Just returned from AKL concierge(long).....

[psar]

We have been fortunate to be able to go to DW several years in a row and have stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club and my favorite the Poly. This year decided to try AKL since Hawaii building was down, and it was the best decision we made. When we arrived at the security booth the guard immediately called up to let valet know we had arrived. As we pulled up to the front, we were met by a bellman who unloaded our luggage and escorted us up to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge. The view of the lobby has always fascinated me when we have been to dinner here, but to look down on it from the 6th floor...WOW. As we sat down at the desk, the kids had some breakfast and all our paper work was given to us in a folder with our name on it ****** Safari. All our PS's were in it as well as hotel information etc. We were in room 5223(another WOW) Kudo trail left of Arusha Rock. This is a deluxe room with bunks and a daybed and a great view of the savanah. During the 9 days we were here much of my time was spent on the balcony just watching the animals. It was not a long walk to the concierge floor and we used the key gate entry each time we went up which was often. Any questions just ask. I will write more once I'm not buried under so much laundry!

 

[JennyDrake]

I would like to hear about the food and beverage selections offered in the lounge please.

 

[Darla and Alfalfa]

Hi there,
Glad to hear you had a good time. I am interested on how the staff was. I read some where that you have to ask for certain drinks. That is how it is at the GF. I didn't like that and the staff there was never around. Also, was the lounge crowded with guests? And of course the food offerings. Did you get bored at the resort? Was there enough to do to keep your family happy? Sorry if I am asking too many questions. It will be the first time we go there in Feb.

Darla

 

[psar]

JennyDrake
Here are the food offerings I remember
6:30 coffee-the best coffee machine -espresso, lattes,cappucino,reg.,de-caf,tea

7-10:30 Breakfast - bagels, oatmeal, granola, asst. danish, cinnamon buns, cereal, fruit, various juices, toaster

12:00 -3:00 Snacks pretzels, gummi worms, mixed nuts, african mixes, fruit, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, juices, soda

3:00 Tea - scones, jelly, cookies, small pastries, fruits

5-7:00 appetizers from jiko/boma won't remember everything but these are some - barbecued ribs, skewers of chicken different flavors, salmon, chicken nuggets, pbj, pork skewers, beef skewers, cheeses, crackers, african flatbreads, african wines, morrocan beer

8-10:00-Dessert from boma/jiko Assorted pastries, lemon tarts, cocunut custard tart, brownies, chocolate cakes, zebra domes, cookies, rice krispie balls, mini cheescakes, cordials, liquor filled chocolate truffles

 

[JennyDrake]

THANK YOU verymuch! I had wondereed if this would be a good food value for us, and it sounds as though it would!

 

[psar]

Darla and Alfalfa
There was always plenty of staff available. There are no garbage bins in the lounge so they clean up after you. They are also some of the friendliest I've encountered. They would often remember what we liked during the dessert hour and would be sure it was out. While we were there the concierge was 90%-100% occupied. We never had trouble finding a table and the food was plentiful. Coffee, tea, juice, and a delicious african smoothie was always available. Soda was out during late afternoon and dinnner hour. Water we asked for. Never a problem. We always got several to take with us during the day and perrier at night. Anytime you want soda just ask. If no one is out just do what my 11 yr old did and ring the bell at their service door. There are no trays and none are allowed. Seems that people would just load up with food and head off to their rooms. if you need help they will carry it back to your room. The morning after an e-night my boys were still sleeping and I went to get them breakfast. They were more than willing to walk down with me, but I managed. Also there are no espresso cups- seems like people walked off with these also. You will have a wonderful time. I see you are a Poly fan- I am too- but this will knock your socks off!

 

[>>^..^<<]

psar... Great report

We stayed in room 5233 which is right by your room, the walk was not too long and we loved crossing the bridge

Did you do the sunrise safari?

How was the transportation to the parks?

Thanx

>>^..^<<

 

[SuiteDisney]

The first time we stayed at the AKL, we were next door in 5225. You can't beat the view. I've also stayed in the Royal Kuba Suite, and your view was much better!

http://www.***********.com/1483d01c0.jpg

 

[SuiteDisney]

AKL concierge is outstanding. I have several pix HERE including some of the food offerings. For breakfast you can expect hot and cold cereal, fresh fruit and pastries, several different juices, milk and sodas.

Lunchtime is snacks, pretzels, cinnamon-sugar chips, etc.

Early evening they have appetizers and then desserts and alcohol.

 

[Dogslider]

Psar

Thanks for the post! We will be staying there for a couple of days before moving to OKW.

I hesitate to ask, for fear of sounding like someone who never gets out of there SMALL town, but here it goes... We have been to DW several times, but have always stayed at the Disney Institute where we just checked in then drove to our rooms and unloaded ourselves. Could you please explain the whole check in thing? From the security booth (do you just give them your name?), valet parking (is there a charge for this, is it added to your bill?) to any other little thing that others might take for granted, but I might be clueless about?

Wondering also if you did the Sunrise Safari? This is one of our main reasons for picking AKL. I have read many of >>^..^<<'s post about AKL and the safari that I can hardly wait to get there and I have a feeling that it will soon be one of our favorites!

Thanks for any information that you (or anyone else) can share.
Pam

 

[SuiteDisney]

When you arrive at the security booth, they will ask to see your reservation confirmation or picture ID. If you are in concierge, they will call ahead and let them know that you're on your way. You don't have to valet park, but if you're staying in concierge you might as well pamper yourself all the way. Valet parking is $6/day and is added to your bill. They give you a card to put in your car to show that you've paid for the day. We usually tip a dollar or two when we drop off and when we pick up our car.

They will unload your luggage and take you into the lobby and then upstairs to Concierge to check in. They will help you with anything you need to know. Don't hesitate to ask them any questions, they really are great.

I've been on the Sunrise Safari three times and I wish I were going a fourth. It's wonderful, worth every penny and more. It ends with the best breakfast buffet on property. Here is my page about the Sunrise Safari.

 

[magicmouse2]

Could you make a light meal out of the evening appetizers ?
I am thinking we could go for concierge to save money on breakfast an evening meals, and have a big lunch in the parks.

 

[psar]

>>^..^<< We did do the sunrise safari and it was wonderful. Plenty of stops for great pictures. We even got to see the new baby elephant running around. It was so close you could see the peach fuzz still on him! Transportation was fantastic. We didn't wait more than 10 min. for a bus and that was one EE morning when we were a little late getting to the stop and had to wait for a second bus. I see you are also staying at HRH. We ended our trip here club level. Service was ok but a bit of a let down after AKL.

*********** Got a look at your room between check ins. The family leaving said they took more pictures of the room instead of the baby!

Magicmouse2 There is definitely enough to have breakfast here. Some days we had a late lunch and were not hungry around dinner time. A few of the appetizers and dessert later was enough for us, and I have two boys 11 and 14.

 

[johnsonet]

This is unreal! Fran...when were you there? You have totally sold me on concierge. I am more excited than I was already! I hope the elephant will still be a "baby" in early Nov. when we're there. Hope they don't grow TOO fast!
Thanks for all the great info!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi psar... yup I saved the best for last (AKL)

I figured the last three days we would be at the resort most of the time as we "should" have done everything we wanted to do by then.

Can you tell me why Hard Rock disappointed you? or do you have a hard rock report somewhere I could read?

Thanx

>>^..^<<

 

[AspiringCindy]

Just wanted to know if anyone has pix of the views from 6th floor concierge. I am debating whether to request 6th floor or not. Traveling with 3 DDs, I think it will be more convenient to stay on the level of the concierge lounge. Also the fact that we've never been to AKL and won't feel like we are misssing out on a particular view(when we have nothing to compare it with). Glad to hear everyone stays have been great!

 

[>>^..^<<]

Hi Aspiring... earlier tinkfan posted a link to her photos of the Poly and AKL Concierge ~ she had a 6th floor room - here is the link to her photo album.

I had saved the link becuase I was thinking of requesting a 6th floor room as well.


http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.j...735903&collid=39873725903&page=1&sort_order=0

And here is the lihk to tinkfan's thread - Live from the 6th floor at AKL

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=397316

>>^..^<<

 

[psar]

Johnsonet

We were there 7/28-8/5. Parks were very crowded even during EE mornings. Not sure when you are going. Just take time to enjoy the resort and all it has to offer. You will have a WONDERFUL time!

 

[psar]

>>^..^<<

You were right to save the best for last. The club level floor was very crowded and the lounge small. Breakfast was definitely worth it and we did rent a cabana for three days. You get a break on this because you're staying club. The hot evening offerings were cold and the line was out into the hall. The sweet hour sometimes had great cookies otherwise there were chips ahoy and oreos. Service was ok just not what I had come from. Maybe your week might be slower. Everyone's impressions and opinions are different. All in all you will have a good time. The location is great and FOTL can't be beat.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Thanks >>^..^>> !
The views from 6th floor don't look bad!