Is AKL worth it w/out Savannah view?

[afcgirl]

I am so indecisive.

I am staying at Poly for 4 days and then considering either Coronado Springs or AKL for another 4 days. I do not want to pay extra for Savannah view, so is AKL still worth the money for standard or pool view (compared to moderate like Coronado Springs)?

Does the pool at AKL have a slide (very important to my 6 year old )?

Thanks so much!

 

[Stitch1404]

Yes, the pool has a slide, although it is somewhat small. I have stayed in both a Savanna view room and a pool view. Although I loved the savanna view, there are a lot of common areas from which animals can be viewed and it is beautiful to have a room overlooking the pool at night.

 

[Ilovestitch]

We stayed there in May w/Savannah view and loved it but we are taking a quick "budget" trip at the end of this month and are staying standard view.

Even w/out being able to look at the animals from your balcony, you will have tons of opportunities to see them. And the resort is really beautiful.

And remember, the AKL is one of the newest resorts- I think its only 4 years old and it has one single busstop and doesn't share busses w/any other resorts. AKL also has awesome restaurants that you don't have to walk outside to get to (nice when its raining).

 

[stringercapecod]

If you are going during a busy time (Christmas, Spring Break, Easter, etc.) it's unlikely a free upgrade will be available at AKL. We did this last April, hoping for an upgrade and got the worst view in the hotel. Fifth floor, right above the lobby entrance. View of the lobby from our door and a four foot wall around the balcony, covered with bird droppings. The view below was of the cars coming and going at the front door. Noisy too! The hotel was very busy and the pool was Packed every day. I would never book a standard room here again.

Also stayed at CSR in August and loved it. The slide at the pool was great fun and the standard room in Cabanas was very nice. View of the lake to the right, pathway straight on.

I hope this helps you make the right choice for your family.

 

[jonkatony]

I have stayed in both Savana and pool view(delux) loved both, I would stay anywhere in this great hotel in a heartbeat.

 

[coachyo]

I have never stayed at CSR but I have at AKL poolview!!!
We loved our room, we had bunks and the 1st floor out to the pool, with a patio. The patio is nothing huge and ours had a lot of vegetation blocking out our view, but I did like the seclusion and peace you could get sitting our there right out of sight of so much action. It was very comfortable and the location was great. We went 3 doors down to the door out to the pool area and we were there and a easy walk to the Mara and game room and pool. My DD's loved the place. The pool is alot of fun for all ages and does have a small slide, which I think my DD's tried to wear out. You can't go wrong with AKL.
YO

 

[HopperFan]

Have stayed at CSR, AKL savanna and pool view. When we stayed savanna it was a free upgrade from standard and it was incredible!!!! We paid the extra for pool view next trip and wish we had not, absolutely not worth it to us. Will return to AKL but will only stay standard (and maybe be blessed with an upgrade) or will pay for savanna if we can get it discounted. SO many public viewing areas you don't have to be savanna to enjoy. As a matter of fact, we never used the pool view balcony, we would leave the room and go elsewhere. Yes there is a slide, but nothing compared to CSR, but your 6 year old should love it. LOTS of childrens' games and activities in the hotel, by the animals and in the pool. Perfect for the 12 and under set !

 

[SqueakyMouse]

While others will disagree, I think a savanna or pool view is a must at AKL. Some of the standard rooms have pretty disappointing views. AKL remains our favorite resort; but, if we want to save money, we'd go for a moderate or a value resort.

 

[carolina_yankee]

I think Standard View would be OK if you budgeted time to fully enjoy the resort, or you really wanted to stay there for the theming. Of course, I think AKL is a mini-park in it's own right!! Personally, I love all the restaurants and the pool is my favorite Disney pool. There are so many opportunities to see the animals outside of your room, that a savannah view isn't crucial - just icing on the cake. As long as you make time for it, you'll be able to fully enjoy the resort from any view.

I suppose as upgrades go, chances are better here that you'll get one than at any other resort; but there's less of a chance during the busier times of year. Definitely be comfortable with getting what you pay for so your expectations aren't crushed! We were upgraded on our first visit from pool to savannah without asking while a family next to us were refused any relocations, and they were being quite belligerant about getting a free upgrade.

Dirk

 

[afcgirl]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I now need to decide between CSR or AKL with a standard or pool view room. Not an easy decision. But I have until next July! I will probably go back and forth a million times before then!

 

[carolina_yankee]

I missed the first part of your post, about starting off at Poly and then switching. If you stay at CSR, I definitely would start there and then move to Poly. AKL is special enough in its own right that I don't think it matters. For 8 nights, it might be worth an AP if you really want to try AKL. Sometimes AP discounts on Savannahs are pretty darn good.

Dirk