Upgrades at AKL?

[duck_adoo]

Hi! How do the free upgrades at AKL occur? We just switched from ASMo to AKL for our trip in mid-Aug. We received a great rate via postcard of $129/night for a standard view which is just fine. We're thankful we're getting to stay at a deluxe resort w/such a great rate. ..but I've been reading about these free upgrades to Savanah views etc.. and was wondering how the actually happen? I believe we've requested the Giraffe Trail on anything but the ground level. Do they tell you when you check in if you've been upgraded ? Thanks, Duck

 

[hallie]

Not sure about upgrades but I just wanted to let you know that the lobby is on the 3rd floor at AKL, there aren't any rooms on the ground floor. It's weird at first, we stayed on the 2nd floor and kept pressing the down button on the elevator by accident when we were going to the lobby-lol. The ground level has the restaurants on it. Just wanted to let you know in case you want to change your requests! Have a great trip!

 

[MiJo]

a few weeks ago. My DW and I had booked ressies at the CBR and then got the opportunity to book an AKL standard view room for $135/night. We did so and went down thinking we would have a parking lot view but, not having ever been able to stay at a Deluxe before, that was fine by us! Upon check-in, we were told we had been given a complimentary upgrade. The CM then checked the computer and said, "OOOH, it's a nice one!" We were upgraded to a fifth-floor Uzima Savannah room (5516). We now believe the fifth floor is Deluxe rooms so we really got a nice upgrade. We were there as part of Disney's American Heroes Program, which may have had something to do with it. However, other people we talked to had also been given complimentary upgrades without asking. Apparently, there are around 1300 rooms at AKL and only 100 or so are standard view, so they do tend to give upgrades if available. You cannot count on it, though. This is a beautiful resort. Don't miss the dinner buffet at Boma! You may also want to take the lobby tour at 3:30 and do the Hidden Mickeys Safari (get a clue sheet at Guest Services). You will really enjoy your stay at AKL.
Mike

 

[gepetto]

Since what you booked a standard view (parking lot), chances are that is what you will be getting. While there are people here on the boards that have recieved complimentary upgrades, I think they are the exception rather than the norm.

 

[Justhope]

We were there in April and had booked 2 standard rooms for 139.00 and when we checked in the very nice CM let me know that not only did we get upgraded but so did my mom who was with us, we had requested connecting rooms, it was wonderful and I can't wait to go back. We had a great savannah view.

Hope

 

[Bstanley]

I agree with MiJo - I believe that the present management of the AKL has made it a policy to upgrade a view when possible because they only have a limited number of standard rooms at the AKL and can afford to do so. It certainly seems like more people get upgraded at the AKL than at the other deluxes.

We've stayed at the Polynesian several times and have never been upgraded. We stayed at AKL once and were upgraded from standard to Savannah...

At the time I thought it was because of my 'shmoozing' the lady at the desk - you know - telling her that we normally stay at the Polynesian, that we had just come from the HRH and it would be a hard act to follow, that we were looking forwad to seeing the animals, etc. - but after seeing many reports of people being upgraded from standard to Savannah view at AKL I've come to realize that maybe I wasn't such a good talker - it's just that the staff at AKL really wants to make every visit as 'Magical' as possible!

Obviously you can't bank on an upgrade, but based on people's experiences so far I would be hopeful!

You made a good choice in requesting a higher than ground floor room on the Giraffe Trail - if you don't get upgraded. The 'ground' floor rooms there look out onto the bus stop... The Giraffe Trail has NO Savannah view rooms (only Standard and Pool views) so if you get upgraded you will be moving to another Trail

The lowest Savannah level is the second floor - and IMHO it is the best! It's as close to the critters as you can get and we got some GREAT pictures from our 2nd floor balcony on the Kudu Trail. So if they offer you a 2nd floor Savannah view - take it!