Just back from AKL Std. View

[RedE2Go]

I'm so glad to hear some info about standard rooms at AKL. I'm trying to decide between AKL and WL. The big draw to AKL from all the posts I've read is that you can see the animals from your balcony. While that sounds soooo cool, I just can't afford it. Would you stay AKL in a standard room over a WL woods view room?

 

[Eyesnur]

I've stayed at WL and it too is beautiful...But there are no animals. The AKL is beautiul on its own (as a hotel) and then add a great wildlife reserve and it's just awesome! Of course we're an animal loving family...

 

[Gillian]

disneyfan09 - what about a deluxe pool view? It's not quite the same as savannah view, but at least you get to stay at AKL!

 

[DisneyFan09]

Gillian - I was told by CRO that the only rooms that would sleep 5 were deluxe savannah. I gave dd's a choice between Poly and AKL and they chose Poly hands down. We'll be spending quite a bit of time at MK and what a cool way to start our trip. So, dd's and I are going to stay at the Poly for 3 nights and when my friend and her son come they will stay at the Poly for one night with us and then the next day we'll switch to POR.

I just received an email for AKL so I do think they have discounted rates pretty often for this resort so maybe next time!!

 

[kenman]

can you post any pictures, I would love to see them! I would really like to see the babby angole cattle one, I love those things, what big horns thay have! I love the AKL with a passion!
THANKS!!

 

[Janet2k]

I second Kenman's request -- I would love to see some photos from your trip, too!

 

[Eyesnur]

I'm sorry, I haven't got a clue how to post pictures...If I get time to figure it out I will let you know.

 

[katypop]

yeah! i was able to change the 1st 4 nights of my upcoming trip to a standard room at akl with the new codes and still save money on my entire stay. i know savannah view would be nicer, but not in the budget this trip(especially with the exchange rate on the canadian dollar , another 50% +) while an upgrade is possible, i'm not counting on it so...is the only request i really need to make is NOT to be on the 3rd floor? does this really matter? i forgot to ask for a non-smoking room in my excitement LOL so will have to call back and wondered if there are any other special requests i should make.
thanks

katypop

 

[kda]

So glad you got a good rate! AKL is a real special experience. I'd suggest that you request an upper floor if you have a standard view room. The view might be a little nicer, but not a huge deal. However, one section of standard view rooms are right by the bus stop (same level), so I'd always want the curtain drawn, and don't think I'd personally enjoy being out on the patio.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[csmommy]

Originally posted by 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 am glad you had a wonderful trip.

Does this mean the 3RD floor is something to stay away from if you are staying standard view?

What else should I know if I decide to stay AKL standard view?

TIA

 

[Divamomto3]

Everytime I read a new thread, I feel like I want to call CRO back and change my ressie! Now I want to stay at the AKL! I was in the Tower at the Contemporary, but DH said "Let's be smart..blah blah blah, budget, blah, could pay for our airfare, blah, blah, how much are we in the room, blah blah..." So I changed to PO-R (I'm limited due to having 5 in the family.)
What do I doooooooo????

 

[beansmom]

LOL, Divamom,

We have ressies for AKL at Thanksgiving and I was just reading a thread on CBR and I was like "oooh, I wanna stay there again!"

At least I'm not the only nut who drools every time a new resort is mentioned.

 

[katypop]

thanks kda,
i will ask for a higher floor room if it is possible. any other suggestions? i have bought refillable mugs at other resorts but am wondering if it is worthwhile for just 4 nights. i was spoiled last year by the coffeemaker in my room at csr. is it possible to request one at akl? if not, was it too far to bother walking in the morn to mara's to get a refill? i will be eating breakfast in my room except for one morning when i want to try boma's. i don't think i can use the mug at boma's? what about at the pool, can you get refills there? sorry for all the questions LOL.

katypop

 

[kda]

csmommy, I sent you a PM.

 

[kda]

katypop ---
We've never needed a coffee maker, but I've read many posts that people have requested them from housekeeping in various resorts. You might plan to bring some extra coffee, though.

You're the only one that can decide if it's worth while to get a mug. at $2 or more for soda, you pay for the mug pretty quickly, plus it's a souvenir (if you like the mug in the first place). Hopefully, someone will post about refills at the pool --- I know we've had mugs at OKW that we refilled at the pool. Other resorts had the fast food area very close to the pool, so we refilled there. Mara's is right by the pool, but the pool bar would be closer.

Don't remember about Boma's. Can't recall if drinks were extra or included in the meal price.

If you're on the side of the Lodge closest to the pool, you'll be closer to Mara's. BUT, that's also the side closest to the bus stop, which is convenient, but might possibly bother you if you're on the balcony -- especially if you're on a lower floor. There's pros and cons for almost every location you're in. If you're not going to be in the room much, this probably isn't any big deal.

Have a great trip! I'm jealous.

 

[katypop]

thanks kda, you're right there are advantages and disadvantages to every room. i will make a couple of requests but i'm not going to worry too much about it, i am generally out of my room from 7am until 10 or 11 at night! at 2.00 each for drinks i think you're right, the mug will pay for itself, and i do like having them for souvenirs.

katypop

 

[Ratpack]

I am glad to hear your report. We are thinking of staying there this summer instead of WL (which we truly love). Have to have a standard as job situation is less than par right now. Thanks for the info.

 

[Bob NC]

Originally posted by csmommy

Does this mean the 3RD floor is something to stay away from if you are staying standard view?

3rd floor is to be stayed away from no matter what type of room you have.

Since the third floor is the lobby level, (with LOTS of traffic), VERY early in the mornings and VERY late at night, there are kids, (and adults), running, SCREAMING and bouncing off the walls.

 

[csmommy]

Bob NC, thanks for the information.

 

[regnurs]

Thanks so much for all the postive responses. We (family of 9) were originally booked at the CBR...but with the codes I couldn't pass up a chance to stay at the AKL. Unfortunately we could only afford standard view. I always do all the planning for the family when we go as a goup like this and I didn't want to disapoint anyone. Am very much looking forward to our stay at AKL now!!!