Questions for AKL Concierge veterans...

[slk537]

Hello!

Based on some cancellations and postponements and a lucky point saving Interval exchange to OKW, DH and I are in the lovely "predicament" of having to use many points by 5/31 or we lose them (if only all problems in my life ended up forcing me to visit WDW....) Since some of these points are reservations points, we decided to splurge and stay concierge for the first four days before switching to VWL. We stayed once before at the AKL and enjoyed it very much, so we now have it booked for this February (yayyyy!!!).

I am VERY excited about this and have a few questions...

1. we did request a savannah room - but how likely is it that we'll get one?
2. what is the lounge all about? What do they serve?
3. When do we get the preplanning paperwork and what does the concierge staff do?
4. what is unique to AKL Concierge vs the others?
5. We are celebrating a birthday when we're there - what do they offer to help us with that?
6. Is there a place I can go to get all kinds of info on the Sunrise and Sunset Safari?
7. What are all the wonderful things that made you want to stay AKL C and why do you go back (assuming you do...)
8. Any hints or tips we should know before we go?

Thanks!!! I am a Pre Planner Personified and with less than 5 months to go, I have to obsess about something...

Jenn.

 

[Harambe]

We stayed concierge for the first time in August, and were VERY pleased with the whole experience. The lounge is beautiful, overlooking the lobby, and at the elevators, you can step out on a balcony for a lovely view of the pool area.

Delicious banana walnut muffins! The yogurt smoothie is awesome, as is the appetizers. I loved grabbing a cup of coffee and DH loved grabbing an ice cold beer on our way back to the room after a day at the parks.

The Sunrise Safari is phenomenal! The buffet at the end is something special, with all different foods to try.

The concierge staff was wonderful, very accessible, without being intrusive. They helped us a few times to get last minute ADRs and also helped us ship some of our purchases home once we realized we couldn't quite fit them into our luggage.

And the check-in procedure for concierge is great! They scoop you right at the door of the resort and take you to your room, without the long wait at the check-in desk.

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh Harambe, you make it sound wonderful! We have booked Cl in January, and needed 2 rooms, so it is a pretty penny, but I cannot wait! So far we have had all of our ADR's taken care of, when we had requested them including CRT for lunch. The only conflict we have is how to enjoy a glass of wine, have some appetizers, fit in dinner and then get back in time for more dessert and cordials, because for some of our group.....it is about the food.

 

[ckj]

1. Very good. The only non-savannah view rooms are on the 6th fl and are smoking rooms. Those who are *allergic* to smoke would not be placed in one of those rooms.
2. The lounge is a place to grab a snack, relax, watch some tv, etc. They have a lot, some people think the lounge is a four course meal, might be for a child but not for adults. The coffee machine is the best, it can pretty much do it all.
3. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't. If I were you I would have all I could think of written out ahead of time. That way if you don't get the paperwork you can give them a call or email to get what you want.
4. hmm, good question, the CM's there are the best, Don can do a great Donald Duck imitation if you ask
5. If you tell them they may be able to help, I've seen cakes and party hats delivered to the room.
6. Sunrise Safari is fun, but the Sunset Safari is so much better, we've done both twice. The sunset costs more but it's a great tour and dinner after is very good. Don't get me wrong, the sunrise is good and the breakfast buffet rocks.
7. The CM's are really wonderful there *if* you are not a pushy you know what. Treat them good and they'll do more than that for you. The safaris are fun, the lounge is great for snacks.
8. If you have time to kill at AKL do the hidden mickey at the lodge, it's really fun.
have a great trip!

 

[Di-Dis]

Sis & I stayed @ the AKL/Concierge/Savannah in March 2004. We were so impressed from the room to the offerings in the Lounge A++++. The Concierge staff was probably the best part. I tipped our Concierge when we checked-in, especially when he made such a great job in giving us the room we wanted. The room we were escorted to by the bellman upon check-in, was not want I wanted, but the Concierge searched for 15 min. to find a room we would like, which that alone was worth $20.00 and by tipping at the begining of your stay, you really do get incredible service. We tip the housekeeper $3 to $5/per day, which I try to give to the housekeeper in person on the first day. if I can find out who the main housekeeper will be for our room, I tip in advance, in person. I always have plenty of towels, toiletries, etc. waiting in our room. I think we all forget sometimes that you get more service with a little kindness,
Hint: before I leave home I address envelopes, for each day of our stay TO: OUR HOUSEKEEPER and insert the tip in the envelope each a.m. before leaving the room.

 

[slk537]

Thank you all this is wonderful!!! I am very excited to hear about the savannah rooms - DH has asthma and I have horrible smoke allergies so we have "medical reasons" all over our MS reservation/profile.

I am so glad to hear about how kind the staff is...we are a very nice and polite family and I really enjoy interaction with friendly CM's and other people. Everything I have been able to read seems to indicate that the AKL Concierge staff is just wonderful.

Again - thank you so very much!!!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Everyone has said what I had to say so I'll just reiterate how wonderful the staff is at AKL's concierge!

 

[psar]

Have a wonderful time!