Question on AKV Concierge

In Luv with Disney

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Hi, all! I am renting points from an AKV owner. We are currently booked in a Studio Savannah View villa for Thanksgiving week (Sun 11/23-Fri 11/28 only). I notice that there is also a Concierge level offered for AKV on the points sheet, too. For a difference in price of $120 total, I can book the Concierge. My question is, IS IT WORTH IT? What will booking Concierge level get me? I also heard about the Sunrise Safari...do you have to pay for that, or does it come with Concierge Level bookings?

Thanks in advance!
 
The Sunrise Safari is not free. The cost is $55 for adults and $27.50 for children 3-9. There is also a late afternoon one that has a dinner at Jiko. Of course that one is more expensive, adults are $150 and children 8-9 are $75. For the Concierge Level there are snacks and such provided in the Concierge Lounge. Here is a site that has some reviews of AKL Concierge Level
http://www.allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=30&sort=8&cat=31&page=1
 
If the member hasn't booked concierge at AKV already for next Thanksgiving, I doubt if it is available. There are only 5 two bedroom lockoffs available for concierge at AKV. That means 5 one bedrooms and 5 studios.
 
The Sunrise Safari is not free. The cost is $55 for adults and $27.50 for children 3-9. There is also a late afternoon one that has a dinner at Jiko. Of course that one is more expensive, adults are $150 and children 3-9 are $75. For the Concierge Level there are snacks and such provided in the Concierge Lounge. Here is a site that has some reviews of AKL Concierge Level
http://www.allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=30&sort=8&cat=31&page=1

I just did the afternoon safari in December. It's $120 per adult and that includes the dinner with tip at Jiko's.
 

Are the concierge views any good? If not, why? I have read some posters stating that they aren't, but I would really like to try a concierge room? Just how bad are they?
 
Are the concierge views any good? If not, why? I have read some posters stating that they aren't, but I would really like to try a concierge room? Just how bad are they?
I believe that the concierge level rooms are in the area that overlooks the main lobby. The layout of the resort does not give those rooms the best views. I think the better views are the regular rooms overlooking the savanna.

/Jim
 
one would think that paying more would mean a better view or at least the same as a room that cost less (either in points or cash)

i know you get free food, newspaper, different check in and a few other things but the view should be part of that - don't ya think?
 
one would think that paying more would mean a better view or at least the same as a room that cost less (either in points or cash)...

You might think that but Disney doesn't. The concierge villas at AKV were made out of the rooms on the sixth floor. Some overlook the pool some overlook one of the savannahs, but not Arusha (the main one).
 
Well there is a public viewing area below the AKV concierge rooms that view the sunset savannah. These are a couple pics from Allearsnet from that room. I never thought I would like the view of the Sunset Savannah from that location and when we stayed at AKL concierge a few years ago requested a 5th floor arusha savannah view.

akl_sunset2.jpg


A landscape picture which makes it looks too squeezed together but you get to see both wings of the lodge...
akl_sunset50.jpg
 
I just did the afternoon safari in December. It's $120 per adult and that includes the dinner with tip at Jiko's.

Hmmm, I've never known Deb to be wrong very often: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm But by this link, it seems she may be. Or maybe there has been a price increase in the last couple days. Has anyone been since the first of the year?
 
Hmmm, I've never known Deb to be wrong very often: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_aklsunset.htm But by this link, it seems she may be. Or maybe there has been a price increase in the last couple days. Has anyone been since the first of the year?

I was there December 1. So was Deb, actually. But she was just at Jikos for dinner that night, not on the afternoon safari.

The cost was $320 for me and my husband, or $160 per person. (Not $120 that I posted above, I must have started to post the $320 for both of us and got confused along the way. Oops)

I've posted this before, but here is a document I got from AKL concierge January 2, 2007. The price was $160 even then, not $150.

"Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is exclusive to concierge guests staying at our resort. It is offered on Thursdays and Sundays. The safari starts at 6:30 A.M. if the park opens at 8 A.M. & it starts at 7:30 A.M. if the park opens at 9 A.M.. You would meet in the concierge lounge at 6:15 A.M. or 6:45 A.M., depending on park hours & will check-in at the concierge desk. The concierge will scan your park admission into the park which is required to participate in this experience. An animal programs cast member will be meeting our guests in the Sunset Overlook to give a run down of the morning's activities. You will then take a private bus, which will go through some of the backstage areas at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You will then walk over to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction and board the first jeep onto the savanna. You will be able to ask the animal programs cast member questions and there will be frequent stops for you to take pictures. The safari will last from 45 minutes to 1 hour long. Afterwards, you will head over to the Tusker House Schoolroom where there will be a delicious breakfast buffet that awaits you. While you are enjoying your breakfast, there will be cultural representatives from Africa to answer any questions you have about their country or about Disney's Animal Kingdom. Afterwards, you will be issued a FASTPASS to go back on the Kilimanjaro Safari & compare it to your previous safari. You are free to go about your day, at this point. If you would like to go back to the resort, you will take the regular bus back. The cost is $55.00 for adults and $27.50 for children 3 to 9. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. The unpaved roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass through rough and rugged terrain. For your safety you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. If you have special needs (wheelchair or ECV) or dietary needs, please let us know so that we may accommodate you.

As of 10/01/06 Wanyama is open to all Animal Kingdom Guest**Mom,Wed,Fri and Sat…Concierge guest $160.00 *** Non Club level guest $210.00 Child 8-9 yr $80.00.

Wanyama Safari is an approximately 1 and a half hour safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge where a guest will experience a re-creation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the Lodge animal programs team in a very personal environment. Learning about the natural history and management of the animal collection at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Incredible photo opportunities of the animals and architecture of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge that can only be experienced from our savannas . Your safari will conclude with a true African dining experience at JIKO, just like the lodges in Africa where a multi-course meal will await you which may include a wine pairing. You will be greeted in the Kilimanjaro lounge around 4:00 p.m.. Safaris will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Guests must be 8 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $160 per person for guests 10 and up and $80 per person 8 or 9 years old. Tax and gratuity included as well as a small contribution to the Disney Conservation Fund. 48 hour cancellation policy does apply so a credit card is required at time of booking. Wanyama Safari is not guaranteed with a Concierge Room but is an exclusive offering to concierge guests. Admission is limited to 14 Guests and can be reserved 180 days in advance of arrival.

The Wildlife Discover Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experience to the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place every day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet at Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person. You spend about an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari. You may take non concierge guests with you on this experience.

***All prices are subject to change without notice***

The Sunrise Safari, Wanyama Safari, Wildlife Discovery Excursion are not included in any dining package. "
 
Wow, these safari's are really different than your typical Disney experience. Kinda reminds me of " Jurasic Park"! I would love to hear reports on these safari's to see if they are really worth it. :wizard:
 
Wow, these safari's are really different than your typical Disney experience. Kinda reminds me of " Jurasic Park"! I would love to hear reports on these safari's to see if they are really worth it. :wizard:
 
Wow, these safari's are really different than your typical Disney experience. Kinda reminds me of " Jurasic Park"! I would love to hear reports on these safari's to see if they are really worth it. :wizard:
I've done both of the safaris offered and yes, they are worth it. We will do the sunrise safari again the next time we are staying concierge in April.
 



















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