AKL - how & when to book

[Kreid001]

OK, here's the deal...

We're going on our first Disney Cruise in December, 12/28-12/31. We're flying into Orlando the day before, arriving at 2pm. I was thinking of surprising the family with a night at AKL. We wouldn't be doing any parks, just staying at the resort until the next morning and driving to the port around 9am.

So, here's the question...

When and how should I book the room? I know that I want a Savannah View Deluxe with queen, bunks, and daybed. (5 of us) I also think that we'd benefit from Concierge because we'll be spending our time at the resort. We are AAA members. We are also staying at the Polynesian this April. Should I book now, trying to get an AAA rate or should I wait until April and try to get a comeback rate? It will be 12/27 when we stay. Should I expect AKL to be filling up fast or do I have plenty of time to think about it?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jel0511]

I'd book an AAA rate now, but I don't know if there are AAA discounts during Holiday season. The rate of a concierge room during Holiday Season is $610 + tax, so it's a pretty hefty suprise. The AAA would be your only hope for a discount, since the comeback offer requires a 3 night minimum stay to qualify for the discount. A regular deluxe savannah room would be $500 + tax for the night. The concierge lounge is GREAT, but the offerings can only replace breakfast, the offerings around the dinner are small, and there really isn't a lot placed out at a time, so it couldn't replace dinner. Have a GREAT trip!!!

 

[Kreid001]

OK, I'll grab the AAA rate. I can do that right through CRO, right. I don't have to use the AAA TA do I?

On the concierge... I'm thinking $110/5 people is $22 per person. While, I don't think it will cover dinner (besides, I want to try Boma) I do think it would be "worth" it. We will be there for afternoon tea, hors d'ouvers, and cordials, oh, and of course breakfast. But really, I like the extra bit of service and convenience. A great deal for $22, I think.

Thanks again!

 

[Kreid001]

I just got the room via CRO. However, no discounts at that time. With taxes it came to $685 for the ONE NIGHT.

I hope the AKL is as great as the reports I've been reading.

 

[jel0511]

I think it is one of the better concierges on property. I think the food is slightly better at the Poly, but I like the lounge MUCH more at the AKL. Forget about any comparisions to the GF, that place is the pits.