Welcome to planDisney, Harley!
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite Walt Disney World hotel. I've stayed there a couple of times and would gladly stay there every time I visit.
You'll be pleased to know that there are a number of great viewing areas around the hotel. If you stop by the Resort Front Desk, you should find some printed Wayfinder Maps. If you look at one of those maps, you'll find some pawprint symbols scattered around the hotel. These pawprint symbols represent Savanna Overlooks. I'd recommend visiting each overlook for great views of the animals. My personal two favorites are in the Jambo House area. If you go straight through the lobby and head back outside, you'll walk past the campfire and there is a great viewing spot of the Arusha Savanna. Another great spot is close to the Uzima Pool. If you go past the Uzima Springs Pool Bar and take a left, you should find a splendid view of the Uzima Savanna. If you pick up your Wildlife Field Guide (found in your Guest room), you can try and identify each animal species on the Savanna.
When it comes to getting a Standard Room with a partial Savanna view, you can always make this request when you check in to your hotel. This is by no means guaranteed, but Cast Members will always try to make your trip as magical as possible. On my last trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, I stayed in a Standard Room, yet I was able to enjoy a wonderful view of the Sunset Savanna. There's nothing like waking up and seeing giraffes outside your room first thing in the morning.
Whatever view you get, I trust you'll fall in love with Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you can, try and secure a dining reservation for one of the
many amazing restaurants. The Indian bread service at
Sanaa is scrumptious!
I hope that's helpful, Harley! You're going to have a brilliant time. Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Mike