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

[TiggerAllie]

We're thinking of doing a standard concierge room with DDP (I know, it will be more food then we can manage, but we think the concierge will be good to help us plan everything, being our first trip and all. The standard room is just much more affordable than the deluxe CON ones are), and staying 9 nights, starting Thanksgiving Day - Dec 1, 2007.

I thought it was worth pointing out that if you able to either move your vacation to check in on 11/25 (instead of 11/22) or check-out and re-check-in on 11/25, you can switch from the regular to value season rate (which is $55/nt less for Std concierge).

I would suggest doing at least 1 if not both of the safaris offered. (Next time we go to AKL I want to go concierge to do them both! Don't know how soon that will be, though.... )

 

[Cass]

I haven't been able to get through this whole thread, and don't see if anyone's said exactly what construction plans are for that time, but please reassure me that it won't ruin the vacation if we do that! Frankly, now I've made up my mind about the AKL and don't want to have to look into another resort.

The concierge thing is up in the air right now, no one really has any idea where the lounge will be in Nov 2007. We keep hoping for more news from those 'in the know'

Maybe make your reservation for the Std CL room so you have it and then just watch what is happening over the next few months, read the trip reports and watch the AKL threads. Nothing stays secret from us for too long!

 

[TiggerAllie]

Look LOOK!!! I finally hit 500 posts! I'm a Dis Veteran now!! Yay!!!
I feel all warm, fuzzy, and special now.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi everyone! My trip is getting closer and now I suddenly start to reconsider my plans. I guess its just because everything is planned and I have nothing to do anymore...

So what do you think: Is it a crime to stay at AKL for 8 nights and not have breakfast at Boma once? We will be eating dinner there (as well as at Jiko) and we will be on the Dining Plan. Therefore all our TS meals are going to be dinners. Besides that we really like to be at the parks when they open and I cannot imagine I will be up to a breakfast buffet that early. So the only day when we could do Boma Breakfast would be the day when we are leaving. We will be picking up our rental car at the car center and get on our 10 days driving tour of Florida. Is Boma really so special??? Any input would be really appreciated!!

 

[saffy]

I thought it was worth pointing out that if you able to either move your vacation to check in on 11/25 (instead of 11/22) or check-out and re-check-in on 11/25, you can switch from the regular to value season rate (which is $55/nt less for Std concierge).

I would suggest doing at least 1 if not both of the safaris offered. (Next time we go to AKL I want to go concierge to do them both! Don't know how soon that will be, though.... )

Oh, I know - I realized about the rate change. But, we're counting on the 2 days off for Thanksgiving. If we moved it up a few days, it would mean just cutting the trip short by that many, as we can't take off any more than the 1 week on vacation.

Since Mom and Dad are paying , I'd rather get a 10-day trip, instead of a 7 day one! And, I'm hoping they'll take pity on us, paying the higher rate for our time there, and be more willing to bump us to a savannah view!

We do definitely plan on doing the evening safari - I want to try Jiko's, too, so that will be a good way to get it in, without using 2 TS credits (which will free 1 for us to be able to also try Narcoossee's!).

I know they're different, but if we do the evening safari, is it also worth it to do the morning one as well?

 

[saffy]

One last question (for now!). It probably should go elsewhere, it's not AKL specific, but I'll try here first....

We also want to work 2 days off-site into our trip, 1 to go to the Kennedy space center, and another to go to Crystal river and snorkel with the manatees (scuba is another passion, but since I'll be with the non-diving 'rents, manatees will be our compromise! ). We're planning on relying solely on Disney transportation/taxis while at the resort, so think we'll probably just need to put these 2 off-site days back to back and rent a car for 2 days.

My question is, how convenient will that be to do? Is there a place on-site that we'll be able to get to to rent a car? I'd hate to think we'll have to go back to the airport to get it. Or, it might be better to just plan on renting at the airport and then returning it when we're done - maybe use ME then to get back to WDW?

Better yet - does anyone know of ways to get to Crystal River and Kennedy without having to rent a vehicle - like a bus or tour or something? I've tried searching, but there's very little info on it (esp the Crystal River stuff).

My AAA TA just called a few minutes ago to follow up (we had gone in last week to get a quote), so I think I'm gonna call her back and book it! Thank you!

 

[luvfigment]

Hi everyone! My trip is getting closer and now I suddenly start to reconsider my plans. I guess its just because everything is planned and I have nothing to do anymore...

So what do you think: Is it a crime to stay at AKL for 8 nights and not have breakfast at Boma once? We will be eating dinner there (as well as at Jiko) and we will be on the Dining Plan. Therefore all our TS meals are going to be dinners. Besides that we really like to be at the parks when they open and I cannot imagine I will be up to a breakfast buffet that early. So the only day when we could do Boma Breakfast would be the day when we are leaving. We will be picking up our rental car at the car center and get on our 10 days driving tour of Florida. Is Boma really so special??? Any input would be really appreciated!!

I really enjoyed breakfast at Boma's and also did it on the day we left. It worked out nicely and we went a little later in the AM when it wasn't as busy and did not cut into park time. I am also planning on doing the same thing when I go on my Disneymoon in Oct.

 

[TiggerAllie]

I know they're different, but if we do the evening safari, is it also worth it to do the morning one as well?

As far as I know, on the evening safari you see the animals they have on the savannahs at AKL, while on the morning savannah you get to see all the animals at AK. Definitely different animals, different food....

I have yet to be able to do either (I thought about doing the evening one as you can pay up the nose and do it as a non-concierge guest, but we didn't have the time or $430 to spare), so hopefully you can get some more input on these!

PS: On Boma, I agree trying to do it the morning you leave is a great idea. I tried to do it the morning we left AKL, but we just couldn't get going early enough. Twice we missed breakfast by about half and hour, and they don't serve lunch! Oh well... it'll be for another trip, along with many many many other things!

PPS: As far as the rental car goes, personally I love having it the whole trip. I don't have the patience for buses! But, Alamo does do rentals from the Dolphin and from the Car Care Center by MK. We looked into renting from there instead of from the airport (to use ME) but the price difference was too big so we got a car for our whole trip--yay! check out mousesavers.com for coupons and savings.

 

[luvfigment]

One last question (for now!). It probably should go elsewhere, it's not AKL specific, but I'll try here first....

We also want to work 2 days off-site into our trip, 1 to go to the Kennedy space center, and another to go to Crystal river and snorkel with the manatees (scuba is another passion, but since I'll be with the non-diving 'rents, manatees will be our compromise! ). We're planning on relying solely on Disney transportation/taxis while at the resort, so think we'll probably just need to put these 2 off-site days back to back and rent a car for 2 days.

My question is, how convenient will that be to do? Is there a place on-site that we'll be able to get to to rent a car? I'd hate to think we'll have to go back to the airport to get it. Or, it might be better to just plan on renting at the airport and then returning it when we're done - maybe use ME then to get back to WDW?

Better yet - does anyone know of ways to get to Crystal River and Kennedy without having to rent a vehicle - like a bus or tour or something? I've tried searching, but there's very little info on it (esp the Crystal River stuff).

My AAA TA just called a few minutes ago to follow up (we had gone in last week to get a quote), so I think I'm gonna call her back and book it! Thank you!

There is a rental center near the MK that you can take a taxi to. I am not sure if there are tour buses or anything to Crystal River or Kennedy.

I do have a question/suggestion. Have you gotten a quote from Disney themselves along with AAA? Last year we were booked through AAA and then called Disney and actually got a lower quote...it doesn't always work that way but I would suggest doing that.

 

[Flossbolna]

One last question (for now!). It probably should go elsewhere, it's not AKL specific, but I'll try here first....

My question is, how convenient will that be to do? Is there a place on-site that we'll be able to get to to rent a car?

With regard to car rental you have mainly two options that are on site: the desk at the Dolphin near Epcot or the Disney Car Care Center which is at the entrance to the MK parking lot. I think both are Alamo and National. We will be picking up our car at the Car Care Center in February. I have been told that they will pick you up with a shuttle (or bring you back when you drop off a car there). So no need to go to the airport.

Sorry, I have no idea about bus transportation for your excursions.

Crystal River is a bit difficult for a day trip from WDW. Not because of the distance, but it seems that to see the manatees on your swim you need to start at 6:30 am. I will PM you a few links to providers. We will do that too in February!!

 

[Flossbolna]

I really enjoyed breakfast at Boma's and also did it on the day we left. It worked out nicely and we went a little later in the AM when it wasn't as busy and did not cut into park time. I am also planning on doing the same thing when I go on my Disneymoon in Oct.

Thanks for the reply! At what time was your reservation?

 

[saffy]

I did go through AAA and Disney (and Magical Journeys as well, but their quote was the same as the Disney one directly) - AAA, with travel insurance included, was still about $300 less than the Disney site was without the travel insurance. So, that seemed worth it to me!

 

[saffy]

I have been told that they will pick you up with a shuttle (or bring you back when you drop off a car there). So no need to go to the airport.

Oh, that's good news, too! Should make it easy!

I'm SO excited! Can't wait for this trip!!!!

 

[luvfigment]

Thanks for the reply! At what time was your reservation?

No problem! We ate at 9 am.

 

[jaysbabe]

I just have to say WOOHOO!!! I'm leaving in 3 days for AKL!!! I can't wait. I am more excited than my DS3.

 

[disneytraveler]

I just have to say WOOHOO!!! I'm leaving in 3 days for AKL!!! I can't wait. I am more excited than my DS3.

Yay you will really enjoy your stay at the AKL. It is nice there and unlike any other resort. I hope you enjoy your vacation!

 

[Cass]

I am more excited than my DS3.

That is totally normal!

 

[BensMom]

Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman, girls and boys (aw, reminds me of DCL!)...anyway, it's warm and sticky here in AKL Country! Anyone heading down the first of the week will enjoy a nice cooldown to the mid-70's and the sun returns. It's been overcast here since before Christmas! The crowds should lessen as well. We attempted MK the day after New Years (in the pouring rain I might add) and it was absolutely PACKED!

ESPN will be mobbed all weekend. Between the NFL playoffs and the Gators' game on Monday night, there will be lines out the door.

On a side note, I am proud to say that my son and I have finally tried Zebra Domes. It happened two weeks ago. Ben has not been the same since LOL.

 

[Cass]

Hi everyone, my hubby flew to orlando this morning (had to get up at 3:45am! to get to the airport)
Anyway, he just called - they all went to the luggage carousel - no luggage, but homeland security was there -made everyone go to a room, pick out their luggage from a pile and come have it searched.

After the search one by one they were told to take their luggage and go sit down inthe room. They all sat for like 45 minutes, then they announced that all of them had to have a personal search.

He called me while waiting for his search. This is about 130 people off a flight from Toronto. I've never heard of this before - I mean they cleared customs here in Toronto, what do you think Homeland security is looking for?

 

[BensMom]

Jeez, Cass, I don't know. That's weird. It's fine line between having one's rights disturbed and keeping everyone safe. There's an argument for both sides. It's just darned inconvenient. Is he staying at "THE" Lodge?