animal kingdom lodge ...is room service an option?

[tngal]

Hello all! My family and i will be staying at AKL this may.. My mom and my aunt will be coming along as well. Due to health and mobility issues, they will be doing a resort only vacation. I am just looking for ways to make things a bit more convenient for them. My daughters and I will be there in the AM to get their breakfast, but was just wondering if room service was an option there. They are able to walk, just slowly. I just want to help make it as enjoyable as i can for them while there. Thanks!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We just enjoyed a stay at AKL a couple weeks ago, and I honestly do not recall seeing anything that indicated there would be room service. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but we didn't see anything pointing it out. Just a recommendation - if you are at AKL (not sure if you're Jambo House, or perhaps DVC on the Kidani side), if your relatives would prefer to keep their walking limited at AKL, be sure to request a room closer to the lobby. There are rooms on both side of the AKL resort that can be fairly long walks, if they need to get out. Requests are not always granted, but if there are mobility issues, they are likely to try and help you out.

 

[nw6675]

No, there is not. The Grand Floridian is the only one.

 

[Her Dotness]

I think the only resort currently offering room service is still the Grand Floridian for both the regular rooms and DVC.

Sounds like both would benefit from renting a scooter. That way, they've independence for wandering about the grounds and going wherever they'd like to eat, look around, watch animals, shop...

Are they aware that the Disney resorts are quite spread out, and they'll have more freedom and can roam much more readily if they agree to scooter use? I'm not suggesting you press the issue, because that could offend. Just wondering if they're aware how very much walking there could be at AKL just to get the basics.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I am not 100% certain, but I do not think they are offering room service at this time. If you are looking for an option in the same price range that does, then Swan Reserve has room service. Another possible option would be swapping to a AKL DVC room with a bigger fridge, which would make it easier to have some food in your room.

One option we've used in the past is to get food in the parks on the day before we plan to eat it. It doesn't work well if you are seeking breakfast platters, but it does work well for items like muffins. Depending where you go to buy it, lines are often shorter in the afternoon/evening than they are in the morning. Starbucks tends to have long lines all day, but we have had good luck at places like the Confectionary, HS quick serves, Boardwalk, Disney Springs, and the World Showcase.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

No, there is not. The Grand Floridian is the only one.

The Swan Reserve also has room service. (I know, technically not WDW, but almost WDW.)

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I think the only resort currently offering room service is still the Grand Floridian for both the regular rooms and DVC.

Sounds like both would benefit from renting a scooter. That way, they've independence for wandering about the grounds and going wherever they'd like to eat, look around, watch animals, shop...

I know a few years back, we convinced several of our parents to do scooters, and they said after it was one of the best decisions they made - but it was a decision THEY needed to make! But it can make for a much better trip. But it might be worth mentioning to them.

 

[Her Dotness]

I know a few years back, we convinced several of our parents to do scooters, and they said after it was one of the best decisions they made - but it was a decision THEY needed to make!

I agree wholeheartedly. That was my point about not pressing the issue.

I cringe when people suggest telling elders that a scooter is just an extra help like glasses for vision, a cane or walker for balance, etc. We older folks KNOW that; it's insulting to be told so as if that never occurred to us.

The issue isn't that we're unaware how much a scooter might benefit us. It's more often one of having to admit we're not as young and able as we used to be. That may be why we often say, "Oh, I don't need THAT. I can still walk. I wouldn't want to take one from someone who really needs it."

When the truth is WE really need it but can't yet face that fact...

Suggesting they watch or showing them a YouTube walking tour of AKL may be all the persuasion they need to agree there could be more walking than they can do easily or comfortably.

 

[tngal]

I know a few years back, we convinced several of our parents to do scooters, and they said after it was one of the best decisions they made - but it was a decision THEY needed to make! But it can make for a much better trip. But it might be worth mentioning to them.

i have tried and tried to get them to rent a scooter *i have to use one myself* they fight me on it every time! My aunt would probablly do it but my mom absolutely refuses..thank you to you and everyone else who has replied

 

[Her Dotness]

Probably little you can do to encourage either, then.

It can be terribly difficult to admit needing such aids even though younger relatives use them. "That's different. Something happened/went wrong with them. I can walk fine, just need to take my time anymore. Honestly, people just rush-rush-rush when there's no need, etc."

I do hope either or both will yield foolish pride if that's the cause of their refusing. Not like I know what that's like...only took me over 8 years to admit I needed hearing aids. So silly!

 

[starry_solo]

Maybe a concierge room, closest to elevators, would be a good idea for them?

 

[Her Dotness]

Maybe a concierge room, closest to elevators, would be a good idea for them?

That IS a good idea. That way, they've the lounge goodies if walking to the restaurants proves too much.

 

[starry_solo]

That IS a good idea. That way, they've the lounge goodies if walking to the restaurants proves too much.

Yup, and if they can get a confirmed DVC reservation with concierge, it's on the same floor!
OP: to clarify, it's a specific booking category that DVC owners can book.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Yup, and if they can get a confirmed DVC reservation with concierge, it's on the same floor!
OP: to clarify, it's a specific booking category that DVC owners can book.

You're right, and this would be perfect. But if the reservation is already in May, not clear it's DVC. And if it is DVC, not likely they'd get a DVC Club room for May at this point. But might get it with a cash room, which I guess is 5th floor? Maybe 4th and 5th floors? Still not that far, and would be an excellent option, if available someway.

 

[keishashadow]

OP curious, have you looked at the floor plan of AKL?



you could very well find yourself assigned one of the more far-flung rooms.

IMO, you need to make your family aware of this. Might not be the trip they desire after reflecting upon their needs.

 

[starry_solo]

You're right, and this would be perfect. But if the reservation is already in May, not clear it's DVC. And if it is DVC, not likely they'd get a DVC Club room for May at this point. But might get it with a cash room, which I guess is 5th floor? Maybe 4th and 5th floors? Still not that far, and would be an excellent option, if available someway.

Agreed. I checked confirmed reservations on various DVC rental websites and only found one night for AKV-Concierge in a studio in the entire month of May. but lots of values studio reservations... I did find a 3-night in a 1 BR-Concierge and then a 1 night in 1 BR-Concierge though on another rental site

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I know a few years back, we convinced several of our parents to do scooters, and they said after it was one of the best decisions they made - but it was a decision THEY needed to make! But it can make for a much better trip. But it might be worth mentioning to them.

Another in-between option is to rent one scooter that they can take turns using, though it sounds like both of the would benefit.

Even if they don't use a scooter every day, it might be worth trying one for a portion of the trip.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Agreed. I checked confirmed reservations on various DVC rental websites and only found one night for AKV-Concierge in a studio in the entire month of May. but lots of values studio reservations... I did find a 3-night in a 1 BR-Concierge and then a 1 night in 1 BR-Concierge though on another rental site

I have never really seen them available. They pretty much always get quickly booked.

While there are no guarantees of getting a room close to the lounge, given the mobility challenges, WDW is usually pretty good. If not DVC, the room will almost certainly not be on the same floor as the lounge, but may well be a short walk to the lounge via elevator.

If you are CL, you are also allowed to bring food/beverages to the room. Generally speaking, if you end up bringing food to the room, getting it from the lounge is easier than going to the quick serve. Even at AKL, it is usually closer to your room, and the food is self-serve, so there's no line, and no waiting for a CM to get your order.

The only catch is that the CL's don't have trays or dinner plates. I'm not 100% sure what AKL has these days though, as my most recent CL stay there was some years ago. In all seriousness, in your situation you might be able to call the hotel ahead and see if they can provide a tray, or consider bringing one if you book CL. In some cases, the CL staff might be willing to help in other ways too, if you explain your situation.

 

[mrsap]

I have never really seen them available. They pretty much always get quickly booked.

While there are no guarantees of getting a room close to the lounge, given the mobility challenges, WDW is usually pretty good. If not DVC, the room will almost certainly not be on the same floor as the lounge, but may well be a short walk to the lounge via elevator.

If you are CL, you are also allowed to bring food/beverages to the room. Generally speaking, if you end up bringing food to the room, getting it from the lounge is easier than going to the quick serve. Even at AKL, it is usually closer to your room, and the food is self-serve, so there's no line, and no waiting for a CM to get your order.

The only catch is that the CL's don't have trays or dinner plates. I'm not 100% sure what AKL has these days though, as my most recent CL stay there was some years ago. In all seriousness, in your situation you might be able to call the hotel ahead and see if they can provide a tray, or consider bringing one if you book CL. In some cases, the CL staff might be willing to help in other ways too, if you explain your situation.

When we were at AKL CL during Christmas week, I saw people asking for to-go boxes, which the CM’s provided. It was done quite frequently, so it’s not an issue there.

 

[raionheart]

Are room service back as an option at AKL? I'm getting mixed info from online vs what members are saying here.