AKL-Concierge---Is it worth it?

[jeremysdisneymom]

I added two more nights to our room yesterday and the cast member talked with me about concierge service. It was going to be an additional $800. Is it worth the price and what perks to you have other than breakfast and snacking all day?

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

I am waiting to see how other people respond. We are thinking of doing the same. For AKL conciege during September it would only be $335 per night versus $290 per night for regular Savannah view. It doesn't seem like all that much of a difference price wise. And then we would be able to do the Sunrise Safari for my daughter's 5th b-day. I think she would love it.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I definately think it is worth it. We did it in 06 and loved the sunrise safari, the staff members were over the top and treated us like family. The food offerings were plentiful and the lounge did not get crowded until the Thanksgiving crowd arrived. The sunrise safari is worth it alone and you are gauranteed a savannah view on the main savannah. We love it!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

I definately think it is worth it. We did it in 06 and loved the sunrise safari, the staff members were over the top and treated us like family. The food offerings were plentiful and the lounge did not get crowded until the Thanksgiving crowd arrived. The sunrise safari is worth it alone and you are gauranteed a savannah view on the main savannah. We love it!!!

Thanks for your response. I really wanted to do this so I am trying to find ways to justify with my husband. I think my son who will be 7 then would love the sunrise safari (I know I would!!!). Your reply brought up another question, what is the main savannah and do I need to request it?

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

The main savannah at AKL is called the Arusha savannah and I prefer the Zebra Trail side because it is closer to the CL lounge and the lobby and pool elevators. Since the renovations I am 99% sure all the rooms are on the 4th floor overlooking the Arusha Savannah. We have also stayed on the Kindu
Trail side and that was a great view too. The difference in cost to CL from a plain Savannah view is not that big of a difference and totally worth it. They have out fantasic wines and cheese in the eveing, different types of African beers along with domestic. Alot of the appys come from Jiko and it is a great starter before going to you dinner. Just make dinner ressies after 6 so you can sample some of the wonderful evening treats. It is truely our favorite CL in all of Disney. I think others would agree it is one of the best. Talk with Don and Juanita in IPO and they will also make some great recommendations. Have fun!!! I am pretty sure you will love it.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Thank you IWISHFORDISNEY. I think dear hubby would love this and I now our son would as well. I see you are at CR MK View this year. We are going at Thanksgiving and can hardly wait. We are planning to do MVMCP as well.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Thank you IWISHFORDISNEY. I think dear hubby would love this and I now our son would as well. I see you are at CR MK View this year. We are going at Thanksgiving and can hardly wait. We are planning to do MVMCP as well.

We are actually trying CR for the first time this year. We are going the week before Thanksgiving for a grand gathering. My ticker is partially hidden. I am very excited to be staying CR MK View and can only justify the cost due to a very nice code I recieved. LOL. I think AKL CL is really the best bang for you buck on property.

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

You guys convinced me! I just booked CL AKL for September. My finacee was sold by the cocktails being offered in the Lounge. He didn't know that was included.

The CM who I booked with on the phone told me that the CL AKL Guest Services people would call me soon to go over ADR's. I would just need to tell them what we were interested in and they would take care of the rest for me. How cool!

I am so excited now.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Cool---I am going to book when I get home tonight. I haven't talked to hubby but I am sure when he hears about the beer that will sell it. So, do I understand that we can make our ADR 180 days out with concierge instead of calling Disney or am I confused?

 

[lookingforward]

We have stayed AKL concierge a few times and it's DEFINATELY worth it! The special check in (no lines...just a quick elevator ride to the lounge), snacks, breakfast, cordials, appetizers, itinerary planning (big help! with hard to get things) and most importantly, the sunrise and sunset safaris (both of which we did and LOVED). The sunset safari is the most special with a chef's dinner at JIKOS...and 1.5 hours on the savannah with a naturalist. My kids still talk about it! The hotel is cool, the vibe is so different and there are a lot of built in activities to keep busy. We have often commented that we would be happy just hanging at the hotel and skipping the parks.

One thing, we did the dining and concierge at the same time and were overwhelmed with food. It was way, way too much. Better to get a dining discount card and concierge, that way you get a signfigant discount on dining but don't feel compelled to eat too much. I love the AKL concierge breakfast...think great fruit, smoothies, contintental choices (bagels, etc) and lots of room to spread out and read the paper. HEAVEN!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

What is the dining discount card? I had wandered if that was not a lot of food with the dining plan. How old were your children when you did this (esp. the safaris)? My son will be 7 when we go.

 

[LynnTH]

Thanks for posting this thread. I was wondering the same thing. I was thinking renting DVC points for the Concierge Level but was not sure what was all included in that. I keep hearing about the sunrise and sunset safari's - what exactly are they and are they free or do you have to pay for them and if so, how much are they?

 

[RachelTori]

Cool---I am going to book when I get home tonight. I haven't talked to hubby but I am sure when he hears about the beer that will sell it. So, do I understand that we can make our ADR 180 days out with concierge instead of calling Disney or am I confused?

After you book your Club Level room, contact AKL's IPO *BEFORE* 180 days. They will take the information from you (what ADR's, Safaris, etc. you want booked) and they will make all the arrangements and keep you updated via email (& they will call you if you ask them to! ).

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for posting this thread. I was wondering the same thing. I was thinking renting DVC points for the Concierge Level but was not sure what was all included in that. I keep hearing about the sunrise and sunset safari's - what exactly are they and are they free or do you have to pay for them and if so, how much are they?

Safaris are not free. Sunrise is $55 and you must be a Club Level AKL/AKV guest. The Sunset (Wanyama Safari) is $160 for Club Level AKL/AKV guests 8 and over; $210 for non-Club Level AKL/AKV guests. (Sunrise Safari is open to all ages; Sunset is 8 and over only.)

I would be very surprised if you could rent points for an AKV-CL stay; availability is EXTREMELY limited; but I guess it's always worth a try!

 

[madalex]

I added two more nights to our room yesterday and the cast member talked with me about concierge service. It was going to be an additional $800. Is it worth the price and what perks to you have other than breakfast and snacking all day?

We just returned from a trip which included 4 nights at the AKL with concierge service and it was great. That being said, if the amount of extra money it will cost you is of concern, it may not be "worth it" to you.

 

[LynnTH]

Safaris are not free. Sunrise is $55 and you must be a Club Level AKL/AKV guest. The Sunset (Wanyama Safari) is $160 for Club Level AKL/AKV guests 8 and over; $210 for non-Club Level AKL/AKV guests. (Sunrise Safari is open to all ages; Sunset is 8 and over only.)

I would be very surprised if you could rent points for an AKV-CL stay; availability is EXTREMELY limited; but I guess it's always worth a try!

Thanks for the info. That is why I am trying make a decision ASAP as the 11 month window is coming up here soon and want to try and get something set up so to try and get it right away ( still can't decide on AKL or BCV for the location...)

 

[livie1205]

I am so glad i came across this, we are staying on the club level at AKL for the first time dec 08 and we cant wait!! I got a great deal at 201.00 a night for 5 nights sav view club level.....we cant wait to go i hear great things about there club level....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Safaris are not free. Sunrise is $55 and you must be a Club Level AKL/AKV guest. The Sunset (Wanyama Safari) is $160 for Club Level AKL/AKV guests 8 and over; $210 for non-Club Level AKL/AKV guests. (Sunrise Safari is open to all ages; Sunset is 8 and over only.)

I would be very surprised if you could rent points for an AKV-CL stay; availability is EXTREMELY limited; but I guess it's always worth a try!

Is there a difference between concierge and club level concierge or are they the same?

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

We just returned from a trip which included 4 nights at the AKL with concierge service and it was great. That being said, if the amount of extra money it will cost you is of concern, it may not be "worth it" to you.

Thanks madalex,

From what I am hearing, I think the extra cost is worth it. I am a little confused as I think the lady quoted me too much money. I am going to call back tonight and see what the cast member tells me today. I think hubby was concerned because he really wants to do Richard Petty this time (will not admit) and thinks that concierge will forego Petty. I am already saving for the Petty Experience for his christmas/birthday. I am such a good wife!!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

I am so glad i came across this, we are staying on the club level at AKL for the first time dec 08 and we cant wait!! I got a great deal at 201.00 a night for 5 nights sav view club level.....we cant wait to go i hear great things about there club level....

Lucky you, how did you get that deal?