JAMBO! The UN-official AKL Thread ~ UPDATED(short film/pg 8 & slideshow/pg 12) Part 2

[wallyb]

...sweets, I am trying my darndest to get some 'inside info' on AKL the the DVC sitch , so, you will DEFINITELY be one of the first to know.....it has been MY experience that, no matter WHERE the location, when it comes to construction, the 'powers that be' try to make it as least obtrusive as possible....if there is ANY inconvenience, they will try to 'make up' for it in other ways.....personally, I wouldn't cancel my ressies. I would wait till closer to your departure date before making any rash decisions.....

Not going cancel.
Just want to try to insure a great trip - as much as possable.
So if there where anything I could do to shore that up...
Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[Dusted]

From what I was told by a CM on my latest trip 10/15-10/19, the DVC had already taken over their part of the 5th floor. Good luck!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

wallyb I- - am in the same boat as you. I leave the week after you do and I am still very concerned about the construction.

Kimmar thanks for trying to get us some info i appreciate the efforts.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

From what I was told by a CM on my latest trip 10/15-10/19, the DVC had already taken over their part of the 5th floor. Good luck!

What do you mean by this? The DVC has taken over some of the rooms already? meaning they are closed to booking?

 

[Cass]

I'm concerned about this DVC business too. I really love AKL and I'm sad that it's changing. I will be annoyed if I am put way down a trail. I have asked Don a couple of times about disruption and he always answers the questions very carefully.

'The DVC shouldn't affect your stay'

I'd feel better if he said 'will not affect your stay' but 'shouldn't is kinda wishy washy.

If I didn't love AKL so much I'd switch to somewhere else...

 

[Angel16]

AKL INFORMATION

Hi All,

I spoke to my AKL contact today. With all the varied information and mis-information going around I deceided to try to reach my trusted contact at AKL. I was started to worry that my DH and myself were going to be placed in a small, no view, lower floor room for our visit in December.

After discussing my concerns I was assured that the only work that has been done to the lodge which they are just about done with is constructing two sample units for the AKV - DVC. They will be completed in just a few days. So those of us who are going in the next month or two will be able to tour the model units. They will not be doing any further work until after January 1, 2007. So that is good for those going before the new year.

As things are planned at this time, they are going to take over the 5th and 6th floor for DVC. Concierge will be moved to the 4th floor. There is going to be an additional building built on the Zudo trail side for more units, also a huge theme pool, grounds and a new restaurant.

I was told that the CM's at AKL are in hopes that past, present and future guests will complain loud and heavy to management that they do not want smaller rooms on the fouth floor for concierge. The rooms right now are small enough for conciege level. I told my contact that I would post this information here.

So I would assume it is up to us to complain and change their plans for AKL being a resort that holds rooms for DVC within the main lodge.

I hope this helps some people who are planning holiday trips. For those of us who love this resort I am sorry, I wish I had better news.

 

[kimmar067]

Gosh Kimmar-- if you find out any info on AKV let me know too! We were considering buying into DVC when we heard rumblings of a new property, and I need to know the whole scoop on AKV so as to make a decision! We are most likely going to the DVC presentation when we are at WDW in Dec, but any info you can share before that, count me in!

... still waiting for word from MY 'source'...when I get any updated info, I always try to post it here.....

 

[SeaSpray]

angel16, thank you for the info.

The concierge floor is going to be the 4th floor??!!? That's only 1 floor up from the lobby!! That stinks. When we stayed concierge at the Wilderness Lodge, we *loved* being up so high, overlooking the gorgeous lobby while munching on breakfast. Being only 1 floor above the lobby will NOT have the same effect as being on the the 6th (top) floor. Also, when we stay concierge at the Polynesian we're in a specified building and the lounge there has a spectacular view of the lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. I was looking forward to experiencing concierge at the Animal Kingdom Lodge the way it *was*, not the way it will be now. I am definitely rethinking my plans.

I think I'll either switch resorts or switch to a non-concierge room. Our trip is in early February, so I guess I have a little time to decide, although I read that some people have been having trouble finding rooms available for that time period.

 

[SeaSpray]

P.S.

Where would there be space on the 4th floor to add a concierge lounge? I am not familiar with the layout of the 4th floor. Any educated guesses??

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

angel16 - Thank you so much for that update. Me and DH were discussing a switch to Poly or a 1br villa at WL or BW but now I will leave well enough alone. Any other info would be great. Thanks again.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Angel16,

Are they saying the entire 5th and 6th floor will be DVC??

What do people think about this situation: you have reservations for a deluxe concierge room in 2007. If you are put on 4 .. not a deluxe room .. should you be charged less?

 

[BCV23]

Angel16,

Are they saying the entire 5th and 6th floor will be DVC??

What do people think about this situation: you have reservations for a deluxe concierge room in 2007. If you are put on 4 .. not a deluxe room .. should you be charged less?

I sure think you should be charged less.

But my guess is you don't have to worry.

If only the models will be worked on this year that leaves hundreds of rooms as they are now. All rooms on the 5th weren't conceirge. It seems to me that they could easily be working on the rooms at the ends as others have reported while the rooms closer to the lobby and the 6th floor club lounge are still concierge.

Aren't the club level rooms at WL about the same size as the standard rooms at AKL?

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hey All ,

Long time no post, but life has been incredibly busy latley. So I'm hoping to come back to more regular posting now. I'm so excited that DVC is making its way to AKL everything sounds great except the concierge moving to the 4th floor and into smaller rooms!!!

Anyways I hope everyone had wonderful trips this fall and I see that we are closing in on all of the holiday trips coming up too! I can hardly wait to see the pictures.


Here are a few shots that I took around the lodge:
Lobby Shot

Far Right View From Our Balcony

Pool Area Looking Towards the Hotel

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I hope the new DVC are there when we are visiting. I will take lots of pictures. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my trip will be OK.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Angel- good info on DVC & concierge-definately a relaxer for anyone going before the end of the year...(yeah 47 day count down.... ) but probably nerve wracking for anyone after... Still curious to see a model DVC room when we go down....

Scoutsmom-I want to be on that bridge, I want to be on that bridge...thanks for sharing the photo...the lobby gets me everytime.......

 

[Cass]

PracPerfPatricia, when will you be at AKL?, we are staying Dec 3th - 19th

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow- Cass, you'll be there for over two weeks...

Your stay overlaps ours...we'll be there December 14-21...

Maybe we can hook up for a drink or a photo op we can post ....

Is anyone else on this thread going then also.....?

 

[Cass]

Oooops - what a dork I am, that's a typo!

I will be there December 13th - 19th...

OMG, I so wish I was there the 3rd to 19th...

but hey, we will be there at the same time, watch for 2 ladies, 2 12 year old girls all with Green DIS lanyards

 

[disneytraveler]

Oooops - what a dork I am, that's a typo!

I will be there December 13th - 19th...

OMG, I so wish I was there the 3rd to 19th...

but hey, we will be there at the same time, watch for 2 ladies, 2 12 year old girls all with Green DIS lanyards

Lol yea i thought you changed your touring plans,

 

[Angel16]

Jambo!
We are stying at AKL in 31 days!!! I have never been to the resort (even for a meal) so this should be a real treat seeing it for the first time (and dressed for the holidays too!)

Here's my question: It's my birthday on day 2 of our trip. I would really like to have a special cake sent to our room rather than get one at a park restaurant! Does AKL still do that? We are not staying concierge, so is that a problem? Lastly, who do I call to set it up?!

Thanks everyone!
Kristin

Hi Kristin, You are going to LOVE AKL. The resort is my favorite. What a perfect place to spend your birthday. I would call CR and have them add to your ressie that your celebrating your birthday. When you check-in have someone in your party (or yourself) work that it is your birthday trip into the conversation.

As for the cake. Welll, AKL has a great bakery. My DH ordered a fantastic chocolate Amaretto cake to our room for our anniversary last year. OMG it was sooo good. They also make a zebra cake that looks quite nice. I would give the resort a call and ask for (in room dining) Their number is AKL 407 938-3000.

This thread has many, many pictures and good ideas for cakes. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219&referrerid=70923 Zurgswife did a fantastic job of putting all this information and pictures together in one place. Thank you Zurgswife.

We will be at AKL during the same time as you, we arrive in 30 days. We have a week at The Poly first, then a wondeful relaxing week at ALK.

I hope this helps you make your decession. I know you will have a great birthday. Enjoy your trip.

Angel16