Standard View at AK?

[StephCT]

Does anyone know what the standard view rooms at the AK are like? Will you see animals from your room? Also, do you know if there are adjoining rooms at AK? Would you stay there w/a 2y/o assuming you're going to be spending time at AK and MK? (we'll have a car if that makes any difference).
Thanks,
Stephanie

 

[jwfla422]

From reading the boards over the past few days looks like the AKL standard view rooms are mostly located above the lobby area and in the front wings of the bldg. (Ostrich and Giraffe Trails).

Unfortunately you will not see animals from your room, most of the standard views face the parking lot or other parts of the bldg, possibly rooftops, etc.

There is a bus that runs to MK from AK but I do know it's about a 15-20 min ride, however it is a dedicated bus and isn't shared with other resorts. If you want to drive that's fine too although half the fun of staying on WDW property is not having to drive unless you're going to another resort in the evening, then it gets more challenging to take WDW transportation as you have to transfer buses.

We are staying at AKL for the first time in May but have visited the resort many times and it is very unique. There are many viewing areas to see the animals from different areas of the resort.

If you plan to spend most of your time at MK you may consider staying at WL as it is a little more convenient to get to MK from there. But, if you want the "animal" experience then AKL may just be a nice experience.

 

[CarolA]

No matter where I stay I do NOT drive to MK. You have to park, possibly take the tram and then either take the boat or monorail. Disney buses drop you off right at the entrance!

 

[kujoman]

Just so you know, we booked a pool-view room and stayed there two weeks ago with the thought that there are plenty of overlook points to watch the animals and the pool-view rooms are in a great location. Much to my surprise, we got a free-upgrade upon check-in and had a savannah view (4429). I was sure happy we did. The view was unreal and there is nothing like waking up in the morning and opening your blinds, only to see three giraffes walking around 50 yards away. We really enjoyed the view.

We had a 3 y/o and I would recommend this resort, but ask for a room in the area near ours or one of the other areas close to the lobby. It is a huge resort and hauling a small one at the end of a long day is no fun.

 

[SharonLowe]

Adjoining rooms - rooms near each other
Connecting rooms - rooms with a door that connects them to each other.

AKL has both but will not guarantee either when you make a reservation.

 

[StephCT]

Thanks so much to everyone for the info. Thanks for that connecting room info, good to know they won't guarantee it b/c that wouldn't work for us...we're planning on putting our 2 y/o in one of the rooms and would definitely need connecting!

 

[fla4fun]

Disney won't guarantee connecting rooms if there is more than one adult in the party, because if necessary the adults can be split to monitor the children.

 

[soccer mom]

We are a family of six and have always requested and been guaranteed connecting rooms when the kids were under 18. It always indicated "guaranteed" on our confirmation. Our kids are now 18-26 so the last few trips have been with young adults and we still request connecting rooms. Although they are no longer guaranteed, we have always gotten them. Most of the posts I have read over the the last few years have left me with the impression that connecting rooms is not a hard request for Disney to honor.

You will love AKL, and the bus service is great to everywhere! My family is still "wowed" by having African animals right outside their room! We ate breakfast on the balconies every morning! We will be there again this December when my son returns from Iraq. All six of us plus a fiance and a boyfriend who have never been to Disney...we can't wait to show them everything!

 

[goaliemom]

We stayed at AKL standard view, and were very near an exit door that took us right to the bus. We were happy with the convenience, and didn't miss the views, because we were spending very little time in the rooms themselves. When we wanted to look at the animals, we just walked a little ways down the hall.

We've also requested connecting rooms many times, and have always had those requests granted.