Talk to me about ALK

[punkin]

I just booked a savannah view room at the ALK in November for AP rate (I was surprised they still had these available). Now I have some questions...They said concierge was sold out for my dates, What's the best way to try and get concierge anyway. The CM suggested that I try to upgrade at check in. Any opinions. Also, what whould be some room recomendations for me. We don't mind long walks to the lobby and transportation, just want the very best views of the animals as possible. Finally, does anyone have any suggestions of special things to do or see at AKL.

 

[Nette]

Definitely try both sit down restaurants (Do Boma at both B-fast and dinner).

We loved both Jiko and Boma. And REALLY liked the convience of having them at the hotel.

 

[mep319]

I just did a post about this actually. I had a standard savannah view w/ AP rates for October....I kept that reservation and checked day by day...adding day by day and actually just got my last nite 2 days ago (12 days out). When you call to ask for availability ask them to check each day as opposed to a block of days...I found this out inadvertently. I was calling...sometime 3xs a day until one CM happened to mention that 2 of the 4 days I was looking for was available. I had the last 4 nites first...then added the 2 prior and finally, less then 2 weeks out, was able to add the first night of our stay. You have till 5 days prior to cancel and you can hold 2 reservations at a time. I then just transferred the deposit from the savannah to concierge.

FYI-- I was told about upgrading at check in too...someone else just tried that...she PM me when she returned at my request...they quoted her $215.00 per nite...it is only a $75.00 difference w/ AP rates...the bell hop told her that was the standard cost for upgrade at AKL...I certainly wouldn't wait!

 

[mep319]

By the way here are some links....

Upgrade at check in

AKL fact sheet

Another AKL Fact sheet

 

[Nlihte]

First of all, have a great trip to WDW. (Like you could help it staying at AKL.) I believe we were in room 2527. This has a great view because it is right by the water hole, so all the animals come close. It is however a long, yet pleasant walk. Have a great trip!

 

[punkin]

Thank you all so much for the information. I will try to get a room by the water hole (great idea) and I will try calling for concierge for individual days. Maybe I'll luck out with a friday or monday night so we can do the sunrise safari at least.

 

[punkin]

Thanks to mep319's suggestion, we now have concierge for 11/13 and 11/16-11/18, and regular savannah view for the in between days (11/14 adn 11/15). This means we will have to move twice. Not the best situation, but I am still hopeful something will come up before we go (or that we get upgraded at check-in).

 

[mep319]

Great news! Hopefully you'll be able to get those last 2 days b/4 you leave...I know what you mean about moving I was concerned about that too. In the end it worked out...hopefully it will for you too! Keep trying!

 

[punkin]

The other option (which I have been considering) is to stay the first 3 nights in savannah view and the last 2 nights in concierge. Then we would only have to move once. I'd rather do concierge the whole time though.

 

[mep319]

Make a second reservation for the first three nites in a savannah view...you can always cancel it 5 days out if you manage to get the other nites concierge....otherwise at least you don't have to move twice.

 

[punkin]

Thanks mep319, I did that and am still calling to get the other two days. BTW I spoke to concierge and they were really sweet. I am booked on a sunrise safari (the woman at concierge was actually surprised they still had availability this late) and the woman I spoke to said that worst comes to worst, she'll see what she can do for me at check in. She said not to worry, she'll get us into concierge...so... God willing, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.