AKL is a fine hotel, just ask for a room close to the lobby or you could be walking a long ways. And busing can be a pain sometimes, because of the distance.:animwink:
You can get stuck pretty far away from the lobby if you don't get a room close to the lobby.
We have stayed at AKL 3 times and never had an issue with the bus service. Some parks are further than others, but this is true for every resort.
I would love to be located by the lobby, but are the Savannah views okay as far as the animals coming close?
Well, the rooms have a greta view of the savannah, but the animals do roam within their area. The keepers do "plant" food in spots that give the guests a very good view of them.
It was expensive, but by far it's our families' favorite hotel. It's just a remarkable property and so very unique! A true must see IMHO!
We agree. We stay concierge level as well; expensive, but we love it.
We stayed there for one night at the end of our holiday last month and upgraded to the savannah view. It was good for one night but I think I'd have to ask myself if I was staying any longer how much time am I really going to spend looking out my window. Otherwise though great hotel, Boma was also excellent, was just sorry I didn't have time to try Jiko.
Every morning, afternoon (if you come back for a rest) and evening when you get back to the room. My wife, son and I find the views of the animals amazingly relaxing and magical, so we take a look every chance we get.
If I was going to go back though, I would go for concierge and do the sunrise safari.
We have done this a couple of times and love it. Concierge is excellent and the sunrise safari is great, especially the breakfast at Tusker House after wards.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is absolutely beautfiul. The savannahs and the impressive main lobby are entertainment in and of themselves. It's the kind of thing you just don't find at an off site hotel, nor at most other Disney resorts. Boma is a must-eat restaurant!
On the other hand, the cost is extraordinary and the rooms themselves aren't spectacular. Paying for a savannah view makes your stay even more expensive and it isn't worth it when you can just take a short walk to see the animals. Then there's the argument about how much time you'll spend in your room in the first place.
One more thing. Animal Kingdom Lodge is way out there. If you're planning to rely on Disney's bus service, tack on some extra time getting to and from 3 out of the 4 parks.
That said, my advice is to go ahead and stay there as this is a special occasion for you.
Highly disagree with you about the Savannah view not being worth it. To each their own, but in my opinion the Savannah view is integral to the experience of AKL.
My son and I stayed at Coronado Springs and I found myself getting very frustrated with the bus service and times there. Even though AKL was further the buses seemed to be more plentiful.
My wife and I have stayed at AKL 3 times over the past few years. We love the resort and can't wait to introduce it to our daughter when she is old enough to visit. The early reports of the construction indicate that most of the DVC work will be going on with rooms that overlook the Sunset Savannah. I personally like the Arusha Savannah better. While you are not guranteed anything I would suggest that you request the Arusah Savannah on the Zebra Trail (link to map from AllEars.net
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/aklmap3.jpg ) when you make your reservation. That will give you a view of the heart of the resort and hopefully keep you out of the construction.
On a more expensive note, if you are an Annual Passholder or if Disney offers any deals for the time you are traveling you may want to consider the concierge level of the resort. The food they bring out is from Boma and Jiko (two top notch restaurants) and it is almost always well stocked. Plus they bring out some wine and great desserts in the evening. There is also access to special tours if you are staying in the concierge rooms. If you think you may be spending a fair amount of time at the hotel hanging around the pool or just resting the investment may be worth it for you.
Have a great trip.
These are some great suggestions, especially regarding a room on Arusha.
We love concierge level at AKL and the CMs here are top notch as is the food and wine.