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[Connie from Cincinnati]

I just got home from AKL and I promise I am not bragging BUT without even asking I was upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. We had 5 in our party and this suite slept 8. It had 3 balconies, 3 bathrooms, 3 tv's and a living room, dining room, a king size bed master suite a dressing room, a shower that would easily hold 8 (no kidding).We were in room 4481. I have been trying to figure out how we got such a wonderful upgrade and this is what I came up with. First I sent a polite note requesting a Savannah view - since we were concierge they cannot guarantee this. I just said that it would really make our trip very magical. I enclosed this note with our final payment. Another thing I think helped was that we were going to be staying Concierge - we did this because we wanted to go on the special safari (which was spectacular by the way). The concierge planners had our itinerary in the computer so they could see that we planned on going to the spa for a massage, to Victoria and Albert for dinner and to at least 2 other restaurants each day. I think they figured that we were going to be spending a lot of money and I think this helped. Almost everyone who goes to Disney World has made their own Priority Seating reservations but I doubt they show up in the computer at the resort. We were not doing the Fairytale package because we were limited to a certain time for vacation and it was only 5 days and 4 nights. Plus I don't think this package worked for Concierge. We loved all of the snacks and desserts that were served in the Concierge lounge and even though I have read that the appetizers weren't really enough to serve as dinner - I thought it was an amazing amount of food and it worked for dinner for us 2 of the nights. We had 4 giraffes that came right in front of the balcony every night and they were so sweet. The only flaw was the Zahaniti Fitness Center and Spa. Do not book your massage or facial there... go to the Grand Floridian... it is so much more beautiful. I felt like I was in a back room for my massage. It is more of a fitness center with a massage room. Yuck....
Someone screwed up the time and scheduling for my massage so it ended up being free ( I am not complaining at all about that) but I want all of my friends who want that pampered spa feeling to go to the Grand Floridian for their massage.
I am already planning our cruise for next year.
I am happy to answer any questions about AKL - we had a great time. Even though we stayed at the concierge level I don't want you to think I am super rich....( I am a high school teacher) but I would really recommend staying Concierge at AKL just for the safari if not for the food, wine, beer, smoothies, desserts, gummi bears, etc. They scheduled us into the Cinderella Breakfast without a problem at all. Very nice. I would also like to say that Victoria and Albert was not such a thrill. There is no view... I would have much preferred Citricos which was next to Victoria and Alberts. No way was it worth all of the money. The food and service were wonderful but typically all of the fine dining restaurants around Disney World are superb so I would just go there and spend half of the money. Just a little input from me....

[WDWOctober]

Sounds like you had a great trip! Only 78 days left for my trip. Nice to see someone else from Cincinnati, we live in Milford. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[DisneyMomma]

That's awesome!!!

We were thrilled to be upgraded (without asking) at the Contemporary from the Garden Wing to the Tower with a wonderful view of the Castle!!! Those little surprises are the best! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[eliza]

This is all GREAT news! I think I will go ahead and upgrade to concierge (if it's available) for my November trip - especially since it's only 3 nights. My only concern is A)for that amount of money I NEED a savannah view and B)could the Sunrise Safari be filled? Surely it must correspond to the # of concierge rooms??? Also November sounds like it's pretty "light".
Thanks again.
Oh, and PLEASE post a trip report or even brief summary. Thank you!!

[AKLRULZ]

Wow, that sounds pretty dagone cool! AKL RULZ! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

[Connie from Cincinnati]

Hi Eliza,
I don't think you will regret spending the extra money on Concierge. We had breakfast there every morning, asked and received several cans of pop and bottled water to keep in our room, always had bottled water to take to the parks, they have a cappucino/latte machine and no one looked at me silly when I put it in my Mara mug.Also Tea,appetizers and desserts with wonderful African wines and beer. I would send an e-mail to the Concierge desk a few days before arrival requesting the savannah view and send a friendly note when you make your final payment. I would also get there early in the morning. I was afraid that 11 am would be too late but it worked for me.

You can book the Safari with the Concierge planners - no problem. They had 2 bus loads on the day we went and took 2 open safari trucks - I don't think that will be a problem. They offer the safari on Tues and Sat. only. Hope that fits into your travel plans. Check it out with AKL before you change all of your plans. Also - the safari costs about $50 extra per person. I was shocked to find out about the extra cost myself - but it was worth it. AMAZING and it does include a brunch at Tusker House and a fast pass to Kilimanjaro Safari - so after breakfast you can enjoy the park.

Yes - I will write a trip report - I didn't know there was a special place for this. I am new to this. Enjoy! Connie

[loobyoxlip]

Wow, Connie. That is SO neat. The safari sounds very nice. We absolutely love AKL, too. Noplace like it!!