I am happy and sad about Akl Concierge-need help -10/22 UPDATE

[mapmakerj]

My family (including Mom & her DBF, DSis & Df, DBro& DSIL, and grandpa) were all planning a trip for next fall. Grandpa just got diagnosed with terminal leukemia, is going through chemo and is only given a year at best to live (probably closer to 6 mo. if he makes it thru the chemo). Everyone has decided to cancel their trip, however, my Grandpa has made me promise to take his only Great-grandson to DW for halloween no matter what. He knows how much we love DW (the rest of the family has never been so they don't know what they are missing) and how much my DS loves halloween. My GP told me that in his will he has specifically earmarked money for my son to have the vacation of his dreams. He also told me that he wanted to make my dreams come true- he left enough for us to stay AKL concierge! I was floored! I am so filled with mixed emotions right now, but I promised him that I would start planning and report back to him on my progress. So, I have a few questions for you AKL concierge vets. Where would you request a room? We are thinking of doing the Sunrise Safari, do you think my DS (who will almost be 7 by then) would like it? Any special request you would make for a surprise for my DS to be sent to the room? Any suggestions would help. Right now I can't fully get myself into planning mode so I am looking to you for guidance. Thanks so much.

 

[suevee]

I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa's illness. Planning this trip with you may help him deal with his chemo. As so many of us on this board know planning a trip can become an obsession. It may be a good obsession for him. Sometimes planning is almost as fun as going. Also you arrange for you son to have a special surprise from his great grandpa while at WDW. I am sure grandpa would love to help you plan it!!!!

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I think your son would love the sunrise safari! Be sure to book it in advance.

I would share your story with the AKL concierge planners. They will go way out of their way to make the trip very magical. Would your son like Mickey ears with his name on them? What about an autograph book and pen? I bet they could have a "hello and welcome" autographed pic from his favorite character waiting for him.

When we stayed at AKL concierge, we had a wonderful room on the 5th floor.. right by the elevator going down to the pool and Mara. It was a great location.. arusa (sp?) savannah, zebra trail. The lounge was upstairs, but only a short elevator ride away.. not the same elevator, but the one around the corner off the lobby.

The rooms on the 6th floor while being close to the lounge don't have the great view like the 5th floor ones. The roof overhanges part way. I would definetly go for the 5th floor.

Let the concierge staff handle your ADRs. They can help get you into to character meals and other fun things your family will enjoy.

I am sorry about the circumstances of your trip . but keep in mind this is what your grampa really wants and how happy it will make him. What a good man!

 

[Amyrlin]

I am sorry tohear what has happened, but I am sure he is going to get a lot of pleasure hearing the plans. AKL is wonderful, we stayed on the Zebra Train on the 5th floor, te view was amazing. There is nothing like getting up in the moring and walking onto a balcony to see the animals.

The conceriege staff are also very good here so are lieky to be able to help. There are also other events in the hotel for the youngsters each evening.

 

[Alaska Catdog]

Sorry to hear about your grandpa but it sounds like he may be gaining some comfort and joy thinking about you in WDW and hearing about your plans. My favorite place to stay is AKL Concierge. When we were there I used the concierge services for planning my DH's 40th birthday. I worked with Andrea (this was about a year ago) and Donald. They were fabulous. We had a wonderful room and Andrea went shopping for me and had the gifts wrapped and set up in the room for our arrival (which was at 6:00 am) she went out of her way to find out what DH would like and then found it for him. You will be in great hands there. What a very thoughtful and generous grandpa you have.

 

[mapmakerj]

Thank you so much for your ideas and word of encouragement. I just got a call this morning from my Dad telling me my Grandpa developed an infection over the weekend and he is not doing well at all. He is on oxygen and a feeding tube and is getting weaker. I am going to see him with my DSis in a little while. I want him to know that I am going ahead with our plans and let him know that my DIS friends are helping me with the details so we can make this trip as magical as possible. Any more advise on concierge ideas for my DS would be appreciated. Do you know of anyplace to get a basket made and sent for him filled with goodies? I think the grander the suprise (within reason )from "Papa" the better. I will keep you posted.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

Never stayed at Animal Kingdom so I can't help you there. Just wanted to say prayers and pixie dust are coming your grandpa's way from McConnel Air Force Base, Wichita Kansas
'

 

[mapmakerj]

I visited my GP yesterday afternoon and he was very happy to hear I was going ahead with the plans. He told me to spare no expense when it comes to spoiling his GGson on this trip. Late last night he took a very bad turn. He had to have his heart shocked to try and slow it down. His lungs are filling with fluid and he has a hard time breathing The drs. said the chemo wasn't working and he now has a severe infection. GP said to stop all treatments-Drs. said he will pass within the week. Today he is not lucid in his thoughts or words at all. He doesn't even know who is with him in the room. I am taking comfort in knowing that he was aware of me yesterday and even smiled when I talked about our trip. I promised him we would do all the things we said we couldn't afford on our last trip- concierge, Sunrise Safari and shop til' we drop. I pray that he just passes away peacefully without any further pain. Can anyone think of a "frivolous" thing we should do as a family? We are not really into "fancy meals", but are open to any other suggestions.

 

[Jpgirl]

When we were in Epcot a few weeks back we saw that they were selling these laser plaques and they were placed in walls. Why not honor your GP with one of those. I'm sorry your GP is not doing well my thoughts and prayers are with you

 

[suevee]

Why not an Illuminations boat tour in honor of your Grandfather. Watching the fireworks over the water is breathtaking. My mother loved fireworks but could not do crowds due to medical conditions. I arranged this boat tour and it was the last time she saw fireworks. She loved it.

 

[cjsmom5]

Sorry to hear about your grandpa. We have been through something similar with my grandpa and it is not easy. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Your son will love the Sunrise Safari. Mine can't wait until our Nov trip and our safari. The concierge staff has been wonderful in helping us and I'm sure they will do the same for you.

We have done the Illuminations cruise and it is wonderful. If you aren't able to get that one you could do the Fireworks cruise in Bay Lake -- can't remember the name -- but you watch the fireworks at MK from the lake. The other thing to keep in mind is that you can "rent" the "yacht" at the Grand Floridian. Not sure of the details but you can find info on this website.

An extravagant dinner meal would be Victoria and Alberts. Haven't been but heard great comments about it. Otherwise, just treat yourself to some nice character meals as your son would probably like those.

 

[cjsmom5]

Sorry to hear about your grandpa. We have been through something similar with my grandpa and it is not easy. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Your son will love the Sunrise Safari. Mine can't wait until our Nov trip and our safari. The concierge staff has been wonderful in helping us and I'm sure they will do the same for you.

We have done the Illuminations cruise and it is wonderful. If you aren't able to get that one you could do the Fireworks cruise in Bay Lake -- can't remember the name -- but you watch the fireworks at MK from the lake. The other thing to keep in mind is that you can "rent" the "yacht" at the Grand Floridian. Not sure of the details but you can find info on this website.

An extravagant dinner meal would be Victoria and Alberts. Haven't been but heard great comments about it. Otherwise, just treat yourself to some nice character meals as your son would probably like those.

Another special thing might be having everyone picked up at the airport in a limo. We typically use Tiffany Towncars and they have been great. Even under new ownership they are very good, at least for us. There is nothing like seeing the smile on a child's face when a limo drives up and opens the door. It is very special.

 

[LakeAriel]

The "laser thing" is Leave a Legacy in front of the park at Epcot. They will put either your picture with your son, your son alone or some words in it. You could place his photo (DS) and your Dad's name, I love you Grandpa etc. It would be very special. Every year when you go you can visit it.
May his last days be peaceful and pain free. All this planning is helping get you through this. Smart Dad!

 

[Feralpeg]

When you have your plans finalized, please PM me with the name your reservation will be under, your son's name and the date you will check into AKL. There will be a gift waiting for your son from his great grandpa. Please tell your grandpa this. I'll will be my pleasure to be his messenger. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Peggy

 

[Nancyg56]

My prayers are with you and your family. I'm sure that your Grandpa has comfort in knowing that he has been an integral part of bring more joy to your son. I'm sure that he is a very special man.

 

[roque]

 

[jimmysmommy]

Ok, I am sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes!!! If everyone is going on this trip, you qualify as a Magical Gathering, I think....If so, do the Fireworks Voyage....This was amazing. Lots of attention from Captain Hook, Smee and Peter Pan. Plus the crew was absolutely great!! (As my 6 year old would say, Ultra-Group Hug!!!!)

 

[mapmakerj]

This afternoon my GP all of a sudden became very clear headed (it was like someone flipped a switch, Dr said that happens alot toward the end). He knew who we all were and even started to complain like the GP I know and love. I told him that our plans are going along and all he could do was boss me around and tell me not to forget MNSSHP for my DS and he told me to make sure we buy my DS whatever his little heart desires within the budget! I of course told him I wouldn't forget a thing because, as my DH says, I am completely obsessed with every detail of every trip I ever plan. My GP has refused any more treatments and told the Drs. that he didn't want to spend his last days in the hospital and asked if there was any way he could just go home. The Dr. said if we could arrange for 24/7 homecare then he could spend his last days there. My Dad (it's his Dad) just got here from TN and made all the arrangements, so if he can make it through the night he will go home tomorrow morning. He just wants to see the lake from his patio, sit in his favorite chair and hug his cat at least one more time. Alot of you suggested a cruise and I think, since GP was the first person to ever take me out on a boat fishing, that might be just the right way to remember him. My DH has teased me in the past for my obsession with the DIS but after I showed him the replies I have received, he now agrees that the DISers are truly a great group of people. (Who knows maybe I'll even get him to post one day!) Thank you so much for all of your kind words and support.

 

[cjsmom5]

This very same thing happened with us. It is like a switch that goes on and the time is so very sweet. Enjoy these precious moments -- they are truly a gift from above!

 

[eeyore45]

My heart and prayers are with you, I've also experienced this with a love one. May you continue to receive the strength you need, and look forward to the future your gp wants for your family!! Know you are not alone!! Prayers and {hugs}