Just back from AKL Std. View

[Eyesnur]

After six previous trips in concierge (1), savannah (5) and pool view (1) we finally got the dreaded standard room. Since it was on the 4th floor and not the third it wasn't the worst room in the house...But still only one floor removed from the worst.

I'm here to report that the room is just as nice and a great animal experience is still extremely possible without the having the savannah view thanks to the numerous public viewing areas.

My daughter and I came back from the MK one day about 2:00 and spent the next two hours on a 'photo safari' around the different viewing points of the lodge. We took 30 great pictures including the elusive newborn ankole which was only 14 days old!

The only drawback to the parking lot view room is the noise from the morning busses... Not the Disney busses, mind you, but the Mears and other shuttle busses that use the front of the building. It wasn't trip ruining or even complainable (especially for 109.00) but late or light sleepers could have a problem. We heard nothing from cars or pedestrians.

If $$$ is a consideration and you go with the right attitude, a stay at the AKL, even in the parking lot view room, is still major league worth it!!!

 

[kda]

Thanks for a great post, Eyesnur. I agree completely that attitude is a major factor in how much 'magic' we experience at Disney.

 

[Gillian]

Where was your room located? It looks like some of the standard view rooms (like the ones over by the handicapped parking) might be quieter.

 

[kerrynic78]

I am so glad to hear this! After a couple of savannah room visits, we are thinking of getting a standard next time to save some money. In my opinion, AKL is such a wonderful resort that I would be happy in a sleeping bag in the lobby! Thanks for the report

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by kerrynic78
. In my opinion, AKL is such a wonderful resort that I would be happy in a sleeping bag in the lobby! Thanks for the report

LOLOLOL!

I could just see you cosy on one of those couches!

 

[katypop]

thanks Eyesnur for your report.
this is just what i wanted to hear. i am booked at csr next trip, and while i love it there i would love to try the akl. i am hoping for a good ap rate but would still have to take a standard room.

katypop

 

[Eyesnur]

Our room was above the walkway to the Disney bus stop (the giraffe trail, I think), so yes the other side would be more quiet.

I really wanted to post this so that people could see that the wonders of AKL CAN be done with a std. room.

Although many upgrades are given, I think it's important to NEVER count on it (after all we really shouldn't expect something for nothing...Even at Disney)...If an upgrade is given that is great, but a GREAT time CAN be had at the lodge no matter what your view...

 

[Jinnyboom]

I would like to echo the thanks for your post regarding the AKL...I have been fortunate enough in my lifetime to have experiened three Deluxe resorts at WDW.....(Poly, WL and AKL)....

I am taken aback each and every time that I relive my memories at the AKL....what an AWESOME resort it is........

Regardless of the "view"...the AKL...is a premier resort

 

[DisneyFan09]

I'm so happy to hear a positive report on a standard room as I am getting ready to book one for Oct. I debated between POR and AKL for weeks since there will be 5 of us and finally decided on AKL (standard view of course). It sounds like I may have made a good decision.

 

[Disney Cape Codder]

Thanks very much for posting this report. We have booked a standard room in February at AKL and I have not seen much on the Boards about them. February can't come soon enough

 

[jennymouse]

Thanks for the reassuring words.

 

[floridalover]

If I could get $109 rate for September this year I will jump at the chance!!!! Standard view AKL is better than any moderate or value resort

 

[Michael623]

I will be at AKL standard room next month and I don't mind the standard room but an upgrade would be really nice. Should I ask if there are any complimentary upgrades or just check in and hope for the best? I have heard through the grape vine that the AKL will be 2/3 full at best. I could also mention that I am recently engaged and see what happens.

 

[starwood]

We go in 1 week. We have standard rooms booked but I was thinking of seeing if we could pay for an upgrade to a savanah room when we get there (If we don't get offered a free upgrade). What standard rooms should be avoided at all costs?

 

[Gillian]

I haven't stayed there, but I would think that 3rd floor rooms along the path to the bus stop would be the worst rooms.

 

[HM]

My daughter and I stayed in a standard room on the Giraffe trail on the 4th floor in Dec 2001. It had bunkbeds and was the second room from the end. We felt it was wonderful and found that the white noise from the air system pretty much covered the bus/car noise. I still liked the savannah room we had on an earlier trip better but for the price it was great and all the same amenities. The location was great for getting to the pool and Mara without having to go through the lobby, and we had no hallway noise since we were at the end.

-HM

 

[DisneyFan09]

Have any of you had 5 in a standard room or am I going to have to pay for a deluxe room? What is the price difference for standard and deluxe?

 

[Eyesnur]

I'm not sure five could fit in the room we were in in any way...There was really no room for a rollaway.

I have no info on the deluxe rooms, though I'm sure someone will.

 

[Gillian]

It's 4 plus one under 3 in a crib. There is space for a pack n play but not for another bed.

The deluxe rooms do NOT all sleep 5. I think the configurations are king + day bed, 2 queens, or 1 queen, bunks & day bed. I have read that the queen/bunk/day bed combo rooms are held for those with 5. They do cost quite a bit more.

 

[DisneyFan09]

I just got off the phone with CRO and I would have to go to a deluxe savannah for about $87 more a night and that is just not in the budget. I have two small children and I'm sure we could all fit in a queen and my friend and her son could sleep in a queen but I know that is not okay! Ugh!! I guess we'll have to go to POR.