Checking in Late-AKL Concierge

[my3kids]

We can't get to FL until around 9 pm or later for a concierge check in. Are we just going to be out of luck with our requests rgarding room type? We really need bunk beds because of the kids, really need NS, etc. Really wan't Savannah view. I'm worried we'll end up in a pool view room with queens and kids who won't and shouldn't sleep in the same bed.

Please reassure me that a late arrival doesn't = leftovers on the concierge floor.

 

[ducklite]

The rooms are pre blocked. Make sure you let the concierge staff know your needs in advance. Sounds like you'll arrive after the concierge staff has left, so you'll ahve to check-in at the desk. Make sure you reiterate your requests there. If you don't get them, you can always ask the concierge to change your room the next day.

Also, you can ask for a room with a daybed, so the kids don't have to sleep togehter if you can't get the bunks.

Anne

 

[my3kids]

3 kids so we need the bunks and a daybed. I'm glad to hear they are pre blocked. I just hope someone doesn't arrive earlier, decide they really want my spot and it get reassigned.

No concierge check in if we arrive around 9 pm?

 

[2ofUs]

We stayed concierge at AKL in 2002. If you call the resort DIRECTLY and talk with someone at the concierge desk, you may should be able to get more specifics. They are supposed to help with your itinerary planning, etc. - that's what concierge is for. If they are not available, leave a message for them to call you back. When you talk to them, be VERY specific about your requests "IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE" so they can do their utmost to fill them. If you want a view of the Savanah, you do NOT want to be on the very top floor (the one where the concierge desk and the food area are) as NONE of these have acceptable views - trust me, we made them let us look out the windows of what they considered the best views from that floor!

Personally, I am not sure why you are requesting concierge unless it is to take the Tuesday morning safari which requires a Monday night concierge stay. If that is the case, may I recommend you reserve a different room for all the other nites and stay concierge for JUST MONDAY night. I know that is a hassle with regard to packing/unpacking, but it can save you a LOT of money. We did not find the concierge of much benefit at the resort and honestly found the Savanah view better from about the 3rd/4th floors.

Keep in mind, we are a couple in our 50's traveling with no children so our perspective is surely different. Also, depending on when you are going, you may be able to book a standard room and easily be upgraded upon arrival if it is a slow season. -- Arriving late may be a different story, but still, call the RESORT directly for extra help/advice.

I loved the atmosphere, food, experience at this resort. Figured we will never get to Africa so this is the next best thing. The safari is really terrific and the breakfast at TUSKERS is absolutely splended. If you are a pin collecter, be sure to ask all the guides if they have and "CAST MEMBER" or other special pins to trade. These guides are not as frequently exposed to the general public and sometimes have some real treasures!

 

[my3kids]

We're doing the concierge for the food offerings while there. We generally try to stay in the club areas of hotels, and now, the concierge area at Disney simply for the ease of having food, coffee, breakfasts and treats available. I don't think we'll do the sunrise safari. We thought about it, but the morning in the park would probably win over in my kid's minds.

 

[2ofUs]

If that is the case, then request to be placed on a different floor level but with concierge access (very common in this resort). There really is NO VIEW that doesn't include rooftops from any of the concierge level rooms!

You will still get an elevator pass key, but I assure you the room view will be MUCH BETTER. We stayed out in the right wing along the Savanah (can't remember what they called it) but there were zebras every morning and the 'long-horned' wilda-beast looking critters. Some mornings there were giraffees & others. They rotate which animals they allow to roam in that area to insure a variety of 'sightings'.

Be sure you take the kids to see the flamingo feedings just beyond the pool. They have them a couple of times a day. And the evening story telling is great - just get there a little early to get seats.

The guides at the resort are chock-full of wonderful information so ask as many questions as you can think of - and take plenty of film.

The gift shop has the usual array of items, but also a lot of African made specialties - and many are very well priced. Usually they have some sort of artist present working on a painting or sculpture. We spent much more than we intended at this shop, but fortunately (or unfortunately for our pocketbook) they will ship it to your home so you don't have to work about suitcase room!!!

Enjoy!