Number 9 is really FINE! Welcome to AKL LITE - the 'unofficial' FAQ Thread

[RachelTori]

Discounts for AKL, especially CL, have been unpredictable the past several years. Often times, the 30% or 35% off offers only include "standard view" rooms.

There are still good offers occasionally that have included AKL savannah view and AKL-CL! They're just not as plentiful or as easy to find as in the past.

 

[PNO4TE]

Discounts for AKL, especially CL, have been unpredictable the past several years. Often times, the 30% or 35% off offers only include "standard view" rooms.

There are still good offers occasionally that have included AKL savannah view and AKL-CL! They're just not as plentiful or as easy to find as in the past.

And don't forget to check your Bounceback Offer if you are headed there multiple times a year. I was able to get AKL CL at 30% off and also able to amend it to include more nights after I got home.

 

[Scott MC]

And don't forget to check your Bounceback Offer if you are headed there multiple times a year. I was able to get AKL CL at 30% off and also able to amend it to include more nights after I got home.

Thanks for all the replies! I like this one especially, as we are going in December (YC! ). Has anyone with December experience ever had a Bounceback offer for the following year?

 

[RachelTori]

Thanks for all the replies! I like this one especially, as we are going in December (YC! ). Has anyone with December experience ever had a Bounceback offer for the following year?

The BB offers prior to 2013 were usually for a small time frame, and usually for the next year.

2013 was different (and much better!) since they released a calendar for the entire year (blacked out dates were shown). For 2013, the only December dates included in the Bounceback offer are 12/1-4 and 12/15-19.

Whether 2014 will follow a similar pattern remains to be seen! As we've all learned, when we get used to the way Disney does something, they change it up!!

 

[Ginamarie]

Checking in in just 8 days. We are psyched!

 

[Scott MC]

The BB offers prior to 2013 were usually for a small time frame, and usually for the next year.

2013 was different (and much better!) since they released a calendar for the entire year (blacked out dates were shown). For 2013, the only December dates included in the Bounceback offer are 12/1-4 and 12/15-19.

Whether 2014 will follow a similar pattern remains to be seen! As we've all learned, when we get used to the way Disney does something, they change it up!!

So, just to clarify, when we stay at YC in December, if the 2013 pattern continues, we have a good shot at being able to book August 2014 with a discount?

 

[RachelTori]

So, just to clarify, when we stay at YC in December, if the 2013 pattern continues, we have a good shot at being able to book August 2014 with a discount?

The way the Bounceback worked for 2013 was: in your Welcome Packet, a tearout calendar for the entire year. "Before you check out...... save up to 35% on select Disney Resort hotel stays!........ Offer valid most nights highlighted in calendar below."

Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts are up to 35%; Moderates up to 30%; Values were not listed, but are also available up to 25%.

As Elin stated in an earlier post, her discount - although for a Deluxe Resort - was only 30%...... but since it was AKL-CL she's still celebrating!!

The dates that were highlighted for 2013:

January 2-10; 14-15; 21-31
February 1-12; 24-28
March 1-9
April 14-30
May 1-21; 28-31
June 1-8
No dates for July (entire month blacked out)
August 4-31
September 1-30
October 1-5; 20-31
November 1-2; 17-23; 30
December 1-4; 15-19

Now exactly when that calendar was made available, I can't say for sure, but you would think by December they would no longer be offering the 2013 calendar!

And if 2014 follows the same pattern as 2013, most of August will be available on BB!

 

[PNO4TE]

As Elin stated in an earlier post, her discount - although for a Deluxe Resort - was only 30%...... but since it was AKL-CL she's still celebrating!!

And I am just passing along the potential of good fortune I had when you persuaded me to join you in April just to see if it would be possible!

 

[Mickdeb]

Unplugged with a big note on to not use. So no, no usable freg lol~

Ugh, thanks for the info. Not sure what I will do to keep the milk cold. I am sure we will manage, but a bit of an inconvenience. We have friends staying on the DVC floor, do the DVC units still have working refrigerators?

 

[RachelTori]

And I am just passing along the potential of good fortune I had when you persuaded me to join you in April just to see if it would be possible!

It was meant to be!

You got a quick trip in to tide you over plus scored AKL-CL for your big anniversary trip! And I got the pleasure of your company! Win-Win-Win!

 

[RachelTori]

Ugh, thanks for the info. Not sure what I will do to keep the milk cold. I am sure we will manage, but a bit of an inconvenience. We have friends staying on the DVC floor, do the DVC units still have working refrigerators?

The DVC refrigerators are not the little box type found in the resort rooms. Even the studios have a half-sized fridge that has a small freezer area. Those were not part of this massive recall.

 

[Minnesota!]

You'll have to make sure you eat all those zebra domes at once.

Scott MC, I'm fairly certain I got a discount on the CL I stayed at a few years back, but it was in October, not August.

Well....yeah... They didn't last more than a few minutes!

Ugh, thanks for the info. Not sure what I will do to keep the milk cold. I am sure we will manage, but a bit of an inconvenience. We have friends staying on the DVC floor, do the DVC units still have working refrigerators?

I think the DVC rooms do have it. But I would just fill a sink with ice and keep the milk in there. There are 2 sinks.


Great day today. Early bfast at Boma - the french toast bread pudding was top notch. Then off to Winter Summerland for mini golf, back here to go swim at Kidani, and now chilling in the room before we head out for date night! I don't want to check out tomorrow. I sure do love it here.

 

[tirecarver]

Checking in in 2 days. Do the Club level rooms have the refrigerators replaced yet?

Thanks for any info.
Howard

 

[Royal Consort]

I've asked a few questions about stays in the main board but thought I'd also get the opinion of AKL people.

We had initially reserved two weeks at ALK for next year under the UK offer. We were thinking of staying somewhere closer as for two weeks, I thought the distance to the parks and resort restaurants from AKL would drive me nuts.

I've priced out a split stay but that works out more expensive for us under the UK offer.

Would the transport to and from parks and late dinners at night drive me nuts after two weeks?

 

[tarak]

Royal Consort, my experience with the bus system at AKL has always been very good. The only bus trip that was really long was the one to and from DTD. And that was the case with every other resort I've stayed at. One plus to AKL is that the buses to the parks only stop at Kidani and Jambo House, so you're not sharing with another resort. DTD buses stop at other resorts, I believe. Some people have said they found the times frustrating, but I didn't. On the other hand, I might get tired of the buses after two weeks.

 

[Irishlisa]

I've asked a few questions about stays in the main board but thought I'd also get the opinion of AKL people.

We had initially reserved two weeks at ALK for next year under the UK offer. We were thinking of staying somewhere closer as for two weeks, I thought the distance to the parks and resort restaurants from AKL would drive me nuts.

I've priced out a split stay but that works out more expensive for us under the UK offer.

Would the transport to and from parks and late dinners at night drive me nuts after two weeks?

I didn't think the buses were annoying, and the distance isn't as bad as it seems. We stayed at AKV last year for the first time and before we went I was a little nervous because I read comments about AK being "far away from everything". It really isn't. The only slightly long bus was to DTD.

 

[alizesmom]

Staying at Kidani Village in 1 month! Do the villas have either recliners or rocking chairs? I really could use one to put my daughter to sleep.

 

[Sydney2977]

For those that have stayed in a standard view room at AKL, what did you honestly think?

The reason I ask is because this is what I booked for our upcoming Nov. trip. We have stayed at four values, then Coronado Springs twice. I originally booked for a CSR room only back in Jan. and was waiting for a military discount to come out to apply, then add the dining plan. We will get our tickets from the base. I was not paying enough attention, and thought they wouldn't release till Aug., but turns out they released on a Mon. in July and I didn't find out till that Wed. So, by that time, they didn't have any standard rooms at CSR, only club ($300 more) left at CSR. Our other options were CRB (same price we originally budgeted, but no queen beds), a value ($300 less, smaller beds and room), and AKL (standard-$600 more, pool view $800 more, and savannah view $1200 more). DH and I talked and decided to go ahead with AKL standard. This is really a dream come true for me, since I love animals and the whole resort is just breathtaking! (we've eaten breakfast at Boma twice) Plus it's a surprise for the kids!!! I think they will be floored that we are staying here, no matter the view. AT 13 & 17, they understand money, and know it's a splurge for our family to stay here, even with a discount. Three years ago we surprised them with CSR and they love that place, and are really excited to go back. But everything I have read has people saying to upgrade to savannah view, and I think since we've already gone over budget, it's just not reasonable. I think we will still enjoy the resort without the view, but I want other opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

[TruBlu]

For those that have stayed in a standard view room at AKL, what did you honestly think?

The reason I ask is because this is what I booked for our upcoming Nov. trip. We have stayed at four values, then Coronado Springs twice. I originally booked for a CSR room only back in Jan. and was waiting for a military discount to come out to apply, then add the dining plan. We will get our tickets from the base. I was not paying enough attention, and thought they wouldn't release till Aug., but turns out they released on a Mon. in July and I didn't find out till that Wed. So, by that time, they didn't have any standard rooms at CSR, only club ($300 more) left at CSR. Our other options were CRB (same price we originally budgeted, but no queen beds), a value ($300 less, smaller beds and room), and AKL (standard-$600 more, pool view $800 more, and savannah view $1200 more). DH and I talked and decided to go ahead with AKL standard. This is really a dream come true for me, since I love animals and the whole resort is just breathtaking! (we've eaten breakfast at Boma twice) Plus it's a surprise for the kids!!! I think they will be floored that we are staying here, no matter the view. AT 13 & 17, they understand money, and know it's a splurge for our family to stay here, even with a discount. Three years ago we surprised them with CSR and they love that place, and are really excited to go back. But everything I have read has people saying to upgrade to savannah view, and I think since we've already gone over budget, it's just not reasonable. I think we will still enjoy the resort without the view, but I want other opinions. Thanks in advance!

You all will love it!!!
No need to upgrade. There are viewing balconies with big rocking chairs all over the place. Just hang out there when you want to animal watch.

Sent from Tracey's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[baleeve]

For those that have stayed in a standard view room at AKL, what did you honestly think?

The reason I ask is because this is what I booked for our upcoming Nov. trip. We have stayed at four values, then Coronado Springs twice. I originally booked for a CSR room only back in Jan. and was waiting for a military discount to come out to apply, then add the dining plan. We will get our tickets from the base. I was not paying enough attention, and thought they wouldn't release till Aug., but turns out they released on a Mon. in July and I didn't find out till that Wed. So, by that time, they didn't have any standard rooms at CSR, only club ($300 more) left at CSR. Our other options were CRB (same price we originally budgeted, but no queen beds), a value ($300 less, smaller beds and room), and AKL (standard-$600 more, pool view $800 more, and savannah view $1200 more). DH and I talked and decided to go ahead with AKL standard. This is really a dream come true for me, since I love animals and the whole resort is just breathtaking! (we've eaten breakfast at Boma twice) Plus it's a surprise for the kids!!! I think they will be floored that we are staying here, no matter the view. AT 13 & 17, they understand money, and know it's a splurge for our family to stay here, even with a discount. Three years ago we surprised them with CSR and they love that place, and are really excited to go back. But everything I have read has people saying to upgrade to savannah view, and I think since we've already gone over budget, it's just not reasonable. I think we will still enjoy the resort without the view, but I want other opinions. Thanks in advance!

I was booked in a standard room and did a ton of research on your very question. What I found is that 99% said AKL standard is better than most preferred rooms at any moderate or value. The resort in itself is awesome.

I did upgrade to pool bunk beds because I wanted to be assured I'd have the bunk beds for my 10 and 8 year old. I didn't want to have to worry about an upgrade.

Now my worry is did I make the right decision upgrading from POP to AKL ($650 more over 4 nights) and I'm trying to make peace with it.

Also, I worry I'll be upgraded to a not so great savannah room and loose out on a great pool view. LOL