Finally decided on AKL - some Qs

[clairelly]

Hi

After a week solid of umming and ahhing about where to stay onsite when we go away August 2006 (apart from a long weekend at 'Fort Wilderness' last year, it'll be our first time onsite), we've finally decided on AKL.

This is going to be a really special holiday 'cos it'll be the last family holiday with our DD (she's 16 and getting too old for family holidays at Disney - her words!!). Just a few questions I'm hoping you can help with.

1) We're planning on getting concierge. Is it really worth the money?
2) When they offer alcoholic beverages with the concierge package, in the evening, is it unlimited?
3) We are planning on getting the Disney Dining Package. Are the AKL restaurants/counter-service restaurants included in this?
4) If we get concierge, will we still need to the the Dining Package?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Aanna]

1) We're planning on getting concierge. Is it really worth the money?
2) When they offer alcoholic beverages with the concierge package, in the evening, is it unlimited?
3) We are planning on getting the Disney Dining Package. Are the AKL restaurants/counter-service restaurants included in this?
4) If we get concierge, will we still need to the the Dining Package?

Lemme take a stab at answering:
1. It *can be worth it if you plan to eat often in the concierge lounge. Think of it as paying $100 a day for light food service and the opportunity to go on the AKL concierge-only safari's. (more below)

2. While they don't count each drink you take, it's not like an open bar, either. Think of it as a cordial glass per person and a decanter to be shared with the room. Just a nice little nightcap.

3. Yes, the AKL restaurants are included. The Mara is counter service, Boma is 1 table service, and Jiko is 2 table service.

4. They seem to me to be mutually exclusive. Which you choose should be based on what you plan to do on the trip. If you plan to be around the resort a lot and don't plan to eat much then the concierge lounge would be right up your alley. If, however, you really enjoy eating at Epcot or the other parks then you would probably be better off with the Dining Plan.

Just one viewpoint

 

[Rowlf]

1) We're planning on getting concierge. Is it really worth the money?
2) When they offer alcoholic beverages with the concierge package, in the evening, is it unlimited?
3) We are planning on getting the Disney Dining Package. Are the AKL restaurants/counter-service restaurants included in this?
4) If we get concierge, will we still need to the the Dining Package?

I have different answers:

1 - You can't get concierge thinking you will "eat the price up". It has to be worth it to you to not have to wait in a check-in line, to have pre-planning help, etc. You will not eat the cost difference, and if you try to? You will be one of the people who get nasty things posted about them!

2 - It is unlimited. You can have as much as you want.

3 - I think so, but you should check the brochure to be sure.

4 - They are not mutally exclusive at all. Concierge is NOT a meal plan. We use it for a quick breakfast and snacks/drinks later, but we are getting the meal plan as well for our trip next week.

 

[clairelly]

Thanks for the replies. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't asking the 'foodie' questions 'cos we want to eat our money's worth!! With never staying in an on-site hotel, abit blind about what's what!

 

[Brina]

We have not gone yet, but have the meal plan and concierge. Our thinking - save the cs meal for lunch time, but eat early after having a light breakfast in the lounge. also, we will use the lounge for snacks and than use our snack credits on our last day to load up on things for the trip home (or use them for water while walking around the parks)

our main reasons for going concierge - the sunrise safari and the itinerary planning. I am horibly disorganized, and being able to list out all the ADRs that we want for the week and let the IPO make them is easier for me than having to call every morning.

 

[Mousemom]

Our oldest son went through the same thing when he was that age, and even stayed home his senior year when we went to WDW. The whole time we were there he wished he would have gone. Now that he is in college and working and can not always go, he is dissapointed. Sometimes they change their minds about going with the family.

 

[Snowysmom]

Luckily, my almost 20 year old DS still wants to go with us on vacation. This summer it was Washington, DC but next summer it is WDW. I hope your DD changes her mind once she gets to WDW and sees how much fun it is. We will be at AKL next summer for part of our trip and both DS's are looking forward to it. Have fun!

 

[disnut8]

This is going to be a really special holiday 'cos it'll be the last family holiday with our DD (she's 16 and getting too old for family holidays at Disney - her words!!).

Gotta laugh at that comment. The exact words my son used at that age. Since then (he's 23 now), he's been there five times with us. Twice with his new family - at his insistence.

 

[clairelly]

I'm hoping that's the way......I was in tears when she said this would be her last one!! How can anyone be too old for Disney?Q!?