Is AKL std. view worth it, or should I stick to a mod. resort? Opinions please!

[gumdrop]

Hi everyone!

I did some financial figuring for our honeymoon trip this August, and it seems that we can afford AKL standard view only, or a moderate resort. My fiancee could care less either way, but as I have been reading on the boards, the consensus seems to be that AKL is worth it for the Savannah view, which is really out of our price range. I have stayed at all of the moderates, and while they are all great, I would really like to try a different resort before I repeat any. Would anyone that has stayed at an AKL standard view room share their experiences with me? Are there other areas to view the animals, or will I really be missing out without the savannah view room? If not, then we'll head back to CBR. Also, any opinions as to which resort (AKL or CBR) would be better for a honeymoon trip could help me decide also. Thanks in advance for your help!!

--Maren

 

[Dancind]

Even staying in a Standard room at AKL, you are still in a deluxe room at a deluxe resort. You have a larger room, larger beds, and a gorgeous resort to enjoy with all the amenities. The pool area is really lovely, the restaurants are wonderful, and it will be a short walk from your room to the animal viewing areas. I'd say go for it! Diana

 

[vbfamily]

I would also say AKL if you have stayed at most of the moderates before.

It's amazing.

I would keep an eye out for codes for August in the next couple of months. Maybe you can get a great rate.

Mention in your reservation that you are on your honeymoon and mention it again when you check in. You never know, maybe you will get a great upgrade.

 

[ducklite]

If it means scrimping on dining, I'd suggest staying at a moderate (POFQ would be good for a honeymoon IMHO).

The number one reason? You can guarantee a king bed room there. Your chances of getting a king at AKL are slim at best. I was really turned off by the parking lot views (atandard rooms) at AKL, in fact DH and I couldn't even believe they would offer some of the first floor rooms to guests.

As the other poster suggested, you could always wait for a code as well, but you might not get one.

Another option to look at is renting points from a DVC member...a studio shouldn't be more than about $1000 for the week (depending on when in August and which resort). Because they have a sleeper sofa instead of one of the beds they seem VERY roomy, and the bed will be a queen. The rooms also have a microwave, coffee maker and fridge, and the views are generally at least pleasant.

Best wishes!

Anne

 

[MinnieGi]

We were just at AKL from Feb. 1 - 8th and LOVED it!!!!!

We booked a standard view room for $109.00 at the AP rate. We were upgraded to pool view. (if the hotel is not full, you stand a pretty good chance of an upgrade here) Our view was amazing. We loved the pool area and I loved sitting out on my balcony in the evening watching the swimmers and viewing the landscaping. The pool is zero-entry and quite large. There are also two spas.

There are many animal viewing areas around the hotel. In fact our room was right next to a set of windows in the hallway that looked out on one side to the savannah and the pool on the other. Its fun to walk around and find all the viewing area. There are even viewing areas near the pool as well as Arusha Rock off the lobby.

Plus being at AKL you will have two great restaurants - Boma and Jiko as well as a counter service and grab 'n go market in Mara.

The bus transportation was very good in our opinion at AKL. And it was nice that the hotel does not share its transportation with another hotel and has only one stop.

The hotel is just beautiful also. I think it would be very nice for a honeymoon.

Gi

 

[kevind65]

we stayed at AKL last june and it was wonderful. we booked a standard view and was upgraded to a pool view upon check-in. although we loved AKL, dw and I agreed that we probably wouldn't care for the parking lot view rooms as much. alot depends on how much you plan on being in the parks. our family spends most of the time in the parks, therefore, it's not as important for us to have a huge room or pay for the little extras you get at the deluxes. it's really just a matter of preference. we have never had a bad room or resort experience at disney and we have stayed at all three levels.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi there...

I stayed at AKL last August and it was very quiet except for the last weekend (labour day) when it was suddenly quite busy.

Travelling in AUgust you would stand a good chance of receiveing a better view than standard - especially if you mentiion it's your honeymoon.

Even if you get a standard view room - there are many places to view the animals. The atmosphere of the hotel is very nice and I am sure you will enjoy the pool area.

Just a note - earlier poster said to expect larger rooms/beds at this deluxe resort... I believe the room size is quite modest for a deluxe resort and the beds just normal beds.

If you can afford this deluxe resort I think it will make your honeymoon special - and just cross your fingers for a savanna or pool view.

Good luck and congratulations,

>>^..^<<

 

[TDC Nala]

I absolutely love AKL and would stay there over a moderate. There are a lot of places to view animals, not just from rooms. That said, my one experience in a standard room was good - 5th floor and trees blocking most of the parking lot. But then, I'm not a big view person because I'm not in the room much. There are rooms on the first floor that seem to be too close to the bus stops.

AKL has tours of the resort that are interesting - an art tour and a food tour. I've taken the art tour but not the food tour.

Boma and Jiko are two of the best restaurants at WDW.

And then there is the transportation issue. Sure, it's all by bus, but it's by bus from the moderates, too (except for the boat to Downtown Disney from Port Orleans). However, as far out as AKL is, it does not share its bus route with any other resorts. I've stayed at all the deluxe resorts except the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian and this resort is the only one with its own bus route and only one bus stop (except the Boardwalk at certain times, it seems). All others either stop at multiple resorts or at one resort with multiple bus stops.

 

[fa mulan]

We just returned from a split stay at PO-FQ and AKL standard parking lot view. I loved PO-FQ, but the AKL room (we were on the 5th fl.) was definitely more luxurious b/c it's newer, the carpets are more plush, the bathroom area is much nicer (granite sinks, beautifully tiled shower area), the tv is bigger and the closet had doors. The resort itself is amazing. However the landscaping and outdoor ambience of PO is probably nicer for romantic strolls at night etc. If it were my honeymoon, I'd want as luxurious a room as possible, so I'd probably choose AKL over PO even if I had a parking lot view. But I would also send a really nice fax to the room assignor mentioning that it's my honeymoon, and pleading to have as good a view as possible, and not to have the 1st floor.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

DH and I went to AKL for our anniversary 2-7 to 2-11. We booked the standard room but were upgraded to a pool view room. We luckily we able to get a king room as well. This was my first deluxe resort and I was trying hard not to think that I was paying $109 a night for a hotel without a jacuzzi tub (I'm spoiled when I go to the beach..what can I say)

This is a beautiful resort. It's romantic and it smells good too! You can see the animals from many spots at the resort. We had a great time!