AKV - value, standard, savannah differences at studios

[NorweJenNY]

We're considering a stay in the future at AKV but have a few questions.

Does anyone have experience with the different level studios at AKV? I can understand paying more to see animals out your window instead of a parking lot, but there are three levels... any explanation out there? Is savannah the only way you're guaranteed to see any animals?

Also, are animals viewable from lounges or restaurants? I think what's I'm trying to ask is - Is it still worth it to book a value studio to save money, or does it defeat the whole purpose of staying at an animal-themed resort?

What benefit is there to a standard over value?

[spiceycat]

always book value or standard.

there are plenty of places to see the animals.

savannah view is that
standard view is the pool

value view is a smaller studio with views at parking, pool or savannah - you don't get to pick.

standard and value pool views - are close to the lobby and buses (there is a short cut from a value pool view to the bus)

the only laundry mat is next to the standard view rooms.

[Simba's Mom]

We're considering a stay in the future at AKV but have a few questions.

Does anyone have experience with the different level studios at AKV? I can understand paying more to see animals out your window instead of a parking lot, but there are three levels... any explanation out there? Is savannah the only way you're guaranteed to see any animals?

Also, are animals viewable from lounges or restaurants? I think what's I'm trying to ask is - Is it still worth it to book a value studio to save money, or does it defeat the whole purpose of staying at an animal-themed resort?

What benefit is there to a standard over value?
In May I stayed in standard (3 nights), value (2 nights), and savannah (2 nights) studios, in a week's stay specifically to learn the differences (at least in the 3 studios I stayed in). The only one from which I saw animals was the savannah view (overlooking Arusha savannah), but my standard view studio had a lovely little bench out in the hallway nearby overlooking Arusha savannah. None overlooked the parking lot-the standard and value both were pool view. I thought the value studio had a nicer view and, although it was a smaller studio, my trip was a solo one and the studio was plenty big enough for just one person. Although you can't see animals from the lounges or resturants, there are plenty of neat viewing areas. You'll get different answers as to whether or not staying at AKV is "worth it" without the savannah view, but my opinion is definitely! I especially love the value studios, I think they're a great use of points, but the smaller size may be an issue, depending on the size of your traveling party.

[carolina_yankee]

For the points, I think savannah view is really worth it. There's something about sitting out on your own balcony and watching the animals when you notice they're suddenly doing something interesting. (After all, they're ultimately like cats - just lie around for 20 hours and shed.)

There are plenty of viewing areas - great for just chilling out, and you will see something, but will be less likely to have those 'magic moments' that can happen from the increased viewing opportunity you get in your room.

That said, I've stayed at AKL enough to be OK with value or pool view. In fact, I requested that for January, but our last night is the first night of most marathon arrivals and they already snagged the lower-point rooms for their weekend. I wasn't unhappy to be 'forced' to upgrade to savannah view for the whole trip rather than switch rooms our last night.

Dirk

[NorweJenNY]

Thanks for all your input! It does help.

Hope you don't mind my asking another question...

What about dining options? I have heard there are some great restaurants there, but thought some of the flavors lend themselves to be a little more exotic. I've got young children who are not too adventurous food-wise. What would be the best food options for us if we stay here?

[JimP]

The best way to save points is to stay at the Days Inn in Kissimmee, and bring pictures of the animals.

/Jim

[NorweJenNY]

:hahahaha:

[OL60]

Thanks for all your input! It does help.

Hope you don't mind my asking another question...

What about dining options? I have heard there are some great restaurants there, but thought some of the flavors lend themselves to be a little more exotic. I've got young children who are not too adventurous food-wise. What would be the best food options for us if we stay here?

There are three resturants on-site.

Broma and Jiku are the fancy fully African themed places (With Jiku being the higher end I believe). We ate at Broma one time and neither of my children nor my wife enjoyed it - but that is just my family.

There is also Mara. They have your standard pizza, burger, and such. Also some really good sandwiches. You should be fine with this one.

[gblast123]

The best way to save points is to stay at the Days Inn in Kissimmee, and bring pictures of the animals.

/Jim


TOO, TOOO FUNNY!!!:thumbsup:

[Plutosgirl]

For me the Savannah view is well worth the extra points. There's nothing like waking up or ending the day on the balcony watching the animals wander by. Last trip I caught a young zebra running large figure 8s out there and chasing small birds, rabbits and even charging an ostrich... it was priceless for me... but I love watching animals and that was the main reason for my purchase at AKV... as for food, we got a taste of some in the concierge lounge at night... I enjoyed it, but there was a lot of cumin seasoning in what I sampled. My niece wasn't crazy about it, but liked the food court downstairs.

[ghost1000]

We had a value studio in May. It was pool view, but our view was blocked by two trees. That suited me just fine, since I don't need to watch people splashing around in the pool.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/ghost1000/mouseowne/Dscf5460.jpg

[BWV Dreamin]

The best way to save points is to stay at the Days Inn in Kissimmee, and bring pictures of the animals.

/Jim

:ROTFL::ROTFL::ROTFL: