AKL Suites - Help!

[MJS]

We are thinking about staying at the AKL on our next trip, and we are thinking about trying a one bedroom suite. I read that there are 17 of these suites (I do not know how accurate that info. is). Does anyone know where these rooms are located? Are they on the concierge floor? Do they have views of the savannah? Thanks!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

The suites are located on the second to fifth floors, and I think all are on the ends of the wings with savanna views. The 1 BR Suites have a bedroom with two queens, a parlor with queen sleeper, a wet bar, 1 1/2 baths, and a large balcony. They all have access to the concierge level as well.

 

[MJS]

Thanks Cali!

What floor is concierge? Also, are there any one bedroom suites with a king bed?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

MJS, the concierge lounge is on the 6th floor. There are 10-15 rooms up on that floor, and the rest of the concierge rooms are on the 5th floor (along with the other Deluxe Pool/Savanna View Rooms).

The description of the 1BR suite I have just says 2 queen beds. The 2BR suite says 1 king in the master. I'm sure if you called the AKL they could tell you about a king in a 1BR.

 

[Janet2k]

MJS, I was told that there are one-bedroom suites with king-sized beds. I don't know how many of them there are, but that was what I was told. When I reserved my one-bedroom suite last Christmas, I specifically had to request one with two queen-sized beds since my parents do not like to share the same bed after a gazillion years of wedded bliss! (I know, that's WAY TOO much information for you, hee hee.) The AKL was able to give me a suite that suited my needs perfectly (I gave the bedroom to my parents and my daughter & I shared the queen-sized sofa sleeper in the parlor room -- it was very comfortable).

Here's Janet2k's On-Line Photo Albums Link. Just look towards the bottom of that main page for my WDW suite albums. I have photos of the AKL two-bedroom and one-bedroom suites that I have stayed in so far. I love the AKL and they have my favorite suites. For some reason I find them romantic. I guess they just bring out the animal in me.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for that info, Janet. I think I *might* be able to get a trip to WDW next year with my parents (or else Jan04), and they'll want to do AKL and I'm sure they'll want a king bed in the bedroom (I, of course, would get the sleeper sofa!). We'll have to see what the travel plans are (I might take a friend along, and we'd have to go the 2 room route - let's just hope I can part with the MK Resorts to make a reservation at AKL! LOL).

 

[MJS]

Janet2k - Thanks for the link. What a great album! The suite looked great!

Cali - Thanks again for the info.

 

[Janet2k]

MJS, as far as suite locations go at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the two largest suites are located right off the lobby on the 5th floor (one on each side of the lobby). I was told that the other suites are found on the "fingers" of the resort, on just about every floor. My two-bedroom suite was on the 5th floor of Zebra Trail, right on the end of one of the resort's "fingers." My one-bedroom suite was on the 3rd floor of Kudu Trail, also on the end of one of the resort's "fingers." To see the "fingers" that I'm talking about, click on the Animal Kingdom Lodge Map that is found on the Dreams Unlimited Travel website. Also, to read more about the Animal Kingdom Lodge, click here on the Dreams Unlimited Travel's "Animal Kingdom Lodge" Webpage.

CaliforniaDreaming, I don't think you'll ever leave the MK Resort Area! But if you do make it over to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, who is this "friend" that you "might" be bringing along on your trip? A GIRLfriend?? (hee hee)

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Janet2k

CaliforniaDreaming, I don't think you'll ever leave the MK Resort Area! But if you do make it over to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area, who is this "friend" that you "might" be bringing along on your trip? A GIRLfriend?? (hee hee)

LOL, Janet. Not with mom & dad along! It would be a male friend.

I'm thinking the GF, Poly, or AKL right now. Wanna take any bets on which I'll actually choose?

 

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, I love SURE BETS (hee hee). I think you should EXPAND your horizons and really think about a few days at the AKL. Be more like MJS and experience the newer things that the World has to offer (hee hee).

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Janet, but it is so hard to do! I have a trip planned to WDW later on this summer, and we'll be back to the Grand Floridian! I was going to try something new, but when they told me that I could get a discount at the GF, I just had to take it!!! Those darn Disney CM's, they know my weakness! (I guess I should have never inquired about the GF!).

Anyways, I know my parents want to try the AKL, and if I want to go to WDW on their dime (or, I guess thousands of dollars!), then I'll have to "give in" and stay where they are staying!

But, we all know, if there is a discount at one resort and not another, you take the discounted room (always another trip to stay at that favorite resort - if I'm told GF is sold out w/ the discount I guess it is just meant to be!).

 

[MJS]

Thanks again!

Cali, what you need to do is what Janet2K and I have done. Spend a few nights at the GF/RPC and then you will be searching for a new resort! I am just kidding! The GF is a great resort!

I like to try different resorts, and the AKL seems like a great choice. We are thinking about splitting a stay between there and the BWI. We'll see...

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

MJS, one of these times I *WILL* stay in the RPC! (keep getting great rates on regular rooms, preventing me from staying in an undiscounted RPC room!).

I sorta miss the Poly, so I might have to go get another stay there! Actually, how about I just plan 2 trips? One at the Poly, one at the AKL. BUT, I'd love to stay at the Yacht Club, too! Choices, choices! (one night at each! LOL).

 

[MJS]

Janet2K - I am looking at the map (thanks for the link). The "fingers" I am assuming are the corners in each of the sections. So does that mean that some of the suites could overlook the pool? Are the suites savannah views only? Are some savannahs "better" than others? Where would you request to stay? Where in relation to the map is the concierge lounge? Thanks so much!

Cali, Disney does make it tough on us...there are so many great choices. I think that you would LOVE the YC.

 

[Janet2k]

CaliforniaDreaming, you are HOPELESS! Hang it up! Don't even think about staying anywhere but your beloved GF! You & my husband have a lot in common when it comes to that resort. You both have blinders on (hee hee). But as Auntie Mame said in the movie, "The World is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" So true. WDW has many, many resorts to try. Truly something for everyone. Then again, there is always the GF for those who are in a rut (hee hee).

MJS, you had me pee'ing my pants over your RPC comment, hee hee! Please refresh my memory about your upcoming trip. How many of you will be vacationing at WDW this time? Just you & your spouse? Or children, too?

 

[MJS]

It is a family trip with our little one. I wish for our trip the folks at Disney would move the AKL and the BWI over to the MK, just to make transportation easy for us. Transportation to the MK is a concern, although it sounds like more of a challenge from the BWI (especially sharing a route with the BC/YC, BCV, etc.)

I also wonder how many nights to stay at the AKL? We like to go for about 2 weeks, and I am thinking about spending most of the trip at the BWI because there are so many dining/entertainment offerings. Then at the end go to the AKL to relax and enjoy. Any thoughts on length of stay? Thanks!

I laughed at your response. I think Cali needs to experience the "royal" treatment at the RPC.

Thanks!

 

[Janet2k]

MJS, the “fingers” are all those little sections that jut out into the savannahs. From what I was told, all the suites have a savannah view (very that with the concierge, though, since my memory is getting a little fuzzy).

Which savannah is better than the other? That’s a hard thing to say since we all know that the animals have minds of their own and do whatever it is that they want to do at their own pace. When I stayed on the Zebra Trail, I had a glorious view of the animals most of the time. When I stayed on the Kudu Trail, I had a glorious view of the animals most of the time. For both of those areas, however, there were times when I couldn’t see any animals. Those might have been the times when they were inside the animal building receiving their care for the day? Or maybe those were the times when they were “slumming” around on a different part of the savannah? I just can’t answer for certain. However, I did see the animals quite a bit and never let it upset me that sometimes they just weren’t below my balcony when I wanted them to be. The AKL resort is such a great place that if I truly wanted to find some animals, I could get out of my room, walk over to the pool area or the Arusha Rock area and find them there, have no fear!

Where is the concierge lounge located on the map? Since it’s not “stated” on the map, it would probably be located where that blue box is that lists “Rooms 5101 – 5106.” The lounge is on the sixth floor and it overlooks the gorgeous lobby. You get to the lounge via the elevator and your concierge room key.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, MJS, I experienced the "royal" treatment from the Polynesian Concierge - can't be any worse, can it? Not sure what those Tiki Gods were thinking when they created a concierge staff like that. Not sure what everyone sees in that place! (I'm sure I'd be more than happy in a standard third floor Lagoon View room in the Tahiti Longhouse next time).

Okay, so should I (next trip after this upcoming one at the Grand Floridian) stay at the Yacht Club in Water View, Polynesian in Lagoon View, or the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Deluxe Savanna View? Two adults, two (late) teens? (in TWO rooms!)

 

[Janet2k]

Oh, yes, CaliforniaDreaming DEFINITELY needs the “R” portion of the Royal Palm Club. Yessirreeeeeeeee! (Ouch!)

MJS, from what you’re staying, I would definitely split my stay between the BWI and the AKL. I would put the BWI at the beginning of the trip and the AKL at the end. The AKL is a perfect way to unwind before you head back to the reality of your everyday life. (Well, at least that’s what I like to do!)

When are you vacationing? If it is during the warmer months, then I would say that two or three nights would be the minimum amount of time that I would stay at the AKL. The pool area is wonderful, so if you want to stay longer, then by all means do so. If you’re going during the cooler months, two nights would be perfect (the outdoor fire pit is a great place to hang out at during the evening hours). Of course if you want to truly relax, then consider tacking on another night or two.

 

[Minybear]

Cali

I have been reading this post and I am on the floor laughing . Cali if you ever go to YC or AKL or anywhere else but the MK resorts I will fall over. You and your family love the GF. You keep on making resv's for other resorts (if my memory servces me right) and then later on changing back to GF . Now if the DVC offered the GF as one of their resort homes you and your family will grab that in an instant and will become members very quick. You and your family love the GF and one of these days you will go to the RPC (discount or no discount).