This Disney World Hotel Hack May Surprise You, But It's Totally Allowed!

Room upgrades for a fee are common across Disney World’s hotels. However, did you know that you can improve your view at one of the property’s most in-demand resorts JUST by asking?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has been one of Walt Disney World’s most popular hotels since it opened in 2001. While the hotel does offer Deluxe Tier amenities and restaurants, including Jiko and Boma, arguably its main draw is the four “lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home.” I’ve been visiting Disney hotels for three decades, and I can’t recall a more breathtaking sight than the animals grazing right on hotel grounds.

While those guests with standard rooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can see the animals and savannas from the hotel’s common areas, there is a way for them to get a better view. If you find yourself checking into the hotel, it doesn’t hurt to request — NICELY, and only once — a room with a partial savanna view.

Giraffe at Animal Kingdom Lodge

If available, there are several pros to this type of room. They provide a partial view, without the upgrade cost associated with a typical savanna view room, which is typically about $150 to $200 more expensive. In addition, they actually feature a shorter walk to the hotel’s lobby area, restaurant, and transportation infrastructure.

Look how close the bird was!

Of course, there are some cons. First and foremost, we must stress that this upgrade is NOT always available (and once again, please be respectful of Cast Members when you ask). In addition, key in on the word “partial.” While the view of the savanna will be a highlight, it may be partially obstructed or in other ways blocked.