AK Lodge Construction

[Da Bird is Da Word]

Hey guys. My girlfriend and I are going to Disney for a week, Sept 4 thru 11. I haven't been to WDW in 12 years and my gf hasn't been ever, and this is both of our first times going to AK Lodge. I spent a good chunk of change booking a Savanna view room for our trip! Anyway, I read an article on DisneyTouristBlog saying that there's construction going on at the resort and that it's expected to last until the Fall. In the comments section, some people are sharing horror stories, saying that there were nothing but cranes all over the Savanna, and all the animals were scared away.

Is anyone here privy to what's going on at AK Lodge, construction-wise, and whether it might be done by the time me and my gf go in September? Also, can I try to request a room that is away from the construction? And if I can make those types of requests, then how far in advance can I make such a request? Also, I rented DVC points, so do I have to go through the DVC broker to see if they can have the owner make the request for me? Thanks for your advice!

 

[mouse_luv]

Hey guys. My girlfriend and I are going to Disney for a week, Sept 4 thru 11. I haven't been to WDW in 12 years and my gf hasn't been ever, and this is both of our first times going to AK Lodge. I spent a good chunk of change booking a Savanna view room for our trip! Anyway, I read an article on DisneyTouristBlog saying that there's construction going on at the resort and that it's expected to last until the Fall. In the comments section, some people are sharing horror stories, saying that there were nothing but cranes all over the Savanna, and all the animals were scared away.

Is anyone here privy to what's going on at AK Lodge, construction-wise, and whether it might be done by the time me and my gf go in September? Also, can I try to request a room that is away from the construction? And if I can make those types of requests, then how far in advance can I make such a request? Also, I rented DVC points, so do I have to go through the DVC broker to see if they can have the owner make the request for me? Thanks for your advice!

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Last I knew when we were there in may, they are working on refurbing rooms. They were doing the Kudu Trail rooms then. IDK how long this is going to take but it did NOT scare off the animals. They were out and about, lots of them.

 

[LeighM]

I was there for a night in May staying at Kidani. They've changed locations now but our room in Kidani could see the outside work and equipment across the Sunset savanna at Jambo. It was mostly very loud power washers while we were there but it definitely affected our enjoyment of the savanna on our balcony while they were working. They were going to move us but it was a Friday, we had a great room location, and we were all told they would stop working at 5pm for the weekend. They did quit work by 5pm and we had a relaxing evening. Some animals were used to the noise and went where they wanted but I noticed that some were staying away and came closer to our section after the work had stopped. Animal Kingdom Lodge has so much to offer and many other quiet places to sit to overlook the savannas, which is what we did until 5pm.

 

[nickys]

As you’ve rented points, contact the broker with your room request. They will ask the owner to make it for you with Member Services.

 

[Nottamus]

We were there in April, and there were rooms being refurbed, just like your pic...one section at a time. Work wasn't 'all over the savanna'

And i think it starts after 9am, and done by 5pm if i remember right if that helps.

It didn't disrupt anything for us, as animals were still out and about. Also, like stated above, there are many places to view animals in quiet restful areas...have a great trip.

 

[Ghostdog]

I was at AKL Jambo house the last week of June for dinner at Sanaa, we went and sat at the savanna overlook for a while to watch the animals and I didn’t see any cranes. The animals were out and enjoying themselves.

 

[DISR]

Usually Disney posts information if your resort is undergoing any work they believe could impact your stay. They must be really convinced the AKL refurbs are being done in such a way as to not affect guests. A quick internet search shows very little in the way of information or complaints on various forums and information sites, so I'm guessing that Disney is really able to execute this work under the radar of most folks. A few pics of the rooms are available on various sites, and they look good. I will be there in Aug and I'm hoping to get one of the new rooms.