Confusing info about AKV from MS

[monami7]

I have a studio standard view booked right now. I was originally told that all the Standard view rooms were pool view and the value rooms were Parking lot and pool view.
This morning she said that Value rooms were savanna or pool view and Standard was pool or parking lot. The only reason we are spending the extra points is to NOT have a parking lot view. From what she is saying the only way to guarantee that we won't is to book a value studio.
Which not only makes NO sense to me. Why would you charge more points for the PL view? Also it is opposite from what I had been told before. Any info would be great.
Thanks
Heidi

[JenSop]

I think that the value rooms are less points because they are physically smaller than the standard rooms. You're using less points because you won't have as much space in one of these rooms.

[monami7]

Yes the Value are 50 feet smaller. But for a non parkingg lot view and less points I can live without 50 sq. ft! It just seems really strange to me. The biggest thing is that is is exactly opposite of what I had read.
Heidi

[monami7]

OK I called back and got the same answer. The values are Savanna and pool view and standard is PL or pool view. The point difference i from the size. What is 50 ft? the size of a closet? I would so much rather have a view.
I switched ours. Hopefully I did the right thing. 3 different MS said ithat this was right. I guess it is always good to save some points!
Heidi

[LisaS]

I think MS is giving you incorrect information.

The Value villas are smaller and are located in areas with views of the Sunset Savanna, the pool or the parking lot.

By definition, the Standard View villas can have a view of a pool, garden or parking lot and this will be true in Kidani Village. As it happens, none of the Standard View rooms in Jambo House face the parking lot -- they all face the pool area. The only Jambo House rooms that do face the parking lot are smaller, so they should be classified as Value villas.

Here is a map I've marked up showing the location of the Value and Standard View villas in Jambo House. The Value villa areas are marked in lime green, the Standard View villa area is marked in yellow. (The pink shows the location of the Concierge villas, the orange blobs are the GVs.) I've marked these areas based on my interpretation of the criteria (smaller rooms == Value villas) and by looking at the floor plans that have been published for these rooms.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/81115AKV_ValStdClub_V21.JPG

[monami7]

I had looked at your map before I originally booked. That is why I booked Standard. However they kept telling me that there were no value rooms that faced the PL and there were standard rooms that do. I really don't care about the room size or the difference in points. I just DON't want to look at a PL.
This is really frustrating.

[monami7]

I thought they were wrong too, so I called 3 times. I wish someone at MS could give me a better answer! AAGGGGG

[Merylj]

We have a std studio booked for Dec, I`m a 100% expecting a pool view, as they are the old deluxe rooms that had a bit more space.

[monami7]

OK I am switching back. I guess I will have to trust the dissers and see what happens when I get there!

[Sammie]

OK I called back and got the same answer. The values are Savanna and pool view and standard is PL or pool view. The point difference i from the size. What is 50 ft? the size of a closet? I would so much rather have a view.
I switched ours. Hopefully I did the right thing. 3 different MS said ithat this was right. I guess it is always good to save some points!
Heidi

50 square feet is about 7 ft by 7 ft that is a big closest.

[Sammie]

I think MS is giving you incorrect information.

The Value villas are smaller and are located in areas with views of the Sunset Savanna, the pool or the parking lot.

By definition, the Standard View villas can have a view of a pool, garden or parking lot and this will be true in Kidani Village. As it happens, none of the Standard View rooms in Jambo House face the parking lot -- they all face the pool area. The only Jambo House rooms that do face the parking lot are smaller, so they should be classified as Value villas.

Here is a map I've marked up showing the location of the Value and Standard View villas in Jambo House. The Value villa areas are marked in lime green, the Standard View villa area is marked in yellow. (The pink shows the location of the Concierge villas, the orange blobs are the GVs.) I've marked these areas based on my interpretation of the criteria (smaller rooms == Value villas) and by looking at the floor plans that have been published for these rooms.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/81115AKV_ValStdClub_V21.JPG

Lisa what are the white and blue markings.

[monami7]

50 square feet is about 7 ft by 7 ft that is a big closest.

That is a good closet!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: I switched back.
Heidi

[Simba's Mom]

So if I reserve a value studio, I could get any view? Can I request a savannah view if I book value? I thought I read somewhere that value studios are completely "luck of the draw"-that is, you can't make any requests of type of view if you go with value. Does anyone know if that's true?

[monami7]

It sounds about right. It seems that they will just put you whereever

[LisaS]

Lisa what are the white and blue markings.This was the original construction schedule map. Those white, blue and red dotted and dashed markings show the phases of construction. The white dotted area opened in July 2007, the blue dotted area in Sep 2007, the white dashed area was originally scheduled for Dec 2007 but was changed to Jan 2008, the red dashed area was originally May 2008 but was changed to Dec 2007.

50 square feet is about 7 ft by 7 ft that is a big closest.The Value and non-Value villas are all the same width, so the difference is in the length of the living area. Assuming the rooms are about 12 feet wide, the Value will be about 4 feet shorter. Here are floor plans for a Value and non-Value Studio and 1BR:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/81115ValueStudioComparison.GIF

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/81115ValueLivingRoomComparison.GIF

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/81115ValueMasterComparison.GIF

[LisaS]

So if I reserve a value studio, I could get any view? Can I request a savannah view if I book value? I thought I read somewhere that value studios are completely "luck of the draw"-that is, you can't make any requests of type of view if you go with value. Does anyone know if that's true?Yes, with a Value you could get a savanna, pool or parking lot view. I expect you could make a request, but there is no guarantee. I suppose it's possible that MS won't even take a request since I expect 99.99% of those booking a Value villa will request a savanna view. Also, with MS so confused about the differences between Value and Standard View I could see them refusing to take a request because they mistakenly believe that what you are asking for does not exist.

[monami7]

Lisa,
Could you please do us all a favor and GO WORK FOR MS! I am sure you are 100 times nicer than the crazy woman this morning and YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
Thanks for all the help.
Heidi

[LisaS]

Lisa,
Could you please do us all a favor and GO WORK FOR MS! I am sure you are 100 times nicer than the crazy woman this morning and YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!
Thanks for all the help.
HeidiIf I did, I would have to be an AKV specialist because I know almost nothing about the other resorts. Everyone would be complaining that they got this MS CM who didn't seem to know anything about VB, SSR, BCV and HHI (all the places I haven't stayed yet)!

I'm really sorry for everything you've been through with MS. I think the booking categories at AKV are very confusing but you would hope that they could provide the MS CMs with a good "cheat sheet" with the fundamentals on it. Something like:

Value villas: smaller, with savanna, pool or parking lot view. Occupancy: 4/4/8
Standard View villas (Jambo): pool view, occupancy: 4/5/9
Standard View villas (Kidani): pool or parking lot view: 4/5/9
etc.

And it pains me to hear all the reports of people getting snippy MS CMs. I had one recently myself so I know what it feels like (not good!).

[CarolAnnC]

To be perfectly honest, these AKV categories are giving me gray hairs! LOL!

I would think if we are having trouble sorting them out, then most DVC members calling MS will have no clue what they are looking for when they book. I guess those will be the people who end up with parking lot views?!? LOL!! J/k....

Staying at AKL last December was wonderful - we had a Savannah view and it was just so enjoyable viewing the animals in the morning and early evenings as well. But, I suppose someone will have to view the parking lot. I love the reply in another thread on the topic stating they will have the view of the Mustangs, Cougars, etc. LOL!!

[bobbiwoz]

A CM mentioned to me that when the new building opens there will be 25 categories of rooms to book. I didn't count them all...but that's a lot to learn and keep straight.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[Doug7856]

So if I reserve a value studio, I could get any view? Can I request a savannah view if I book value? I thought I read somewhere that value studios are completely "luck of the draw"-that is, you can't make any requests of type of view if you go with value. Does anyone know if that's true?

I just booked a value room for a February visit. I asked if I could request a pool view and was told that I could do so. We going in November with a Savanna view and are trying to conserve point in February LOL.

[sanbornangel]

Ok...So I just booked a Savanna View Studio for April 08. She said that it was 385 sq feet. What category does this fall into? Am I guaranteed a SV?

[CarolMN]

Ok...So I just booked a Savanna View Studio for April 08. She said that it was 385 sq feet. What category does this fall into? Am I guaranteed a SV?If you booked a Savanna View unit, then yes, you are guaranteed a savanna view (barring unforeseen circumstances such as maintenance issues, acts of god, etc.)

[LisaS]

Ok...So I just booked a Savanna View Studio for April 08. She said that it was 385 sq feet. What category does this fall into? Am I guaranteed a SV?Savanna View is a booking category. As Carol said, in that category you are guaranteed a savanna view. Value studios are 316 sq ft, the other studios in Jambo House are 365 sq ft, not 385 sq ft.

The booking categories in Jambo House from least expensive to most expensive are:

Value (least expensive because they are smaller)
Standard View (less expensive because of the view)
Savanna View (more expensive because of the view)
Concierge (most expensive because of the services provided)

[DISNEY FIX]

Savanna View is a booking category. As Carol said, in that category you are guaranteed a savanna view. Value studios are 316 sq ft, the other studios in Jambo House are 365 sq ft, not 385 sq ft.

The booking categories in Jambo House from least expensive to most expensive are:

Value (least expensive because they are smaller)
Standard View (less expensive because of the view)
Savanna View (more expensive because of the view)
Concierge (most expensive because of the services provided)



Lisa, is the other buliding open? Sorry for the ignorance. We just booked 3 days in a Jambo House Savannah View. Is there anything (another building) open? Or anything else better (not conceirge) to be looking at? Or did we get it right the first time around?
Thanks
Chris

[AKV707]

So if I reserve a value studio, I could get any view? Can I request a savannah view if I book value? I thought I read somewhere that value studios are completely "luck of the draw"-that is, you can't make any requests of type of view if you go with value. Does anyone know if that's true?

I have a value 1 br booked for next July and I did request savanna. MS told me I could and gave me the usual spiel that the request is not a gurantee.

[LisaS]

Lisa, is the other buliding open? Sorry for the ignorance. We just booked 3 days in a Jambo House Savannah View. Is there anything (another building) open? Or anything else better (not conceirge) to be looking at? Or did we get it right the first time around?
Thanks
ChrisThe new building is called Kidani Village. It is scheduled to open some time in 2009. I think you will be very happy with your Savanna View villa in Jambo House. If you are in doubt, read some of the AKV reviews people have posted on the DVC-Mousecellaneous board and look at the photos they have posted.

[AKV707]

While we are on the topic, and have Lisa our AKV specialist, (Thanks Lisa for all the great info and images)I have to ask: How bad could the parking lot view be? Is it as bad as it sounds? Just curious as i am sure that i will have it occasionally over the years.

[DISNEY FIX]

The new building is called Kidani Village. It is scheduled to open some time in 2009. I think you will be very happy with your Savanna View villa in Jambo House. If you are in doubt, read some of the AKV reviews people have posted on the DVC-Mousecellaneous board and look at the photos they have posted.


Your word is good enough. I just wasn't in the know about when the new bldg. would be open. Thank you very much.
Chris

[monami7]

Almost time to start calling AGAIN! I will be so happy when this is all booked.
As for Parking lot view. I really don't want to look at cars on my vacation to AKL. There are other hotels That I don't mind it but at AKL I want to see something. 95 percent of the resort looks at something pretty (animals, pool even some folliage is nice. I would just be really disapointed to see nothing. The balcony is our favorite spot at AKL.
Heidi

[monami7]

Now I am on hold waiting because they cannot find the points I had transfered 2 days ago. They were there yesterday. Seriously do they just hire morons at MS?

[monami7]

So apparently they had a system error yesterday? They found the points but they have to have a supervisor fix my account. Just 1 day I would love to wake up and call MS. Have everything go smoothly and have them know what the are doing and how to fix whatever is wrong. Jeeze!

[newmommy]

I'm not sure if this helps the OP out any, but I just returned from AKV last week, and I asked the front desk about the location of the value category villas, as we are booked in one for next August and I wanted to also clarify the many things I have been hearing. They showed me on the resort map, and it was the same area as LisaS has marked as being for the value villas, so I would think that she is correct and what MS is telling you is incorrect. I also was paying attention to the PL view possibility as we are booked in a value, I know we might have a PL view, and it seems to me that it might be one of the worst PL views. Compared to other resorts, where a PL view, is really not that bad in some cases, with a lot of foliage,etc. At AKV, on one side is where the busses pick up, and the PL is further in the distance, but there will be the busses right there below and on the other side is the smaller parking lot for when you are checking in, also for handicapped parking spaces. So, I do believe if we (or anyone else) ends up w/ PL view, it will be a not-that-pretty PL view. For me, although not ideal, it was worth the trade-off for low points, as it allows us to use some points towards a cruise!

[monami7]

Thanks.
We did decide on Standard. I actually really want a pool view. We have stayed Savanna view before and it was great but I wanted something different.
Now, If they would just call back and confirm they have me rooms booked and not on hold!

[newmommy]

We are hoping for the pool view also:goodvibes

[LisaS]

While we are on the topic, and have Lisa our AKV specialist, (Thanks Lisa for all the great info and images)I have to ask: How bad could the parking lot view be? Is it as bad as it sounds? Just curious as i am sure that i will have it occasionally over the years.Take a look at this satellite image. I've marked the location of the Value villas that face the parking lot. It should give you some idea of what the view will be like.

http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=nqrvc585zpdx&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=8165078&sp=Point.nqrv8w85zp5f_AKV%20Parking%20Lot%20View_P ushpin%201%20marks%20the%20location%20of%20the%20A KV%20Value%20villas%20with%20a%20parking%20lot%20v iew.__&encType=1

[monami7]

They still havn't called me back. It has been over an hour. I tried calling them but it is a 30 minute wait right now. She said she was holding the rooms until they got the points straightened out and then would book them and call me back! This is so frustrating!

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

I just got finished with calling MS each day to secure 5 nights in a 1br standard view for August 2008. So, now I've got a studio-concierge for 2 nights and 1 br concierge for 3 nights set up for April's trip, then a studio value villa for 3 nights in June and finally a 1br standard for next August.

I love all the categories. I can't wait to try them all!:banana:

[monami7]

I called back and it seems like all is OK. They are holding the rooms until they get there end straightened out. She said they are booked.