Dreamfinder2
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2000
Yep, it was all I wanted it to be.
We weren't on the concierge floor; we were actually on the 5th floor, overlooking the savanna and Arusha Rock. While it may have been a bit inconvenient to make the trek up one floor, the view we had was worth it.
Some observations:
(1) Every single CM we encountered was unfailingly courteous. This, at the busiest time of the year (for us, Dec. 28 - Jan. 1). Everyone spoke to us or at least smiled and nodded warmly. Unbelievable.
(2) The Kilamanjaro Club (sp?) (the concierge lounge) reminded me of an extended family room. In the mornings, especially, it wasn't unusual to see guests in bedroom slippers, kids in PJ's, and smiles all around. I saw unusual acts of courtesy - I remember one older gentleman filling a juice glass while I was waiting and passing it along to me. Sorta seemed the atmosphere was infectuous.
(3) The AKL is dark, but not gloomy at all ... I'd call it more cozy than anything else. Our room had a queen, the bunks, and a day bed. There were five of us and we weren't cramped. The room size is deceptive. While the sleeping area itself wasn't huge, the vanity area is in sort of an alcove, and the tub/shower/toilet were in their own space. Made getting ready in the mornings really pleasant.
(4) While monsoonal rains sure did put a damper on NYE activites, the lobby at the AKL was a blast - some good natured, impromptu partying broke loose, and what a great time!
(5) There's something to be said for throwing back the curtains, stepping out on the balcony, and seeing the animals right outside the window. We caught ourselves spending as much time on the balcony as we did in the room.
(6) My son, who is in the Marine Corps and is facing deployment real soon, was surprised by a cake from the concierge staff reading "Semper Fi, Jeremy!" He was so pleased.
(7) Overall, it was the legendary Disney service and attention to little things that made the trip. We stuffed ourselves silly at Boma, and even my picky eaters did just fine.
What a splendid experience. We'd never stayed anywhere concierge before, and the bar sure has been set high!
One of the concierge CMs - I won't mention who - had spent a couple of days working concierge at the GF. She said that the difference in guests between AKL and GF was striking. "It's more like home over here," she said. I'd agree.
What a special trip this was!
We weren't on the concierge floor; we were actually on the 5th floor, overlooking the savanna and Arusha Rock. While it may have been a bit inconvenient to make the trek up one floor, the view we had was worth it.
Some observations:
(1) Every single CM we encountered was unfailingly courteous. This, at the busiest time of the year (for us, Dec. 28 - Jan. 1). Everyone spoke to us or at least smiled and nodded warmly. Unbelievable.
(2) The Kilamanjaro Club (sp?) (the concierge lounge) reminded me of an extended family room. In the mornings, especially, it wasn't unusual to see guests in bedroom slippers, kids in PJ's, and smiles all around. I saw unusual acts of courtesy - I remember one older gentleman filling a juice glass while I was waiting and passing it along to me. Sorta seemed the atmosphere was infectuous.
(3) The AKL is dark, but not gloomy at all ... I'd call it more cozy than anything else. Our room had a queen, the bunks, and a day bed. There were five of us and we weren't cramped. The room size is deceptive. While the sleeping area itself wasn't huge, the vanity area is in sort of an alcove, and the tub/shower/toilet were in their own space. Made getting ready in the mornings really pleasant.
(4) While monsoonal rains sure did put a damper on NYE activites, the lobby at the AKL was a blast - some good natured, impromptu partying broke loose, and what a great time!
(5) There's something to be said for throwing back the curtains, stepping out on the balcony, and seeing the animals right outside the window. We caught ourselves spending as much time on the balcony as we did in the room.
(6) My son, who is in the Marine Corps and is facing deployment real soon, was surprised by a cake from the concierge staff reading "Semper Fi, Jeremy!" He was so pleased.
(7) Overall, it was the legendary Disney service and attention to little things that made the trip. We stuffed ourselves silly at Boma, and even my picky eaters did just fine.
What a splendid experience. We'd never stayed anywhere concierge before, and the bar sure has been set high!
One of the concierge CMs - I won't mention who - had spent a couple of days working concierge at the GF. She said that the difference in guests between AKL and GF was striking. "It's more like home over here," she said. I'd agree.
What a special trip this was!
lisa
