AKL on Points

[ahoff]

We would like to go to AKL on our next trip and use our points for the room. Has anyone done this, and what kind room is available?

 

[tjkraz]

You can get any class of room at AKL with points. Point cost will depend on the room class you are wanting. Check the member website for the current point chart.

 

[ahoff]

I did that right after I posted he question, but am wondering what the rooms are like, for example, how is a deluxe compared to a 1BR? Maybe we will splurge and go for the concierge!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by ahoff
I did that right after I posted he question, but am wondering what the rooms are like, for example, how is a deluxe compared to a 1BR? Maybe we will splurge and go for the concierge!

The rooms are much smaller at the AKL. Space wise nothing compares to the Contemporary Resort IMHO for the deluxe hotels but there is no comparison between any deluxe and a 1BR, especially the newer deluxes like the AKL. We stayed there before we moved to DVC a couple of years ago and it was a good thing becuase space wise it would have been a disappointment to go there second.

It is a great resort though and we enjoyed the combination trip.

HBC

 

[Dreamfinder2]

We did the AKL concierge over New Year's '03. It is, indeed, a boatload of points.

But we were in a deluxe - a queen bed, bunk beds, and a day bed. There were four of us (two teens, two adults), and while it certainly wasn't the space we loved from DVC, it was definitely a magical experience. The pampering from being on the concierge level was something else - we could've made full meals from the offerings each day in the Kilamanjaro Club (the concierge lounge). Actually, we did eat breakfast there daily. And, the pre-trip planning we received from the staff there was superb. Our son, who was headed for Iraq a couple of months later, was surprised by a personalized cake our first evening there. And watching the wildlife from your balcony - well, you won't get that anywhere else on Disney property (except, perhaps, at BW when Jellyrolls closes for the evening, but that's not exactly what I meant.)

Couldn't find a diagram of a room layout, but here's some great photos of the concierge level goodies:

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/costcalc.asp?pageFunction=researcher&year=&resId=AKL&submit1=go!

Was it worth the expenditure of points? For us ... just this once ... it sure was.

 

[mbhoxsie]

We splurged and did AKL for one night last year on points...

We booked a Savannah view room, and throughly enjoyed it.. My DS got a big kick of the animals just outside our balcony...

I'd do it again, and recommend to anyone else to try it if they have the points to spend...

 

[LakeAriel]

I was there with my daughter at Easter time. First of all I tried to cancel when I realized I was spending twice as many points for a room as I would at VWL. I was told I couldn't bank those points because they were now "reservation" points and can only be used for a future reservation outside Disneys home away from home resorts. I spoke to a supervisor to no avail and was not happy, but now I know! AKL lodge is beautiful but I wouldn't go again. The walk from my Savanna room to the lobby and buses was a mile. Maybe not a mile, but terribly long. We were there for 7days and not one of them were we able to get a seat facing the pool. We always were way in the back facing in the opposite direction. As I had my 7 year old granddaughter with me this was not good. Part of this was because people put towels over seats and weren't there. The disgraceful reason was that people were coming in by bus from Animal Kingdom's parking lot and using the pool! Also from other resorts. I sent a letter to member services about this, this place is too expensive for them not to issue bracelets and check for them! I hope they have corrected this.
That said, Disney is Disney and we had a wonderful time. The giraffes looking up at you from below the balcony is beautiful and I'm glad we experienced that once. Boma dinner buffet is a must!!!!!!!!Divine, exotic tastes!
Enjoy!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I think we are going to do AKL concierge in 2006 for 2 days on points. Can't wait! BTW, will not be going on a weekend!! Too many points! Was there in a savannah view room in May, loved it!!

Allison an associate

 

[LakeAriel]

Dreamfinder2
Thank you for that fabulous link!!!!!!

 

[lisareniff]

We were going to do AKL on points until DH had to concierge (for the sunrise safari) and it was going to end up on the weekend!! WOW! talk about burning up points. We would have had to borrowed all of the next years points. We ended up reserving on cash and I'm hoping for a discount code to come out.

 

[BillPA]

We stayed at AKL with an AP rate for a Fri/Sat and only paid $114 a night plus tax and were upgraded to a savannah view for free. Sure did beat all those points required for a weekend stay there (60 a night). It was less than half of the dues only cost. The view was great but the rooms were disappointing, very small and dark. If you do stay there, do it first, don’t go after being at DVC, you will feel like you are in the closet.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by BillPA
We stayed at AKL with an AP rate for a Fri/Sat and only paid $114 a night plus tax and were upgraded to a savannah view for free.

Wow!!!

 

[ahoff]

Thanks for the replies. Being used to a 1BR, I had some concerns on the size of the room. We are going to go for the Concierge, it is only for three nights. And a nice way to finish the vacation after a cruise!

 

[Patty3]

Wow, the buffets look great. I am definitely going to try this sometimes. With the AKL being a little off the beaten track, does anyone feel a little isolated or when you are there do you mainly take advantage of the great hotel?

 

[LakeAriel]

iThe Disney bus service never allow you to feel isolated.

 

[mbhoxsie]

Boma dinner buffet is a must!!!!!!!!Divine, exotic tastes!

Doh!! I forgot to mention Boma's!!

Whatever you do while you are there, go to Boma's at least once... The food was awesome....

When we go back next month, I'm sure my DW and I will request PS there, even though we are not staying at the resort.

 

[tinkgrl]

Originally posted by mbhoxsie
Doh!! I forgot to mention Boma's!!

Whatever you do while you are there, go to Boma's at least once... The food was awesome....

When we go back next month, I'm sure my DW and I will request PS there, even though we are not staying at the resort.

Hi again,

I 2nd BOMA!!! I love Dinner (zebra domes are a MUST) & breakfast was really good too.

Allison an associate

 

[rpink58]

We did AKL conciege last year and it was great. Origonally they had us on the 6th floor/w pool veiw but I ask for a savanah veiw which was done. It was a great week. Yes the rooms are smaller , but the conciege and veiw made up the difference. In Nov. I am going to do 2 days at the AKL and then 7 at OKW. I would do the AKL points in a heart beat again and plan on doing it.

 

[StormalongKay]

If you can take advantage of a good opportunity on short notice, i noticed on Disney's website that AKL rates for August have been deeply discounted. Standard view room for 5 nights at the end of Aug was something like $800. Tempting, huh? At that rate, why use points?

 

[wintergreen]

We stayed at the AKL at on points over Memorial Day weekend. We needed to use up some about-to-expire points from a resale, and were not able to get VWL at three weeks out. We loved it! We were put in a smoking optional room, when we requested non-smoking (see other long thread on this topic), and it was a really LONG walk from our room to anywhere else in the hotel (especially the morning I left our park tickets in the room and had to run back from the bus stop to get them). However, the savannah view was great, the kids loved the pool, and it was a lot of fun trying out something new for such a short stay. The option to go beyond the DVC resorts is something that I find occasionally to be very useful.