AKV pool info?

[lenshanem]

If you get a room in the AKL and not in the new AKV building I'm wondering how hard will it be to walk over to the DVC pool? Are the buildings gonna be very far apart?

Also, anyone know if the new pool will have a slide? I did see the water play area concept drawing on the member website, but couldn't see a slide... I also wonder if it will be zero depth entry? Anyone heard?

[dianeschlicht]

Shan,
My guide told me there would not be general foot traffic between the two resorts. I suspect those who stay in the Club level (old concierge) will be using the main lodge pool. It will likely all be spelled out in the POS when we get a chance to puruse those. I haven't done my add on yet, but I'm compiling additional questions like this to ask my guide next time.

[lenshanem]

Interesting Diane. I wonder what will be the better pool and if that will factor into where people will want to book. We're all about the pools...
So there won't be a walking path between the two buildings even for dining? Very interesting... Didn't I read there will be a separate check-in, too?

So does anyone know which categories exactly will be in the AKL and which will be in the AKV? Now I'm wondering if getting rooms in the AKV building specifically will be harder to get if the pool is cooler?

Please let me know what you find out Diane. :goodvibes

[Geyser Gazer]

I asked this question to in a different thread. We really enjoy popping back and forth from the VWL to the WL and would miss the opportunity to do the same with AKV's. I understand that DVC would have it's own TS/check in but having to catch a Disney bus from AKV just to enjoy Boma's, Jiko, or just the Lodges magnificent lobby would be a bit of "themeus interrruptus" for us.

[lisareniff]

IAlso, anyone know if the new pool will have a slide? I did see the water play area concept drawing on the member website, but couldn't see a slide... I also wonder if it will be zero depth entry? Anyone heard?

Shan, I posted a blown up schamatic of the pool area in a thead somewhere but because I've given up on ever searching again I don't have any idea where it is. There was a twisty type slide into the pool and I thought I identified a little straight slide for the younger kids. It also looked like a zero entry. This of course is from my untrained eye. There were two hot tubs as well.

[dvcjim]

the AKL resort site has some pics (drawings).

looks like a great pool.

[corinnak]

The real question for me is: Will the pools be the same temperature? :stir:

That AKV main pool was significantly cooler than the SSR pool was last month (We had a split stay and swam at both pools on the transfer day).

[lisareniff]

Here is the pic. Sorry it's a little small.

http://i10.tinypic.com/2q34w01.jpg

[Simba's Mom]

I asked this question to in a different thread. We really enjoy popping back and forth from the VWL to the WL and would miss the opportunity to do the same with AKV's. I understand that DVC would have it's own TS/check in but having to catch a Disney bus from AKV just to enjoy Boma's, Jiko, or just the Lodges magnificent lobby would be a bit of "themeus interrruptus" for us.


Wow, that would be a real disappointment. I love the food options at AKL, especially Jikos and Maras. So the only way I could walk to them is by staying at AKL itself or the DVC rooms with are in the Jambo house (I think that's what it's called)? If that's the case, which of the 4 types of DVC rooms will be in AKL?

[jagson]

when the new akv pool is finished will pool hopping be permitted?

[WolfpackFan]

Regarding the pool. When I was talking to my guide this morning, she said they had been told the pool would be better than the pool at BC.

[lisareniff]

Regarding the pool. When I was talking to my guide this morning, she said they had been told the pool would be better than the pool at BC.

Just sounds like sales hype to me!

[lenshanem]

They said that about SSR's pool, too...popcorn::

Thanks Lisa for posting that. Now can someone explain it to me? :rotfl:

[DisDaydreamer]

I've given up on ever searching again I don't have any idea where it is.

Yep, me too.

[lisareniff]

Thanks Lisa for posting that. Now can someone explain it to me? :rotfl:

From the AKV Schematic Thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1333637) I posted this a week or so ago...
Well I see the large pool area to the left(west) with a large twirly slide coming into the bottom. There is also a small slide into the same area. The pool appears to be zero entry with 2 sets of stairs. There are two hot tubs. I have no idea what that area is in the middle. Maybe a water play area - splash area??

There are two pool buildings. The one at the top looks like a pool bar (looks like seating around a circular bar) with small bathrooms in the back. The larger building at the bottom has two larger pool bathroom/changing rooms in half of the building. I don't know what the purpose would be of other half. Possibly a community hall or a pool restaurant.


Since then we have seen the concept art for the splash play area in the center.

Doesn't quite look like SAB yet to me. Splash play area just doesn't compete with lazy river, whirling rapids and sandbar play area.

[lenshanem]

Thanks so much Lisa! :goodvibes

When we were at BCV for NYE I spent some time talking to a lifeguard and I was told the bubbling waters and sinking sands section were about to finally be repaired. (She brought it up and volunteered the info.) I even saw a group gathered around the pool one day for some length of time discussing the pool. :thumbsup2

[colleen costello]

Shan, let's all hope that pool is VERY cool. We also focus on pool time during vacations and often pick our resort based on the pool (which is why owning at BCV is SOOOO cool!) If the new AKL has a pool that goes "above and beyond" we'll be there all the time!

[tjkraz]

I borrowed Lisa's image and added a little color:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/akv_pool.jpg

The slides are pink. I believe the orange shows where the hot tubs are located. The blue is the pool itself.

The size of the slides help put everything in perspective, IMO. It's a nice pool for sure, but certainly no SAB. To me it looks to be about the same size as the BWV, OKW or SSR pools. Pretty standard for Disney.

The room count at the new AKV wing will help with crowds--assuming that folks from the lodge really cannot make their way over as some have reported.

I understand there is also some sort of water play area in the complex as well, but we still don't know what that means. Maybe after SSR's opens it will make more sense. :confused3

[3DisneyKids]

DVC's press release (I believe) was what stated that new feature pool would "rival SBA." This does not mean that it will have a lazy river or sand bottom, etc., but rather that the pool itself was going to be a draw. Thanks for adding the color...I couldn't make heads or tails of the schematics before.

The splash area is supposed to be huge.

[lisareniff]

Thanks Tim! Color really helps.

I was going to try to do that but photoshop has changed so much over the past 10 years that I can't seem to get the hang of it again.

I think the hot tubs are in slightly different places. One is slightly south of the slide entrance and the other is north of the pool. When you look at the image in a larger view you can see the within the circle.

[lenshanem]

OK, that makes it easier. :thumbsup2
Where is the water play area?

[colleen costello]

Thanks for your effort! :dance3:

[tjkraz]

OK, let's try this:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/akv_pool2.jpg

Did I get the hot tubs right that time?

I'm assuming the light green is the water play area and the dark green is probably just landscaping boxes (lounge chairs lining both sides.)

The far left side of the pool itself looks like it might be some sort of a rockwork waterfall.

Based upon these drawings I think it's a very nice looking pool. Size-wise it's on par with exactly what we should expect from Disney. No more, no less. I still think mentioning SAB in any way, shape or form is misleading. In my opinion, this pool has a lot more in common with the likes of SSR and BWV than it does SAB.

The guest count will help make for a nice atmosphere. At the BW and SSR you have one feature pool for 700-800 guest rooms. Here you've got one pool for about 350 rooms (assuming no expansion to the development plans.) The only downside for some will be the lack of any "quiet pools" at AKV. They aren't part of the plan because numbers don't necessitate additional pools, but I'm sure some guests prefer to have more of a laid-back atmosphere than this complex will certainly provide. Again, not a knock, just one way that it's different from others.

[pilferk]

From the


Since then we have seen the concept art for the splash play area in the center.



Everyone keeps talking about the concept art...but I can't find it anywhere.

Can someone PLEASE post it here? I'm practically drooling....

[tjkraz]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/akv_play.jpg

[SuzanneSLO]

Also, I don't think it is correct to say that there won't be a walking path between the buildings. I think you will be able to walk from the lobby of one building to the lobby of the other building, along side the driveway. Such a walkway is shown on the drawing recorded at Book9077/Page 4220. It just probably won't be the most scenic walk you have ever taken, so you might still have some "themus interruptus."

-- Suzanne

[Sammie]

Better than SAB, is very subjective. I do know that there will never be another pool the same as SAB due to cost of the water park certified lifeguards it requires.

The new pool might be big and impressive, but it won't be SAB which to some, me included, that is not a bad thing.

[tomandrobin]

Better than SAB, is very subjective. I do know that there will never be another pool the same as SAB due to cost of the water park certified lifeguards it requires.

The new pool might be big and impressive, but it won't be SAB which to some, me included, that is not a bad thing.

I agree! I see the "water park" area to be more of the interactive zone with sprayer, misters, buckets, waterfalls and such. No lazy rivers, no need for extra life guards and such. I have seen more and more of this type of pool feature the past couple years. Parents and kids really love them.

[twinmomplus2new]

I have to say.. I fel like they designed this pool area with me in mind.

I said I would NEVER buy any more points unless and until AKL came to fruition. Since last summer. I have been looking at Marriotts resale market for thier Horizon's property.

In the center they had a pool complex very much like this. With the same dumping water towers. I wonder if the desgner is the same? Anyway my kids loved, loved, loved the water play area. ANd deemed it thier new fave over the DVC's. They went nutspo when I showed them the drawings of this.

I did buy 105 points at AKL and For the first time in 10 years of ownership. I would totally buy more points. At AK:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: maybe next year!!

[LisaS]

The pool is called the Samawati pool. I looked up the word "samawati" and it is Swahili for "A Heavenly Place". It will be 4700sf. (Anybody know the size of any other pool that could be used as a comparison?)

The water play area will have 3 zones including a waterfall lagoon.

[3DisneyKids]

The pool is called the Samawati pool. I looked up the word "samawati" and it is Swahili for "A Heavenly Place". It will be 4700sf. (Anybody know the size of any other pool that could be used as a comparison?)

The water play area will have 3 zones including a waterfall lagoon.

This sounds like it will be a major draw for me and my kids...they LIVE for this sort of thing!

Again, not SAB, but still something unique and exciting...and perhaps something that could rival SAB in that it is a draw. I love the idea of SAB, but my kids are small enough that I can't easily keep an eye on all 3 of them there....thus, this could be a great solution for us! :goodvibes

[jaysue]

Regarding the pool. When I was talking to my guide this morning, she said they had been told the pool would be better than the pool at BC.

Same thing was said about SSR High Rock Springs Pool - nice pool but it ain't SAB

Cheers
jaysue

[jaysue]

I have to say.. I fel like they designed this pool area with me in mind.

I said I would NEVER buy any more points unless and until AKL came to fruition. Since last summer. I have been looking at Marriotts resale market for thier Horizon's property.

In the center they had a pool complex very much like this. With the same dumping water towers. I wonder if the desgner is the same? Anyway my kids loved, loved, loved the water play area. ANd deemed it thier new fave over the DVC's. They went nutspo when I showed them the drawings of this.

I did buy 105 points at AKL and For the first time in 10 years of ownership. I would totally buy more points. At AK:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: maybe next year!!

Congratulations!

Cheers
jaysue
;)

[Sammie]

The pool sounds lovely, it will be interesting to see if they allow DVC approved pool hopping. If not, I think pool hopping will soon be on it's way out all together.

[jaysue]

The pool sounds lovely, it will be interesting to see if they allow DVC approved pool hopping. If not, I think pool hopping will soon be on it's way out all together.

Interesting - assuming there will be two main pools at AKL/AKV, that might coax them into allowing pool hopping there. Having said that, do not see too many people going there to pool hop due to the location

Regards
jaysue

[mello]

Thanks Tim! Color really helps.

I was going to try to do that but photoshop has changed so much over the past 10 years that I can't seem to get the hang of it again.

I think the hot tubs are in slightly different places. One is slightly south of the slide entrance and the other is north of the pool. When you look at the image in a larger view you can see the within the circle.

I think you're right about the hot tubs. You can see those circles with the little steps and handrails leading into them. You can see steps leading up to the slide - looks configured much like High Rock Springs.

I think the water play area is the area just to the right of the pool, roughly the same length as it.

[3DisneyKids]

Interesting - assuming there will be two main pools at AKL/AKV, that might coax them into allowing pool hopping there. Having said that, do not see too many people going there to pool hop due to the location

Regards
jaysue

I have been wondering about how they will handle the pool hopping issue....where (seemingly) there will not be walking access from one to the other, they may keep Uzima off the hopping list. Time will tell...

[tjkraz]

The pool is called the Samawati pool. I looked up the word "samawati" and it is Swahili for "A Heavenly Place". It will be 4700sf. (Anybody know the size of any other pool that could be used as a comparison?)


DVC's docs listed the SSR pool as 6400 sq ft. You know, honestly I did get the sense that the AKV pool was smaller than High Rock Spring, but was afraid to go out on a limb and say anything.

Still, with the smaller amount of units and other things to do in the area, it shouldn't be a problem.

[tjkraz]

The pool sounds lovely, it will be interesting to see if they allow DVC approved pool hopping. If not, I think pool hopping will soon be on it's way out all together.

Oh, I don't know about that. It's a nice perk for members and it costs nothing to provide. Besides, as long as there is no policing of the pool areas, there will be unauthorized pool hopping anyway.

People said the same thing before SSR opened and nothing ever came of it. I wouldn't be surprised to see AKV omitted from hopping since AKL already is (I've heard it's the resort's decision, for whatever that's worth). But I don't see any reason to discontinue the perk at sites where it doesn't appear to cause any problems.

Now that OKW has a slide, all of the resorts where hopping is permitted are roughly equal. If people can't hop, they'll probably just stay at their resort pool. Same population--slightly different distribution.

[LisaS]

DVC's docs listed the SSR pool as 6400 sq ft. You know, honestly I did get the sense that the AKV pool was smaller than High Rock Spring, but was afraid to go out on a limb and say anything.

Still, with the smaller amount of units and other things to do in the area, it shouldn't be a problem.I find it hard to tell from the schematic whether the pool looks larger, smaller or about the same as any other pool. I need to see at least an artist's rendering with something in the background to provide a size reference, so thanks for providing the SSR pool info because that provides some data for comparison. I'm not sure where my guide got the info on the pool size and whether it's cast in concrete (no pun intended!) or subject to change.

[tjkraz]

OK, I was bored so I put together some comparison images. Bear in mind that they aren't to the same scale, but I did include the scale on each image.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/akv_pool3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/SSR_pool.jpg

By my measurements SSR is about 120' at its widest point (pink line) vs. 105' at AKV. The zero entry areas (green) are a wash. But the blue section in the SSR pool isn't really replicated at AKV.

I think the square footage posted is probably pretty accurate. The AKV pool looks to be about 20% smaller.

Still a very nice facility servicing half as many rooms as SSR.

[lisareniff]

Still a very nice facility servicing half as many rooms as SSR.

....without a quiet pool.

Thanks for stepping up to the geek plate!

Maybe a nice comparison would be the BWV pool since the new building will be closest to that size, although still smaller.

[tomandrobin]

....without a quiet pool.

Thanks for stepping up to the geek plate!

Maybe a nice comparison would be the BWV pool since the new building will be closest to that size, although still smaller.

Three quiet pools, but the "kid" zone area looks to be a good size. Much bigger then the "Donald" area.

[pilferk]

The pool sounds lovely, it will be interesting to see if they allow DVC approved pool hopping. If not, I think pool hopping will soon be on it's way out all together.

Given that DVC pool hopping currently excludes SAB and the AKL pool...I'm thinking it will extend to the AKV pool complex, as well.

But we'll see.

[mamaprincess]

Will we be able to see the savanna from the pool? That would be nice.:goodvibes

[LisaS]

By my measurements SSR is about 120' at its widest point (pink line) vs. 105' at AKV. The zero entry areas (green) are a wash. But the blue section in the SSR pool isn't really replicated at AKV.

I think the square footage posted is probably pretty accurate. The AKV pool looks to be about 20% smaller.

Still a very nice facility servicing half as many rooms as SSR.Nice job! I'm quite happy with both the BWV pool and the pool at AKL so if the size is comparable with either of those, and the slide is fun then I will be happy. And the zero-entry is nice!

[greenban]

If you get a room in the AKL and not in the new AKV building I'm wondering how hard will it be to walk over to the DVC pool? Are the buildings gonna be very far apart?

Also, anyone know if the new pool will have a slide? I did see the water play area concept drawing on the member website, but couldn't see a slide... I also wonder if it will be zero depth entry? Anyone heard?


You need to beat the predators (Dingos, Lions, Tiggers and Overstuffed Bears) while running for your life between the buildings. Rumor has it that instead of a mini-marathon, AKV will hold a 500 yard dash, with the winners surviving.

-Tony

[jade1]

Has a sand bottom been ruled out? I suppose so with zero entry-kind of hard to do I suppose. Sand would be a nice though-kind of a natural touch.

[the who #3]

i can not imagine being a member at akv and not being allowed to use the akl pool as well. that would be rather crummy! after all if you are staying at bcv you are allowed to use sab as well as the villas pool.:confused:

i have never understood the no-pool hopping rule. it is all disney or dvc property and everyone pays just the same. we have stayed at bc many times and i have never seen more than 5 people at sab at one time except this last jan during marathon weekend. sab was really crowded then and maybe it was necessary to check ids. by the way, that is the only time i have ever seen them check.:confused3

[mamaprincess]

A lot of conjecture about AKV has been cleared up. I think this thing about DVC members not being able to use AKL pool will also be put to bed soon. It wouldn't make a ton of sense especially with the 5th and 6th floors of AKL being DVC.

[tjkraz]

i can not imagine being a member at akv and not being allowed to use the akl pool as well. that would be rather crummy! after all if you are staying at bcv you are allowed to use sab as well as the villas pool.:confused:

I don't recall anyone saying that AKV residents would be able to use the AKL pool. To that end, I think the biggest unknown is how easy / difficult it will be to move between the Lodge and Villa complexes. For a time DVC reps were telling people that despite the close proximity, it would be impossible for guests to walk between the two facilities--you'd have to drive or board a bus. I'm not certain that there is any final ruling on this issue.

i have never understood the no-pool hopping rule. it is all disney or dvc property and everyone pays just the same. we have stayed at bc many times and i have never seen more than 5 people at sab at one time except this last jan during marathon weekend. sab was really crowded then and maybe it was necessary to check ids. by the way, that is the only time i have ever seen them check.:confused3

I think the main reasons are:

1. Economic. SAB is a mini waterpark. If DVC members could freely use it regardless of where they stayed, it could eat into the revenues of BB and TL.

2. Max occupancy. If you have so many people hopping to SAB that it begins to negatively impact the experiences of paying guests, you have a problem. Disney has a lot of cash rooms to fill at the YC / BC.

I understand hopping was initially permitted at SAB and later revoked. I assume there is a good reason that hopping priviledges were removed.

[tomandrobin]

Pool Specs........

One feature pool of 4,800 square feet with a sun/bathing deck of15,000 square feet. Pool depth from zero to 4 feet, 11 inches.

Two pool slides at the feature pool. One will be 115 feet in length, the sceond 6 feet long.

One interactive wet play area of approximately 4,200 square feet, next to the feature pool.

Two hot tubs.

The interactive play area is a nice feature and fairly large in size! Can't wait to see those rederings!

[jaysue]

i can not imagine being a member at akv and not being allowed to use the akl pool as well. that would be rather crummy! after all if you are staying at bcv you are allowed to use sab as well as the villas pool.:confused:

i have never understood the no-pool hopping rule. it is all disney or dvc property and everyone pays just the same. we have stayed at bc many times and i have never seen more than 5 people at sab at one time except this last jan during marathon weekend. sab was really crowded then and maybe it was necessary to check ids. by the way, that is the only time i have ever seen them check.:confused3

You have been lucky, we have been at SAB on a number of occassions and seen way many more people than that :yay: :yay: :yay: More often than not, we have been carded for room key ID on entry into the complex

Cheers
jaysue

[riu girl]

If I was to rent AKV points from a DVC owner and was placed in the main AKL building (value room), would I still be able to access the new pool area at the new AKV building?

Thank you

[tjkraz]

If I was to rent AKV points from a DVC owner and was placed in the main AKL building (value room), would I still be able to access the new pool area at the new AKV building?

Thank you

Nobody knows for certain but since the new pool won't be open for 2 years, there's plenty of time for that question to be answered.

[pilferk]

Nobody knows for certain but since the new pool won't be open for 2 years, there's plenty of time for that question to be answered.

I wonder about that....

Will the building open in stages, with a full "opening" in '09...or will they, in fact, not open any part of the new building til it's complete.

It'll be interesting to watch over the next few months as more info comes out.

[tjkraz]

I'm sure they will open it in stages. The new "building" is actually 18 (or 16) separate stand-alone buildings that sit underneath a single roof.

The official Disney press release said Spring 2009 as opening date. Others have claimed Guides told them late-2008, so it's anyone's guess when it will actually happen.

I will say this--it took 2 1/2 years from announcement to the opening of the first building at Saratoga Springs. And SSR opened with just one building (46 rooms) ready for guests. DVC went about 9 months with no open facility to sell. BCV sold-out around September '03 and SSR didn't open to guests until May '04. Seems like they would have completed SSR in less time if they could have done so.

Using that as a precedent, it will be interesting to see if Disney can really get AKV open in less than 2 years.

[pilferk]

I'm sure they will open it in stages. The new "building" is actually 18 (or 16) separate stand-alone buildings that sit underneath a single roof.

The official Disney press release said Spring 2009 as opening date. Others have claimed Guides told them late-2008, so it's anyone's guess when it will actually happen.

I will say this--it took 2 1/2 years from announcement to the opening of the first building at Saratoga Springs. And SSR opened with just one building (46 rooms) ready for guests. DVC went about 9 months with no open facility to sell. BCV sold-out around September '03 and SSR didn't open to guests until May '04. Seems like they would have completed SSR in less time if they could have done so.

Using that as a precedent, it will be interesting to see if Disney can really get AKV open in less than 2 years.

Good point about SSR. The only thing I'm not sure about is how long it took to build the infrastructure for SSR. I know it uses part of an existing area, but I'm not sure how well founded that infrastructure was, or if it was capable, without modification, of supporting a resort of SSR's size.

With AKV, from all accounts, the infrastructure has been in place since AKL was built. That's going to be a big time saver right there...not having to run lines, plumbing, etc. How much, I'm not sure....

[Scotch]

I talked to my guide today and asked about the pool. He said yes, there will be zero entry, and no, there will not be a sand bottom. With re the sand bottom they said DVC/DVD will never do that again with re pool design because it is a nightmare to maintain.

[Goofy442]

I wonder if they will do the same as BCV slide you must have a wrist band to go on slide.

[Mickeypal1]

Will the pool be done when the Villas open? I haven't been able to get a firm answer, and we are staying in july and are hoping the pool is ready then.

[the who #3]

i don't see any reason why they would need to check id for entry to akl or akv pools. i am sure that the akv pool will be extremly nice but it is so far from the other resorts and parks that most people will not go that far out of the way to pool hope. sab is within walking distance from epcot, yc, bw, and hollywood studios. that makes it very accessable for so many people.;)

by the way, i was staying in the akl for christmas and had a view of the new akv buildings and we could see lights on late night and wee hours of the morning in the new buildings. they must be in use by now. i really wanted to go see if they lobby was complete. i can't wait to see the wall hanging for founding members!::yes:: the more i stay at ak the more i fall in love with it. i am still so happy to have akv as one of my homes.:goodvibes

[pilferk]

i don't see any reason why they would need to check id for entry to akl or akv pools. i am sure that the akv pool will be extremly nice but it is so far from the other resorts and parks that most people will not go that far out of the way to pool hope. sab is within walking distance from epcot, yc, bw, and hollywood studios. that makes it very accessable for so many people.;)

by the way, i was staying in the akl for christmas and had a view of the new akv buildings and we could see lights on late night and wee hours of the morning in the new buildings. they must be in use by now. i really wanted to go see if they lobby was complete. i can't wait to see the wall hanging for founding members!::yes:: the more i stay at ak the more i fall in love with it. i am still so happy to have akv as one of my homes.:goodvibes

The rooms aren't occupied by guests, yet....not until May.

However, we were there, also in early december (3rd -12th) and saw lights on in many of the rooms at night and before sun up. I'm assuming they're doing interior work til all hours in order to make the "launch date" in May. Exterior work was going on as soon as the sun would come up, and would continue pretty much until sun down.