I just contacted AKL Concierge today, and all I can say is....

[queenofhearts]

....WOW!!!!

My trip is not until November, but I'm hoping to book an Illuminations cruise. Since I know that these are challenging ressies to make, I thought I could enlist one of the concierge CMs to help me make my reservation. I figure between the two of us, we'll have a better chance!

I spoke to Alana (sp?) who was not just helpful, she was AMAZING. She immediately knew my name and my boyfriend's name (apparently, it's in our reservation). She not only agreed to help me make this ressie, but she immediately asked me about other ressies that she could help with. I've already booked most of my PSs for my dinners. But, I told her that I wanted to try to book the Fantasmic dinner package, and I knew I couldn't do it until we arrived. She said, "No problem. I'll take care of that reservation for you." I told her that I was thinking about making a PS for California Grill for our first night, but I wasn't sure what time the fireworks would be in November, and she said, "No Problem. I've booked two different dinner times for you, and you can choose when Disney releases the hours for FIS. I'll contact you after Disney releases the hours, and we'll cancel the one you don't want."

Then, she asked me about things that I hadn't even remembered to ask about (I had a one track mind about the Illuminations cruise)! She told me all about the Sunrise Safari and asked if I was interested. I told her we definitely wanted to do this. Even though we're more than 90 days out, she was able to book this event for me! Then, she asked me for my room preferences. She asked if this was a special occasion (I told her that going to Disneyworld is a special occasion for us!! ) She asked if we wanted to see any shows while we were there. I mentioned that we wanted to see the Cirque du Soleil. She asked what night, and said that she would take care of it for me.

Then, she gave me concierge's direct phone number and said that someone would be in contact with me in two weeks. I feel like I'm already on my Disney vacation, because Alana has made me feel like such a princess!!

Just thought I'd share my first experience with AKL Concierge in case anyone is considering it.

By the way, my counter is finally in the double digits!!!!!

 

[joyful1nh]

Thanks for sharing -- we're thinking about upgrading to concierge in Nov if the Ap rates are good. We're there Nov 9-12.

 

[queenofhearts]

joyful1nh- We'll just miss you! We'll be there Nov.3-Nov.8. Hope you get good rates!!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

That's wonderful!!! I'm ready to get back into the Disney planning stage, and AKL is one of the resort's I'd consider trying (I guess it's between AKL, YC, or GF).

 

[TammiMcMan]

One thing I can say for sure is that the concierge staff at Disney is world class. All my experiences with them have been great. They even managed to get me breakfast at Cinderella's just 2 weeks before my trip. Our CM recommended Cirque de Soleil also and as we've never seen it before, he even helped picking out seat locations. It doesn't stop at pre-planning either. They'll do their best to accomodate any requests that you might have during your stay at the resort. By the way, we ate at the California Grill the last time we were at Disney. The food was delicious and the view was absolutely incredible. I hope you get a table by the window!

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[queenofhearts]

Thanks for all of the wonderful responses! I'm getting more and more excited my the minute!!

TammiMcMan- Have a great time in Disneyworld!!

 

[Janet2k]

QueenOfHearts, that resort has my favorite concierge Cast Members. Actually, that resort has my favorite Cast Members period. I hope your stay is magical. You seem to definitely be starting it out on the right foot! Thanks for sharing your experiences.