AK Concierge villas - worth it? what's included?

[BoardwalkSuzy]

We want to plan one of our trips to AK and looking at the concierge level rates, they actually don't look that bad (compared to say rack rates for concierge at the Polynesian). We plan on being at the resort between about 1-5pm, not in the parks - kids naps, change of clothes, etc. Can you bring a couple of friends into the concierge area, or do they carefully check everyone to make sure registered as "concierge"? What do they provide with concierge? Is it worth it?

 

[5forDiz]

Need to be registered in a concierge villa at AKV to make use of concierge lounge, just as if you wanedt to access Top of World Lounge at BLT you'd need to be staying on points at BLT or through cash reservation made through DVC Member Services, you would not be able to invite guests here either unless they are registered as staying in your villa at BLT.

AKV's Concierge villa reservations are tough to get without owning points at AKV and booking at 11 month window because there are only 5 two bedroom lock-off villas for concierge so the most they can break down to is 5 studios and 5 1 bedroom villas. All are located in Jambo House and include daily maid service and access to concierge lounge and guest services. Lounge has breakfast offerings of cereal, breakfast pastries & maybe hot item, afternoon is more snack-like offerings(nothing much to write home about during afternoon usually) & beverages and evenings there is usually 2 - 3 appetizer type items (hot), wine (maybe beer too, not certain though) and later in evening some desserts & cordials served as well. Also, staying in concierge villas allow you to book special safari tours ( extra charge for these )

Many feel it is worth extra points needed for concierge, others not so much.

 

[erionm]

Some AKV Concierge Level from the member website:

Jambo House Concierge Accommodations
Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Lockoff

Kilimanjaro Club Concierge accommodations include the following Kilimanjaro Club Level Services:

• Advanced Walt Disney World itinerary planning service
• Personalized front desk and Concierge service
• Daily housekeeping service and evening turndown with chocolates
• Secured key access to 6th floor and Club Level lounge
• Weekday newspaper delivery of USA Today
• Assistance with special events planning and shopping
• Club Level Lounge refreshments

Plus, only those staying in a CL room can book the Sunrise Safari.

Sunrise Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Take a 30-45 minute safari to get an insider look at the animals, the grounds and the operation of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. After the safari, savor a lavish breakfast buffet at Pizzafari. Subject to availability, Park admission is required but not included. This tour is exclusive to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Concierge Guests only. For full details and to check pricing, times, and availability Club Level Guests should contact The Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of their stay at 407-938-4755.

 

[BoardwalkSuzy]

Thanks Michael for the information. The Sunrise Safari sounds like it would make it worth it. Love getting up at sunrise too. Would be hard for us to book since home resort is BWV, and from what I read above there are only 5 lock-off 2BRs, and apparently the studios go first, leaving the other half of the lock-off - the 1BRs to go next.

 

[thepops]

Sunrise safari is worth the extra $. You are out there over an hour. lots of time for photos and explainations by your guide.

 

[canluvpooh]

I was staying concierge level a couple of weeks ago - one breakfast time it was crowded and a family sat right next to me on the couch, no problem, except I could hear all of their conversation.

They were making very good use of the breakfast offerings - as was I - and they were talking very loudly. From their conversation I gathered that they were not all staying at the hotel, the mother-in-law
lived in the area and was over visiting for breakfast, like it was a buffet