Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Floor

[Jennick]

Hi Gang~
Has anyone ever stayed on the concierge floor at AKL? Just wondering what the benefits are to staying on a concierge floor as we have never done so. In your opinion would it be worthwhile to give this a try? We have 2 adults and a child age 14. I appreciate any input you have. Have a great day!!
Donna

 

[Deb & Bill]

We stayed in Concierge (the lounge is on the 6th floor), but we stayed on the 5th floor. The food available at various times throughout the day was nice. I loved the lemonade. Cookies were good as well. Don't plan on using this as a full meal, but it was a nice treat. Plus we were able to sign up for the Sunrise Safari. That was the main reason for staying there. We also got the deluxe room with one queensized bed and the bunk beds (plus the day bed, which we never used as a day bed, just a sofa).

 

[budwmn]

We've stayed concierge at AKL 3 times and are going back for more! Before the trip, I fax them my room requests (preferred view, non-smoking, etc.), as well as my dining requests (restaurant names, dates, times). They will either e-mail or fax my completed itinerary to me. I've never had a problem getting any of my requests, even for popular restaurants or times.

Upon arrival, we are taken directly up to the concierge lounge for check-in. While we do so, we have refreshments (fresh lemonade, tropical fruit juices, sodas, coffee or tea, and snacks).

We use the lounge often: muffins and cereal for breakfast, snacks when we return from the parks, and after dinner treats. My DH is addicted to the latte machine.

We've always felt the perks were worth the price. After being in the parks, waiting in lines for rides and food, it's nice to have a calm oasis to return to at the hotel. Overall, it just makes our trip more relaxed and comfortable.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Hi Jennick - We have stayed at the AKL a few times and used concierge twice. It is really nice - the lounge is very relaxing, the breakfast offerings are great (especially the latte machine ).
That said, it is about $100 a day over savannah view, so you have to decide if it's worth it. For us, it's worth it if we take our whole gang, which includes three teenagers. Then we need the room that sleeps 5 anyway, and they snack all day from the lounge. If it's just a couple of us going, we book savannah view. My DH, DD and I are going in June and staying in savannah view.
Concierge is a real treat, and if you don't mind spending the extra $$, go ahead and treat yourself.
One extra note is that if you are really looking forward to seeing the animals from your room, animal viewing is much better from the 2nd or 3rd floor than from 5th or 6th, where the concierge rooms are located.

 

[Karfy]

im new to all this disney stuff! we are planning our 1st trip to WDW at christmas *is excited* was just wondering what is concierge? what does it mean to stay concierge at the animal kingdom lodge?

thanks, Karfy xxxxxx

 

[luvdzny]

Concierge level at AKL is great! It includes access to the private concierge lounge on the 6th floor, this lounge has a wonderful view of the lobby and is a great place to sit and relax. The lounge has a TV. In the morning they serve breakfast, usually fresh fruit, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, bagels & donuts. All day there is coffee, soda, lemonade, smoothies, water and cans of soda available, there is also a great latte machine. Throughout the day they have nuts, gummie worms and crackers available. In the late afternoon there are cookies, around dinner time there are hot hors d'oeuvres, not enough for a meal, but they make a great snack. After dinner there are wonderful deserts and liqueurs. The staff on the concierge floor will also take care of any prefered seating arrangements thay you need, they are often able to get the "hard to get PS's" for you. The rooms are either on the 5th or 6th floor. The 6th floor is only able to be accessed with you concierge key. We are going back for our 2nd concierge stay in June. We love it there! We have stayed concierge at Poly, but we prefer the AKL.

 

[Disfreek]

Are the rooms that are on the fifth floor "far" away from the concierge lounge on the 6th floor?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Are the rooms that are on the fifth floor "far" away from the concierge lounge on the 6th floor?

The concierge lounge would have a parking lot view if it had a window. It doesn't. It's located over the main entrance on the 6th floor. Since the best views are on the Arusha savannah which is directly opposite, you can be a bit away from the lounge. But your room key will give you access to the 6th floor via the elevator.

 

[luvdzny]

There is also a locked gate and a stairway on the 5th floor that takes you to the lounge. It is on the opposite side from the elevator. I never paid any attentioin to how far the walk is though!!!

 

[lovesdisney44]

We've stayed concierge at AKL 3 times and are going back for more! Before the trip, I fax them my room requests (preferred view, non-smoking, etc.), as well as my dining requests (restaurant names, dates, times). They will either e-mail or fax my completed itinerary to me. I've never had a problem getting any of my requests, even for popular restaurants or times.at the hotel. Overall, it just makes our trip more relaxed and comfortable.

I faxed my requests a while ago, but haven't received my completed itinerary yet - we'll be there in 60 days. How long before you arrived did you receive your itinerary? Should I be worrying?

Thanks for the info!

 

[Suzanne74]

I am really surprised the concierge lounge doesn't have a view of the savannah, esp since some concierge rooms are also pool side. What is the point of having a view of the lobby I have stayed at Poly and the view here is incredible but I thought the service was lacking. I have been very curious about staying here or WL as concierge. Is the lounge open 24hrs? What did they offer at night as far as appetizers? Thanks!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

But it does have a view of the savannah. It looks out across the upper level of the lobby towards the savannah. But it's located over the main entrance of the resort.

I think the lounge is open, but there are no offerings at many times of the day.