Jambo, Louise, and welcome to planDisney!
How wonderful that you'll be calling
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge your magical home away from home. It's one of my favorite Disney Resort hotels. There's nothing quite like enjoying your morning cup of coffee as giraffes and zebras amble past your balcony, so I completely understand your desire to upgrade to a
Savanna View room.
For a guaranteed Savannah View, you'll need to reach out to your travel agency or a
Walt Disney World Resort Cast Member to change your booking from Resort to Savanna View. Of course, I understand that this is not always possible, so you are more than welcome to inquire about a possible upgrade to a partial savannah view upon check-in. If you'd like to make the request in advance, you could reach out to a Cast Member using the online chat function on the website to inquire about the possibility of adding the request to your reservation. It's important to keep in mind that requests are just that, requests. But in my experience, it never hurts to ask because magic abounds at Walt Disney World Resort!
It's also worth adding that when I have booked rooms with a standard view for my family's vacations and been delighted to discover a partial savanna view upon arrival, the rooms are often tucked away in areas further from the Resort's lobby. While you might not see wildlife consistently throughout the day, you'll often catch them in the mornings and evenings as they make their way to and from the main savannahs. I was once even able to chat with a Cast Member from my balcony as he scattered late-afternoon snacks for the zebras.
Regardless of your room location, you'll be in for a treat as you're able to observe the wildlife from the lobby's grand windows and the Arusha Rock Savanna Overlook. Oh, and don't forget to go check out the flamingos near the Uzima Pool! I'm embarrassed to admit that I did not know they were there until my third or fourth stay at the Resort.
planDisney Pixie Dust: For added ambiance in your room, ask
Hey Disney! to play the Spirit of the Pride Lands soundscape.
I hope this information is helpful, Louise, and that you're able to embrace the
Hakuna Matata vibes of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge during your stay. Your little ones are sure to love it!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie