Question about requesting Arusha savannah

[Heffalump12]

I want to book an AKL savannah view room for April 2022 but I’m nervous about what I need to put for room requests. I’ve read several blogs and posts that it’s best to make your room request when you make the initial booking, so I want to make sure I get it right. A little background info; when I first saw AKL advertised many years ago, it was immediately placed on my bucket list. I really want Arusha savannah as zebra’s are important to me and DD. Because the animal view is so important, I really want to be on 2nd or 3rd floor, otherwise I would rent DVC points and not pay ridiculous rack rate. Also, because the dream vision is to be immersed in viewing animals, I don’t really want to see a lot of other guests while peering off my balcony. My thought is maybe I should try to get a room at the far end of either kudu or zebra trail. Am I wrong to think that? If you get a room a little closer to the lobby, are you stuck staring at the folks on Arusha rock? I understand requests are just that and they can only satisfy by what’s available. So should I word my request like this; Arusha savannah, 2nd or 3rd floor farthest from lobby? I know most people don’t like to walk to the far end rooms however I’m looking for the best balcony experience viewing the animals. If someone has a better suggestion or advice, please share, thank you!

 

[HolRae]

Sunset Savanna also has zebras. I agree 2nd and 3rd floors are the best views. I like zebra trail because it feels closer to everything but if your main focus is zebras Kudu trail would have that on both savannas.

 

[Heffalump12]

Sunset Savanna also has zebras. I agree 2nd and 3rd floors are the best views. I like zebra trail because it feels closer to everything but if your main focus is zebras Kudu trail would have that on both savannas.

Wow Really!? I have read from other posters and sources that they saw zebras on other savannas (totally misspelled savanna in OP haha), however that conflicts with the official information from WDW and other blogs. I think my best bet is to try to put in a room request and then when check in day comes, we will physically check in after getting some RD rides in at a park (split stay BC) then I’ll tell the CM what we really want. That’s what happened when we stayed at WL in 2019. I was just as obsessed trying to land a desired room location by submitting room requests via travel agent and touringplans but when I physically checked in, the CM told me she saw no requests on my behalf.
So if zebras can be viewed on the sunset savanna then does that mean that folks staying at kidani can also view zebras as well? Thanks for your reply!

 

[Dug720]

I don't think the Savannas are separated by fences are they? So while bait might be put to keep them in different areas, they are free to walk around as they please?

 

[HolRae]

The savanna’s are separated.
These were both taken from my room at Kidani on the sunset savanna in April. Sorry the one is upside down.

 

[Dug720]

The savanna’s are separated. View attachment 584694View attachment 584695
These were both taken from my room at Kidani on the sunset savanna in April. Sorry the one is upside down.

Between Kidani and Jambo I can see - there is a bit of a distance between the two resorts. But between the ones at Jambo? I don't recall seeing fences cutting across the different ones at Jambo.

 

[HolRae]

Sunset is shared by both Kidani and Jambo. Each savanna has different animals. They can not wander between savanna’s.