DVC members at akl

[ez]

Have any of you dvc members stayed at akl yet? If so, what did you think. I am considering staying at the concierge there to check it out, just for one night. Would appreciate an analysis of the property from a dvcers point of view.Thanks!

 

[KathyK]

We'll be there next week, starting Sunday. Part of our stay will be on points.

I'll be happy to give a small report here upon my return (especially about the part of whether or not we get the category room that we were verbally told was reserved for us on points).

 

[VWL Tracey]

My husband and I visited there on opening day for 2 nights. We went on a whim and was able to walk in and get a King room savannah view. Concierge was not available.....It was wonderfu! Rooms were beautiful, lobby fantastic, restaurants great! The staff are all very proud of this property and stop you everywhere to ask what you think, or offer information.
I can only imagine the concierge level is wonderful.
We will visit again. Did not use points because it was spur of the moment and was not sure it was possible.
Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyMim]

I just wanted to add my 2 cents in here too. We were in WDW during Easter week, did not use points this trip, but we visitied the AKL as we have reservations for 5 nights there in August and wanted to "preview" it while we were there. We were very impressed. It is truly a beautiful resort. The CMS couldn't have been more helpful, my husband struck up a conversation with a few of them and they seemed very knowledable and very willing to "show-off" this new resort. The CMS outside along the savannah know their stuff. We spoke to some from Africa and they were very interesting. My kids LOVED the resort and we all are looking forward to our stay. Oh, in case anyone is interested, there are 2 restaurants, one buffet and one that some people are comparing to the California Grill (We did NOT eat here, I'm just repeating what a CM said). Also there is a large food court that seemed to have tons of different foods. There are also refillable mugs. The pool is huge and looks very relaxing. There are 2 hot tub pools. All in all the AKL looks like a wonderful addition to Disney's resorts.

 

[sixcats]

We stayed at AKL on opening day. Although the rooms are a little smaller than I would have liked, we are going back for a week in August. We ate at each of the restaurants, and liked them all.(The hamburger at the food court wasn't that good_try the shrimp) I wouldn't want to stay there every trip, because I like to see more "characters". You won't be seeing Mickey and friends likenesses at AKL(there are a few hidden Mickeys). I do want to stay here every few years, maybe over those high point weekends once in a while. The resort is very welcoming and the staff is extremely friendly and proud of their resort.

 

[CLC]

We paid cash for AKL for one night last week prior to heading to our home resort at BWV. We had a regular room with a savannah view-it was a special price through our annual passes.
When we went into our room, we didn't really see the savannah but faced the 'people pit' used for evacuation in case of emergencies. There should NOT be a premium charge for this view as it is all fence and concrete.
I went to the front desk and said I was not happy with the view [you pay extra for the savannah view] and wanted to change my room-they said there were no other rooms available. I then said I would take a refund and stay at BWV with my DVC membership.
They asked if I was a DVC member, then disappeared into the back room-and came out with a new room for us that turned out to be have a teriffic view.
So-if the view is good it is great-but be informed that not all savannah views are created equal.
The room was small and kind of dark for my taste but the lodge was terrific. Absolutely wonderful-and the buffet is NOT to be missed. The grounds are fantastic and we will stay there again!