How is AKL decorated...

[always dreamin']

for the holidays? I'm still debating between AKL and WL. I've heard WL is beautiful for the holidays, but what about AKL?

 

[vasoccermom]

We were there from Nov 7-12th. When we got to the lobby the morning of the 12th, they had installed a huge christmas tree (must have been 3 stories tall) in the middle of the lobby. They had also hung garland from the balconies of the atrium. I'm sure it was just the beginning of what they will do but it was tasteful and beautiful.

 

[Cris]

the tree at WL and AKL are both 50 ft.

 

[always dreamin']

Which one would you say has a more Christmasy feel?

 

[currycook]

both are very nicely done. You need to find a site with pictures to see for yourself. Sorry cant give you a link as some of the best sites are not allowed to be given out on this stie for some reason that I do not know.

But both places are nice.

 

[Kapp]

but the AKL, with its African theme, is very special. Unique decorations but still done in a traditional style (i.e. Christmas tree, garland, gingerbread house, etc.) is really something to see.

Youcan't go wrong between the two but I would recommend the AKL as the decorations just add another layer to the great theme and a GREAT resort!

Have fun!

Kapp

 

[stinkerbelle]

The lobby at AKL just blows me away REGARDLESS of what time of year it is. This will be our first holiday staying at AKL...but from the Christmas card we recieved from them (with a picture of the tree in the lobby on the front)...I can tell it's going to be breathtaking.

We've seen WL during the holidays...it is very pretty. However, WL just feels like 'back home' to me. Granted, I live in the North East and the WL theme is "North West"...it still feels similar to me. That's why I LOVE AKL...total different themeing.

 

[Minybear]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
This will be our first holiday staying at AKL...but from the Christmas card we recieved from them (with a picture of the tree in the lobby on the front)...I can tell it's going to be breathtaking

stinkerbelle

Ok we will be at AKL the same time you are and you get a Christmas card from AKL and we didn't. I am jealous. Oh well at least we will be at AKL in approx 2 1/2 weeks.

I cannot wait to see AKL's Christmas decorations and the other resorts Christmas decorations. Does anyone have any current photos?

Minybear "Cindy"

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Minybear
stinkerbelle

Ok we will be at AKL the same time you are and you get a Christmas card from AKL and we didn't. I am jealous. Oh well at least we will be at AKL in approx 2 1/2 weeks.

have you stayed AKL concierge before? If not - that's why. You'll get one next year I bet !

 

[Minybear]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
have you stayed AKL concierge before? If not - that's why. You'll get one next year I bet !

stinkerbelle

We have stayed at AKL 3 yrs ago. I wonder if the Christmas card went to DU instead of us!!

Ok I will get a Christmas card from AKL next Christmas and it will really make me feel guilty for going on an Hawaiian cruise instead of being at AKL/WDW.

 

[always dreamin']

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
have you stayed AKL concierge before? If not - that's why. You'll get one next year I bet !

Just out of curiosity, what am I missing about staying concierge? I could never justify the expense but than again, I'm not sure I really know what's all involved. Can you fill me in or direct me to where I can see the benefits of staying concierge? TIA

 

[storybookmum]

Always Dreamin', this upcoming trip we have 5 nights at POR and two at AKL CL.

Once I got over the hurdle of getting DH to agree to a Deluxe Savannah Bunk Bed room at AKL, the upgrade to CL was a piece of cake. It was $55 more a night. There are five of us. Food alone in the lounge would be worth that.

I have yet to find out exactly what Concierge will mean for us all in all. It has given us access to the AKL Itinerary Planning Office. The wonderful CL people at AKL have helped with several priority seatings (I had many done already before the upgrade), and they accommodate special requests (if you ask, they will use your credit card to pick up little gifts and stuff to put out in the room for you on checkin or throughout your stay). Several people have mentioned receiving perks like birthday cakes in the rooms - this is NOT a written part of the concierge service. At AKL, only concierge guests are entitled to go on the Sunrise and Sunset Safaris, which are much longer and more private safari rides than those at the Animal Kingdom, and include meals - at Tusker House for the morning, and at Jiko for the Sunset. These aren't INCLUDED with the CL experience, but they are only available if you're staying CL. The safari bus will also actually stop and give you a decent chance to get good photos.

You have private check in and a private lounge for CL guests that overlooks the lobby of AKL. Throughout the day food offerings are put out: a continental breakfast, munchies and delectables throughtout the day, and cocktails and desserts in the evening. Concierge rooms are all on the 5th and 6th floor. There are 6 (I think) smoking rooms that face the pool in Concierge. All the rest are savannah views.

I bet there's more, but these are some of the perks for us, and with five of us in the group, it was an upgrade I thought would pay for itself. I don't know if we'll ever go deluxe or concierge again - I hope so, but it's not really our budget. This is our first family vacation in four years, though, and these two nights have come to mean a lot to me. Particularly the fact that our three girls have no idea they're happening. They think we have five nights at Disney, and are in for a total shock.

Take care,

Kris

 

[Muffy]

WL may be a bit more christmasy but it is very close, LOL! AKL's lobby is drop dead gorgous and THE TREE is really something....

 

[cavecricket]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
The lobby at AKL just blows me away REGARDLESS of what time of year it is. This will be our first holiday staying at AKL...but from the Christmas card we recieved from them (with a picture of the tree in the lobby on the front)...I can tell it's going to be breathtaking.

We've seen WL during the holidays...it is very pretty. However, WL just feels like 'back home' to me. Granted, I live in the North East and the WL theme is "North West"...it still feels similar to me. That's why I LOVE AKL...total different themeing.

From Rhone Island here!!!!
i get what your saying about WL ..... we have a cabin in maine we vaca at sometimes and WL has the same "look" i dont want to think......cold.......snow........OUTHOUSES!!! while in Disney!!! lol