Useful Concierge Information

[NJBILL]

Did you make the reservations yourself or through a travel agent? If not yourself then they won't even know about you.Do what I did and send them a note stating when you are coming and how you are looking forward to it.You should get a response immediately.

I booked it myself via Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

If you booked it yourself its probably just becuase you are still so far away. Shot them an email with your reservation number and introduce yourself. Then if you want them to do your dining I would email it to them a week before the they need it.

 

[ang38]

Then send a little note like I did. You'll hear from them and feel better too

I booked it myself via Disney

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Then send a little note like I did. You'll hear from them and feel better too

Yeah you will feel better and then you can start the fun part. PLANNING!

 

[Lmichele]

Has anyone had experience with the waitlist for the AKL Sunrise Safari?

We are now waitlisted for the Sun Aug 10th Sunrise Safari at AKL. One good thing is we are at the top of the waitlist per our IPO contact. We are a party of four.

I knew I should have sent my IPO form in sooner!!!

Please send Pixie Dust that we clear the Safari waitlist!

How long is your vacation, Can you do the Safari on the Thursday before or after? Just a thought.

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

How long is your vacation, Can you do the Safari on the Thursday before or after? Just a thought.

We are booked at AKL Club Level for Friday and Saturday nights, but we are at BCV prior and staying on at AKV after. So either Thursday would work actually. Good idea!

I wonder if they will book someone on the Safari on another day as long as there is a CL stay near the Safari date? Anyone know?

It just seems odd that the 8-10 Safari is full, especially when there are still AP rates to be had for AKL club level the night of the 9th!!!

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

Hello Everyone!
I can't thank you all enough for this thread, it's great. I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find the answer to, I'm sure it's here somewhere but 166 pgs. is a lot to sort through.

We are planning to stay CL at WL in Jan 09,...we've not made the ressie yet, we will be doing that this week, do you have to have the deposit paid before IPO contacts you? Also, can anyone staying CL at any deluxe resort do the safari sunrise breakfast at AK or is that just for AKL CL guests? I've been reading that guests should hear from IPO by their 200 day mark...our 200 day mark is this Thursday....I hope I can get our ADR requests to them in time...

We are using our TA at AAA for this, and she's admitted that she doesn't have any real experience with CL. She's a great, but I'm a little nervous knowing she doesn't have much experience

 

[ang38]

As soon as you get a reservation number give IPO an email with your name, reservation number and a hello. Since you are using a travel agent they will not get your info! Adr's are made 180 days out so there should be no problem there. You can only do the morning safari if you're staying AKL cl. There is another safari offered at ak to anyone staying cl anywhere. Don't know what it is right now but I know it's offered.
Good luck

Hello Everyone!
I can't thank you all enough for this thread, it's great. I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find the answer to, I'm sure it's here somewhere but 166 pgs. is a lot to sort through.

We are planning to stay CL at WL in Jan 09,...we've not made the ressie yet, we will be doing that this week, do you have to have the deposit paid before IPO contacts you? Also, can anyone staying CL at any deluxe resort do the safari sunrise breakfast at AK or is that just for AKL CL guests? I've been reading that guests should hear from IPO by their 200 day mark...our 200 day mark is this Thursday....I hope I can get our ADR requests to them in time...

We are using our TA at AAA for this, and she's admitted that she doesn't have any real experience with CL. She's a great, but I'm a little nervous knowing she doesn't have much experience

 

[Maxie86]

Hello Everyone!
I can't thank you all enough for this thread, it's great. I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find the answer to, I'm sure it's here somewhere but 166 pgs. is a lot to sort through.

We are planning to stay CL at WL in Jan 09,...we've not made the ressie yet, we will be doing that this week, do you have to have the deposit paid before IPO contacts you? Also, can anyone staying CL at any deluxe resort do the safari sunrise breakfast at AK or is that just for AKL CL guests? I've been reading that guests should hear from IPO by their 200 day mark...our 200 day mark is this Thursday....I hope I can get our ADR requests to them in time...

We are using our TA at AAA for this, and she's admitted that she doesn't have any real experience with CL. She's a great, but I'm a little nervous knowing she doesn't have much experience

The Sunrise Safari is only open to guests at the AKL CL. The Wildlife Discovery Excursion is open to CL guests at any resort. It has to be booked by IPO. Your TA should contact IPO for you, but if she doesn't you can send an e-mail or call them with your requests. The WDE is booked at 90 days out so you have awhile before you can book that. Don't worry that your TA doesn't have much experience with CL. Once you have contact with IPO they can take care of everything for you.

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

ang38 and Maxie86
Thanks so much for the info! We are a little sad about not being able to do the morning safari, but we will survive! The thought of contacting IPO myself makes me feel like I'm trumping my TA but she said she really isn't familiar with it, so I need to make sure it's done right. Thanks again for help and advice

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

I've read that CL guests @ Poly can participate in the Morning Safari - w/ a fee - and maybe it's if there is room - I would do some more checking around.

 

[RachelTori]

I've read that CL guests @ Poly can participate in the Morning Safari - w/ a fee - and maybe it's if there is room - I would do some more checking around.

Sorry, that's not true. There is a safari ALL Club Level guests at any WDW resort can book (I can't remember the name), but it's not the "Sunrise Safari". There is also the "Backstage Safari" at AK which anyone age 16 and over can book. The "Sunrise Safari" is open only to those staying AKL/AKV Club Level.


Edited to Add: The Safari open to all CL guests is: "The Wildlife Discovery Excursion - available for booking by all Disney concierge guests. It's a special 90 minute ride in the Kilimanjaro Safari with an animal guide."

 

[ShellKing]

we're looking forward to our sunrise safari next month. Last night I dreamed we were late and missed it. Ouch.

 

[Maxie86]

ang38 and Maxie86
Thanks so much for the info! We are a little sad about not being able to do the morning safari, but we will survive! The thought of contacting IPO myself makes me feel like I'm trumping my TA but she said she really isn't familiar with it, so I need to make sure it's done right. Thanks again for help and advice

The Wildlife Discovery Excursion would be very much like the Sunrise Safari except you don't get breakfast or have to get up at the crack of dawn. I've never done the Sunrise Safari so really can't say what the differences would be. You go out on the Savana in a van with an animal guide. They pull off the road several times so you can watch the animals. It is also a hands on exhibit, they have an ostrich egg, elephant hair,giraffe poo( I didn't touch that one ), rhino horn. The van has large windows that open so you can lean out and get good pictures. Unless something changed since May, it is given at 10 AM and again in the afternoon, 1 or 2? Tuesday through Saturday.

 

[praline3001]

WE just did the The Wildlife Discovery Excursion
last week. I have some great pics in my trip report... the link is in my siggie. The review and pics are on page 6 if anyone cares to see what we did on this tour. We REALLY enjoyed it! We learned a lot and the close up animals were WONDERFUL!
We even got to watch the 3 baby elephants playing in the water like human children

 

[ang38]

You're not trumping her. I used a TA too. This is not something she can do for you. If you don't do it then they won't have a clue that you're going to be there and won't be able to help you~

ang38 and Maxie86
Thanks so much for the info! We are a little sad about not being able to do the morning safari, but we will survive! The thought of contacting IPO myself makes me feel like I'm trumping my TA but she said she really isn't familiar with it, so I need to make sure it's done right. Thanks again for help and advice

 

[earthelves]

You're not trumping her. I used a TA too. This is not something she can do for you. If you don't do it then they won't have a clue that you're going to be there and won't be able to help you~

I'm Going To AKL CL In Sept & I Also Booked Through A TA,I Just Contacted The AKL IPO Yesterday & They (Don) Were Delighted To Hear From Me,Actually He Said That "We Wished That More Folk That Booked Through There Ta Contacted Us" So Do Give Them A Call You Are Assured Of A Very Walm Welcome

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

I know that you get 14 days from the day of booking to make your deposit, but can we contact IPO during that 14 day period even if we haven't paid the deposit? I'm just trying to sneak in I guess

We are having to pay a one night's deposit based on peak season, with no AAA discount and have to wait until the 2009 prices come out before we can put the room only into a package w/ the AAA discount, tickets and DDP.

Another quick question, b/c you all are so terrific and helpful

We need some opinions on which dining plan to do. We've never used the ddp and the DH is leaning towards the deluxe plan, he's a foodie...eating is one of his favorite things to do, especially at WDW, would the deluxe plan be way to much food considering the continental breakfast/snacks with CL?
Again, thanks in advance, you all are great, your kindness is much appreciated

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

Will you have kids w/ you? I think this is just too much food for little ones - especially those that are 9-10-11, but counted as adults - and may be a waste of money (I would highly recommend REgular DDP for this age group, though)

With that said, If you plan on wanting to eat more than 1 TS per day OR plan on eating at locations that require two TS credits, then, YES, 100% get the Deluxe DDP!

Remember, though - doesn't include apps, just desert!

 

[lUVTOGO]

The Deluxe Dining plan does include an appetizer. We are staying Poly Concierge and are also doing the DDP. MY husband is always hungry and we just do not care for counter service. I do not think it is to much food but it also depends on your kids ages. Were going with 3 teens who like to snack and eat. Also a refillable mug per person is included and 2 snacks a day. We are also trying a few of the signature retsaurants that require 2 TS's.