Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

I'm thinking about booking Disney for September. I was looking at AKL and there is availability for Savannah rooms. Has anyone stayed in this type of room? Is it worth it? I think I got a decent $$$$ but know that deals for September have not come out yet.

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

Well unless you booked thru AAA for their discount or booked with a code you are paying rack rate for now. There is usually free dining in Aug/Sept but they have extended the pay for 4 get 3 free deal until mid august so who knows maybe they will extend it again.

I have twice stayed at the AKL and both times had a savannah room. Honestly if I needed to budget I would get a parking lot view any day. AKL does sometimes upgrade for free if you go at an off time (although Sept these days has been pretty busy with free dining). But there are plenty of places to sit and watch the animals from public viewing spots. As you walk down the hallways there are several viewing locations. Additionally there are several places off the main lobby where you can sit or walk around and see the animals so you won't miss out by not having the savannah view.

So I say if you can afford it I would get one b.c there is nothing like waking up or sitting with a glass of wine - or just sitting out on your balcony with the animals right there. But if you can't afford the savannah room - you can have just as good a trip in one of the other options.

This was my view the last time we had one on our 2004 trip:









You can see the public viewing area here:

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

We've stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge twice. Once in a Savannah view room, once in a standard room. Yes, the Savannah view was absolutely gorgeous, but quite honestly we did not, and I'm sure most people who go to Disney do not, spend all that much time up in the room on the balcony to enjoy it. It was a beautiful bonus, nice to sit out on the balcony with our coffee in the morning and whatnot, but not neccessary. I'm glad we did do it once, but there are plenty of lookouts all over the hotel to view the animals. Either way, we love the AKL and the restaurants Boma and Jiko are fabulous!

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

Posted by MommyTeffi

Posted by Lillykat

Well unless you booked thru AAA for their discount or booked with a code you are paying rack rate for now.

Great pics. I have 40% code so I think I got a decent price.

We stayed in a Savannah view room for our HM. I loved it....we had breakfast out there and there were a lot of animals out. Also, my DH would look out there every single free second we had! We loved it, and if it is affordable for you I would say go for it.

And how do you have a 40% coupon code!!! Is it just for AKL????

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

I know they closed the savannah right next to the AKL for some rehab. You may want to see when it's going to be reopened.

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

Posted by jmf423

Posted by MommyTeffi

Posted by Lillykat

Well unless you booked thru AAA for their discount or booked with a code you are paying rack rate for now.

Great pics. I have 40% code so I think I got a decent price.

We stayed in a Savannah view room for our HM. I loved it....we had breakfast out there and there were a lot of animals out. Also, my DH would look out there every single free second we had! We loved it, and if it is affordable for you I would say go for it.

And how do you have a 40% coupon code!!! Is it just for AKL????

I got a card in the mail. The 40% off applies to standard rooms. Since AKL is deluxe is works out to somewhat of a discount but not the full amount (I think around $600 off).

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

It really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Is this a special trip for you or maybe the kids; one that you want a lasting memory of? If yes, then the Savannah View room is definitely worth the rate increase.

Let's say you get an unlucky week where you have a rainout or two; that view can be a vacation saver.

Just be aware though, that Disney promotions usually do not stack. So if you use your 40% off code and they decided to bring back the free dining plan in September, you may not be able to use both. Definitely check with Disney or your travel agent.

Bob

Re: Savannah room at AKL- Is it worth it?

I didn't pay for a savannah view, and got the section where there weren't supposed to be animals (although it's savannah like) and animals came in and hung out alot. it's neat but i don't think it's worth the extra few hundred dollars. i would've offered you 40% off but since you got the coupon, i guess you don't need it haha.