Some random post-trip thoughts

[Kuzco]

We just returned from a five night stay at AKV Jambo House. We were in a concierge studio. Our room was great - nice and big. The pull-out sofa was more comfortable than I imagined. The concierge "extras" were also really nice. We enjoyed daily housekeeping and turn-down service. We also had a chocolate "square" bearing the AKL logo waiting for us in our room upon check-in.

A few hours after we checked in, we noticed some standing water by the toilet in the restroom. We cleaned it up, but a few minutes later, water was pooling on the restroom floor again. The toilet was definitely leaking, so we called maintenance. Maintenance came to our room about ten minutes later and told us that they would have to remove the toilet in order to replace the flange. This worked out well for us since we had dinner reservations at Boma. By the time we were finished with dinner, the maintenance cast member was just finishing up. We were impressed with the prompt response to our call.

We also purchased the dining plan for the first time. Although this seems like a great idea for some guests, we found that it was too much food for us. We also felt "pressured" to eat rather than enjoying the parks at our own pace. To us, it seemed like the trip revolved around our meals. In the end, we had several snacks and one table service meal that we never used. I think we will pay as we go in the future, but the plan could be a significant cost savings to families who enjoy having several table service meals during their trip.

We really lucked out and at the last minute were able to book a Sunrise Safari. For anyone staying in a concierge room who enjoys seeing and learning about the animals at Animal Kingdom, I HIGHLY recommend this safari. It was really interesting to hear the "backstage" information about the animals from a very knowledgeable animal keeper. The breakfast buffet at Pizzafari was great as well.

The concierge lounge was nice. As has been discussed on the boards before, the food selection seems to have changed from what has been offered in the past. However, we did not plan on using the lounge as meal substitutes, but rather as a place to grab a quick snack, relax and enjoy the resort.

Overall, we had another great time at WDW and can't wait to plan our next trip!

[lulubelle]

Thanks for the review. We are staying in a Concierge Studio next year as well and love to read about others' experiences. One of the main perks for me would be morning coffee and a light breakfast. Was it easy to bring coffee and danish/fruit to your room? Or do you have to eat there? We are not big morning eaters, but need a little something and definitely some coffee. How was your view? How would it be compared to a SV room? Did you have any wine? Did you see the brand? Thanks for any additional insight you can provide.

[Kuzco]

Originally Posted by lulubelle

Thanks for the review. We are staying in a Concierge Studio next year as well and love to read about others' experiences. One of the main perks for me would be morning coffee and a light breakfast. Was it easy to bring coffee and danish/fruit to your room? Or do you have to eat there? We are not big morning eaters, but need a little something and definitely some coffee. How was your view? How would it be compared to a SV room? Did you have any wine? Did you see the brand? Thanks for any additional insight you can provide.

Our room was right down the hall from the lounge, so it was very easy to bring some of the food and drink back to our room. If you want a light breakfast, then you will definitely enjoy the breakfast offerings in the lounge. We certainly did.

Our view was of the pool, so we did not see any animals. The view was not as "good" as a Savannah view room, but we still enjoyed the view. Plus, it was nice to be able to see how busy the pool was at any given time.

I did not pay attention to the brand of wine, but can tell you that they were offering merlot, shiraz, and chardonnay. I had a glass of shiraz and it was pretty good.

Hopefully this answers some of your questions!

[lulubelle]

Yes, you were very helpful. Thank you!

[wdw1972]

The white wine is Indaba (from south africa). Can't speak to the reds...don't drink those. Taking coffee/continental breakfast to your studio is a piece of cake...the dvc rooms are on the same floor a the lounge. Non-dvc rooms would be a pain, though - they're on the 4th floor and the lounge is on the 6th so it's not convenient for those people at all. There are plenty of tables, though.

[Crystal_27]

So glad that you had a wonderful time, and that your maintenance issue was resolved so quickly! I had to laugh, though, about your statement about feeling like your trip revolved around your meals...I caught myself thinking "is that a BAD thing?" LOL

[Kuzco]

Originally Posted by Crystal_27

I had to laugh, though, about your statement about feeling like your trip revolved around your meals...I caught myself thinking "is that a BAD thing?" LOL

Good point!

[bobbiwoz]

Being able to send DH to the concierge lounge for a good cup of coffee that I didn't have to make was one of the perks of the CL that I really enjoyed, like you, lulubelle!!!

We did the Sunrise Safari in March and we loved that experience too, and last month we did the Wildlife Discovery Excursion, which was also very good. No meals with that one, but the information and our experience was excellent. We went down one of the side roads on the KS and came upon the family of giraffees, baby is just over a year. He was so inquisitive, at one point, he stuck his head into our vehicle and licked one of the poles inside. Mom and dad stood by watching him.

We would do both experiences again when we spring for CL again, probably next fall.

Bobbi