrade,
(even paying for it).

Thanks in advance

 

[HopperFan]

Trip one booked standard and was upgraded to savanna. Was wonderful !

Trip two booked pool view and wished we had saved our money and done standard. If we got bumped up fine, if not fine, at least I didn't waste the extra money. We never used the balcony (view was disappointing) and spent our time in all the public viewing areas and doing other things.