Being DVC member got us AKL upgrade

[Disney Sponge]

Here's another great reason to love being a DVC member. We stayed at AKL for the 1st two nights of our trip and b/c we were DVC members and maybe b/c I faxed the room controller a polite request for a good giraffe viewing area--we got upgraded to a deluxe room. The semi-circular balcony w/ thatched roof was awesome. The room was quite spacious, but the balcony was all we cared about. 3 adults and 2 kids could all fit out on the balcony. We ate breakfast out on the balcony, while the giraffes ate theirs.

The AKL is awesome. I heard the rumor again from a CM that there might be a AKL Villas there 4-5 years from now. I really hope this rumor becomes a reality. We loved everything: the decor, the various animal viewing areas, the African storytelling, all 3 restaurants are 1st rate, and the staff is fantastic.

 

[rbuzzotta]

That's a great treat Disney Sponge. I can't wait to see AKL in July.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

That balcony sounds WONDERFUL! Our one disappointment all 3 years at the Beach Club was that we didn't have a full balcony. I know what you mean about the balcony being more important than the room.

Would love for you to share your polite request. I always have a hard time writing those things.

 

[ohioMickey]

Were you staying at AKL on points or cash?

 

[Disney Sponge]

We stayed on points. 60 points for two nights. That may seem like a lot, but when you look at the room prices versus your cost per point. It's cheaper to use points than pay cash. The manager Norm was very friendly and seemed to always be out interacting with the guests. He gave my son his Robin Hood pin. No trade, just gave it to him. He stopped by our table at Jiko the next night to see how our stay was going. Amazing service from all the CMs from the Norm the head honcho to the maids & bell services. Go, stay, have a fantastic time.

Here's my polite fax:


Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Attn: Room Controller
Date:
Jambo!

Our family is really looking forward to their 1st stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I wanted to see if you could possibly accommodate our room requests for May 21-22. We would really appreciate a savannah view and need a non-smoking room. We would love any even # room ending in 572-584 or odd # room ending in 541-555; if that is a possibility. We heard that these rooms have an incredible view of the feeding areas for the giraffes. My 4 year old loves giraffes. I will enjoy taking lots of photographs to share with my students and colleagues when I get back to school. Thank you in advance for any help you can give us in making our first visit wonderful!

Name
Res.#