Hi Breck! I love to splurge on Disney's deluxe resorts, but at the same time, I'm frugal and often book the least expensive room category. For me to pay extra for a view, that view has to be spectacular to justify the extra expense. At the
Animal Kingdom Lodge, it is! I love this resort and have stayed there many times, and I book only savanna view rooms there. In my opinion, it's definitely worth the money to pay extra for the view at this resort. Although there are plenty of public viewing areas of the savanna around the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is nothing more relaxing and magical than sitting on your hotel room balcony watching the giraffes, zebras, and other animals grazing on the savanna. It's such a unique experience that you can't have anywhere else in America, and I don't think you'd regret spending the extra money for a savanna view room. While guests sometimes are able to upgrade their room at check-in, availability of a savanna view room is, of course, not guaranteed, so if you definitely know you'd like one, it's best to book in advance.
Hope you have a magical time this December!