SeaSpray said:
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.
Terri, I hope you don't cancel your resort plans. I would contact IPO and share your concerns with them. Perhaps they can give you some insight. You ask where they could put a concierge lounge on the fourth floor. I do not know.

I would imagine they would pull some rooms from a central place on the floor and design one. If this ends up happening I hope they have windows to look out onto the savannah. That would be a plus.
I love sitting up on the 6th floor marveling at the wonderful workmanship of the lobby, handcarvings and the ceiling is something amazing. I remember being on the Sunset Safari and having our guide tell us that Disney brought over native African contractors to do the work. OSHA had a fit because the workers did the roof and hatch work barefoot. So they would keep shoes near where they worked and put them on when inspectors were in the area, taking them off as soon as they left.

They preferred to work barefoot, as well as some of the work they used their feet to achieve.

The lobby is such a beautiful place. I feel like I have just been transported to Africa.
IWISHFORDISNEY said:
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.
Liz, The only other information I have is my contact at AKL really stressed that they hope everyone who stays concierge would "write, call and complain loudly" about the plan to use the 5th and 6th floor for DVC, also to complain about the lounge being very crowded or moved if they turn the existing concierge lounge over to DVC members.
I think we will be the first line of defence so to speak as our arrival will be before they start the project. I am looking forward to seeing the DVC sample rooms however I do not plan on buying.
CoolDisneyCat said:
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?
Yes, as of the other day they were talking the 5th and 6th floor. However I don't know if they plan on both entire entire floors. That would be a LOT of rooms. I agree with you and BCV23 that if they move conciege to standard rooms they should lower the cost of the rooms. Only makes sence, the less space and amenties you receive the less it should cost.
I just tried to book a room for February 2007 at AKL. I tried both standard room and concierge. I get a message that says to call room ressies. That they can not book past December 31, 2007

I did notice there are more catagories of rooms in 2007 then 2006. Take a look at the DIS Room Rates for each year.
Scoutsmom, I love your pictures. I'm sorry to hear that you have been slammed with work. Take care and write more about your trip when you have time.
macrosswife said:
Angel-
Thanks for the information about the cake!!!!
I was seriously considering ordering a cake during our trip, and had been following the thread by Zurgswife, but there wasn't much information about cakes at AKL. So...thanks!!
~Kimber
Glad I could help Kimber

The cake was "to get badly wounded for" And they decorated it so nicely. In room dinning placed it on a beautiful wooden tray with plates, silverware and napkins, as well as confetti and a card from Beauty and the Beast.
WallyB thank you for sharing your e-mail. I hope you have wonderful vacation. You will be our advance troops to check out the new DVC rooms as well get all the poop face to face.
Well I had better close and get dinner ready. My DH is getting ready to unplug the wi-fi system.

Have a great evening everyone.
Angel