Animal Kingdom Lodge Concierge Level: Kilimanjaro Club

Tara Mulkerin9/19/19Club Level. Just those two words conjure up lots of images and words. Luxury. Exclusive. Expensive. Bucket list.These words can sometimes be true and sometimes not. Let’s address them a little bit individually, and in this case let’s use the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Club Level.The Kilimanjaro Club. It is definitely luxurious. All the rooms for Club level have Savanna view, as well as nightly turn down service. We often stop back later in the day after morning Mousekeeping for a nap or just to change from the pool to a freshly cleaned room. We may shower or mess up the bed, but then when we return at the end of the night everything has been freshly remade, towels restocked, beds turned down and chocolates on our pillows!The Club is also exclusive. You are checked in upstairs in the Club Lounge rather than the main desk. Often, depending on time of day and availability of staff, you may be greeted curbside. In order to enter the Club Lounge you have to have key card access to the floor it’s on. There are staff who are dedicated only to the Club guests and are extremely helpful. We’ve had extra FastPasses doled out, character luggage tags, even an exclusive pin for my daughter’s lanyard. Now, I can’t promise these specific things, but the team is always trying to take make guest feel special.“It’s too expensive” is probably what I hear the most. There is no denying that there is a cost factor. Club level is only available in Deluxe Resorts, and it is more expensive than the standard rooms. However, many of the benefits make it cost effective for many guests. First, Club level rooms are often available with the special promotions Disney runs. I’ve been able to secure an Animal Kingdom Club room at 30% off in the past! Now, Club rooms for these promos only have a few set aside, so you must book them as quickly as possible.Another benefit, and in my opinion, the BEST benefit, is the Club Lounge refreshments. “Refreshments” hardly covers what’s offered in the lounge. For breakfast, there are juices, flavored coffees, a wide tea selection, bagels, pastries, croissants, hard-boiled eggs, cold cereal, oatmeal, and fruit. You will never have to purchase a breakfast during your trip. You can also grab a banana, orange, or apple to throw in your bag for later, along with a bottle of water. You can eat in the lounge or take your grub back to your room.During the afternoon, snacks are set out. In particular, my daughter loves the African spiced mixed nuts. Delicious cashews, almonds, peanuts and macadamia nuts lightly dusted in a savory spice, dips and crackers, hummus and pita, kettle chips, gummy bears, plain cashews, yogurt covered pretzels, granola bars, and assorted cookies. Soft drinks, juices, bottled water, beer and wine are also available. One of the Lounge attendants kindly filled plastic cups with wine to take to the pool as there is no glass allowed at the pool area. My daughters filled their cups with snacks!Evening in the club is a real treat. Typical assorted hors d'oeuvres such as cheeses with assorted accompaniments, dips, apples and caramel, Uncrustables, and several hot appetizers artfully plated, usually a soup and a specialty African dish. Wines and beers are flowing and feel free to ask if there is a certain type of wine you’d prefer, they are usually able to get it for you. One could easily make an evening of enjoying the Club food and beverages.Between the breakfast, snacks and evening offerings one can see how staying Club can be very beneficial even cost effective if getting a good deal and using the lounge wisely.Whether you have stayed Club in the past or not, staying Club at least once should be on every Disney World fan’s bucket list. For more information or to book a Disney trip, Club or not, please contact me via email or by cell phone @ 412-913-8652.