Anyone ever upgrade from deluxe pool or savannah to concierge?

[lindeyspol]

We are already booked concierge but my parents are coming and trying to do more budget minded. I have them in a deluxe pool view so they can hopefully be close to us but was wondering if we could try to get a good price on concierge if available at check in. Anyone tried this? Thanks!

 

[CarolA]

I asked once at AKL. No deal. I was quoted the difference in price from my savannah view to the concierge. The difference was substantial

 

[storybookmum]

I couldn't care less about anything except the option to go on the Sunrise or Sunset Safaris....but you still have to pay for THEM...so I can't imagine paying the rate increase AND the cost of the Safari for our family of 5.....YIKES!!

My ILs didn't want to stay at the AKL at all....we're 4 nights at POR with them, and then they go home and we move to AKL for 2 nights...

I doubt we'd have stayed the whole time at AKL anyway; it's so much money....but I think it'll be a really special couple of days/nights.

Good luck with your upgrade. Be sure to let us know if you get it!

Kris

 

[kathy carleton]

we have done this on several occasions, as we often start out saying we will stay "regular" and then when we arrive, not be able to resist AKL Concierge. There concierge is unbeatable! flawless! we have stayed at many deluxe conc. and frankly, this is the only one we feel truly worth the price hike. The safari is a true perk too. We have done this on 4 occasions and i think all times it was a $50 or $75 per night "up" charge. I did this by calling concierge when arriving or a few days prior. I have some good friends who did this too (2 adults and 2 children), and they were charged either of these amounts to. can't rmemeber, but they indeed did it at check in.

 

[storybookmum]

I thought you were asking if anyone had received a complimentary upgrade.

I'm tangling with the idea of upgrading us for the two nights myself; I know DH and my youngest wouldn't be doing the Safari, so it would just be me, SD, and my DD...but it would be exciting; I'm trying to figure out if concierge pays for itself with the breakfasts and snacks and the concept of DH and I going to the lounge if we got back early enough and got the girls to sleep (SD is 12, turning 13, so she'd be in the room with them).

I'm so tempted. DH didn't kill me when I traded off two nights at POR to come to AKL, but I wonder if he might do me in if I upgraded....

lol,

Kris

 

[lindeyspol]

We are just thinking of trying when we get there. See if it's a huge difference or if we can maybe get savannah view for them.

My family is already in concierge. We did it this past June and they are absolutely fantastic. My DH and I did the Sunset Safari, which was expensive but so worth it. They have the friendliest, most helpful staff and the lounge is great. We found the food to be top notch (and my DH is in the restaurant biz). We had a lovely cake and gifts in our room for our anniversary (very nice surprise) and they just really bend over backwards to make sure you feel welcome. On the concierge thread, Bambitamby has some great photos of the lounge offerings. I have an ofoto album from the lodge and the safari. PM me if you'd like to see.

Thanks!

 

[storybookmum]

There's a concierge thread???? I'm off to look for it!

And I'm PMing you for pics...

Thanks!

Kris

 

[lindeyspol]

Kris,

I totally felt the same way as your inlaws. Didn't think I would like this place and let me tell you, the concierge level here blew us away! The resort is so beautiful and there is so much to do. We did our last 2 days here and if we had started here, we would have changed it so we didn't leave! I skipped my only opportunity to shop at Downtown Disney that trip to spend more time in the resort! There are so many things to see and do--there is a whole schedule just of things for the kids.

Wait until you see all the reviews and comments on the "who's been bitten by the concierge bug thread" #!hockeymom loves this place and has great info.

We did all of our breakfasts there and snacked throughout the day (very cost effective with kids). They have an automatic cappucino maker that is to die for and african smoothies, sodas, tea, lemonade, south african wines and beer in the evenings, and delicious desserts. You will be totally spoiled here.

Hopefully you have a discount code while you are there. Check and see if you can get one on concierge--we did.

Let me know if I can help!

Lisa

 

[#1hockeymom]

Glad I've helped a few people, lindeyspol! Yes, I am totally obsessed with AKL and their concierge! I would be happy to answer any questions anyone has, as I know others will too.

Debbie

 

[lindeyspol]

Yes Debbie you totally convinced me to give it a try and look at the monster I've become. Totally obsessed and encouraging and convincing others (storybookmum) to upgrade!

Hope you're settling in back to school. My mom teaches 3rd grade, sister kdg and her hubby's elem principal so I see what you go through settling back in.

I should have just pm'd you this question directly. Our room (concierge of course) is full since we took on my brother and his wife. Now my parents are most likely coming. We'd love to have them as close as possible. I'd love to surprise them with concierge but my trip's kind of getting out of hand so we'll see. Anyway, deluxe pool is what they're in now (hoping savannah becomes available) Is this the best way to get them close?

Oh, and while I was back to lurking in the lounge, I saw your post about airtran. Never heard of them but looked them up and they fly direct with fantastic, maximum vacation time, direct flights out of dayton which is just over an hour from us. While waiting for hubby to double check dates (my long weekend turned into 5 nights) the rates went up a bit, but we are at $166/pp round trip!! My brother also got an introductory direct fare from Charleston SC (VERY expensive airport to fly out of) for the same price! Guess this trip was meant to be! I'm trying to talk my parents into flying out of Cincinnati (2hrs away) on some special deal I saw on Travelzoo.com--they could both fly roundtrip for $178!!

Since our previous planner, Sue is still out, Don and Andrea have been working with us and they have been great. I know you love them too.

I'll be checking back into the lounge soon--getting very excited for the upcoming trip--can't believe I talked hubby into it--our first at the holidays!

Thanks!

Lisa

 

[dmillerdmd]

FYI- check out Southeast Airline out of Rickenbacker (seal.com). We flew last June to Orlando (Sanford Airport SFD) & it was GREAT. Small airport, easy access, little wait, quick security line. I just got a nonstop for Nov for approx $137. The incoming flight is late, but I like to use a town car service & no problem there. We plan on staying at POP for 1 night because it is cheap & we get in too late to spend much time. Then Disney will move us the next day to AKL ( no need for our own trans).and then happy limo again to airport when we leave. I' m hoping this all works out as planned!!!!!

 

[dmillerdmd]

Correction- that's flyseal.com. Sorry

 

[lindeyspol]

Yes, I have check southeast. My sil used them to Tampa this summer. The great rate you got expires before they go. They have great direct flights but it's farther away and the towncar price is double. I checked rental cars---but so far no counters open at their time of arrival 10:20 pm. We actually got a great rate out of Dayton on Airtran--direct with perfect times for us. There was a travelzoo special out of Cincy that would be $178 r/t for BOTH of them but they get back late and with the drive, I don't think my mom would be happy about going back to school the next day. Southwest is an option. We can hope the price goes down and they can get vouchers for the difference. However, if you know if any rental car places stay open late, southeast is still in the running.

Thanks!
lisa

 

[storybookmum]

Lisa and Debbie, I'm done, you got me, I'm in the lounge, we're there for a 2-night stay that just about equals a month's mortgage payments, God help us...

Trying persistently for codes and deals....and will be, daily (hourly?) for the next three months.

Still, I'm wildly excited. DH took it really, really well. He's such a sweetie, always wants to spoil me.

Kris

 

[#1hockeymom]

Airtran might not have the most legroom of a flight, but I can get to their airport in 25 minutes compared with the hour and a half escapade to get to Metro. Airtran has first flights out nonstop, and last flight back-nonstop to Orlando. I think Tampa was also added to the list recently. For park time/play time I just can't beat the price, times, and the fact that Flint Bishop is a one terminal airport! I LOVE IT! No more metro for me unless it is an international flight!
Storybookmum>> To make the most of your experience, plan for lots of resort time during those concierge days. It is so nice to really slow down and spend time in the lounge, if only to be alone and read the paper! We've met a lot of great people, some of them DISers, in the lounge while visiting! The CM's are wonderful, and I feel like I really know some of them! (It is also great to see DS use his best manners since he knows its good manners and a napkin in your lap or the room!) LOL


I have been on the sunrise safari twice, but never on the sunset. That is still on the "list". If your family loves animals the sunrise safari is very informative. The breakfast afterwards is fantastic! The best I've ever had on property.

I will concur with lindeyspol that having the ability to snack all day long when you have kids is a major plus to having the lounge available.

Have a great day, everyone!
Debbie

 

[storybookmum]

I'm thinking that lounge is going to be seeing a lot of us, and I'm sure hoping to meet some DISers!

DH and I are particularly happy with the idea of tucking in our little dears and heading to the lounge (SD is old enough to leave them together in the room) in the evening, for a quazi-date.

He took is SO well. Good God, I love my man!

I'm so excited, I can't wait. I'm so glad the AKL comes at the end of our stay; I think we'll be more ready to rest and take it easy, and we'll have such a pleasant place to do that.

I'm also excited that the CL privileges extend to midnight the day after checkout.

Thanks again,

Kris

 

[Winnie Pooh Fan]

We have been considering AKL and this safari just may tip the scale (WL loving family). I have a couple questions about the sunrise safar.

1st - Is there an age limit?? My DS is 11 well almost 12 by the next trip.

2nd - We've been on the regular safari ride at AK. I realize this is over the same teritory not the AKL. Is it really just the same thing or is it different??? The safari ride was one of my family's favorite.

Thank you for any help!!

Originally posted by #1hockeymom

I have been on the sunrise safari twice, but never on the sunset. That is still on the "list". If your family loves animals the sunrise safari is very informative. The breakfast afterwards is fantastic! The best I've ever had on property.

Debbie [/B]

 

[storybookmum]

The Sunrise Safari is open to any concierge level guest of AKL. It runs two days a week, I think Tuesdays and Saturdays but not sure, check allearsnet.com for sure...

It's about $50 per person, kids are welcome. It's the same route as the Kilimanjaro Safari, from what I understand, but they STOP and let you take pictures, and it's much longer. Afterwards, you are taken to Tusker House for a buffet breakfast, which is, reportedly, extremely nice.

HTH,

Kris

 

[#1hockeymom]

Just to add to storybookmum's post, the safari does indeed go on the same route as the AK safari. You may or may not save "little Red" depending on the humor of your driver! You'll have an "expert" on your ride who will answer any questions you have about the animals, their upkeep, the savannah, etc. They go much more slow and stop constantly for pictures. Afterwards the entire party goes to Tusker House for the buffet of all buffet breakfasts! The chef will come out and explain all of the different dishes which run the gamut of breakfast items. A very nice and delicious breakfast! Adult prices were aprox 50.00 and I believe children (3-11?) were about half that price. It really is worth that early wake up! Make sure just to have a very light snack in the concierge lounge when you check in, so you have plenty of room for breakfast! Last Easter and January the sunrise safari ran on Tuesday's and Saturday's - I don't believe the days have changed. There is no age limit and during both of my "tours" even the smallest of babies seemed enthralled with the tour and I heard no major crying. I know some people have worried about the "toddler" effect! LOL You will need a regular park ticket for the sunrise safari. The sunset safari, on the other hand, does not require a park ticket since it never leaves the AKL grounds.

The sunrise safari does sell out, so please make your reservations as soon as you know you'd like to be included! It is a wonderful perk to staying concierge! One of these days we'll try out the sunset safari, which does have an age limit.

Just in case there is some confusion, I have only left information about the safari rides offered to concierge guests at AKL, not about the magical gathering experiences in which I know nothing about. (but would love to!)

I hope this helps!
Debbie