AKL concierge, tell me all about it!

[madenon]

For our next trip (dec 2008) I was able to grab us AKL concierge for the last 2 nights. I've been reading about it, seen some pics, but who can ever get enough? So, tell me all about your experience with AKL concierge.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I would check the AKL faq thread and also review of the AKL concierge at
www.allearsnet.com
http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=30&cat=31

 

[lilyv]

I'm watching for this, too. It's really hard to find recent information. So much has changed at AKL since the construction. I'd love to see some info from Oct 07 on.

 

[madenon]

Kelly, thnx for the links. I've checked those out earlier allready, but just like Lily I'm looking for some more recent info and to be honest; I just can't get enough.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Have you seen this thread? http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1629769
It just started up so there isn't a lot there, but it has a lot of updated info in the first few pages.

 

[kadanty]

I too have been looking for some recent info, but I will be there in 16 days and I will report back.

 

[Kimberle]

We had a wonderful stay last August. Our room was on the 4th floor, overlooking the main savannah (Zebra trail). We saw lot's of animals. Since so many rooms were closed, the resort and pool weren't crowded at all. The only drawback was it was a hike to the lounge.

The food was good. Fairly standard b/fast choices, muffins, cereals, pastries, fruit, etc. There was some sort of hot African cereal. I didn't try it. They had mid-day snacks as well as high tea. Homemade potato chips, homemade cookies, african spiced nuts, goldfish, lemonade, soda, an African beverage which I didn't try. Evening choices were pretty good. Since they were pretty much African, they got to be a bit monantanous (sp?) after a week. Wine & beer. PB&J from 5-7 only. (They won't give you one later, even if your kid doesn't like the other choices, unlike everyother Club level I've stayed at.) Dessert were only some homemade cookies and a few little pastries. Nothing like the cakes & elegant desserts I've had elsewhere.

We did the morning safari. It was great. I'd highly recommend it. You get a lot of one on one time with the animal expert. You can take lot's of pictures and they answer all your questions. B/fast was great. TONS of different foods. American and African. They Chef comes out to greet you and answer and questions about the food. They were so accomadating, I'm sure they'd serve you any special requirement for allergies, etc if you asked them in advance.

5th floor was curtained off for construction. Didn't hear any noise. Over toward's the far right (when looking straight at the lodge) is where they are building the new building. They'd moved the animals away from that area. Again, noise didn't bother us.

Since it's an ongoing project and their first concern is the well being of the animals, they told us they'd move them when necessary. So what I experienced may be different from your trip.

Bus service was excellent. Even after nighttime shows. Always got a seat.

 

[bwoodard]

We were at AKL in June 2007. That was the beginning of the construction that affected the hotel. We decided at the last minute to do conceirge. First off, it was worth it to have your own personal check-in. You are escorted up to the conceige level and have one of the hosts check you in, check on any dining reservations or shows you have set up, then he/she inquires about other things you would like to book.

That was the best thing about conceirge in my opinion was that there was a person always there that would try to get you anything. We were on the DDP and had a few table service credits that I thought we just might not be able to use. I went down and asked about getting a table at a couple of places we wanted to try. He said there was no availability, but he would keep working on it. Well by the time I got back to my room, we had a reservation at 50's PrimeTime Cafe for the exact time I had requested. Not sure what he did, but he made it work. That was great.

Also the Sunrise Safari is a must. If you are staying at AKL, you or someone with you must love animals. This "intimate" safari of your own is great. My 10 year old son asked lots of questions and everytime the animal keeper answered them in full, and seemed very excited to answer any and all questions for us. Very different from the canned safari you get with general admission to AK.

I would reccommend conceirge, and I did not even mention the food and beverages that I indulged on during our stay!!

 

[Dis Ohana]

We're staying CL at the AKL specifically for the Sunrise Safari Tour, can't wait for that! Are we able to get into the park at 9:00 (opening), or does the breakfast run a little later than that?
Also, where exactly is the concierge lounge? I have a map of the hotel, but it doesn't show where the lounge is.

 

[BCV23]

It's on the 6th floor above the entrance to the building. The fantastic view of the lobby is one of my favorite things about AKL concierge.

BTW, the new building for DVC, Kidani Village is actually to the left as you face AKL from the entrance.

 

[bwoodard]

As for getting into the park after Sunrise Safari, breakfast finishes after the park opens. On our safari, we got to breakfast just a little before the park opened, but breakfast takes a little while.

When we got some food at breakfast, I left the rest of the family enjoying food and went over to Expedition Everest to get fast passes. Then came back to finish up breakfast.

 

[Dis Ohana]

BCV23: Thanks for that info. I've seen pictures of the AKL lobby, and it does look fabulous.

bwoodward: Thanks for the tip. I know that EE is a very popular ride and it's always suggested that you hit that upon opening. I didn't even think of going to get the FP while everyone else had breakfast. That will work beautifully since I won't be going on EE anyway.

 

[madenon]

Kadanty, have fun when you go! Lucky you, only 16 days more left.

 

[RachelTori]

Also, where exactly is the concierge lounge? I have a map of the hotel, but it doesn't show where the lounge is.

I know BCV23 gave you the physical location, but I just wanted to add that when you arrive at AKL, check in at the Valet/Bell Services station outside the front entrance. You will get a personal escort to the lounge and, if your room is ready, you will then be escorted to your room. (if the room isn't ready, you may either wait in the lounge or grab a snack, then explore the resort or head to a park!)

 

[BCV23]

Great point, RachelTori!

Have fun and please post on the resort board about your stays everyone. We'll be back for short stays in Feb and May and are looking forward to it!

 

[Kimberle]

We're staying CL at the AKL specifically for the Sunrise Safari Tour, can't wait for that! Are we able to get into the park at 9:00 (opening), or does the breakfast run a little later than that?
Also, where exactly is the concierge lounge? I have a map of the hotel, but it doesn't show where the lounge is.

You are already in the park. They scan your cards before you leave. You are then taken by bus in through the CM enterance in the back. The safari ends about 9, just when the park is opening. You'll walk over to b/fast which is a buffet so you can take as long as you like. You'll be given fast passes for the safari the "regular way".

 

[Dis Ohana]

Thanks, RachelTori! I've heard horror stories about how long check-in lines can get at the resorts. I think it's a great perk to be able to go directly to our rooms.

Kimberle: I'm so looking foward to the Safari, I don't do a lot of rides, so this will definitely be the highlight for me!

I will be posting a detailed review with lots of pics! Everyone on the DIS is so good about sharing info, I want to return the favor.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

We were there exactly a year ago tomorrow for 7 days. We did the sunrise safari and it was the highlight of our trip. The safari was about an hour long and the breakfast was fantastic. The CL lounge was great. The latte machine was wonderful each morning. They will show you how to work it upon check in. The CM's go above and beyond to accomadate you. They gave my son little toys to play with, lots of towel animals, a surprise anniversary cake was in the room when we returned from the safari and our safari guide gave us Anniversary buttons. I have been to Disney over 20 times and this was the most magical experience I have ever had. Don was great and got all our ADR's. It was just a really great experience.

 

[vmickey]

AKL IPO has been wonderful and we are so anxious to go on the sunrise and wanyama safaris. I will be sure to post information after we return.