Animal Kingdom Club Level

[kstorms27]

Is it just me or is it practically impossible to get club level at AKL without owning there? No matter when I check, its booked. I don't even want to stay club level that bad but it stinks that its the only way you can do the sunset safari and I would really like to do that for my DD and DW. Any advice or am I just screwed without owning there??

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is it just me or is it practically impossible to get club level at AKL without owning there? No matter when I check, its booked. I don't even want to stay club level that bad but it stinks that its the only way you can do the sunset safari and I would really like to do that for my DD and DW. Any advice or am I just screwed without owning there??

There are only five two bedroom lockoffs on the sixth floor. Three are savanna view, two are pool view. At least one is handicapped accessible. They are hard to get at anything less than 11 months out. You may need to book the standard concierge level room through Disney Reservation Center instead of using DVC points.

 

[disneyjanet]

You can do the sunset safari without staying concierge, you just have to be a akl guest. The sunrise safari is the one that is only for concierge guests.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Or do the Wild Africa Trek. That is even cooler than the Sunrise Safari.

 

[disneynutz]

Is it just me or is it practically impossible to get club level at AKL without owning there? No matter when I check, its booked. I don't even want to stay club level that bad but it stinks that its the only way you can do the sunset safari and I would really like to do that for my DD and DW. Any advice or am I just screwed without owning there??

IMO your not missing much. You can get a point transfer if you really want to try it out.

Bill

 

[hmillerbarilla]

My SIL, a BLT owner has gotten AKV CL twice now at SPRING BREAK. I don't know how she does it (I'm always lookin'!) but it is possible.

I agree, if you want a night here or there, just book thru CRO. Otherwise, an add on might be in your future!

 

[drusba]

You should also be aware, if considering buying AKV to get club level, that many times during the year it is not even available to members trying to book exactly 11 months out because other members have locked a date out by booking with an earlier start date. Moreover, even when a date is available, it often disappears before 8:01 a.m. eastern at 11 months out.

 

[cwdefouw]

I have had numerous DVC guides tell me that they like to book the AKL Concierge villas with their AKL points. I suspect that the availability that seems to vanishes before 8:00 AM 11 months out could be the guides grabbing their rooms before the general public gets a chance. To the OP, these are, by far, the hardest villas to score on the entire property, because of the extremely limited number. If you are really wanting to stay there, perhaps try to rent or trade points with an owner, you could then book 11 months out. With flexible planning you would have an excellent chance then.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The thing about these villas, too, is that they really don't have a very good view. So you are booking them them solely for the Concierge lounge access and what that can offer.

 

[DebbieB]

A friend was able to snag a 1 bedroom at 7 months for late June a few years ago (2008?). It was a ladies trip to celebrate her 50th. We loved the Sunrise Safari.

 

[kstorms27]

Thanks everyone. I really only wanted it, like I said, for the Sunset Safari experience. To my knowledge they, club level, are the only ones eligable for this. I would never buy into AKL just to try and be able to stay in Club level. We stayed at Kidani this past December in a 1 bedroom and we were very happy with it. Im just looking for some new adventures instead of the same old going to the parks thing.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks everyone. I really only wanted it, like I said, for the Sunset Safari experience. To my knowledge they, club level, are the only ones eligable for this. I would never buy into AKL just to try and be able to stay in Club level. We stayed at Kidani this past December in a 1 bedroom and we were very happy with it. Im just looking for some new adventures instead of the same old going to the parks thing.

Then you need to try the Wild Africa Trek or Backstage Safari. Both of these were really neat. WAT was a little bit pricy (but we got an afternoon discount). I'd do either of these (and you don't have to get up at 5:30AM).

 

[chalee94]

Thanks everyone. I really only wanted it, like I said, for the Sunset Safari experience.

to clarify:

the sunSET (wanyama) safari in the afternoons is available to anyone staying at AKV or AKL. it's a tour of the savanna grounds at the resort and includes a family-style dinner at jiko.

the sunRISE safari in the mornings requires club level accommodations and includes a tour of the safari grounds in the park.

 

[erionm]

From the member website:

Sunrise Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Take a 30-45 minute safari to get an insider look at the animals, the grounds and the operation of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. After the safari, savor a lavish breakfast buffet at Pizzafari. Subject to availability, Park admission is required but not included. This tour is exclusive to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level Concierge Guests only. For full details and to check pricing, times, and availability Club Level Guests should contact The Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of their stay at 407-938-4755.

Wanyama Safari (aka Sunset Safari)
Available to all Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests, this three-hour safari-dinner adventure is a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. Spend time with members from the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Programs team to learn about the natural history and management of the animal collection. Enjoy incredible photo opportunities of the animals and the architecture of the Resort. Conclude the experience with a multi-course meal at Jiko The Cooking Place. Subject to availability. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. For full details and to check pricing, times, and availability Guests should contact The Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of their stay at 407-938-4755.

 

[dsanner106]

Does anyone know the price for the sunrise and sunset safaris? I would like to eventually do both, sounds great! I was able to add one night in the concierge level to a stay at the akl by waitlisting it. Got lucky and was able to try it out. Did not even know at the time about the sunrise safari though.
D

 

[erionm]

Does anyone know the price for the sunrise and sunset safaris? I would like to eventually do both, sounds great! I was able to add one night in the concierge level to a stay at the akl by waitlisting it. Got lucky and was able to try it out. Did not even know at the time about the sunrise safari though.
D

Sunrise Safari: $65 for adults, $32.50 for children (ages 3-9).
http://allears.net/acc/faq_aksunrise.htm

Sunset Safari: $190.64 (ages 8 and up)
http://allears.net/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm

Above prices do not include tax.

 

[kstorms27]

My apologizes. It was the Sunrise that I was thinking of. I knew it was only available to club level guest because I asked when I was their. The Wild African Trek looks awesome but our DD is only 4 therefore we wont be able to do it. Like I said before, we just want to find some new things to do, tours, etc..., besides going to the parks and pounding the same pavement.

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

I was able to get 3 nights in a 1 br. in June for my birthday. The first two nights I got one day into my 7 month window (forgot to check at 7 mo window) and the third night I found available about a week later. All were found using the online system. MS was able to combine them into one reservation for me. SO excited to spend my birthday at AKV with club level.
Hope you can get a reservation too!!

 

[Disneyholic]

Some of the confusion on the Sunset Safari may be coming from the fact that when it first started it was only held 2 nights a week and could only be booked if you stayed Club Level at AKL. I believe it was changed for a while to Club level at any WDW hotel. Later they changed it to any guest staying at AKL & AKLV.

I know that when we went on it, it was only for Club level guests of AKL. We booked a 2 night stay because when we booked they were trying to decide if they were going to do a Friday or Saturday night, so I booked both so we wouldn't miss out. (It was not every night like it is now. It was only 2 nights a week.) We really enjoyed our Safari and the family style meal with our group at Jiko afterward.

 

[erionm]

Some of the confusion on the Sunset Safari may be coming from the fact that when it first started it was only held 2 nights a week and could only be booked if you stayed Club Level at AKL. I believe it was changed for a while to Club level at any WDW hotel. Later they changed it to any guest staying at AKL & AKLV.

I know that when we went on it, it was only for Club level guests of AKL. We booked a 2 night stay because when we booked they were trying to decide if they were going to do a Friday or Saturday night, so I booked both so we wouldn't miss out. We really enjoyed our Safari and the family style meal with our group at Jiko afterward.

There is a tour that is available only to Concierge Level Guests at all WDW Resorts Hotels:

Wildlife Discovery Excursion
Venture off the trail of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve during this one-hour adventure led by a seasoned Safari Guide and animal expert. Stop at special observation areas for unique photo opportunities. Park admission is required, but not included. This tour is only available to Club Level Guests at all Walt Disney World® Resort hotels. For full details and to check pricing, times, and availability Club Level Guests should contact The Resort Concierge Itinerary Planning Office in advance of their stay at 407-938-4755.