Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge... Concierge Level vs. Standard Savanna View?

Question

Okay, so I'm going to be going to AKL in August 2008. There will be three adults, three children, and an infant. That means I need either two rooms, or a 1BR suite (or 2BR villa).

Currently, I have a reservation for a pair of rooms on the club level (concierge), as I'm thinking the snacks throughout the day, and option of taking the sunrise safari are pretty cool. However, especially for the kids, I'm really after the savanna view. Unfortunately, on club level, it's not guaranteed. For a difference of $40/night per room extra, I'm wondering if that's a foolish gamble to take.

So... has anyone stayed in a standard club-level room, and been unable to get a savanna view (when you've wanted it, that is, some people prefer pool view)? Also, does anyone know if the 1BR suites have a guaranteed view? As I understand with the 2BR villas on club level, there are 3 savannah view, and 2 pool view, and it's not guaranteed.

Any thoughts on if club level is worth is are also appreciated?

Answer 1

The first thing I think I should mention is that Disney is doing construction until 2009 for the Animal Kingdom villas. They have moved several people to Saratoga because the noise was too loud for guests at one point. It is definitely something to be aware, for a lot of people it is not the ideal way to spend your vacation, if you think it may be a problem you may want to think about another hotel, or keep watching the progress of the construction.... The villas are great at Disney and since you you have a larger party, you may want to see if you would be able to get a reservation for one of the villas that are available now.

I think whether or not to go with Concierge is really a personal preference. The thing with Disney is that no matter where you stay, and whether or not you get concierge, you still get the great service anyway. So if you just want to get really great treatment, it really isn't something you have to do. The snacks and things are nice, they also have wine and the lounge is nice as well. The food is pretty good and of the concierge at Disney, Animal Kingdoms is one of the nicest. However, if you plan on getting the dining plan, you will have so much food that you can't eat it all, so the lounge may not be worth it for you. It also depends on how much time you plan to be at the resort, if most of your time will be spent in the parks, will you be able to utilize the lounge much? I like the concierge myself, I like the foods and things they offer, and I don't spend quite as much time in the parks as I used to, so for me I feel it is worth it.

It is bad with the views, even in the lounge for concierge you don't get a view of the savannah, you look into the lobby. The view is either pool or a savannah view room, so at least it is not standard view. The best thing to do is just put a request on your vacation for a savannah view and hope for the best. I've stayed in the club level rooms several times and have had a savannah view each time, but my travel agent always puts the request in for me.

Since you are interested in the sunrise and sunset safaris, I think it may make it worth it as well. It is a great option to have and since you can only get it with club level, a lot of people book club just because of the safari.

I personally find the 1br and 2br suites to be really great, and especially nice for a larger party. It would give you more space and also make it nicer since you have an infant (for taking naps and things) If it fits in your budget, I highly recommend them, they are fantastic!

Answer 2

Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge