Diznut84
SoCal
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2000
- Messages
- 612
Here is a quick update from AKV.
The resort is GREAT! Some quick points:
1) I disagree with reports of a lack of storage for families in studios. There are four small drawers and a huge storage area in the entertainment center. There is a large wardrobe with one side dedicated to hanging clothes and the other side wide open. There is another medium drawer under a suitcase platform. Finally, there is an entry closet with a hanging rod. In short, there seems to be at least as much storage as other DVC studios (we've stayed in all of them).
2) We were a bit disappointed with the sofa bed. We were hoping for the "new style" of sofa beds found at BCV, etc. However, it is MUCH more comfortable than the SSR sofa bed.
3) Mara rocks for quick service. It has hamburgers, wraps, pizza, chicken strips, daily specials, shrimp, fresh cheesecake and carrot cake, etc. In our opinion, it is the BEST counter service at DVC (VWL gets second).
4) The room is gorgeous!
5) Not all savanna view rooms are so great. We were unhappy with 5585 as it had a large water pipe on the front and side of the balcony. It also was at the end of two savannas. We were promptly moved. Next time we'll recommend the Zebra trail near the elevator.
6) Souvenier shopping at the resort is great!
7) We're not huge fans of the pool. Wish the slide was a bit more daring. It seems best suited to those 5 years old and younger.
8) As of last night, they were still charging for internet access.
9) Check-in was a disaster. There was a long wait and a man arguing about how his room wasn't ready at 3:45pm. I thought that they should give him a complimentary card that explains what 4:00pm looks like on a watch.
It was a bit disconcerting, though, to have FOUR check-in CMs in Concierge (there were only 4 for all of non-Concierge) not doing anything while the line for the rest of us was over 30 minutes. Why not allow spillover when no one is waiting in Concierge?
10) Lots of kids activities that are well done in the pool area.
11) Interesting tradeoff in the bathroom area. There is a large double-sinked vanity outside the bath/shower/toilet area. While that enlargement is very welcome (vs. SSR), the resulting bath/shower/toilet area is very small. There is barely enough room to shut the door!
We'll definitely be back!
The resort is GREAT! Some quick points:
1) I disagree with reports of a lack of storage for families in studios. There are four small drawers and a huge storage area in the entertainment center. There is a large wardrobe with one side dedicated to hanging clothes and the other side wide open. There is another medium drawer under a suitcase platform. Finally, there is an entry closet with a hanging rod. In short, there seems to be at least as much storage as other DVC studios (we've stayed in all of them).
2) We were a bit disappointed with the sofa bed. We were hoping for the "new style" of sofa beds found at BCV, etc. However, it is MUCH more comfortable than the SSR sofa bed.
3) Mara rocks for quick service. It has hamburgers, wraps, pizza, chicken strips, daily specials, shrimp, fresh cheesecake and carrot cake, etc. In our opinion, it is the BEST counter service at DVC (VWL gets second).
4) The room is gorgeous!
5) Not all savanna view rooms are so great. We were unhappy with 5585 as it had a large water pipe on the front and side of the balcony. It also was at the end of two savannas. We were promptly moved. Next time we'll recommend the Zebra trail near the elevator.
6) Souvenier shopping at the resort is great!
7) We're not huge fans of the pool. Wish the slide was a bit more daring. It seems best suited to those 5 years old and younger.
8) As of last night, they were still charging for internet access.
9) Check-in was a disaster. There was a long wait and a man arguing about how his room wasn't ready at 3:45pm. I thought that they should give him a complimentary card that explains what 4:00pm looks like on a watch.
It was a bit disconcerting, though, to have FOUR check-in CMs in Concierge (there were only 4 for all of non-Concierge) not doing anything while the line for the rest of us was over 30 minutes. Why not allow spillover when no one is waiting in Concierge?10) Lots of kids activities that are well done in the pool area.
11) Interesting tradeoff in the bathroom area. There is a large double-sinked vanity outside the bath/shower/toilet area. While that enlargement is very welcome (vs. SSR), the resulting bath/shower/toilet area is very small. There is barely enough room to shut the door!
We'll definitely be back!
and we also loved the mara especially the African beef stew- 
