Booked AKL Concierge...have questions!!!

[married@wdw]

I'm soooo excited. I booked AKL concierge for a Saturday night in late January and now I'm starting to do my research. DH will have no clue!!! YEAH! We'll be celebrating our anniversary and this will be the first night of the trip -- we'll move to a DVC resort after, but I'm not sure which one yet.

My basic plan is this:
10:00 a.m. Check-in @ AKL Concierge
10:15 a.m. Grab a snack in the lounge and head to AK for a few hours if room isn't ready
3:00 p.m. Tea @ Lounge
3:45 p.m. Culinary tour
5:30 p.m. Storytelling around firepit
6:00 p.m. Appetizers at the Lounge
6:45 p.m. Room Service Dinner on our balcony
8:00 p.m. Dip in the resort hot tub
9:00 p.m. Cordials & desserts

We'll be spending most of the day at AKL to maximize the use of the lounge and really relax, so I'm hoping you guys can fill me in on some of the questions I have before I start nailing down the details with the Concierge staff.

Questions:
1. Has anyone tried room service at AKL? I'm thinking of doing the following -- lounge for apps, dinner served on our balcony so we can eat and watch the animals, a dip in the hot tub, then grab dessert and cordials to take back to the room for more animal watching. So I'm wondering -- is room service as yummy as the restaurants (we've been to both Boma & Jiko)? What do you recommend?

2. The biggest reason for this stay is Sunrise Safari! Concierge staff let me know it will be on Sundays and Wednesdays during the weeks I was looking at. For those who have done it, around what time did you actually finish breakfast and head out into the park? We're hoping we'll have plenty of time to go back to AKL and get our bags from the room after breakfast -- we don't want to have to deal with that before because we're already getting up so early. Or could we just leave our bags packed by the room door and have the Concierge staff transfer them to our DVC resort? We've always had to be in the room to give the bags to the bellman for this, but we've never stayed Concierge before?

3. Does anyone know what time the storytelling usually is in late January? I've seen times ranging from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the list here, but I'm assuming usually earlier that time of year.

4. Do they really do tea in the lounge at 3 p.m.? I saw it listed on the FAQ thread, but I want to make sure that's right because I thought they only did tea at GF (but I love Rooibos teas!).

5. Are there any other activities we should make sure to do while we're at AKL? We don't have kids, just the two of us. Also, any other tips for making the stay extra special?

THANKS!

 

[cinmell]

I've never stayed at AKL so unfortunatley I can't answer your questions but I'm bumping for you so hopefully someone will be able to help you out!

 

[psar]

You will really enjoy your stay at AKL. We have never ordered dinner, but have done breakfast. Hot and delicious and set up on our balcony. Check out the menu at allearsnet. They will list all that you can order.

The Sunrise Safari is great. You should be able to enjoy your breakfast and get back to the lodge by 10:00 without rushing. Remember you have lounge priveleges the day of your check-out if you need a place to relax and plan for the rest of your trip. Not sure where you would store your luggage, but just ask the concierge staff and they will take care of it. In my opinon they are the best on property.

Yes tea is served. I remeber Earl Grey and different types of African blends. There are scones, cookies, fresh fruit and other munchies available also.

Not sure about the time of the storytelling, but there will be a list of activities available with the times when you check in. There is night vision viewing with goggles in the evening, and just walking around taking in the artwork is wonderful, as well as the relaxing on the rocking chairs.

You will have a wonderful time. Make sure you mention on your reservation that you are celebrating your anniversary.