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

[BensMom]

...you LUSH!!! [I KNEW there was something I liked about you.... !]

Eeek, don't tell anyone! Although feel free to quiz me on bartenders' names around the parks and resorts. Oh boy, I'm in trouble!

 

[John's Mom]

As for the buses for day excursions, think of it THIS way: if Disney has you 'On-Property", do you think that they will make it convenient, so that you can spend your $$ somewhere ELSE????!!?!?

In 1998, while we were staying at the GF, I made reservations to go to Universal Studios. A bus picked us up at the regular bus stop in front of the resort. I either got the information from the front desk or found the number in the phone book.

 

[jaycns]

I know, I know, I know...don't listen to rumors. Don't let "I heard this" make you sweat your vacation choices...but can anyone explain to me (or confirm or smack down the rumor) "standard concierge". I saw a few threads saying they had paid to do this at AKL. Now...first thing, I am not a snob...I don't have to be in the most exclusive of company at all points in time...BUT at the same time...could it really be true that guests at AKL can add the option of concierge no matter what room they are staying in? And that it is in fact CHEAPER to stay in a standard room with concierge then to book a deluxe room???? If this is true, does it "dilute" the amount of attention or crowd the lounge? I did not see this choice when I booked our room. I saw only the choice to book Kilamanjaro Club Deluxe (I think that is how it was phrased).

I don't normally "sweat" things...but thinking I just popped extra money to have concierge benefits at a resort where A.the lounge might be in a temporary/not as great as normal location and B. the concierge level at this resort is actually open for an even lower price then that of a guarenteed view...how many people does this open the option up to? Will the CMs be too busy to handle all of the rooms? Don't they cap the number of CL guests at one time? I am sure they do...I just mean, if they are all of a sudden opening it up...are they prepared to handle that change along with the moving and the construction and well...AHHHHH.

I know, I know, have faith...but I am hoping for a little bit of reassurance too. And I also know (I really do...pinky swear) that I should not listen to rumors let alone let them make me worry enough to even start to consider changing my resort....but then again...

**If this is the wrong thread to post this type of question too...please let me know and my apologies in advance!!**

 

[TiggerAllie]

There is definitely a category called "Standard Room - Kilimanjaro Club" which (at least for the night of Feb 28, which is about the earliest I could find it) is $511.88 (with tax). No description comes up with you click on the link in the reservation system.

Deluxe Room - Kilimanjaro Club is also available this night for 112.50 more per night.

All rooms have two queen-size beds, one queen-size bed and bunk beds, or one king-size bed and daybed, table and chairs, ceiling fan, private balcony, vanity area with two sinks, and bath. Concierge Savannah View Rooms offer view of Disney's Animal Kingdom® Lodge wildlife reserve. Concierge Pool View Rooms offer view of the pool. Amenities include in-room safe, voice mail, data port on phone, hairdryer, iron and ironing board (coffeemaker, crib and refrigerator upon request).

I'm guessing they are anticipating closing some of the concierge rooms by this date and are replacing them with standard size rooms on the 4th floor, so that they have at least the same # of total concierge rooms.

but that's just my best guess.

Prices for Aug 1 (which appears to be about your time frame and has availability for both room types):
Std Kil. Club: 365.84
Deluxe Kil. Club: 489.38

 

[kimmar067]

Kimmar

.....thanks....I LOVE flowers......

 

[kimmar067]

I know, I know, I know...don't listen to rumors. Don't let "I heard this" make you sweat your vacation choices...but can anyone explain to me (or confirm or smack down the rumor) "standard concierge". I saw a few threads saying they had paid to do this at AKL. Now...first thing, I am not a snob...I don't have to be in the most exclusive of company at all points in time...BUT at the same time...could it really be true that guests at AKL can add the option of concierge no matter what room they are staying in? And that it is in fact CHEAPER to stay in a standard room with concierge then to book a deluxe room???? If this is true, does it "dilute" the amount of attention or crowd the lounge? I did not see this choice when I booked our room. I saw only the choice to book Kilamanjaro Club Deluxe (I think that is how it was phrased).

I don't normally "sweat" things...but thinking I just popped extra money to have concierge benefits at a resort where A.the lounge might be in a temporary/not as great as normal location and B. the concierge level at this resort is actually open for an even lower price then that of a guarenteed view...how many people does this open the option up to? Will the CMs be too busy to handle all of the rooms? Don't they cap the number of CL guests at one time? I am sure they do...I just mean, if they are all of a sudden opening it up...are they prepared to handle that change along with the moving and the construction and well...AHHHHH.

I know, I know, have faith...but I am hoping for a little bit of reassurance too. And I also know (I really do...pinky swear) that I should not listen to rumors let alone let them make me worry enough to even start to consider changing my resort....but then again...

**If this is the wrong thread to post this type of question too...please let me know and my apologies in advance!!**

...I'm going out on a limb here, but, as far as my experience goes, if the 'accomodations' or 'CL services and amenities' are "less-than-par" (meaning, not the usual high standards that CL guests are accustomed to), the CL 'team' will go above and beyond to make sure that CL guests are getting that high-quality service that they have come to expect....by all means, NO, it doesn't mean that you are a 'snob' - if you are paying 'good bucks' you expect a certain level of service. The fact that the lounge area may not be available shouldn't hinder the amenities/services. After all, we are just talking 'logistics' - staff will be more than attentive and accomodating; I venture a guess to say that the daily concierge offerings will probably be 'stepped up' a bit to try to compensate for the 'inconvenience'...remember: this is DISNEY we are talking about and they want to insure great memories for their guests, in order to insure REPEAT BUSINESS......

If you STILL have any concerns, I suggest contacting them directly....

 

[saffy]

We went to AAA to book our room for our Nov. stay - Standard Concierge. We were told by the AA TA (who, granted, may or may not know what she was talking about) that the standard room 1) was the smaller rooms - not the deluxe size and 2) was just a parking lot view - savannah or pool was not guaranteed for the old Kilamanjaro club level.

Don't know if that helps or not, but it's what she said. I am interested, though, in knowing if they'll book that rate for as many people willing ot pay it, or if tehy still limit the # of rooms they sell at that rate.

 

[kimmar067]

We went to AAA to book our room for our Nov. stay - Standard Concierge. We were told by the AA TA (who, granted, may or may not know what she was talking about) that the standard room 1) was the smaller rooms - not the deluxe size and 2) was just a parking lot view - savannah or pool was not guaranteed for the old Kilamanjaro club level.

Don't know if that helps or not, but it's what she said. I am interested, though, in knowing if they'll book that rate for as many people willing ot pay it, or if tehy still limit the # of rooms they sell at that rate.

...personally, I'd think that they would limit the amount of CL rooms available, rather that put CL guests in a std room because of the two reasons stated above.....if not, the price for a "Std-Concierge" room would have to be PHENOMENAL......

 

[jaycns]

I think I feel a bit better...I forgot they were switching the floor for DVC use. I knew they might close the lounge...but I guess I just wasn't thinking of where the DVC guests would stay . However, thinking of it like that, it only makes sense...they would want to keep the same number of concierge rooms total (profits wise) and thus would have to use the other available rooms (ie the "standard" size ones). That makes sense. I just hope they do limit the number. Not because I want to be the only one...I just don't want to be one of too many to take care of. But as I was reminded...this is Disney, I am sure they have thought of that!

THANKS GUYS!

 

[kimmar067]

I think I feel a bit better...I forgot they were switching the floor for DVC use. I knew they might close the lounge...but I guess I just wasn't thinking of where the DVC guests would stay . However, thinking of it like that, it only makes sense...they would want to keep the same number of concierge rooms total (profits wise) and thus would have to use the other available rooms (ie the "standard" size ones). That makes sense. I just hope they do limit the number. Not because I want to be the only one...I just don't want to be one of too many to take care of. But as I was reminded...this is Disney, I am sure they have thought of that!

THANKS GUYS!

...no prob.....my DSis and her family were staying CL at the Poly when they were in the middle of renovations....they did a lot of little 'extras' to make their 'inconvenience' more palatable (like a huge fruit/goody basket in the room)...Disney DOES pride itself on service, so, if you have your heart set on AKL - GO FOR IT.......

 

[kimmar067]

This just in....

... from Deb Wills, ALL EARS® Editor-in-Chief, who just returned from a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge:

-- As far as the Animal Kingdom Lodge DVC Villas, we heard all kinds of stories from Cast Members, including one person who told us that the Deluxe rooms on the 5th floor had already been converted to suites and would be available to stay in very soon. While all Kilimanjaro Club (concierge) staff hoped their lounge and jobs would remain, there was an air of uncertainty. One thing that is certain -- the current construction that has been reported by some as the villa construction is actually for a new animal barn. The new DVC Villas will reportedly have their own savanna and therefore a larger animal barn is needed. Once the new barn is completed, the current barn servicing the Sunset Savanna animals will be taken down.

-- On the Animal Kingdom savannas, the baby giraffe is now a little more than 1 year old and was seen frolicking in the savanna. Animal keepers are hoping that three more female giraffes will become pregnant in the near future, so more baby giraffes may be on the horizon.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Cass]

We saw the baby on our sunrise safari with his mom, he was grazing along side her but our guide says he is still nursing too. He's adorable.

I walked down to the end of Kudo and saw some stuff going on out there, I forgot to bring my camera and it was too far a walk to go back and get it. They were clearing land and doing some earth moving/leveling. Makes sense that they will need a new barn.

 

[SharonLowe]

I think I feel a bit better...I forgot they were switching the floor for DVC use. I knew they might close the lounge...but I guess I just wasn't thinking of where the DVC guests would stay . However, thinking of it like that, it only makes sense...they would want to keep the same number of concierge rooms total (profits wise) and thus would have to use the other available rooms (ie the "standard" size ones). That makes sense. I just hope they do limit the number. Not because I want to be the only one...I just don't want to be one of too many to take care of. But as I was reminded...this is Disney, I am sure they have thought of that!

THANKS GUYS!

We are booked for June 2007; there are no deluxe concierge rooms available then because of the construction. That's why they added the standard room category - that is all they can offer. We are longstanding AKL concierge customers and I was upset I couldn't get my normal deluxe room (and since only 3 of us this trip, I couldn't justify paying for the incredible 2 bedroom suite) but I know they will make up for it. Don told me that the 6th floor lounge will still be in use while we are there so I am happy for that.

 

[John's Mom]

Bumping to Page 1!

 

[jaycns]

We are booked for June 2007; there are no deluxe concierge rooms available then because of the construction. That's why they added the standard room category - that is all they can offer. We are longstanding AKL concierge customers and I was upset I couldn't get my normal deluxe room (and since only 3 of us this trip, I couldn't justify paying for the incredible 2 bedroom suite) but I know they will make up for it. Don told me that the 6th floor lounge will still be in use while we are there so I am happy for that.

We were able to book a deluxe concierge in September 2007....I hope that was not a mistake. But, I am going to have a great trip no matter what...so I will wait it out and see what comes of it! And I know Disney will do a good job of making our dreams come true!

 

[glewis1123]

We are booked for June 2007; there are no deluxe concierge rooms available then because of the construction. That's why they added the standard room category - that is all they can offer. We are longstanding AKL concierge customers and I was upset I couldn't get my normal deluxe room (and since only 3 of us this trip, I couldn't justify paying for the incredible 2 bedroom suite) but I know they will make up for it. Don told me that the 6th floor lounge will still be in use while we are there so I am happy for that.

Are you sure - I have reservations for AKL Concierge June 9-14th 2007 and BCV June 14-19th

However, I did make these reservations back in august 2006 and am using our DVC points for the entire stay.

Hmmmm - you are making me wonder now about our reservations.

 

[Flossbolna]

With regard to deluxe rooms, I just checked room availability for November 2007 (not that I will be able to go to WDW twice a year, but I was curious about this deluxe issue). for staying Nov 1-6 there is the following available:

Deluxe - Savannah View
Deluxe - Pool View
Deluxe - Savannah View Bunk Bed
Standard Room - Kilimanjaro Club
Savannah View Bunk Bed
Savannah View
Pool View Bunk Bed
Pool View
Deluxe Room - Kilimanjaro Club
Standard View
1 Bedroom Suite - Kilimanjaro Club
2 Bedroom Suite - Kilimanjaro Club

So, I think those people who were not able to book a Deluxe room for their stay were not able to bbok it for a very simple reason: those rooms were already booked. It would make no sense that in June they are taken over by DVC and then they are available again in November! Perhaps some rooms will be changed over and this might limit avaiability, but I don't think Disney would be so stupid as to let people book rooms now that they know will not exist anymore in November.

 

[SharonLowe]

With regard to deluxe rooms, I just checked room availability for November 2007 (not that I will be able to go to WDW twice a year, but I was curious about this deluxe issue). for staying Nov 1-6 there is the following available:

Deluxe - Savannah View
Deluxe - Pool View
Deluxe - Savannah View Bunk Bed
Standard Room - Kilimanjaro Club
Savannah View Bunk Bed
Savannah View
Pool View Bunk Bed
Pool View
Deluxe Room - Kilimanjaro Club
Standard View
1 Bedroom Suite - Kilimanjaro Club
2 Bedroom Suite - Kilimanjaro Club

So, I think those people who were not able to book a Deluxe room for their stay were not able to bbok it for a very simple reason: those rooms were already booked. It would make no sense that in June they are taken over by DVC and then they are available again in November! Perhaps some rooms will be changed over and this might limit avaiability, but I don't think Disney would be so stupid as to let people book rooms now that they know will not exist anymore in November.

I guess what has happened is that there are going to be fewer deluxe rooms with the DVC coming in but they wanted to keep the same number of people in concierge so they opened up a standard room CL which has never existed before. Also, it could have to do with the construction schedule - who wants to pay for a deluxe room right next door to heavy construction - Disney would have too many complaints on its hands if they did that.

I'm sure people will report back with their experiences; I certainly will.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Yeah! I am going to book dd and I for the AKL! We have been going to WDW almost yearly since she was born but for the last two years it has been a struggle since I am now a single mom- so we uauslly stayed at the values (thank goodness they are there so I could take dd and be on property.) But with good tidings and a lot of work I am able to splurge this time for a standard view at the AKL!!! Yeah! I am so excited!! THis is will be a surprise for dd who will be six at the time of the trip and is very into animals.

 

[Flossbolna]

Yeah! I am going to book dd and I for the AKL! We have been going to WDW almost yearly since she was born but for the last two years it has been a struggle since I am now a single mom- so we uauslly stayed at the values (thank goodness they are there so I could take dd and be on property.) But with good tidings and a lot of work I am able to splurge this time for a standard view at the AKL!!! Yeah! I am so excited!! THis is will be a surprise for dd who will be six at the time of the trip and is very into animals.

Have a wonderful trip!