AKL Concierge Help - Quick Please!!

[deanna2426]

We are going to be celebrating my DH and DS's b-days while in Disney. I am trying to make both b-days really special.

Our original plan was to stay at the ASMovies and then move to BWV (we are DVC owners). I couldn't get a discount at ASMovies (AAA or AP), so we decided to splurge and stay at AKL. DH and DSs love the Kilamajaro Safari and are avid photographers, so we went with a Savannah view. I had thought about surprising DH with concierge so he could do the Sunrise Safari, but I thought it was only on Sat. and Tue. I just read the SS is now offered on Sundays. So, I called and was able to secure an AP rate. My questions are:

1) Is concierge level worth it (we've stayed at the Poly and loved it).

2) Is the Safari enjoyable? Do you really get to see many animals? How long is it?

3) Does anyone have a number or e-mail for AKL concierge so I can make a ressie as soon as possible?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[floridafam]

If any concierge level is worth it, it is AKL.

You will not regret your choice.

Have a wonderful time. I PM'd you with the contact number.

 

[deanna2426]

Just wanted to let you know I spoke with Don in the concierge office. If he is an example of what to expect at AKL, I would want to spend all my vacations there. We had a great conversation, not only was he was extremely knowledgable, but very personable, as well!!! He made me even more excited for this vacation, if that is possible!

Thanks again for passing the number on to me!

 

[pinkpiglettlover]

Stayed at AKL concierge in Jan 2005 and did the SS with my DH, DD12 and DS12 and we all loved. You are making the right decision and it is really worth the extra money!

 

[Nik's Mom]

We are going to be celebrating my DH and DS's b-days while in Disney. I am trying to make both b-days really special.

Our original plan was to stay at the ASMovies and then move to BWV (we are DVC owners). I couldn't get a discount at ASMovies (AAA or AP), so we decided to splurge and stay at AKL. DH and DSs love the Kilamajaro Safari and are avid photographers, so we went with a Savannah view. I had thought about surprising DH with concierge so he could do the Sunrise Safari, but I thought it was only on Sat. and Tue. I just read the SS is now offered on Sundays. So, I called and was able to secure an AP rate. My questions are:

1) Is concierge level worth it (we've stayed at the Poly and loved it).

2) Is the Safari enjoyable? Do you really get to see many animals? How long is it?

3) Does anyone have a number or e-mail for AKL concierge so I can make a ressie as soon as possible?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was tossing around the idea of doing concierge. What was your ap rate (if you don't mind telling)? I currently have $219 a night for savanah view with ap rate.

 

[eddieras]

i've spoken with don and sue at concierge and they could not have been nicer!! very pleasant, helpful and professional!

 

[EEyorelover22]

I was tossing around the idea of doing concierge. What was your ap rate (if you don't mind telling)? I currently have $219 a night for savanah view with ap rate.

I received a quote of $390 plus tax. The rates for 4/17-7/4 are $100 off rack rate.

 

[deanna2426]

I am also paying $390 plus tax AP rate. It is steep, but DH only turns 40 once and I know he will love the SS!!!

 

[Disfreek]

I would like to know how your trip is w/ congierge & AKL.

WE just booked for Dec (changed from the Poly to AKL Concierge)

I emailed the concierge @ 3 pm today & Don had emailed me back by 6. Quick & friendly email answering all my questions.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I received a quote of $390 plus tax. The rates for 4/17-7/4 are $100 off rack rate.

Thanks. It's a hard decision to make though, especially after that nasty concierge thread a few weeks back (the one with people complaining about all of the rude behavior). I'll have to think about it some more. Decisions, decisions...

 

[EEyorelover22]

Thanks. It's a hard decision to make though, especially after that nasty concierge thread a few weeks back (the one with people complaining about all of the rude behavior). I'll have to think about it some more. Decisions, decisions...

Do a couple nights...see how you like it like a split stay but in the same place. Just make sure you do concierge at the end

 

[Nik's Mom]

Good idea about the split stay with concierge. I never thought of that.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Good idea about the split stay with concierge. I never thought of that.

Not my idea...stole it from the boards...#1hockeymom and soccer mom are responsible for me parting with more of my cash can't wait though!!!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Thanks. It's a hard decision to make though, especially after that nasty concierge thread a few weeks back (the one with people complaining about all of the rude behavior). I'll have to think about it some more. Decisions, decisions...

Wow, I thought it really turned out to be an interesting thread. I had personally never seen that stuff at WDW concierge (we've had three concierge stays) but I thought it was good to know about so if I saw it happening at an upcoming trip it wouldn't affect my stay in a negative way (it'd be in the realm of expectation). We are trying out AKL concierge (again) and GF RPC next trip. I always like to hear about the whole range of people's experiences--it's closer to getting the real picture of what can happen. I found a lot of it funny as well

 

[Ladyhawke10]

We are going to be celebrating my DH and DS's b-days while in Disney. I am trying to make both b-days really special.

Our original plan was to stay at the ASMovies and then move to BWV (we are DVC owners). I couldn't get a discount at ASMovies (AAA or AP), so we decided to splurge and stay at AKL. DH and DSs love the Kilamajaro Safari and are avid photographers, so we went with a Savannah view. I had thought about surprising DH with concierge so he could do the Sunrise Safari, but I thought it was only on Sat. and Tue. I just read the SS is now offered on Sundays. So, I called and was able to secure an AP rate. My questions are:

1) Is concierge level worth it (we've stayed at the Poly and loved it).

2) Is the Safari enjoyable? Do you really get to see many animals? How long is it?

3) Does anyone have a number or e-mail for AKL concierge so I can make a ressie as soon as possible?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

For me, I would say in rare occasions, yes. We have gone for concierge for special occasions, especially birthdays. Normally, I like to save the feeling of having that special "Key" so it doesn't wear off. Also, most of the time I'd like to splurge on our favorite restaurants rather than concierge. Concierge is very convenient, and I love it with my small child. Nothing could be easier.
The safari is pretty much the same as the Kilimanjaro ride without the baby elephant story. It is great fun. I am glad I did it once, but would probably opt for the sunset safari the second time around for a diff. experience. I'm sure they are all great. The buffet after the safari is excellent (we thought).

 

[Nik's Mom]

For me, I would say in rare occasions, yes. We have gone for concierge for special occasions, especially birthdays. Normally, I like to save the feeling of having that special "Key" so it doesn't wear off. Also, most of the time I'd like to splurge on our favorite restaurants rather than concierge. Concierge is very convenient, and I love it with my small child. Nothing could be easier.
The safari is pretty much the same as the Kilimanjaro ride without the baby elephant story. It is great fun. I am glad I did it once, but would probably opt for the sunset safari the second time around for a diff. experience. I'm sure they are all great. The buffet after the safari is excellent (we thought).

Well, it's not only a special celebration (both DS's birthdays), but also some relief from a very bad year. My brother was seriously injured in an accident in June (but is recovering), My Dad is currently going through cancer treatment and broke his hip last week, and DS was officially diagnosed with high functioning autism. WE NEED A VACATION. I'm seriously thinking of doing some serious pampering with concierge!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

So sorry to hear about your year. I hope you get truly pampered in concierge, you certainly deserve it.

 

[Nik's Mom]

That's exactly what I say. Now I just have to convince DH.

 

[EEyorelover22]

That's exactly what I say. Now I just have to convince DH.

Do the split stay and surprise him that's what I'm doing. I hope I can keept the secret until we go

 

[deanna2426]

Wow, we'll all be surprising DHs!

Nik's mom - I am so sorry to hear about your year! We had a couple of those a few years back. Our Disney trips really did help to get us through. I hope this trip does the same for you!

Thanks for all the great responses to this thread!