is it worth the upgrade?

[jenjenmouse]

I'm so excited! I just booked AKL for June 7-14th for my family including my 3 sisters and their kids. It will be so much fun. My question is , Is it worth the upgrade from a pool view to a savannah view for about 300 more total on the 7 nights? I will be seeing my sisters today at my dd birthday party at Build a bear and would like to tell them what you experts have to say. Also, one other AKL question, Do they have a counter service place for food other than a sit down restraunt (sp?) ? I know it isn't like the value or moderate food court areas but would like to just be able to get the kids what they want and not have to do the sit and order thing mostly.

Thanks for the info you neat people!
Jen

 

[madalex]

AKL does have the Mara, which is a food court/counter service type of place.

As to whether the upgrade is "worth it," that's up to you. Having a savannah view and being able to sit on your balcony to see the animals is very nice. For example, it does add a lot to the trip to wake up early in the morning and see giraffes sleeping right outside your room. However, there are lots of public viewing spaces for the animals as well, so it's not like you won't have a chance to see them if you don't have a savannah view. And, you won't be unhappy with the pool view, since all of AKL is so great. All in all, if the money is a concern, keeping your current reservation is probably the thing to do.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I agree with Madalex.

Savannah view is wonderful IMHO and worth paying for - but if money was tight I think the water/pool view would be fine.

Here's a few of our pictures of a Savannah view:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ladytrampscampandangel/detail?.dir=b1a9&.dnm=b01b.jpg

I also think Mara is one of the better food courts at the Disney resorts.

Have a great trip.

 

[ciera321]

We did have a savannah view and totally enjoyed it, but we were upgraded so I didn't pay for one. I would have to say that I probably would stay with the pool view and see the animals all around the resort. So many pretty places to sit and watch. We just don't spend enough time in our room to justify the extra cost of the savannah view, but if money isn't a problem go for it...

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I would have to say that I probably would stay with the pool view and see the animals all around the resort. So many pretty places to sit and watch. We just don't spend enough time in our room to justify the extra cost of the savannah view, but if money isn't a problem go for it...

I agree completely. We usually stay Savannah view, but stayed Deluxe Pool view last month and absolutely loved it. As ciera321 stated, there are plenty of spots to see animals, including just beyond the pool, so I'd save the $$$ and keep your pool view. You'll love it!!! And the Mara is a great counter service food court down by the pool.

 

[Luv2trav]

We upgraded from Poolview to Savannah view this past Feb and I thought it was a waste of money. It could have been because of the location we were put in. We were the farthest possible location from Mara and the pool. I loved the resort and plan on going back sometime but next time I will stick with poolview.

 

[sarahg311@hotmail.co]

We were upgraded to a Savannah room for no charge two years ago. It was amazing. If I were to stay at AKL again I would PAY for the Savannah room. It is honestly so beautiful. The only downfall was the walk. The halls seem like 2 miles long!!

 

[gizfish]

If the money is not a problem, spend it and do this resort right. Having stayed in the savanah view room, if someone said we could go to Disney and stay at AKL, but not stay in the savanah, I would actually pick another hotel. There is nothing like hot and cold running girrafes right outside your own balcony.

 

[wer14631]

I agree that the animals can be enjoyed at any of the several public viewing areas. Further, (and for us, most importantly) a pool view guarantees that you will be located close to the lobby, the pool, the lounge, the restuarants and the bus stops. Some of the Savannah view rooms are a looong way from the lobby, etc.

 

[joliesmom]

I think you should ask yourself the question of how much time you'll be spending relaxing at the hotel. As for myself, my DH always spent each morning with my DD (3.5) drinking his coffee enjoying the view of the savannah and animals. If you and your family are early birds, and quick to go to the parks, much of what you would see will be missed. You could always stay poolside and come home and watch, especially at night with the fancy night vision goggles they have. As for me and mine, we'll do both. My DH would give me an earfull if he didn't have african cattle baying outside our window each morning.