Animal Kingdom question

[disneynut4u]

We had to cancel our December vacation and are now considering a more expensive resort. What are your opinions of the Animal Kingdom? We are planning a savanah view room. Any input you guys can give will be immensely appreciated!

 

[figmentmom]

My daughter and son-in-law had a savannah view room when they stayed at AKL last summer, and LOVED it. It's their favorite resort.

 

[mdbeaudoin]

I stayed there in May and had a great Savannah view room. When you make the reservation, ask for a room close to the lobby (less walking!). BUT - only stay there several days if you plan on staying in the resort for more than a place to sleep! I spent almost two full days at the resort itself to take in the zebras and giraffes and immersed myself into everything the resort has to offer. And I got my money's worth! Make sure you wander around the resort and find the viewing areas on the second floor for each of the Savannahs. Here is an assignment for you... there is a small circular visiting area off the Lobby to the left that leads to a viewing area on a Savannah... in that room is a "hidden" time capsule! See if you can find it! In November I am going to stay at Pop Century - and plan on using that as a place to sleep only. Suggestion - stay at 2 resorts - AK for a few days - then a cheaper resort to spend time in the parks!!!

 

[Master Yoda]

I have stayed at AKL several times and it is by far my favorite resort it all of WDW. The resort itself is breathtaking, the restaurants there are some of the best on property and where else can you go out on your balcony and see a giraffe. The resort is a bit isolated which can make for slightly longer travel times but it is a small price to pay for the complete separation from reality that AKL provides.

 

[jhastings74]

I echo what the others have already said, and just wanted to add that my experience with AKL has always been very positive. Being a bit 'further' away, and also one of their 'premium' resorts, the wait for bus transportation from the parks has always seemed considerably less than others, especially the value resorts. That may have been because of the time of year that we went, but we always seemed to have no wait, even at park closing at MK. Just an added bonus, IMO. I also wanted to agree with the posting about the restaurants...definitely some of the best on property. But who are we kidding? You're at Disney...any resort is a great resort...lol...

 

[disneynut4u]

Thanks to all of you. Now, another question for those with savanah views: Was there an "animal" smell from the balcony? This is just curiosity on my part. You've really made the decision for me! I think this is THE resort for the next trip!

 

[Master Yoda]

Thanks to all of you. Now, another question for those with savanah views: Was there an "animal" smell from the balcony? This is just curiosity on my part. You've really made the decision for me! I think this is THE resort for the next trip!

No smell at all.

 

[RiversideBunny]

Consider how important it is to you to be able to see some girafees and gazelles from your room. You won't be seeing lions and elephants.

Around here I can see cows and horses for free so seeing the tame animals from the room at WDW does not seem worth the extra money.
Personal choice.

Good luck.

 

[pacochran]

AKL was really nice to stay at. We had Savannah view rooms and didn't have any smell at all, and my DW is really senstive about smells and they didn't bother her at all.

I agree with others, in requesting a room try getting one close to the lobby. We were almost at the end of one of the wings, and after a day at the parks to have the additional walk to the room was a killer.

 

[dove_]

I loved AKL. I'm a big animal/Africa person though. No smell I recall, and it was my favorite themed resort at Disney. In my experience, no other one is quite as immersive as that one (maybe because african culture is so different anyways?). Either way, I think it's a great choice. There's only one bus stop at the resort, the bus only stops at that resort, so bus rides were never unbearable, despite AKL being so far away from most things.

 

[CBug88]

I have stayed at AKL many times and never once have noticed an 'animal smell' from my room, or by the decks/pool. I have also had a postive experience with the staff there as well. Of course, if you don't want to pay for a savannah room, just get a standard and venture around the hotel and various savannahs to get a glimpse of the animals. Thats why this hotel is so nice, many things to do and wonderful places to eat! Whatever way you choose to go, I'm sure you'll love it. It's very different, and of course, Disney adds flare like only they can do!

 

[Fade_to_Blah]

It really is an incredible place. I cant recommend it enough. There was definitely no smell that I noticed.

Also to echo what others have said, getting a room on the savanna is always great. But our room was like 3 doors down from the end of the left wing. Now, this was fine for viewing as far as animals and what not. There really isnt a bad savanna view. But lord, coming back from Epcot then having to walk alllllll the way to the end of the wing was just torture. I know it doesnt sound like a big deal, but it can be tough when you have feet that just need a rest.