Just back from VWL and AKL Concierge

[jel0511]

O.K. I just got back from out 2/12 - 2/18 trip to WDW. And yes, I was affected by the blizzard on our trip home, though not too bad. This wasn't one of our better trips, my DS 22 months, got bronchitis in WDW and we spent the whole morning at Centra Care. They are GREAT there and I would recommend them to anyone!!! Also, DS and then DD on the car ride home from the airport, got a nasty stomach virus. Anyway, onto my stays...

VWL - The room wasn't as clean as it could be, I probably should have called housekeeping, but was SOOO tired from our early morning flight and having to wait until 3:30 for our room, I really didn't think about it. The room was also in poor shape. Lots of knicks and scratches in the furniture. As a DVC owner, I was kind of disappointed in the shape of the room. We stayed in room 4523, which was located in the atrium area of VWL. We had a WONDERFUL view of the pool and lake from our room!!! Our room was located over STurdy Branches and the back entrance to the villas, so it was a little noisy until all the parks were closed. Also, I think the speaker for the music for the quiet pool was located right outside the masterbedroom, since I heard it louder in my room that at the pool!!!! Transportation was GREAT, except for my only beef. Why does the WL not get service from the Character Breakfast bus? It took us almost an hour to get to MK for an 8:25 PS. The boat doesn't run until 8:30, so the only way to MK is taking the bus to the TTC and transfering to the monorail. I just wish there had been a more direct route than this one. Otherwise our stay at VWL was GREAT and it is one of our favorites!!!

AKL Concierge - This resort is GREAT and is now my favorite non-DVC resort!!! Sitting on our balcony and watching all the animals was AMAZING!!! We were in room 5305 on the Kudu Trail, overlooking the Arusha savannah. I was a little disappointed in our long walk from the main elevators, but I guess you can't get everything!!! Concierge at AKL is probably the best concierge I've tried at WDW. I really enjoyed the selections they had, and the lounge is GREAT!!! Unforunately, this is where my DS was sick, so we really didn't get to spend too much time up there, since we were with him in the room. The pool at AKL is also one of my new favs. It's VERY big, and my DD 4, LOVED the slide. She is always afraid of the other slides, since there is an enclosed portion to them, but this one is all open, and not all that fast. She kept going down it for the better part of an hour. She had a BLAST!!!! Overall, the AKL is a WONDERFUL resort, I just wish they had some sort of walking paths around. Since my DS was sick, I felt VERY isolated and trapped and nowhere to go. I'd definately stay there again!!!!

If anyone has any questions, ask away!!!!

 

[diznefreak]

How much Does Concierge at AKL cost?

 

[jel0511]

AKL concierge ranges from $425 - $610 a night depending on which season you stay in. A code rate can sometimes lower the rate by as much as 40%.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by diznefreak
How much Does Concierge at AKL cost?

We stayed at the AKL Concierge from Feb 1st through the 6th with and AP Rate of $277 a night including tax. Keep in mind that this is value season.

 

[eclipseSD]

The Character Caravan (the breakfeast bus) was stopped to bring back Early Entry.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by eclipseSD
The Character Caravan (the breakfeast bus) was stopped to bring back Early Entry.

The Character Caravan and the "breakfeast bus" were not the same thing. According to Chip'n Dale Express who is a bus driver at WDW the breakfast bus starts running around 7am and you just need to tell the driver which breakfast you are going to. Example you are staying at the AKL but have breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Take a look at Chip'n Dale Express's posts over on the Transportation Board.

 

[mirlow]

We stayed at the AKL concierge last summer and we just loved the place. On our last day at the BWV's we moved over to AKL. We only had one day, but we took it all in. We were there from 9:30 am until check out the next day. There is just so much to enjoy at that resort that we just didn't want to leave I hope we can go back this summer.

The pool at AKL is also one of my new favs. It's VERY big, and my DD 4, LOVED the slide. She is always afraid of the other slides, since there is an enclosed portion to them, but this one is all open, and not all that fast. She kept going down it for the better part of an hour.

My ds was about to turn 4 and he wanted to go down a slide so bad. He was to afraid of the slides at the Polynesian and the BWV's, but once we got to the AKL he was just like your DD. The pool is so nice and relaxing. Did you try any of their speciality drinks? They are the best

 

[Melika77]

HI! I work at the WL in ROaring Fork..the snack bar. I apologize for your not so magical experience there. I hope it didn't ruin your vacation. Again, I apologize.

Melissa