Just back from AKV - the good, the bad and the ugly

[Jenn]

Just back last night from a week at AKV. We had 2 dedicated studios (one for us, one for my mom and step-dad) in Jambo House. My sister and her DH (also DVC members) were also in Jambo House. We were all on the 5th floor, savannah view. Unfortunately, we were all also on the construction side so while we saw animals, the backdrop behind them was the construction site, cranes, workers, trucks, etc. Kinda takes away from the view, in our opinion.

Good - hotel is gorgeous, pool is great (wish we had spent more time there), service was great, staff was super friendly, Pirate and Princess party was great, weather was beautiful (except for our first day 4/6 when it poured!)

Bad - the view considering we used more points to get it, and don't expect to eat at Boma or Jiko without reservations. We changed plans around our first night because it was pouring rain and we just couldn't stand to walk around the parks wet anymore. We went back to the hotel and figured we could get in to Boma and didn't mind if we had to wait a bit. No luck. And, a million others had the same idea because they were turning away people left and right. We all ended up in Mara, which was fine, but PACKED.



Ugly - The parks were PACKED. It was spring break, but we figured 2 weeks after Easter wouldn't be as bad. 100 minute waits for all the big rides (Everest, Soarin, Test Track, Space Mtn, Splash, etc). We used fast pass, but it was tough because you would get a FP at 10 am that wasn't good until 6 pm. Then, you had to wait a couple hours to get another one. Also, we weren't able to see much for characters. The lines were 45 to 60 minutes and we just couldn't see wasting that much time.
Rude people - everywhere we went. People jumping in front of you, cutting in front of the stroller. One particularly nasty woman when I was getting 8 fastpasses for our group. She barked "she is getting a whole stack, they shouldn't allow people to do this". I turned around with a smile and nicely said "I have 8 people in my group I'm not cheating". We could all wait and get 1 at a time, or 1 of us could get them while the others do something else.

We had a great time, but the crowds were difficult. We upgraded to annuals and are thinking of doing our next trip in January when there are no lines!

[JaxDisneyFans]

Thanks for the Trip Report. Sorry for the rude people. I don't know why some people can't just relax, the line doesn't move any faster if you're rude.

[Budahman]

Well, I'm gonna agree with Jenn here. Last week was crowded and WAY more than we expected it to be.
We arrived on April 5th-11th. The arrival day it was very rainy late in the day, and then Sunday it rained and poured ALLLL day long. Holy Cow. Our rainiest day in a Disney park ever for us.

We did get to do MOST everything we wanted and seem to take the parks slower now anyways, since we know we have many many trips panned this yer and over the coming years thru DVC.

The people, YES, there were some rude ones. Cutters, YES! Always seems to be, actually.

Ya see, when I'm on vacation there It brings me up and I'm always in a good mood. I know I could be at work or something, so I try and make sure I enjoy myself and stay positive, but I guess some people just dont do that or care to try and be positive and enjoy themselves.???

Line cutters & rude people, people who ignore you when you say morning, or whatever...I just don't get it??

Even when in a line and your trying to just pass time, at times some people just seem to be intimidated by everything? I think people need to lighten up more on vacation and try and enjoy it. I know I do, and wish more people done the same

[alldiz]

thanks for the report.....

really starting to get nervous with all the crowds next week.

We have all our ADR's.....we'll probably chill at the pool a lot if it's crazy.
Kerri

[Muushka]

I learned that "it's pouring down raining, let's go eat!" lesson a few years ago. Thanks for the reminder!

[TigrLvsPooh]

I totally agree! We learned that lesson the hard way as well. Last minute meals are now completely impossible anywhere on property. Rather it be at a park or a resort. Thanks to the Disney Dining Plan!

[Starr W.]

To be honest, I don't go without ADR's in place before we leave. Even for the traditional "non-busy" times. That darn DDP strikes again!

[Jenn]

Just to clarify, we had our ADRs for every night booked months ago (party of 9 we knew we had no choice). But, since we were soaked (and I mean soaked), we canceled our dinner reservation that night and headed back to the resort to dry out. Our sneakers took 2 days to dry!

[Muushka]

When we learned our lesson there was no DDP. It was because it was raining and everyone else had the same idea.

[Starr W.]

Just to clarify, we had our ADRs for every night booked months ago (party of 9 we knew we had no choice). But, since we were soaked (and I mean soaked), we canceled our dinner reservation that night and headed back to the resort to dry out. Our sneakers took 2 days to dry!

That's the problem with the DDP, you can't really change plans on a dime. Want to stay at the resort to eat or stay at the park and eat, you are up the river without a paddle most of the times, especially if you have more than 4 people. You can CS, but sometimes they are packed too.

So Mara wasn't bad?

[DVC Mike]

We were all on the 5th floor, savannah view. Unfortunately, we were all also on the construction side so while we saw animals, the backdrop behind them was the construction site, cranes, workers, trucks, etc. Kinda takes away from the view, in our opinion.


Until Kidani Village is completed next year, it's advisable to request the Arusha savanna or Uzima savanna, as the Sunset savanna looks out toward the construction.


Good - hotel is gorgeous, pool is great (wish we had spent more time there), service was great, staff was super friendly, Pirate and Princess party was great, weather was beautiful (except for our first day 4/6 when it poured!)


We love AKV and enjoy just spending time at the resort!


Bad - the view considering we used more points to get it, and don't expect to eat at Boma or Jiko without reservations.


Both Jiko and Boma are such great restaurants and have become extremely popular. It's very difficult to get into either without an ADR -- even more so at Spring Break.


Ugly - The parks were PACKED. It was spring break, but we figured 2 weeks after Easter wouldn't be as bad.


I can't stand going to WDW at a peak time, as the crowds drive me crazy. When things are packed, people are more rude and inconsiderate of each other than normal. You should definitely go during an off season. It's more more fun and relaxing.

[KLR-wlv]

I don' think they should consider the sunset savannah a "savannah" view until construction is over. It is a really really bad view and to charge people the same points who are facing that as the other savannahs is just wrong. Kind of like the secret porthole rooms on the cruise - you book a non view and get a view with construction - you're happy. Book a good view and get a terrible view - not so much.

I agree about crowds and rude people. We were at AK and there was a boat full of characters sailing down their little river and my 10 yo son went to the railing to look and a woman pushed him out of the way and said "Move - we have children". I guess 10 yo aren't allowed to enjoy the characters! It's difficult having considerate children and having to explain adult behavior like that. I think with the crowds as bad as they've been, people's worst instincts tend to come out. I'll be thinking twice about going within 4 weeks of spring break in the future...

[Starr W.]

I don' think they should consider the sunset savannah a "savannah" view until construction is over. It is a really really bad view and to charge people the same points who are facing that as the other savannahs is just wrong. Kind of like the secret porthole rooms on the cruise - you book a non view and get a view with construction - you're happy. Book a good view and get a terrible view - not so much.

I agree about crowds and rude people. We were at AK and there was a boat full of characters sailing down their little river and my 10 yo son went to the railing to look and a woman pushed him out of the way and said "Move - we have children". I guess 10 yo aren't allowed to enjoy the characters! It's difficult having considerate children and having to explain adult behavior like that. I think with the crowds as bad as they've been, people's worst instincts tend to come out. I'll be thinking twice about going within 4 weeks of spring break in the future...

We've had that with our 11 yr old, who's 5'3" and lacks tact at times. He'll say really loud, "Aren't those people rude?" or something along that line. The reactions range from being told to mind your old business(yes my 11 yr old has been told that, which is usually retracted when they see DH, all 6'4" of him) to others thanking him for speaking up.

Spring Breaks are so spread out now I think your 4 week rule might be a good one.

[manning]

We've had that with our 11 yr old, who's 5'3" and lacks tact at times. He'll say really loud, "Aren't those people rude?" or something along that line. The reactions range from being told to mind your old business(yes my 11 yr old has been told that, which is usually retracted when they see DH, all 6'4" of him) to others thanking him for speaking up.

Spring Breaks are so spread out now I think your 4 week rule might be a good one.

Saw something like this once. A guy maybe in his twenties got rude and started to shove an older guy. said something about knocking the old mans block off. He ended up flat on the ground.

Old man said "allow me to introduce myself. Green Beret class of 67." And walked away.

[Safari Queen]

I don't support rudeness, certainly, but did the 10 year old go and stand at the railing in front of another family? I'm not in favor of anyone doing that unless they check first.

[rigsby25]

We went first week in December and were very surprised at the crowds. Could it just be that more people going to WDW?

[Muushka]

Saw something like this once. A guy maybe in his twenties got rude and started to shove an older guy. said something about knocking the old mans block off. He ended up flat on the ground.

Old man said "allow me to introduce myself. Green Beret class of 67." And walked away.

True story? I would have loved to a be witness to that.:cheer2:

[Starr W.]

I don't support rudeness, certainly, but did the 10 year old go and stand at the railing in front of another family? I'm not in favor of anyone doing that unless they check first.

My son has been standing watch something and pushed out of the way by families with younger kids. He's an 11 yr old, who by size looks about 13-14. He's been told "he's too old to watch the parade."

[jonestavern]

What's going on the at 2 weeks before Thanksgiving?
I know there is Soap Opera Weekend & the tail end of F&W, but in 2006 we didn't run into this snarl getting into BWV @ our 7 month window.
Odd.

So, it seems to us, WDW does appear to be getting more business at the previously 'flat times. It seemed more crowded the last week of Jan/1st week of Feb this year, too.

DH tried 1st thing in the AM at our 7 month window to book a 1 or 2 bedroom (either one is good for us) in Arusha or Uzima (savanna view), and there is no availabilty on Sunday & Monday, 9 & 10 Nov. Things being things, he did make 2 different calls ;)

Usually we are big on split stays & no biggie, but this time that would mean DS19 would not get to experience AKV.

DH is trying some other days configurations now & we are expecting things to work out just fine, but heads up if those dates are important to you

Jean

[Starr W.]

Isn't Jersey week in that time frame?

Plus Vetrans Day is 11/11.

[becca-becca]

Are the crowds at Christmas (12-20 to 12-26) about the same as Spring Break or even worse? We have only been in January previously. Our last trip earlier this year was Jan 25 to Feb 2 and I thought it was much more crowded than previous years.

I guess I am fearful that if I thought Jan-Feb 08 was crowded that I am in for the shock of my life when I see the Christmas crowds.

However, we plan to tour differently this time because since we do own DVC, we will be coming back quite frequently. I am just hoping earlier AM will not be wall to wall people where you can hardly move.

We are going this year at Christmas to see decorations, spend time with family members at Christmas and mostly because kids won't have to miss any school!

[jonestavern]

Isn't Jersey week in that time frame?

Plus Vetrans Day is 11/11.

Ahh, forgot about JW! That must be it!

becca-becca Are the crowds at Christmas (12-20 to 12-26) about the same as Spring Break or even worse? We have only been in January previously. Our last trip earlier this year was Jan 25 to Feb 2 and I thought it was much more crowded than previous years.

I guess I am fearful that if I thought Jan-Feb 08 was crowded that I am in for the shock of my life when I see the Christmas crowds.

However, we plan to tour differently this time because since we do own DVC, we will be coming back quite frequently. I am just hoping earlier AM will not be wall to wall people where you can hardly move.

We are going this year at Christmas to see decorations, spend time with family members at Christmas and mostly because kids won't have to miss any school!

Yes, we were there at roughly the same time & thought it much more crowded, but had an easier time of it w/rope drops & hoppers. Plus, there was only DH & I so no one in tow that trip! :laughing: Some parks were easy. One evening, for Extra Magic hours at Epcot, we practically had the place to ourselves! :cloud9:

I would say you are going to be mortified by the Dec dates crowds. But take a deep breath, & prepare yourself & family, get all your ADRs and pick up great tips on the DIS Theme Parks/Strategies. You probably well know that flexibility & strategy make for a MUCH easier day at the parks.
There are lots of people that enjoy the Christmas crowds, gets them more in the holiday spirit.

Okay, I'm not one of them :rotfl2: but there are plenty around!

Jean

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Isn't Jersey week in that time frame?

Plus Vetrans Day is 11/11.

Yeah, our kids have off 11/6-11/11.

[Amgman]

Does anyone have comments on how crowded it gets towards the middle of May, we are going the week of May 11th, should we expect crazy crowds like have been mentioned on this thread? I have 3 year old twin girls and traveling with a twin stroller is crazy in a crowded park:headache:

[dairyqueenmom]

We will be there May 3-10, and I am pretty certain all spring breaks are finished at the end of April. I am counting on average crowds, no spring break size crowds.

[starbox]

We were at AKV the same week and I've never seen crowds like that! :scared1: :scared1: I also totally agree that the sunset savanna view really stinks while the construction is going on.

We were able to get a walk-in spot at Jiko on 4/8 around 8pm (party of 3). I was pleasantly surprised.

[BWV Dreamin]

We were at AKV the same week and I've never seen crowds like that! :scared1: :scared1: I also totally agree that the sunset savanna view really stinks while the construction is going on.

We were able to get a walk-in spot at Jiko on 4/8 around 8pm (party of 3). I was pleasantly surprised.

Oh Starbox, say it ain't so!!! I am leaving Sat. for 1 week at BWV......do you think leaving for the parks mid-day, early afternoon and staying till nightfall will circumvent the crowds any? :confused3

[starbox]

Oh Starbox, say it ain't so!!! I am leaving Sat. for 1 week at BWV......do you think leaving for the parks mid-day, early afternoon and staying till nightfall will circumvent the crowds any? :confused3

I really think it will be better next week (and even this week) - and that we just ended up in a "perfect storm" of Florida and Georgia spring breaks.

Next year, our Spring Break is Easter - and I'm still considering doing WDW again just because the weather was SO AMAZING. It's been dreary and cloudy and cold and rainy for weeks in Georgia (which I'm trying to be grateful for since we were in such a drought) but I was craving warm weather and sunshine. We had a great time even with insane crowds. Avoiding EMH parks helped enormously (our two worst days were days we stupidly went to parks for EMH). While, I'll admit, there were times being in the parks was not the most enjoyable thing, being at DVC at WDW was wonderful.

[JESW]

.....don't forget that a lot of us from the Northeast are on break next week and many of us are heading to Disney!

Jill

[*KeepMovingForward*]

.....don't forget that a lot of us from the Northeast are on break next week and many of us are heading to Disney!

Jill


True...our area has spring break next week too. Maybe come May the crowds thin a little for disney.

[KLR-wlv]

I really think the packages and YOAMD promotions have a lot to do with the crowds - but also - the way the park passes are being so much cheaper to not park hop - I think it's advisable not to go to an extra hour park on the day it's open later or earlier because everyone goes there to "get their money's worth". JMHO. We were at AK on an extra hour day and maybe it was bad like that every day...but maybe worse on those days?

I'm the one with the 10 year old who was told to move and no he didn't go stand in front of anyone. There were multiple cases of rudeness the week we were there- that was just the best one!

[Starr W.]

We will be there May 3-10, and I am pretty certain all spring breaks are finished at the end of April. I am counting on average crowds, no spring break size crowds.

We went down last year May 5-8 and it was great. Bummed the kids don't get that long weekend this year.

[ldo]

We go only at peak times b/c we just love the crowds--LOL. Anyway, it's the only time we can go--we have been in parks days they closed for capacity and have a strategy that works pretty well for those who HAVE to go at these times.
1st--unless you MUST do it--forget about riding big ticket super popular rides---Soarin, etc.--you will waste a lot of time and the below strategy will not work, b/c the time of your 1st FP will set you back from getting another. As with many who own DVC, we'll be coming back--so we can promise the kids "next time" and then that ride goes to the top of the list for the next trip.

Get to park by 8:45 or so (we never get there at rope drop)--Commando to the BACK of a park and grab a FP (which you can use in 40 minutes, ride 1-2 rides with small line, get another FP at 40 minute mark, ride another ride with smaller line (20 minute or less), use 1st FP, lunch and/or use 2nd FP, and leave the park--you'll be swimming like a salmon upstream to get out of park--either swim at resort, go to DTD, etc. or park hop to another park and walk around and ONLY go to a show that can hold a lot of people--you'll stand in line 1 hr to get in--but then the show is 30-45 minutes long. We have used this plan for 8 years--works every time.
Yes, we do Soarin (but not every year)--we go on Epcot's EMH getting there early--ride 1st thing, and get another FP for later--and PH to MK for a few hours--then back for Soarin, walk around the countries and leave.
We also do not go to parks every day--we could not keep up that pace. See you next Easter!! Elaine

[KLR-wlv]

Is there a website or any information that can be had on daily numbers of people at the parks? I'd love to know what the totals have been lately compared to years past. I realize when I was going in the 70's as a child, there was only MK and no fastpass and waiting an hour or more for pirates and space mountain was routine. We've definitely been spoiled with FP!

[Inkmahm]

Saw something like this once. A guy maybe in his twenties got rude and started to shove an older guy. said something about knocking the old mans block off. He ended up flat on the ground.

Old man said "allow me to introduce myself. Green Beret class of 67." And walked away.

Love it!

We'll be at AKV tomorrow through Sunday night. I sure hope the crowds are better this week.

[kikiq]

Get to park by 8:45 or so (we never get there at rope drop)--Commando to the BACK of a park and grab a FP (which you can use in 40 minutes, ride 1-2 rides with small line, get another FP at 40 minute mark, ride another ride with smaller line (20 minute or less), use 1st FP, lunch and/or use 2nd FP, and leave the park--you'll be swimming like a salmon upstream to get out of park--either swim at resort, go to DTD, etc. or park hop to another park and walk around and ONLY go to a show that can hold a lot of people--you'll stand in line 1 hr to get in--but then the show is 30-45 minutes long.

Ditto this plan, we stumbled upon this by accident last summer on the second day of our trip...before purchasing DVC. My DH actually enjoyed coming back to the resort and swimming or in his case, sitting under the shady tree and reading with his ice tea. And then somewhere around 5ish, we ate an early dinner...then back to the parks as everyone was eating dinner. And now that we have DVC and heading back again during the summer with the family, we can see this being the only sane way to do the parks and enjoy the resort.

[ADP]

We just returned on 4/10. We had a great time. It did pour on 4/6. We actually had reservations at Tutto Italia, but had to make last minute ADRs at Olivia's at Old Key West because of the rain.

We spent 3 nights at AKL. We were ugpraded to a Savanna view. We had such a wonderful room I hated to give it up. Our room was 2210 on the second floor next to the lobby.

If anyone is interested I posted a live blog during our trip. Here's the link to our adventure.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1776772

[lagunn]

Saw something like this once. A guy maybe in his twenties got rude and started to shove an older guy. said something about knocking the old mans block off. He ended up flat on the ground.

Old man said "allow me to introduce myself. Green Beret class of 67." And walked away.

Love it.....:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Stinkerbell317]

Saw something like this once. A guy maybe in his twenties got rude and started to shove an older guy. said something about knocking the old mans block off. He ended up flat on the ground.

Old man said "allow me to introduce myself. Green Beret class of 67." And walked away.

Oh if only I had the nerve to respond in that way! I swear I must have a giant sign on my back that says, "Please cut in front of me bc I will do nothing abt it." Our last trip it must have happened no less than 5 or 6 times!!! I try not to let it get to me, but by the end of the trip I was getting so angry that people would behave so rudely.

[DoOverDreams]

Until Kidani Village is completed next year, it's advisable to request the Arusha savanna or Uzima savanna, as the Sunset savanna looks out toward the construction.

I've got a question on this. What are the chances of us getting a one bedroom Uzima or Arusha savanna view on an existing reservation for 8/15-8/18? I know this question has been asked and answered many times before, but is there any "secret" way to get a room in a specific area? I have reservations for a savanna view, and I would really get bummed to spend extra points only to get a "construction view".

Thanks!