AKL Concierge Level vs Savanna View

[timmac]

Okay, so I'm going to be going to AKL in August 2008. There will be three adults, three children, and an infant. That means I need either two rooms, or a 1BR suite (2BR villa might become a possibility as well).

Currently, I have a reservation for a pair of rooms on the club level (concierge), as I'm thinking the snacks throughout the day, and option of taking the sunrise safari are pretty cool. However, especially for the kids, I'm really after the savanna view. Unfortunately, on club level, it's not guaranteed. For a difference of $40/night per room extra, I'm wondering if that's a foolish gamble to take.

So, my questions... has anyone stayed in a standard club-level room, and been unable to get a savanna view (when you've wanted it, that is, some people prefer pool view)? Also, does anyone know if the 1BR suites have a guaranteed view? As I understand with the 2BR villas on club level, there are 3 savannah view, and 2 pool view, and it's not guaranteed.

Any thoughts on whether the club level is worth it or not are also appreciated.

Thanks!

-Tim M

 

[spiceycat]

I would call AKL.

think the 1 and 2 bedroom you are talking about are going into the DVC units.
most of the 5th and 6th floors are going to DVC.

so you might not have a choice.

I would talk and check before you get your hopes up.

 

[timmac]

I've already called, and I even have a reservation for my room(s).

The DVC units that are/were converted on the concierge floor are a total of 5 2BR lockoffs (so they can also each be used as a 1BR and a studio instead of a 2BR at any given time). Three of them face the savanna, two of them face the pool. My understanding is that this is the sum total of the concierge villas that will be available.

The "regular" 1 BR suites (these are non DVC units) aren't yet available in the reservation system, so I can't book one (at least not yet). What I'm wondering if anyone knows is do all of those suites--and I think there are five of them--face the savanna?

Currently, I have the choice of booking a club-level room (without a guaranteed view, but with the savanna view requested of course), or a standard room (non club) with a guaranteed savanna view. Now, I definitely would like to have the club level (for the food, definitely, possibly the sunrise safari), but risking not having the savanna view seems a heck of a gamble to take, which is why I'm asking for opinions on the concierge services as well.

Thanks!

 

[BCV23]

We stayed club level once at the AKL and it was wonderful. We have two short AKV club level stays booked as well. I hope we get savanna view but the club level is so nice we'll make do either way. The opportunity to take the Sunrise Safari is the best part of all IMO.

I've read on the DIS that all standard club level rooms will have savanna view. In the past it was possible to get a pool view room on club level but those were those units on the 6th floor that are now being converted to DVC. It could be that who,ever you talked to had that old warning still in the system. Perhaps email the IPO at AKL and ask.

Would 1 BR suites sleep that many? We've never stayed in one at any WDW resort but when I've looked I though the occupancy was lower than that. IPO could probably help you about the view from the varios suites as well.

Happy planning.

 

[timmac]

This info you've just provided, if accurate, will absolutely make my day!

The 1BR suites at AKL do sleep 6. The seventh family member, my son who will be 1 when we go, will get the portable crib, and for DDP/MYW/etc doesn't actually count as a person, so that makes it easier in a sense

Would you happen to know where I can find the relevant e-mail address(es)?

 

[BCV23]

I hope it's accurate but as stated I just read it here. It does make sense to me though.

The contact info is toward the beginning of this thread. It's always available under the resort FAQ at the top of the page.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=679928

I always include my resrvation number in emails to IPO so they can be assured I actually have a club level reservation.

Good to know about the occupancy of the suites at AKL. Thanks.

Will you let us know what you learn?

 

[SB in KY]

We have a standard concierge room booked for the end of JULY!! yea...less than 2 weeks until departure!! At this point in time the concierge has assured me that all of the standard concierge rooms are savannah views on the 4th floor. I can hardly wait.

Not sure if that will change much by next summer, but I am guesing not...which makes the concierge rate a real bargain...we have stayed AKL concierge 3 times before (but always in a deluxe room on the 6th floor...which are now gone) and LOVED it...it is by far our favorite CL place at WDW...the food is amazing (and for a $40/day price difference just the breakfast for everyone will be worth it), the CM's are the best and we love the Sunrise safari.

I would STRONGLY urge you to stick with CL rooms and make sure you note on your room request that you want a savannah view room/s.

 

[timmac]

I've sent an e-mail to AKL IPO asking for some clarification on this, but it looks like we've got a good firm answer, at least for now, too!

SB, enjoy your trip, and do let us know how it all goes!

 

[Kimberle]

I am staying Concierge in Aug. I have spoken with my IPO planner. All Conceirge rooms are now Savannah view, no more pool view.

When you call to make your plans with your planner, just ask.

 

[BCV23]

I am staying Concierge in Aug. I have spoken with my IPO planner. All Conceirge rooms are now Savannah view, no more pool view.

Of course, smaller though.

But less expensive!

 

[SleepingBet]

I'm also staying Concierge in August! When I talked to on of the CMs at Concierge to ask about savanna vs. pool view for CL, I was told that since the construction all CL rooms are savanna.

Of course, that could all change. We could even be asked to move out of AKL as so many others are being asked, but I hope not.

 

[timmac]

If you do end up staying there next month, do write back and tell us how it went? I know I for one (and I'm sure many others) would love to hear!