Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Frequently Asked Questions (slight update 5/14)

[#1hockeymom]

OMG! I was just on the phone with CRO! I was good, I inquired, but I didn't touch it! I don't want deluxe pool view so I kept with POP and just bought my Halloween tickets and made LTT reservations like a good girl!

I will be good, I will be good, I will be good!
Debbie

 

[johnsonet]

DEBBIE! You only live once

 

[SCohen]

Hi all you lucky people who have been to AKL!
We are going in a few weeks and I am curious about turn-down service. Has anyone experienced turn-down in a savannah room? Do you have to request it or do they do it automatically? Or is it for concierge only? Next question: how much to tip for turn-down? I honestly can't remember and I can't find it in any of my travel book- go figure!
Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

Originally posted by SCohen
Has anyone experienced turn-down in a savannah room? Do you have to request it or do they do it automatically? Or is it for concierge only? Next question: how much to tip for turn-down?

SCohen Hi! Turndown is wonderful to come home to! You need to request it unless you are staying concierge- just press the Housekeeping button on your phone -. I did this every night when I was there in April in a standard savanna view room and it was great! I tipped $3 each evening.

 

[Tig-girl]

Debbie You done good girl! You'll be happy that you stayed with your current plan and saved the extra $ for next time! Something to PLAN for, right?

About the "turn down" thing...................I've never stayed concierge, and never had turn down service, so forgive my ignorance, but what is it? They just come in and turn down your bed for the night?

 

[johnsonet]

Tig-girl It's sort of like a second Housekeeping for the day!
They will empty your trash basket(s), trurn down your bedding and leave chocolates and replenish your towels...I believe they leave an African proverb at AKL (unless is something they only do on the concierge level) They also draw your draperies and dim the lighting and usually have the TV turned on to the Disney storytime/Channel 14

 

[Tig-girl]

Liz- that sounds really nice! I might have to give it a whirl, as they say! Thanks for the info.
(And how about that countdown, eh? I'm so excited!)
which might explain why I'm posting on my lunchtime from work!

 

[johnsonet]

Your countdown clock is looking good!
You will LOVE The Lodges!
Definitely give Turndown a try...it's awesome to come "home" to
Love your photo of Jon Bon Jovi. Some friends and I saw him in the Bar at the Plaza Hotel last February I couldn't believe he was tall! Thought he was a little guy

 

[Tig-girl]

Johnsonet................... YOU SAW JON IN THE HOTEL BAR???? BE STILL MY FOOLISH HEART!

 

[flyball]

I just had to weigh in on this one. We returned from an awesome 12-night stay at AKL on Sept 9th. We upgraded to concierge for the duration of our stay after experiencing one day of concierge service (we had booked it so we'd have access to the sunrise safari). We were first timers to concierge and turn-down service, and I have to say that the turn-down service was one of my favorite "perks!" I now know that you can request turn-down service whether or not you're staying concierge, and we will always do this in the future. After touring the parks, it's so comforting to come back to a room that's conducive to relaxation. It really does help you switch gears immediately. I am no prima donna, and it may sound absurd to somebody who hasn't experienced it, but turn-down service really makes you feel special and pampered (and still puts a smile on my face)!!!

 

[Tig-girl]

OKAY...........so how do I go about requesting the turn down service, cuz you know I have to try it now!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Flyball>> I totally agree about turn down service! No, I don't need it, but I love it!

Tig girl>> Just press housekeeping on your phone and request it. I've even done it from a house phone as I was walking out the door when I realized I had forgotten to request it! *during our first non concierge stay that started my upgrade kick and total devotion to the lodge!*

Johsonset>> Called CRO tonight, saved a bit more money on my current reservation *yeah!* and yes, I inquired about AKL but the only thing open was the two bedroom suite. I don't really think my son and I need that two bedroom suite! *but, it does include concierge! services and the lounge!* I will still be calling to change those last two days to BAP rate so you might still win that bet!

 

[ppony]

I wanted to thank you all for sharing the LOVE of the AKL. I SOO wish I hadn't had a bee up my you know where the last 2 trips and tried the AKL! We went to Boma's last we were there and were immediately impressed by the resort. At least on first impressions and that gift shop IS awesome! NOW with all the talk our stay that is currently split to 5 days at the ASM and 4 at the AKL, is shaving day off of the ASM and moving them over to the AKL as well as the concierge bug still has some venom in us (it must be a life long bite or something!) becaue my HUBBY was counting the days till I said the "c" word, concierge. NOW he thinks we need to book a few night in it! YIPPEEE!!!!!

THANKS EVERYONE!!! My vote for BEST thread on resorts!!!!! : ) You all are making it REALLY hard to wait till Dec. 2005!!!!!!!!

 

[wdwaholic]

Newbie with AKL-C questions

hi everyone!! Need some answers regarding location of Concierge rooms. We want to stay Concierge with a Savannah view and which floor is better for seeing the animals,5th or 6th? How far from the Concierge lounge are the 5th floor rooms? I'd prefer the 6th floor while 2 DS want to see the most animals and DH doesn't care. also what savannah would we be looking out at?

Decisions Decisions!!
thanks,
Trish

 

[BlueFairy]

HI.
I can't help much, but I can say that the 5th floor rooms are just down 1 flight of stairs from the lounge. Pretty convenient, but you have to have your room key every time you wish to visit the lounge if you are on 5. We were given a complimentary upgrade 2 weeks ago to a 6th floor room. The rooms on the elevator side (right side of the lobby as you enter the hotel) are POOL VIEW ONLY. And, on 6, those views are partially obstructed by the roof. I was a little disappointed in our room location 6403. We could not see any animals.
The opposite side should face Sunset savannah, I think. Don't know about 5th floor views.
Didn't get turndown on our 1 night in concierge, but the appetizer and breakfast offerings were wonderful.

 

[BambiTamby]

What was your bedding for room 6403?
My "inside" map says it is a handicap access room with a roll-in shower, unless I got the numbers transposed!

We've stayed at AKL CL three times the first year it opened and many, many times after that.
Each time we've been in a different room with a different view.
And each has their pluses, but the Zebra trail is the best.




Click here to view my AKL CL pictures.

 

[BlueFairy]

6403 is a king room with daybed. Definitely NOT handicap. It had a tub/shower combination in a pretty tight area with the toilet.

As best I can tell there are no Zebra trail rooms on 6. My map only has 6th floor rooms facing the lobby. 5th floor has rooms on all trails and the lobby.

 

[*Flower*]

The Savannah rooms on the 6th floor face the Sunset Savannah (except for the suites on the ends).
The rooms on the other side of the lobby face the pool.

I hope that this helps......

 

[lisareniff]

We are going to AKL in Feburary and I'm trying to finalize my room requests.....

I was wondering what the view was like on the Uzima Savannah (the one near the pool) compared to the Arusha Savannah? We visited the lodge last year for dinner (didn't actually eat - long sick kid story) and visited the main viewing area. We really enjoyed it and decided to we had to stay here next time. I was wondering about the view from some of the rooms on the last section of the zebra trail or the last extention.

We are staying Concierge so we will be on the 5th or 6th floor. I will request Non-smoking and 5th floor. I was trying to figure out what views and areas are better and which were worse. It would be nice to have easy access to both the pool/mara and concierge lounge, but not at the expense of the view(first priority). I don't think I would like sunset savannah... but am not sure why.

BTW Here is a neat ariel photo of AKL from Disney Pix

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by BlueFairy
6403 is a king room with daybed. Definitely NOT handicap. It had a tub/shower combination in a pretty tight area with the toilet.

As best I can tell there are no Zebra trail rooms on 6. My map only has 6th floor rooms facing the lobby. 5th floor has rooms on all trails and the lobby.

You are right! 6207 and 6403 are the only Kings on the 6th floor.
6207 is non-smoking and faces the sunset savannah.

The handicap/access rooms must be 6203 (roll-in shower) with connecting to 6204 (tub/shower).

The 6th floor offers a secure environment for a solo traveler, and it is much quieter than the other floors since there are only 9 rooms on one side and 6 on the other.
Plus, you got the lounge steps away.

Glad to get this straight!