What exactly are the benefits of staying in club level?

[DiZ NeE 08]

I was looking into the rooms at AKV and saw that the highest that you can get is club level. what exactly does that entitle the guest to? what does it include? does it include food & drink? extremely good service? lol! anyone have any input on this, would be very much appreciated
Thank you ahead of time.
Bradley

[TimK]

It includes access to a concierge lounge with food and beverage offerings. At AKV guests gain access to some exclusive savanna tours (only on certain days, costs extra.) The cast members who staff the lounge can also help with trip planning, secure meal reservations, and so on.

You can find a write-up of the concierge offerings HERE (http://dvcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=448&Itemid=214).

Note that there are only 5 lockoff two bedroom villas in the entire concierge category at AKV. For the most part it's nearly impossible for non-owners to book at 7 months--and can even be difficult for AKV owners during popular periods.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

There are Club level studios also. I booked a studio for June 21 - July 4th in the Jamba House at the 7 month window. I asked if Club level was availible. Many of the nights were, but it was a broken up hodgepodge of nights and I doubt the waitlist would have connected all the dots so I just stuck with non-club.

[DiZ NeE 08]

we are planning on going during Dec 6-13 and we were thinking about changing from value to club. trying to decide if the 47 point difference is worth it.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

..... trying to decide if the 47 point difference is worth it.

We were concierge level at DL Hotel a few years ago. The Club room was great. We never had the need to purchase a breakfast. Had a lunch or two there and the wine & hor'durves (sp) in the evening were a great ending to the day. Granted, the entire trip was a perk from GM ( ah...the good ol' days....) so I have no idea if the value of the Club room offset the additional room expense.

Depending on when and where you stay, those 47 points have a dollar value.If I felt the Club room would save me at least half that value in meal money, I think the convienance and pampering would justify the other half.

I think I would really need to know what the Club room offered before I could decide. If it's just danish in the morning and crackers & cheese at night - no. But if they put out the same type spread as DL Hotel.....yeah, I'd go for it.

[DiZ NeE 08]

well, lets say that I was renting points(which I'm not really). the week in Club level in AKV is 119 for the wewek of Dec 6-13 which a Value room is 72 points. which is A lot cheaper. we usually take food with us to stay at disney so the food thing isnt really a plus we just want it for the experience but we wouldnt want to stay there for 1 night and then change rooms. danish for breakfast and wine at night thats sweet.

[jbjc]

Let's see.

6:30 am...coffee and tea are available.

7-10 (maybe 10:30?)...continental breakfast.

Juice, coffee, tea, soda pop and snack foods are out all day.

2-4 tea is out. Scones, jams, etc..

5-7pm there is a variety of hot and cold appetizers along with wine and beer.

8-10pm desserts and cordials.

The CMs will book your dining and recreation for you if you wish. As noted, there are some special tours available to AKL and/or concierge level guests that can be booked.

Members receive daily housekeeping and nighttime turndown.

A USA Today is delivered as well.

The cast members are wonderful. Friendly and helpful.

The lounge has a drop dead view of the lobby with Arusha Rock beyond. Stunning.

It is very nice. We've stayed AKL club level once before the DVC change and were on the 5th floor. Last year we had two short stays in concierge villas. In March, we'll be there for 7 nights and I can not wait!:yahoo:

[DiZ NeE 08]

Nice! well, thanks for the info everyone but there was no AKV concierge studio available for that time. but, I waitlisted so hopefully somehting shows up last minute. woot! woot! crossing my fingers.

[FR8TRN]

Well here is the view from the Club Lounge area.......and yes I would spend the points again. The Sunrise Tour is great, will do the Sunset next time we stay there.


http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeo1xmz/akv.jpg

[DiZ NeE 08]

WoW!!!!! thats an awesome view.

unfortunately I called a little late. and the Club level is all booked for that time. I waitlisted for the concierge level so hopefully I get it.

Thanks everyone for answering my questions and helping me decide.

[Colorado Belle]

When looking at the 'value' received for any concierge/club level room,
everyone has his own sense of what translates to value.

Traveling alone? well, the continental breakfast and apps and wine will save some money, but not nearly as much as for a family.

Commando park visits? well, you probably won't spend much time in the lounge to take advantage of the perks. But if you're planning on hanging around the resort...WOW, big savings and nice to be pampered.

POints: sure, its nice to stay club the whole time. But if it's just too many points, why not spend the first night which is really just a part day anyway in cheap digs and then treat yourself royally for the rest of the trip? (I understand about the need to 'unpack' to feel at home, but if you arrive at MCO in the afternoon to either hit the park commando or just relax by the pool....you wouldn't HAVE to unpack til the next day after you've moved up.

Just my unasked for 2 cents.