Useful Concierge Information

[ShellKing]

Don at AKL CL made some ADRs for me and always got just what I asked for.

 

[mmmears]

Yet another vote for Don at AKL... I'm also the kind of person who makes her own ADRs, even when we stay club-level. Bu Don is great -- and so on top of things, I didn't worry about them not getting done on time! He did a great job making ADRs for a trip we eventually had to cancel, but I'll gladly trust on our next trip!

 

[ericafny]

Hello all! This is a very long thread and I plan to read every single post but have a few questions as I am a concierge newbie!

We are staying at AKL Concierge this coming Aug for 8 nights (sooo excited ). The IPO staff have been EXCELLENT! Don was the first to contact me and Jana (sp?) called me to confirm some ADR's. They also put up with me switching things around last minute which was great! Here are my questions:
1. We will be arriving around 7pm and I was wondering how the check in process goes for concierge level guests? We will be driving so all our luggage will be with us in our car.

2. I wanted to get a Starbucks gift card for the IPO staff for doing an excellent job - will they be allowed to accept it? Also, from what I am gathering the IPO staff are not the same people who work the lounge, correct? If not how do I go and give the gift card to the IPO staff?

3. Since they converted some of the concierge rooms to DVC, what is the chance we will be getting a room on the same floor as the lounge?

Anything else anyone wants to tell me about AKL concierge I would love to hear (the good AND the bad...hopefully there won't be any bad!)

Thanks!!! This is a GREAT thread

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Also, from what I am gathering the IPO staff are not the same people who work the lounge, correct? If not how do I go and give the gift card to the IPO staff?

That is correct and as to how you give the IPO staff the gift cards, my best advice is to ask the Club Level Cast Members who work in the Club Level lounge at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[newtodis]

Hi everyone -
Gosh this is a huge thread. I am looking for info about staying CL at AKL. We've never stayed club level anywhere so this is a new experience. We (DH, myself and DD 5yo) will be at AKL next May. Besides the Sunrise Safari benefit can you tell me what the IPO/concierge staff can do for us and what all the benefits of staying CL at AKL are?

Also - being a neurotic planner and a control freak (do those always go hand in hand) - anyway...I've read that the IPOs will make ADRs if provided the info. Has anyone had a bad experience doing this? Does it work out well? I'm most nervous/scared about turning it over to them with regards to gettign a reservation at CRT. My DD loves princesses and this would be the highlight of the trip for her so I really really want to get a ressie for her and don't know if it is something I should entrust to an IPO. Any thoughts.

Thanks in advance for any input/info.

Hi there! We're also first time CL at AKL!!! I've been emailing all along with ADR requests. I actually called and gave them my requests prior to my 180 day mark and they got everything we initially asked for and the additions I've made (CRT was on my 180 day list and we got it without a problem!). I must say, being the crazy planner that I am, that it was a huge relief having my ADRs "made" without having to sit on hold and stress about it! It's almost worth staying CL every time!

 

[mmmears]

Hello all! This is a very long thread and I plan to read every single post but have a few questions as I am a concierge newbie!


3. Since they converted some of the concierge rooms to DVC, what is the chance we will be getting a room on the same floor as the lounge?

My understanding (from a conversation with Don at AKL) is that the lounge is on the 6th floor. There are only a few rooms on that floor, and they are all DVC. So are many rooms (if not all?) on the 5th floor. The non-DVC, Standard-Club Level rooms are all now on the 4th floor with savannah views.

So, no chance of being on the 6th floor. But originally, those were the Club rooms without the savannah view.

If you have room requests, you can always call the IPO number (or use email) to ask for what you want (like close to elevator to lounge, etc.).

Hope that this helps! And have a great trip!

 

[johnsonet]

...We are staying at AKL Concierge this coming Aug for 8 nights (sooo excited ). The IPO staff have been EXCELLENT!...
Here are my questions:
1. We will be arriving around 7pm and I was wondering how the check in process goes for concierge level guests? We will be driving so all our luggage will be with us in our car.

When you arrive at the gate you will be asked your name and will show your photo ID. They will pull up your res. and it should say CL, but tell them just to be sure. When you pull up to the porte cochere, the bellman will know you are staying CL (or if not, remind him) , will take your luggage and then will walk inside with you and escort you up to your room, which will be ready by the time you'll be arriving... Otherwise you would be escorted to the concierge lounge to check in. You do NOT have to go to the front desk.

2. I wanted to get a Starbucks gift card for the IPO staff for doing an excellent job - will they be allowed to accept it? Also, from what I am gathering the IPO staff are not the same people who work the lounge, correct? If not how do I go and give the gift card to the IPO staff?

At AKL you actually can see the people who help you beforehand (IPO) but not necessarily. They are in the resort and are sometimes in the lounge. You could email to meet someone or you could leave something with a lounge CM... They are THE BEST, aren't they?!

3. Since they converted some of the concierge rooms to DVC, what is the chance we will be getting a room on the same floor as the lounge?

As mmears has said, there is no chance. Which stinks! B/c staying on the 6th floor was THE BEST. BUT hopefully being on the 4th floor won't be too inconvenient. Many trips I went b/w a 5th floor room to the 6th floor lounge and it wasn't an issue I'll be back at AKL CL very soon and can't wait to see what it's like, being in a Standard, Club Level room.

Anything else anyone wants to tell me about AKL concierge I would love to hear (the good AND the bad...hopefully there won't be any bad!)

NO bad, IMO. You will love the resort. It is incredible! I highly recommend the Wanyama (Sunset) Safari!!

 

[ericafny]

That is correct and as to how you give the IPO staff the gift cards, my best advice is to ask the Club Level Cast Members who work in the Club Level lounge at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Thanks for clarifying!

My understanding (from a conversation with Don at AKL) is that the lounge is on the 6th floor. There are only a few rooms on that floor, and they are all DVC. So are many rooms (if not all?) on the 5th floor. The non-DVC, Standard-Club Level rooms are all now on the 4th floor with savannah views.

So, no chance of being on the 6th floor. But originally, those were the Club rooms without the savannah view.

If you have room requests, you can always call the IPO number (or use email) to ask for what you want (like close to elevator to lounge, etc.).

Hope that this helps! And have a great trip!

Thanks, I thought that was the case but figured I would ask you 'experts' first just to be sure. I am planning on emailing IPO my requests about a week before we go.

When you arrive at the gate you will be asked your name and will show your photo ID. They will pull up your res. and it should say CL, but tell them just to be sure. When you pull up to the porte cochere, the bellman will know you are staying CL (or if not, remind him) , will take your luggage and then will walk inside with you and escort you up to your room, which will be ready by the time you'll be arriving... Otherwise you would be escorted to the concierge lounge to check in. You do NOT have to go to the front desk.


At AKL you actually can see the people who help you beforehand (IPO) but not necessarily. They are in the resort and are sometimes in the lounge. You could email to meet someone or you could leave something with a lounge CM... They are THE BEST, aren't they?!



As mmears has said, there is no chance. Which stinks! B/c staying on the 6th floor was THE BEST. BUT hopefully being on the 4th floor won't be too inconvenient. Many trips I went b/w a 5th floor room to the 6th floor lounge and it wasn't an issue I'll be back at AKL CL very soon and can't wait to see what it's like, being in a Standard, Club Level room.



NO bad, IMO. You will love the resort. It is incredible! I highly recommend the Wanyama (Sunset) Safari!!

Thanks for the check-in info. That is AWESOME that we don't have to go to the front desk Yes IPO is really nice and so accomodating. I honestly do not think I could stay non-concierge ever again... We actually have the sunrise safari booked. It seemed like a better choice for us because we booked it on the same day we are planning on going to AK and the thought of having a 'head start' to Everest before everyone else is very exciting

This thread has been SO helpful! Thanks to everyone for all of the info

 

[johnsonet]

ericafny
You are going to have SO much fun! AKL is wonderful.
The Sunrise Safari is incredible. We did the same thing you're doing... combining it with a day (or at least morning) at AK. They will give you a FP for the regular safari ride in the park The breakfast is incredible.
Enjoy!!

 

[teacher5]

Just a heads-up on the sunrise safari. We just went on it about a week ago and we were not given the FP for the regular safari. I even asked about it and they said they are no longer doing that. Secondly, our tour started late (safari bus didn't show up for a while and then we had to wait on the trail for clearance right near the beginning of the tour) so by the time the ride was over, the park had already opened. I still ran over to EE to get fastpasses before beginning my breakfast. I was a bit disappointed in the delay. But the safari was very interesting and worthwhile.

 

[ang38]

Funny, now that you mention it, we didn't get a fp in May either. Just didn't notice it since we weren't doing it anyway. The park was also open by the time we got off too. Had to fight our way through the crowds to get to breakfast! I thought the safari was good, not great. I mean, we saw animals and all but not much more than on the regular safari. The only good thing was not having to do the spiel about poachers. Don't know if I would pay to do it again.

Just a heads-up on the sunrise safari. We just went on it about a week ago and we were not given the FP for the regular safari. I even asked about it and they said they are no longer doing that. Secondly, our tour started late (safari bus didn't show up for a while and then we had to wait on the trail for clearance right near the beginning of the tour) so by the time the ride was over, the park had already opened. I still ran over to EE to get fastpasses before beginning my breakfast. I was a bit disappointed in the delay. But the safari was very interesting and worthwhile.

 

[ericafny]

Just a heads-up on the sunrise safari. We just went on it about a week ago and we were not given the FP for the regular safari. I even asked about it and they said they are no longer doing that. Secondly, our tour started late (safari bus didn't show up for a while and then we had to wait on the trail for clearance right near the beginning of the tour) so by the time the ride was over, the park had already opened. I still ran over to EE to get fastpasses before beginning my breakfast. I was a bit disappointed in the delay. But the safari was very interesting and worthwhile.

Thanks for the info. I will be aware of this while planning my day. I am curious as to why they do not give the FP for the safari anymore

Question: How was the breakfast?

 

[teacher5]

They said since the bfast is not located right next to the safari anymore, that they are not giving out the FP for it. The food was very good!

 

[teacher5]

Also, I just remembered that I had been told that a person usually talks about the animals during the bfast, but unless that happened during the time that I ran (or walked VERY fast) to get the EE fastpasses, no one talked during our time. Can anyone else speak to this??? I had forgotten all about the speaker thing until right now. Am I crazy or was that supposed to happen?

 

[MickeyBeast]

Where is the breakfast now? We are doing the Safari on 7/20....

 

[teacher5]

The breakfast is at Pizzafari. They close off one area just for the safari people.

 

[VAgal76]

2. I wanted to get a Starbucks gift card for the IPO staff for doing an excellent job - will they be allowed to accept it? Also, from what I am gathering the IPO staff are not the same people who work the lounge, correct? If not how do I go and give the gift card to the IPO staff.

Before you buy those GC, do ask if all enjoy coffee. I learned that Don actually prefers fruit versus cookies, cakes, etc. They also have a couple of people in the background you don't hear from that work on your reservations. While you may see just one name, there are at least two additional folks back there pluggin' along. Remember to give them props, too. They probably have touched your reservation at least once.

I typically do a large gift basket. DO write to management about stellar service. They once read my letter about the gang @ AKL at a meeting. Another friend's letter also got a town hall meeting read. They do listen to their guest and give kudos where kudos are due.

Why did they change the location of breakfast to Pizzafari? That's going to be interesting.

 

[Donald is #1]

Why did they change the location of breakfast to Pizzafari? That's going to be interesting.

They changed when Tusker House closed for renovations. Then when Tusker House re-opened, they moved the Donald character breakfast there.

I was actually impressed with the breakfast at Pizzafari. You are in a back room with a curtain over the door. So once you get back there, you really don't notice that the remainder of the restaurant is open for counter service breakfast.

 

[ericafny]

Before you buy those GC, do ask if all enjoy coffee. I learned that Don actually prefers fruit versus cookies, cakes, etc. They also have a couple of people in the background you don't hear from that work on your reservations. While you may see just one name, there are at least two additional folks back there pluggin' along. Remember to give them props, too. They probably have touched your reservation at least once.

I typically do a large gift basket. DO write to management about stellar service. They once read my letter about the gang @ AKL at a meeting. Another friend's letter also got a town hall meeting read. They do listen to their guest and give kudos where kudos are due.

Thanks for the advice! I was figuring Starbucks because they obv are know for coffee but do have some great tea drinks and they now have the frozen lemonade their too. The gift basket seems like a good idea too...hmmm what to do what to do. What do you usually put in the basket? I was planning on getting one giftcard for the team to share, but they could share the basket too that would be nice. I know that they must have worked together on my requests because I interacted with at least 3 of them (Don included )

 

[johnsonet]

Just a heads-up on the sunrise safari. We just went on it about a week ago and we were not given the FP for the regular safari. I even asked about it and they said they are no longer doing that.

Oops! Sorry about that! I almost added a caveat to my FP detail, "At least they used to do this", as the one and only time we've been on the Sunrise Safari thus far was in 2003 I believe... anyway, sorry for the incorrect info and thank you for being so nice about it