AKL on Points

[Tooneric]

We stayed there last summer with AP discount. While the room is small compared to CR or Poly, it is a fabulous resort. The savannah view was wonderful. The restaurants were terrific, and the pool was great. Recently, the Travel Channel had a show on the top ten family resorts in North America and AKL was number 1, and I believe the only Disney property mentioned.

 

[JimC]

We did AKL on points once before and will be there again in August. The cost of the points was less than the AP rate. But we would not do it on a FRI/Sat -- too pricey.

The pool is a great zero entry pool. Nice slide.

Take some time to stroll the entire resort. They have a superb collection of African artifacts.

If you are willing to spend a bit more and stay concierge you can do two special safaris. The sunrise safari is a morning trip to AK savannah for a special extended tour then a hearty breakfast at Tusker House.

The sunset safari is a very private (8 max) tour of the AKL svannnahs with some very special photo ops. I believe the tour is 45 minutes. There is a special toast at the end finished by an elaborate wine paring dinner at Jikos.

By the way, Jikos is a fabulous dinner experience. The executive chef came over from Artist Point at WL. Another very special dining experience is for those who have a savannah view room. Enjoy a private in room dinner, overlooking the savannah. Perfect for that special occaision.

Enjoy.

 

[ahoff]

Thanks for all the great advice! I think we are planning on the sunrise safari, if it is available. Looking forward to the trip, it looks like a very nice resort. Long walks are not a problem, I never saw the problem with the long halls in BW, but maybe we never were put that far away. Our last stay in May was the longest from the elevator, but there were stairs at each end of the hall, one to go to the pool, and one got you on the walk to MGM. Used those almost exclusivly. Almost wish there was a walkway from AKL to AK, but maybe it is too far. How does the distance compare to BW to MGM?

 

[bwvBound]

Originally posted by ahoff
...but am wondering what the rooms are like, for example, how is a deluxe compared to a 1BR?

FWIW, below are rooms sizes as provided today by CRS:

• Standard room: 344 sq ft
• Deluxe room: 380 sq ft
• Concierge: same room as Deluxe but with added services

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Somehow I missed this thread, I guess we have been busy swimming!
I have stayed AKL on points, Last December I had expiring points and a friend staying on my AP rate. ( for which you have to be there as well) I did 4 nights at BWV and 4 at AKL. 2 on points wednsday and Thursday, ( 46 per night?) And the last two on cash. AKL is hands down my kids fave property, then it would be BWV. We had a wonderful time at AKL as always, I have yet to be disapointed in our travels there, Any and all bumps in the road have been taken care of with the utmost care. That being said 2 nights AKL concierge was almost the same number of points as 5 nights in a 1 bedroom at BWV. As much as we enjoyed ourselves I kept thinking that in the back of my mind. And Of course I love having my washer and dryer and did miss it sorely the last part of the trip.
We will do AKL each and every trip from now on, on the weekends and on cash! Have fun, AKL... is an experience all in itself. You can never leave the property and still have a great vacation!

 

[akghutton]

We are staying 3 nights at AKL concierge and 9 at our "home" BWV this October. We are using points for AKL. We are so excited to be staying there and are scheduled for the Sunrise Safari during our stay.
As we haven't actually stayed there yet, I can't tell you much about the resort itself; however I will say that thus far, the concierge staff has been awesome.
Andrea, one of the concierge staff castmembers, has gone above and beyond to answer all our questions, usually within hours of my e-mailing her. If our coorespondence with Andrea is any indication of the quality of service we will receive at AKL, we are in for a wonderful trip.

 

[ahoff]

I was a little concerned about the number of points when I booked it, but overall, I think it is a good deal compared to the rack rate, plus we just did a VB - BW trip a few months ago, so DVC worked out well for us this year. We are doing a cruise right before, so this will make it a little more special.

We are planning on doing the Sunrise Safari, but I think it is a 90 day booking, so I have another month. Maybe i will call just in case.

 

[Bracho]

A fellow member, Janet2k.. a wonderful lady... has posted a great deal of her vacation pictures on her yahoo account... here is the link

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/janettwokay/my_photos

You'll find a great deal of pictures of the AKL as well as a lot more.

 

[JimC]

Note: If you want the sunrise or sunset safaris at AKL...

They are only available to concierge level guests and you should book at the 90 day window with the concierge staff.