Standard AKL view advice needed

[skipperkim]

I talked this over wih DBF yesterday and we are considering upgrading to AKL if we can get a code that is better than what we have with AAA. We are currently at CSR with a king size bed and DDP, we want to keep the king size bed and DDP part of the ressie. I realize that I'm only paying for a standard view, but I really don't want a parking lot view or to be able to hear the buses either. Since I've never stayed there before I'm not really sure what to put on the ressie if we change it. Any suggestions? Pictures would be great too. I realize I won't get a savannah view. But from what I remember reading the animals were moved off of them any way, right? Or was that information wrong?

 

[Crisgw]

The animals are still out on a few Savannah's if memory serves me correctly. They were just moved around. I vaguely remember something happening with the animals in January 09 but not too sure, someone will know here!

We're doing AKL in Sept I know there are tons of people here who can help you regarding the views.

 

[raven69david]

The animals are still on the savanna. The construction altered their habits a little but that's only on the construction side of the resort. If you're going first 2 1/2 weeks of December, you can get upgraded from standard view to savanna view free if the resort is not booked up. If you go 3rd week of December through end of December, your odds are not as good but there is still hope. Upon check-in, simply ask if there are any free upgrades to a savanna view. It's always worked for me and i've only paid for the standard view room. Best of Luck.

P.S.
You need to see the main AKL thread for all things AKL, which includes tons of pics.

 

[skipperkim]

The animals are still on the savanna. The construction altered their habits a little but that's only on the construction side of the resort. If you're going first 2 1/2 weeks of December, you can get upgraded from standard view to savanna view free if the resort is not booked up. If you go 3rd week of December through end of December, your odds are not as good but there is still hope. Upon check-in, simply ask if there are any free upgrades to a savanna view. It's always worked for me and i've only paid for the standard view room. Best of Luck.

P.S.
You need to see the main AKL thread for all things AKL, which includes tons of pics.

We'll be in the world Nov 30-Dec 7, TDay weekend. Besides celebrating my 50th bday there we're going to go see a space shuttle launch, hopefully. So while I'd love an upgrade, I doubt we'd see one. But it doesn't hurt to ask. Who knows maybe if they see it's my 50th bday and DBF's 1st visit we'll just get one. Oh, please reservation godmother make my dream come true.

 

[danceintherain]

The animals are supposed to be moved off one of the Savannah's on January 15, 2008. I think it's the Savannah that will be shared with the Animal Kingdom Villas. This should not affect your stay. However, I've heard the Standard view rooms at AKL are horrendous. Parking lots, buses, tops of facility buildings, etc. (this is totally hearsay information) However, it's only $10 more a night to get a standard pool view, which are supposedly better.

The only reason I know is because I'm considering the same thing (AKL instead of POR) I really want to stay Savannah view, or even better Concierge. However, I cannot justify the cost, when I know we won't be spending a lot of time enjoying the view. I figure I'll do Standard and enjoy the decorations inside the room, even if my balcony view sucks.

OT: You're from Olathe? Me too!

 

[kerri0616]

Definitely book a pool view. It's a few dollars more and you know you won't be looking at a parking lot or bus depot.

KJ

 

[EnnEss]

The animals are supposed to be moved off one of the Savannah's on January 15, 2008. I think it's the Savannah that will be shared with the Animal Kingdom Villas. This should not affect your stay. However, I've heard the Standard view rooms at AKL are horrendous. Parking lots, buses, tops of facility buildings, etc. (this is totally hearsay information) However, it's only $10 more a night to get a standard pool view, which are supposedly better.

/QUOTE]

Animals werent' moved off that savanah. They changed which animals are in what savannahs though. We had standard view and got that savanah view, apparently because if you are out on the balcony and looking left you can see the cranes off in the distance. But, we got animals for free!!!! The animals in that savanahh at that time (may) were giraffes, zebras, the african cattle (massive horns) and ostriches. There was a baby zebra there too! Various birds of course, so it was absolultely great. We were also quite close to the lobby and often there would be giraffes there in the afternoon right by our room, one even slept in front of it once.

We actually upgraded to AKL from CBR because of a code. The room we got was a total upgrade we thought, but the front desk said it wasn't, the rooms there had all been downranked. If you've never gone to boma, definately do it. Check out the night vision animal viewing a couple times too .

 

[720L]

The animals are supposed to be moved off one of the Savannah's on January 15, 2008. I think it's the Savannah that will be shared with the Animal Kingdom Villas. This should not affect your stay. However, I've heard the Standard view rooms at AKL are horrendous. Parking lots, buses, tops of facility buildings, etc. (this is totally hearsay information) However, it's only $10 more a night to get a standard pool view, which are supposedly better.

The only reason I know is because I'm considering the same thing (AKL instead of POR) I really want to stay Savannah view, or even better Concierge. However, I cannot justify the cost, when I know we won't be spending a lot of time enjoying the view. I figure I'll do Standard and enjoy the decorations inside the room, even if my balcony view sucks.

OT: You're from Olathe? Me too!

I wouldn't call the standard view rooms horrendous. I never heard any cars or buses. The standard pool view is much better though and worth the extra money.

 

[tink771]

Twice we were booked in a standard view room at AKL. Both times we were upgraded. Once to a deluxe partial Savannah view and the other to a pool view. We never even asked for the upgrade, they just did it at check in. Good luck!

 

[shellybaxter]

I talked this over wih DBF yesterday and we are considering upgrading to AKL if we can get a code that is better than what we have with AAA. We are currently at CSR with a king size bed and DDP, we want to keep the king size bed and DDP part of the ressie. I realize that I'm only paying for a standard view, but I really don't want a parking lot view or to be able to hear the buses either. Since I've never stayed there before I'm not really sure what to put on the ressie if we change it. Any suggestions? Pictures would be great too. I realize I won't get a savannah view. But from what I remember reading the animals were moved off of them any way, right? Or was that information wrong?

I don't like the Standard View rooms at AKL. We had one once and won't stay in one again. Love AKL - Hate standard view. We had a room just over the entrance and did hear cars and people all the time. I was uncomfortable sitting on the balcony as it was such a busy area.

Something to consider - you will not be guarenteed a king size bed. The only place to reserve (and pay extra for) a king room is in the moderate resorts. At all other resort catagories a king bed is just a request.

If you are happy with your current choice I would stay put unless you can afford a savannah view room. Switching would be worth it for a savannah view.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Of course, the question could be moot if they do not have free-DDP rooms left.

 

[skipperkim]

Of course, the question could be moot if they do not have free-DDP rooms left.

I'm not staying during free dining. I'm staying in Nov-Dec. But we really have to have a king size bed. DBF is a bed hog.