AKL confusion

[britlightyear]

We currently have our vacation package booked for Jan 22-31, 2011, staying in the Contemporary tower with a MK view. I was playing around on the Disney website and discovered for about the same price we could change to a club level room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have never done club level before and I am trying to decide if it would be worth it.
We like the Contemporary mostly because of the view from our room and it's location.
Can anyone explain the benefits of club level other than the "free" snacks? Would we be guaranteed a savanna view? Are the rooms any bigger?
Thanks!

 

[docdebbi]

yes, i would switch. if you have been at contemporary before, try something new. the most important thing about the club level in my opinion is the ability to run to the lounge in the AM and get a quick breakfast and save the time and money- most importantly the TIME- of getting breakfast. the rest of the perks are nice, but not as helpful as that. you do have the ability once you are booked to call your concierge and they are more than happy to get you some hard to get reservations, book activities for you, give you advice. also, check in is just a little nicer, private area upstairs with some snacks to eat while doing paperwork, and then there is the free beer and wine thing . also free snacks all day
one of the best perks of concierge at AKL is the ability to do the sunrise safari. we have done it twice now.........it is always a highlight of the trip. i can't recommend it highly enough.
so........change that ressie IMHO.

 

[tecowdw]

We currently have our vacation package booked for Jan 22-31, 2011, staying in the Contemporary tower with a MK view. I was playing around on the Disney website and discovered for about the same price we could change to a club level room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have never done club level before and I am trying to decide if it would be worth it.
We like the Contemporary mostly because of the view from our room and it's location.
Can anyone explain the benefits of club level other than the "free" snacks? Would we be guaranteed a savanna view? Are the rooms any bigger?
Thanks!

I do not believe a club level view is savanna guaranteed. Pretty sure it includes standard views.

Club level is very beneficial for several things:

• You get personalized service for everything from trip planning, tickets, dining reservations, park info, etc. Usually you will be escorted to your room by the bellhop if available upon arrival. You will normally check in on the club level concierge desk, not the front desk.
  
• There is always continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening h'orderves and cordials. The breakfasts are the big draw but sometimes you can even make a small meal of the evening items (forget it if you are a big eater).
  
• The club level is always on a restricted access floor. The room key will be required (usually inserted in elevator slot) for access.
  
• In many cases, including AKL, the rooms are a bit larger. Views will be guaranteed on this level only if they have multiple club level booking categories (for example, standard view club vs water view club) - just a single club level category will be various views.
  

Is it worth it? Well, you have to decide the value you would put on those types of perks. As with everything Disney, it's pricey.

However, I will say that if you can get it for the same price your were already planning on spending and you have never stayed club before, definitely do! It can be a very special experience for first time around - especially if you have never done club level at any hotel.

I've enjoyed staying the club level when I have been able to afford it - the free upgrades to club level are even better!


Once you've done it, you may never want to again but you just won't know if you don't give it a try.

 

[Beuford]

We just got back from AKL club level and had a really nice stay. If your getting a standard club room, you will have a savanna view, some of the club level sweets have a view of the pool, not sure what type you are looking at. Without the view, not worth it, but the standard room will give you the view. Food is nice, it won't replace lunch or dinner, but you can snack enough, along with breakfast, to gain weight,

Basically, if you like the ease of the Contemp with monorail service and closeness to parks along with the view, stay there. AKL, you will have longer transportation times which will bother you if your a serious park person. But, if you like resorts and relaxing, you'll really enjoy AKL club level. I would do it again anytime!

 

[tecowdw]

But, if you like resorts and relaxing, you'll really enjoy AKL club level.

Definitely! If you appreciate the resort experience (opposed to "just a place to sleep" types), the club level will have much higher value to you!

 

[britlightyear]

Thanks for all your replies! I think we will go with AKL club level, it just seems like something we should try at least once!

 

[tecowdw]

Thanks for all your replies! I think we will go with AKL club level, it just seems like something we should try at least once!

From a fellow Hoosier - I think you'll be glad you tried it once!

 

[CheshireKat]

Just a note on the view: if you are regular club level you will have definetly have a savannah view. Only DVC club/concierge has the pool view. They call it a standard room because of its size.

We just returned from AKL club level and it was wonderful. The morning breakfast was a real plus for us, plus the theming of the whole resort is spectacular. The reason we chose it was that is was only $35 more for the club level than a bunk bed savannah view.

 

[britlightyear]

From a fellow Hoosier - I think you'll be glad you tried it once!

I suppose in January, I would stay in a Motel 8 if it meant I was out of Indiana! :ROFLOL:

Just a note on the view: if you are regular club level you will have definetly have a savannah view. Only DVC club/concierge has the pool view. They call it a standard room because of its size.

We just returned from AKL club level and it was wonderful. The morning breakfast was a real plus for us, plus the theming of the whole resort is spectacular. The reason we chose it was that is was only $35 more for the club level than a bunk bed savannah view.

Thank you for clearing up the "view" issue, I really think that has now solidified our decision to go with AKL. Do you know if the club level rooms are in fact bigger than just the regular AKL savanna view rooms?