Someone talk me into AKL concierge

[jdm_dkm]

We are going in October and thinking of upgrading. How great is concierge?

 

[alexcturner]

In one word GREAT! From the African Smoothies, cappaciano coffee, and the food at night from Boma and Jiko how could you go wrong? The lounge is very comfortable with daily papers (sofas and tables and chairs scattered about) very nice! Lisa

 

[dansyr]

If you can afford it................definitely do it. We did it for the first time last Sept. All I can say is ..............awesome!!!
We had the comeback rate so we decided to go all out...and boy are we glad we did. They absolutely make you feel so special. The food offerings in the lounge are great...and plentiful. It was so nice to go back in the evening and enjoy a nice glass of wine....or get up in the morning and have a cappuccino.
We had a deluxe savannah view room....5431 if I remember correctly and the view was unbelievable. Woke up in the morning to giraffe and zebra right in front of our balcony.
If you decide to go concierge...e-mail them right away and request a savannah view room...because they are not guaranteed.
Oh, and Jack Soll is a wonderful itinerary planner. He provided quite a few surprises for my dbf's birthday.

 

[ValerieK]

We love staying concierge. We got spoiled during our first trip and have stayed in concierge now for all but 1 trip. I would do AKL concierge just for the sunrise safari.

 

[stinkerbelle]

We have stayed AKL concierge twice...and would do it every time if we could afford it!

It's worth it just to be able to get on the Sunrise and Sunset safaris! (both of which we have done - both of which I reccommend)

The CM's on the concierge floor are VERY friendly and VERY helpful. We went during 2 rather slow times of the year (End of September and end of January), so they were able to make us all our PS's the same day we wanted them. (meaning - ask in the morning/late afternoon - and we basically got 'em)

The cappuccino machine is just awesome! The south african wines, the appetizers from jiko, the ZERBRA DOMES...the juices...the food offerings are wonderful. And the lounge itself is very relaxing and offers a great view of the lobby.

Another thing that I like most of all about concierge...no waiting in line for check-in. You go from your car right to your room! Love it.

I feel so at home at AKL for some reason...so relaxed and so happy.

 

[BambiTamby]

AKL concierge is one of the best on property!

Lots of above posters have given you a good idea of their CL.

Another thing I'd like to say, that this concierge OFFERS so many special treats for their concierge guests!
We received a "welcome back" gift...AND another "gift" the night before our safari!
Let me tell you, you don't get pieces of replicated African Artwork from other concierges!

Their guest services are fabulous....always able to get us a last minute PS and even have our artwork and stuffed dinos shipped to us back home!

Treat yourself to something special, AKL concierge~!

 

[PartyOf5]

We've stayed at the Poly and AKL concierge. We thought the CMs at AKL were much friendlier, however we thought the lounge at Poly was much better. We found the food at the Poly to be more varied whereas the food at AKL was mostly African. In addition, they put out much more food at the Poly than they did at AKL.

Overall we enjoyed our AKL concierge stay but in the future, we will opt out and instead stay in a room on a lower level as views of the animals are better when you are lower.

 

[bobcat]

Do they ever offer AP discounts on concierge? I love AKL and would love to try concierge.

 

[PartyOf5]

Yes they do. We were able to get an AP rate for a deluxe concierge room from Christmas to New Years for $277/night. I thought that was an awesome deal!

 

[litlpixie]

We cant wait to try AKL concierge. Pretty soon, we'll be there. I do have a question, though about concierge ck in. When we pull in, are we supposed to tell the guy that puts our luggage on the cart, or is there someone else we tell? I hope someone responds to this as we are leaving soon!!!!! Thank you.

 

[dansyr]

yes...when you pull up to the front entrance, tell the bellman you are staying concierge. They'll take your luggage and bring you to the concierge desk.

Have a great trip !!!!

 

[Pig Pen]

It's the best. I would do it again in a heartbeat....even though it costs a ton. I did manage to get a good rate when I upgraded at check-in.

 

[#1hockeymom]

You can get AP rates for concierge at AKL. Unfortunately, Easter is in the expensive season so I don't even want to think about what I am paying for concierge, even with AP rates! That being said, DS and I obviously loved it the first time in January if we're going this trip, also concierge at AKL! Don't forget the sunrise or the sunset safari you can sign up for! I have only done the sunrise safari, but it was so great we're going again, but this time taking DH with us! *He's going on the whole trip, we figured we'd take him on the safari, too! LOL*

Great CMs, great food, lovely lounge. What isn't to love?

Happy planning!
Debbie

 

[jacksmom]

#1hockeymom, I too am trying to decide on AKL Concierge! You answered another post for me, and I was just wondering Could you tell us more about the sunrise safari? Thank you!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by jacksmom
Could you tell us more about the sunrise safari? Thank you!

from allearsnet.com:

What is the Sunrise Safari?

Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is available to concierge guests only. The Adventure is available on Tuesdays and Saturdays with a limit of 28 persons. The group leaves AKL at 6:30am and you are transported to the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari area.

The tour, along the safari ride path, lasts about 45 minutes and includes multiple stops so that you can stand up and take many pictures. Each of the animals along the way is described in great detail, since there is plenty of time.

After the Safari, you go to Tusker House for a breakfast buffet which includes both standard American and African items. Each person also gets a FastPass to Kilimanjaro Safari to experience it "the regular way".

Transportation back to the Resort is *on your own*. The price is $39.95. (increased from the opening price of $19.95.) It can be booked up to 90 days out, by contacting AKL concierge directly (once you have your room reservation).

What is the new Sunset Safari I heard about?

Todd Allen writes: I just got a really neat new piece of info from the AKL Concierge Itinerary Planners. Here's the email text: "I did want to quickly tell you about something that will be starting on November 3rd, we actually just began booking it this week, and that is our Mnyama Safari. Pronounced Wanjama and meaning our SUNSET Safari.

Like the Sunrise Safari, this is offered exclusively to our Concierge Guests saying with us at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Admission is limited to 8 guests and can be reserved 90 days in advanced.

During this approximately 1 and a half our safari experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge you will experience a recreation of a true African afternoon game drive. An opportunity to spend time with members from the DAKL 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, a multi-course meal will await you. Be advised it is a preset menu, give you a sampling of various appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and a wine pairing along with each course. Also be advised that all 8 guests on this Safari Experience will be dining together.

Guests must be 16 years of age or older. The price for the experience is $150 per person, tax and gratuity included . 48 hour cancellation policy."



Both of these are amazing! Sign up fast for the sunrise though - it gets booked quick!

also - 6:30am is kinda stretching it...I think when we did this in september it was closer to 7:15...but you had to "check in" rather early.

also - the buffet at Tusker house is amazing! But honestly, after eating breakfast at concierge for 8 days prior (mostly fruit/coffee/muffins) it was nice to have some eggs for a change! hehe

Enjoy! I HIGHLY reccommend both! The Sunset (also called Wanyama) may seem expensive - but it's TOTALLY worth it! Here are some pictures my hubby took when we went on this in January:

http://users.adelphia.net/~jareddewey/sunsetsafari.html

 

[MamaTink]

Hi.y'all,
This is my first post here. We are going to AKL (concierge) for the first time in 2 weeks!!! From everything I have read, it will be awsome. You can get AP rates. I had booked a deluxe savannah-there are 5 of us and DS counts as an adult this time. I later upgraded to concierge for an extra $60/night. My total with taxes and the extra $25 for the third adult is about $400/night. I think this is a good price, but am not positive. But I don't care because WE ARE GOING TO THE AKL!

 

[BambiTamby]

MamaTink, that is wonderful!
And let me be the first to welcome you here on the DIS!

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Have a GREAT time!
I know you all will LOVE the AKL CL!
They will make you feel so special AND pampered!


Be sure to post on our concierge thread when you get back!

 

[MamaTink]

Thanks! Pampered (at a good price) is exactly what I am looking for

 

[coachYO & my 3 girls]

Pig Pen,
What was the cost to your upgrade? I'm going June 7 for 7 nights. Any thoughts?
Thanks, YO

 

[dizanimator]

I just got back from WDW. Four nights AKL concierge, fifth floor with a beautiful view of the Arusha savannah, and 4 nights at Old Key West. Loved the trip, especially the animals at the lodge and the Sunrise Safari. What do you need to know to convince you to stay concierge? Free breakfast and other foods in the lounge during the day, priority seatings made for you, no waiting in line to check-in as bell services takes you right up to your room if it's ready. I loved it there and want to go back now.