Early arrival at AKL

[Sharper]

Arriving early (11:00-noon) at AKL on 12/19. Our reservation is for Savannah View room, where we had requested bunk beds at the time we made reservations (about three weeks ago) but only have email confirmation of dates/resort/price NOT anything else. I would like to fax our request for bunk beds along with a mention of our early arrival to hopefully get assigned a room earlier than later. I have heard various time frames in which to fax your requests - 3, 4 or 5 days before. Also, has anyone else dealt with an early arrival and any luck in getting a room early? As luck would have it, the only way to coordinate our trip involved a flight leaving very early with the only day we could coordinate tix to MVMCP. I am stressing out over my kids (and DH and me!) being up from 4:00 am to midnight. A room (and a nap) would be nice..........thanks for any assistance.

 

[cleo]

I checked in around 1:30 last week and my room was ready right away. None of my requests were on my confirmation but I did receive all of the things I'd asked for. I'm sure it depends on the day and the time, but yes, you may luck out and get in early.

 

[kdibattista]

We arrived around 11:00 am on Oct. 14th and were able to get a room right away. If I wanted all of the requests I made, we had to wait til 4:00. It was only a matter of us staying on the 4th floor instead of the 3rd floor request so we took the 4th floor. They work with you when you check in.

 

[hallie]

We checked into the AKL during Easter break at 10am in the morning. They had a savannah view room available on the Sunset savannah but we wanted one on Zebra Trail so we decided to wait I think we got into it at about 3pm or so.

 

[TNMomof3]

We checked into AKL at 8:00am on a Thursday morning. Not only was our room ready, but every single room request was granted! I'm sure we just lucked out that that particular room wasn't occupied the night before, but it was great to go ahead and put our stuff up before we headed to the parks. I sent a faxed request 5 days prior to our visit.

Enjoy your stay. It is a wonderful resort!

 

[jdads2]

Our first trip to WDW we were up at 4:30 am. We arrived at the Poly at noon but our room wasn't ready so we headed off to MK to get our AP's and hit some rides. We figured we would hang out until 3 or 4 to make sure that our room was ready. We headed back a little early so we could inspect the grounds and check out the pool. Luckily our room was ready. We made a quick change and headed to Epcot in order to see Illuminations and ToD's Parade. When we got back to the Poly we decided to hit the pool. We didn't end up getting into bed until 1:00am.

We managed the same thing this September at the AKL. Even though our room was ready we never used it for a quick nap on that ever important first day! We run adrenaline all day. This time we were up until 2:00 am. That includes my 3 kids (ll, 8 and 5).

Even if you can't get into the room, bring a change of clothes with you on the plane...swim clothes too. If you can't get into the room you'll be able to relax at the pool.

Have fun!

 

[Sharper]

So if they have the opportunity for a nap I won't be the subject of their stories of how Mom pushed everyone from before dawn 'til the wee hours of the morning. I seriously doubt anyone would sleep, but at least getting settled in the room before heading to the MK for dinner then MVMCP would be nice. I DO expect everyone to be ready to crash by the time we return after the Christmas Party!

 

[mep319]

Can someone tell me what the fax number is or where to find it? Thanks!!

 

[TNMomof3]

The fax # for the Animal Kingdom Lodge is - 407-938-7102.
Have a great trip!

 

[luvdzny]

I have stayed at AKL twice. In Nov. 2001 arrived at noon, no requests made except non-smoking, booked Savannah view and got into our room around 3:00. In June 2002 arrived around noon again and got right into a Savannah view (which we booked) non-smoking (requested) bunk bed room. I think it really depends on how many guests are checking out on the day you arrive.

 

[adisneynut]

We will be changing resorts during our stay. We plan to check-out at the GF have Bellservices drop of our luggage and then arrive by 7m

 

[luvdzny]

I think that switching resorts is treated just like checking in as a new guest. If there are rooms available you can get in, if not you will have to wait. If bell services is transfering your luggage you can head out to the parks, and then return when your room is ready.