When does AKV Concierge make sense?

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

When i was researching, I really found the threads on "you should buy DVC if...." useful. I wanted to check with those that have used their points to book AKV concierge and ask in what situations would you recommend it?

 

[Deb & Bill]

When i was researching, I really found the threads on "you should buy DVC if...." useful. I wanted to check with those that have used their points to book AKV concierge and ask in what situations would you recommend it?

When the view doesn't really matter and you just want access to the lounge for lots of time during the day. There are only five two bedroom lockoffs. So if someone reserves a studio, that leave four two bedroom lockoffs and a one bedroom. If you can reserve it right away at 11 months out exactly and not be disappointed if it is already booked.

 

[Minniesgal]

I keep thinking about it but can't quite bring myself to book it as we love the Savannah view. It is usually wide open for our dates as we don't go during a busy time but the view is more important to us

Also as DVC members we prefer the 1 bedrooms at Kidani for the more space and second bathroom

We would only book concierge to do the safari

 

[Deb & Bill]

I keep thinking about it but can't quite bring myself to book it as we love the Savannah view. It is usually wide open for our dates as we don't go during a busy time but the view is more important to us

Also as DVC members we prefer the 1 bedrooms at Kidani for the more space and second bathroom

We would only book concierge to do the safari

They don't have the Sunrise Safari anymore. It was discontinued last year.

 

[robinb]

When i was researching, I really found the threads on "you should buy DVC if...." useful. I wanted to check with those that have used their points to book AKV concierge and ask in what situations would you recommend it?

I would recommend it any time you can book it. I really love the Club Level and I think it's worth the extra points.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I bought extra AK points just so I would have enough to book the club level at 11 months out for a one bedroom for 4 days. Love it. We don't do parks while we are there and just enjoy the ambiance and the hotel pool. Last year we had a great savannah view. Already booked for next March. We have lots of other points too at diff resorts so we usually stay two weeks in March and just move to another resort after AK. It's always the highlight to me.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't know if there's any time you could say it makes sense exactly. It's kind of one of those things that you just do because you like to have access to the lounge. You also get daily housekeeping too.

In the past it gave you access to book the Sunrise Safari but that's discontinued so no benefit there.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO CL is an indulgence that you should experience at least once for a short stay. In the case of CL at Jambo for DVC, you get daily Mousekeeping, some refreshments, some small food items, a lounge, and a poor view from the room.

Bill

 

[com_op_2000]

DW and I have done 2 two night CL stays.
We find that short stays work well for CL stays, always plan switch to a regular DVC room for the last night so that way we get access all day to the CL without staying in those rooms.

 

[Dean]

When i was researching, I really found the threads on "you should buy DVC if...." useful. I wanted to check with those that have used their points to book AKV concierge and ask in what situations would you recommend it?

It only makes sense if one is going to basically be a lounge rat, IMO. But it's a nice treat if one can get it and enjoy it.

 

[pangyal]

We usually travel to an all-inclusive resort in February, so this year, we booked three days with Savannah view and then a week at CL for the same week in February. The way we're looking at it, it will be colder, but we can take advantage of our APs and spend lots of pool time with free drinks and food. We plan to use the inclusions to save on breakfast and dinner, and to take wine or beer down to the pool area for relaxing. I think it's well worth it. The amount of food at the all-inclusives is usually overwhelming anyway, so this will be a good compromise!

 

[Nanajo1]

I don't know if there's any time you could say it makes sense exactly. It's kind of one of those things that you just do because you like to have access to the lounge. You also get daily housekeeping too.

In the past it gave you access to book the Sunrise Safari but that's discontinued so no benefit there.

Is the Sunrise Safari still available for DVC members ? If so if you are staying CL on points can you book?

 

[disneynutz]

Is the Sunrise Safari still available for DVC members ? If so if you are staying CL on points can you book?

No, it has been discontinued.

Bill

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is the Sunrise Safari still available for DVC members ? If so if you are staying CL on points can you book?

But the Wanyama Safari is still available to anyone staying at KV or JH.

 

[Judique]

It only makes sense if one is going to basically be a lounge rat, IMO. But it's a nice treat if one can get it and enjoy it.

You calling me a lounge rat, Dean?

I have no AKV points and the last 2 years I have been able to get a short 3 night stay in Jan Feb CL at Jambo. It's perfect for me - the points are like 3 extra per night from what I usually book. So my cost is about $20/day - not counting what I could do if I rented points out for $14 each, yada yada. Gotta remember I bought them to enjoy them!

For that $20, I get a coffee, fruit and pastry in the morning, which is my get me going food, daily housekeeping, a few snacks in the evening and either beer or wine to go with it, or if I come in later, a couple of small desserts and an after dinner drink. This is a great convenience as opposed to when I stay at BWV, if I haven't brought in supplies I have to go on down the Boardwalk to find a snack or piece of fruit.

I have use of the cl desk if I need it and they were excellent last trip with helping solve an issue. The view of the lone Ostrich, Giraffe or the pool is fine with me. I don't sit there all day; it's more a coming and going thing for us.

I also prefer to get my snack and take it to my room and stare at the Ostrich.

 

[momtwoboys]

do any of the CL rooms face the pool? what view do you actually get? when we rent points we usually rent a studio and ask for pool view anyway.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

do any of the CL rooms face the pool? what view do you actually get? when we rent points we usually rent a studio and ask for pool view anyway.

Yes, two of the possible 5 studios face the pool. Here's the view:





This is from a 1BR but we've also been in the studio that connects to it - the view is similar.

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks so much! so if that is 2 of the 5 studios. where do the others face? just trying to see what the options are!

 

[drusba]

thanks so much! so if that is 2 of the 5 studios. where do the others face? just trying to see what the options are!

The other three 2BR lock-offs (which can be 1BRs and studios), one of which is an HA unit, face the tail end of the Sunset Savanna, the largest savanna at AKL. Not among your best savanna views and views are partially blocked from the rooms by the roof overhang, similar to one in picture above. If you want good savanna view, get a savanna view room. If you want concierge services and a lounge, try club level but don't do it expecting a decent view. Also, if you are considering buying points at AKV to be able to get club level most of the time, don't do it. Club level rooms are difficult to get much of the year even at 11 months out.

 

[robinb]

Yes, the views are not the best. We call the "Sunset Savanna" the "Vulture Savanna" because the animals are far and few between. We have had the last studio on the savanna side twice and the last studio on the pool side once.

Here are photos from years ago. You can see the Kidani construction in the background.