AKL Concierge -here we go!!

[disobsessed]

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! After telling my DH all of the wonderful things you all had to say about AKL concierge (and showing him some great pic's) he said last night - what the heck - just do it! So today I am going to call and upgrade from regular savannah to concierge. Yea!!!!

Now for my questions - will concierge contact me about PS's? If I want to get autograoh books and pens for DS and DD, will they take care of that? Also, should I request the type of room I want with concierge? or front desk? I really, really want savannah and would be so disappointed if we didn't get it. (DS is an animal nut). Any suggestions?

Is it true that we don't have to check in at front desk? That would be great.

Any other hints, tips or suggestions for a first time concierge guest? Thanks again to all who helped me decide!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Congratulations on booking concierge - it sure enhances the quality of a holiday.

About check in - as long as you are not arriving really late (midnight) or really early (6:00am) - concierge provides their guests with curbside check in.

When you arrive tell the bellman you are staying concierge - he will already have your welcome packet and room keys right there and will whisk you and your luggage straight to your room... (I tipped him $5.00 )

He will remind you to stop by the lounge to sign the registration when you are settled (this is also when you set up charging on your cards) No lines for you!

About concierge rooms... *most* people want a savanna view and usually they want the to be on the large Arusha Savanna. To have this view you give up being located on the 6th floor which is where the concierge lounge is. It is a bit of a walk to the lounge.

The other possibility is savanna view on the 6th floor - this is a view of the sunset savanna which is not as large as the main savanna - it has giraffes and ostriches but I don't think it has zebras. Then there is also the 6th floor poolview rooms which are smoking optional.

I have never heard of anyone not recieving a savanna view - if that is what they requested. If you are not happy with your room - ask to be moved - you can be relocated anywhere and still have access to the lounge. The majority of rooms at AKL are savanna view - unless the hotel is completely booked I really can't see you being put in a poolview - so don't worry!

About PS's - when are you going?

I would suggest emailing them about 3 months prior, introducing yourself, give your names and Reservation number and give them a list of some PS's you would like.

They will mail a info packet which has a little questionaire - but I prefer the email, it is more personal.

They will get the autograph books and pens for you at no charge other then the actual cost of them. They can even have them in your room as a surprise for your kids when you arrive. They arranged a nice welcome basket for my daughter that had all kinds of stuff inside and it was waiting in the room for us.

I have some photos of concierge on my website link below and try to go on the sunrise safari if you can.

>>^..^<<

 

[AspiringCindy]

What is the view like on the 6th floor? I keep hearing that it is not good, and that it is too far up. Also, what room numbers would be the concierge for 6th floor? Are they all concierge?

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi AspiringCindy..

There are not that many rooms on 6. Savanna view rooms are 6201-6209 and Poolview rooms are 6401-6406.

The savanna views on this floor are a bit obstucted because there is a thatched roof over the balcony that makes it more closed in.

Also when you look off the balcony you are above the low roofs over the front desk area - so you see this before you start seeing savanna in the distance. Also it is the sunset savanna which is smaller than the arusha savanna.


Here is a hotel map - you can see the concierge rooms marked above the lobby area.

http://www.casshew.com/images/akl/aklmap.jpg


I am thinking I'd like to try these rooms on 6 to check them out first hand.. but I am leaving it up to fate for them to place me where they want.

>>^..^<<

 

[AspiringCindy]

>>^^..^^<< ,

Now seeing where the 6th floor concierge is, I am assuming that the lounge is right there. Is the trek from floor 5 to the lounge just an elevator ride, or is it a hassle to get there from floor 5?

 

[CRCrazy]

Just a head's up - if your room isn't ready yet - you can still check in at the concierge floor - the bellman will take your luggage, then take you up to the lounge - this is what we did when we switched over from the CR on our Dec. trip. It was only about 9:30 am, but we were encouraged to have a bite to eat from the breakfast offerings before we came over to the concierge desk to finish up the details.

We were on the 5th floor, Zebra Trail, Arusha Savannah - just two doors down from the big suite. Just a short walk down the hall overlooking the lobby, then up one floor on the key coded elevator got you to the lounge - I've heard some concierge rooms are located much further out. We were about an equal distance walk to the elevator to the lounge and the elevator to the pool/food court area. Loads of animals - my daughter's first words upon walking out on the balcony were "Mommy, I see a canteloupe!"

I hope you will be enjoying the Sunrise Safari - it is truly a priceless experience!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by AspiringCindy
Now seeing where the 6th floor concierge is, I am assuming that the lounge is right there.

Is the trek from floor 5 to the lounge just an elevator ride, or is it a hassle to get there from floor 5?

Hi AspiringCindy.

If you look at the map again you will see the area in pink which has room numbers that only go to 5... on the 6th floor this area the lounge ... it is open concept and overlooks the lobby.

We were on the 5th floor - Kudu trail, just off the lobby - it was a nice little walk across the rope bridge that spans the lobby, then to the elevator and up.

As long as your assigned room is on Kudu or Zebra just off the lobby the walk is not bad... I don't think they put concierge guests too far down the trails for this reason. Although I read a review tonight of a DIS'er who was upgraded to a suite way at the end of Kudu - that would be quite a hike.

The lounge is also very convenient to the pool- just a quick ride up to grab a coke or a snack. Just remember your coverup and footwear!

>>^..^<<

 

[disobsessed]

Thanks so much - you have really put my mind at ease. (DH was a little nervous about this as well.) I really wouldn;t mind a little walk as long as I have a decent view.

Now - about the sunset savannah - convince me. We have 4 people, so we are talking $200 - and as we discussed it last night, we just couldn't decide yea or nay. What do you guys think? I hear good things, but I don;t get a sense for why it is so special. Help.

BTW - I really don't know how I managed to plan our last vaca without you all!

 

[disobsessed]

Oops - one other thing - we are leaving in a little over 90 days (9/19) woohoo!! - so I guess I should email them pretty soon. Anyone have the email address?

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by disobsessed
Now - about the sunset savannah - convince me. We have 4 people, so we are talking $200 -

The email address is

WDW.AKLodge.Concierge@disney.com

On yor last post you say "sunset savanna".. but I think you are asking about the sunrise safari?

If so - it is definately worth the money - it is an excursion exclusive to concierge guests.

You gather in the lounge early in the morning for a coffee or juice and then off you go for a private safari at DAK.

The safari is about 45 minutes to an hour with a guide pointing out things all the way through and giving you lots of "inside info" about the animals and park. They make lots of photo stops - it is very relaxed and slow paced.

The animals are just coming out for the day so they are active and abundant you get really close up.

After your safari you have a wonderful - full breakfast - at the Tusker House in a private room, what a nice treat - and you are pretty hungry by then too.

After breakfast you are given fast passes to see the safari the "normal way" which includes the corny storyline about poachers...etc.

Besides costing 50.00 per person - you must also have admission to the park - and they check this prior to leaving the hotel.

Definately go if you can!

>>^..^<<

 

[mrsltg]

Another way to guarantee a savannah view room is to request to be placed in one not in the concierge area. We're staying concierge in December and we want to be on the second floor. Their answer was "no problem!". I know it'll be a hike to the lounge, but it's well worth it for the view!

Erin

 

[disobsessed]

mrsltg - -

You say you requested 2nd floor - so that would not be a deluxe room, right? I think we would definitely like to have the deluxe because of the room size and extra daybed, (4 of us for 8 days), but if that was our only chance, I guess we would take it.

 

[mrsltg]

Right, the second floor does not have deluxe rooms. However, all of the rooms have either 2 queens or queen with a set of bunk beds (or a king), which can accomodate 4. We're staying for 11 or 12 nights (haven't made the final decision yet!), so I can understand the need for space over a long period of time!

Have a great trip!

Erin

 

[>>^..^<<]

If someone in your party requires a non-smoking room for medical reasons (ie) allergies, asthma -

Disney will guarantee you a non-smoking room - which at AKL Concierge has to be savanna view (because poolview is smoking is optional) and also most likely they will put you on the 5th floor - as there is smoking on 6.

This is one way to guarantee yourself a savanna view

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[disobsessed]

>>^..^<< -

Once again, many. many thanks - my DS and DD (4 and 9) have terrible allergies, and cannot stand to even be around cigarette smoke. SO I will definately give them a call and mention this. I never even thought about telling them that. I did tell them non-smoking, but didn't mention it was for medical reasons. Should I include this in my email to concierge, or should I just call WDTC back?

They don't allow smoking in the concierge lounge, do they? If so, we wouldn't be able to stand it.

 

[tinkfan]

You will love the AKL concierge no matter what room you are staying in.
Also I just noticed the ages of your children. There is a children's price for the Sunrise Safari, although at the moment I can't remember exactly what it is, maybe $24.95 or $34.95 until age 12. We are booked for June 28th for our 2nd time and can't wait!! They took the credit card info, but I don't think they run the actual charge until 48 hours prior. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[>>^..^<<]

Originally posted by disobsessed

They don't allow smoking in the concierge lounge, do they? If so, we wouldn't be able to stand it.

Oh good lord.. no! No smoking there!

However- they could put you in a non-smoking savanna view on 6, but as they are right across from the poolview smoking optional rooms - you may smell smoke - by a door, in the hall... etc.

My bet is if you say you require non smoking for medical reasons - they will put you on 5.

Mention it in your email - just as you told us here - your kids are majorly allergic. I would also add it to your reservation through WDTC - as the room assigner needs to see that request.

(I believe the room assigners assign the concierge rooms - not the concierge staff themselves - keep in mind that if you are not happy with your first room - politely ask to be moved , they really go out of their way to make sure you are happy)

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