karenfm
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2000
- Messages
- 134
WDW Pre-Trip Report (AKL Concierge & Poly Concierge)
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Cast: Me, Karen (family vacation planning) 39
DH, Mike (family vacation enjoyer) 38
DS1, Chris, 11
DS2, Bryan, 9
DD, Katheryn, 7
***************************************
Let me start by saying, WE ALL LOVE DISNEYWORLD! In 1996 we took our first family vacation to WDW it was supposed to be a one-time trip. Well, we had the best vacation ever, and it became an annual visit every fall. Family and friends always say, Youre going to Disney AGAIN? We just cant help it!
In November 2001 we purchased our first Annual Passes. The following April we took a spur- of-the-moment 5 day trip. We wanted to see what it would be like visiting WDW in the spring. Although we had a wonderful time (how could you not?), we decided that the weather and crowds were more to our liking in the fall. During most of our previous November trips it has always been warm enough to swim and wear shorts, with little rain and no humidity. So, shortly after we returned, I watched Travelocity for a few weeks until good airfares came out, and then purchased our tickets on Delta.
Next step was to wait for discount hotel codes to come out. I went ahead and booked our room at the Polynesian Concierge, but watched Mousesavers.com for a lower rate. When the CKO code came out in July, I called but was told the rate was not available during our dates. So I waited a week for the Annual Passholder rate to come out. I called at 7:00am on Sunday morning and was again told our dates werent available!?! On instinct, I asked them to see if any of the days were available yes, all but the first two. (I later found out that our arrival weekend is also Super Soap Weekend!) So we decided to split our stay and were now spending the first two days at the AKL Concierge. Weve never stayed at the AKL before, but were very excited to give it a try.
Now, were not rich, but by watching out for discount codes we are able to afford these accommodations (also, 3 kids limit us to hotels that can accomodate 5 people). Our rates are $209/nt for the Polynesian GV Concierge and $239/nt for the AKL Concierge. If you deduct the cost of breakfast for a family of 5 ($40), bottled waters during the day ($20), snacks & drinks in the afternoon ($15) and evening appetizers ($30), if works out to be a pretty good deal!
60 days out I received telephone calls from both the ALK & Polynesian Concierges to see if they could assist us in any way. I had already made most of our PS reservations, but did ask the AKL to reserve us spots on the Sunrise Safari and asked the Poly to make us reservations for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. (Note: I also received the written planner from the Polynesian, which I completed and returned.)
After what seemed like an eternity, November is finally here and we are leaving in 2 days! Ill post more when we return!
***************************************
Cast: Me, Karen (family vacation planning) 39
DH, Mike (family vacation enjoyer) 38
DS1, Chris, 11
DS2, Bryan, 9
DD, Katheryn, 7
***************************************
Let me start by saying, WE ALL LOVE DISNEYWORLD! In 1996 we took our first family vacation to WDW it was supposed to be a one-time trip. Well, we had the best vacation ever, and it became an annual visit every fall. Family and friends always say, Youre going to Disney AGAIN? We just cant help it!
In November 2001 we purchased our first Annual Passes. The following April we took a spur- of-the-moment 5 day trip. We wanted to see what it would be like visiting WDW in the spring. Although we had a wonderful time (how could you not?), we decided that the weather and crowds were more to our liking in the fall. During most of our previous November trips it has always been warm enough to swim and wear shorts, with little rain and no humidity. So, shortly after we returned, I watched Travelocity for a few weeks until good airfares came out, and then purchased our tickets on Delta.
Next step was to wait for discount hotel codes to come out. I went ahead and booked our room at the Polynesian Concierge, but watched Mousesavers.com for a lower rate. When the CKO code came out in July, I called but was told the rate was not available during our dates. So I waited a week for the Annual Passholder rate to come out. I called at 7:00am on Sunday morning and was again told our dates werent available!?! On instinct, I asked them to see if any of the days were available yes, all but the first two. (I later found out that our arrival weekend is also Super Soap Weekend!) So we decided to split our stay and were now spending the first two days at the AKL Concierge. Weve never stayed at the AKL before, but were very excited to give it a try.
Now, were not rich, but by watching out for discount codes we are able to afford these accommodations (also, 3 kids limit us to hotels that can accomodate 5 people). Our rates are $209/nt for the Polynesian GV Concierge and $239/nt for the AKL Concierge. If you deduct the cost of breakfast for a family of 5 ($40), bottled waters during the day ($20), snacks & drinks in the afternoon ($15) and evening appetizers ($30), if works out to be a pretty good deal!
60 days out I received telephone calls from both the ALK & Polynesian Concierges to see if they could assist us in any way. I had already made most of our PS reservations, but did ask the AKL to reserve us spots on the Sunrise Safari and asked the Poly to make us reservations for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. (Note: I also received the written planner from the Polynesian, which I completed and returned.)
After what seemed like an eternity, November is finally here and we are leaving in 2 days! Ill post more when we return!
