AKL and BWV

[Lisa x]

Hi everyone!

I have booked to stay at AKL Savannah view for two weeks from 30th June, it's our first time using our DVC so I don't even know whether it will be possible to change yet. Wanted to get some thoughts before I try and see if it is allowed!

I have just been looking at BWV on the availability on the DVC site and it is available for 7 nights for the second part of our trip, it hasn't been available up until now!

Would you rather keep the 14 nights at AKL or split and stay at BWV too? We have never stayed onsite before so would really appreciate your opinions!

Also, for the DVC members, is this even allowed at this stage to change? I haven't posted this in the DVC section as I'm really eager to know what everyone thinks of the resorts on this section of the dis

Thank you all in advance

 

[Disneymad]

Hi Lisa

First off, yes! You're allowed to do this no problem with DVC this far out

We are big fans of split stay holidays so bear that in mind - I'm definitely biased!

As such, yes I would do it - as long as you don't mind packing up mid holiday. I don't find it too bad myself (knowing in advance you'll split stay means that you can pack strategically - in the past we've 'saved' a suitcase that we've specifically packed for the 2nd week and obviously not unpacked that at the first resort. Alternatively we've also done it that when we've left our first resort for another, I've packed one of our cases ready to go home so when we move, I don't touch that one at all and there's less packing to do on the last day), however without doubt, it does eat a little bit into your time so might depend on how efficient you are at packing.

Also, not sure if you know but Bell services at AKL will transfer your bags straight to BWV meaning you can check out and head straight to a park without worrying about your luggage, then at the end of the day can simply return to BWV to check in and they'll bring your bags up to your room for you.

The two resorts are both awesome but both very different experiences (and I'm not just talking about the animals). AKL is much more quiet and 'away from it all', Boardwalk is buzzing and busier. Biggest benefits to BWV ofc is that it's in walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studio's which I find invaluable, especially after Illuminations and Fantasmic! AKL, well, Savannah View, enough said.

I think only you can decide whether it's right for you but I think the fact that you've been looking and thinking about it already means you're already tempted, LOL - in which case I'd say go for it I will say though you'll want to move quite quickly on this - that BW room is really not going to stay available for long.

Edit: by the way, did you know there was also a UK DVC forum? The guys are great over on the main DVC forum but if you're looking for a Brit's perspective we're hidden away in there. It looks fairly quiet but if someone posts then we all tend to pop up

 

[irenep]

You can change your plans with DVC anytime you like. The only thing you have to be aware of is the 31 day rule and your banking windows. If you change within 31 days and use fewer points then those points go into holding, if its more than that month then you need to make sure you can bank your points (or use them) without losing them.

Personally, I quite enjoy split stays and usually stay at two resorts. Its a nice way to try out other resorts and see what they have to offer.

The best thing about BWV is the proximity to DHS and Epcot so after a week at AKV I think you would find the location a real bonus. Although I personally prefer BCV to BWV if it was me I would switch that second week.

 

[Lisa x]

Thank you both very much for your replies! I was really really tempted and getting these replies has confirmed I want to just go for it!

My husband is at work and not answering my messages so need to wait until he says it's ok, I know he will, he will say if I want to do it then go for it but I just don't want to do it without asking him first! I'm excited!

So on the DVC website it says they will hold it for an hour so hopefully he will have called me by then, then I will contact DVC and book it!

Disneymad - I have posted on the uk DVC board before and everyone was very very helpful but yes, the reason I posted here and not there was because it seems a lot quieter over there, knowing everyone will pop up if I post is great, will definitely frequent that side more now


Also, our fave park is EPCOT so I love the idea of being so close too!

 

[Lisa x]

So my husband agreed and thinks its a great idea!

But they are not open yet for me to make the change and I don't think you can do it online! Arggghhhh hurry up and open.....roll on 2:30!

 

[irenep]

Hope it's still there when you call
Why are you waiting until 2.30? I thought MS opened at 2pm for us

 

[Lisa x]

Hope it's still there when you call
Why are you waiting until 2.30? I thought MS opened at 2pm for us

I thought that's when I could call

Im on the phone right now! Haha, you can tell I'm brand new to this can't you!

 

[ben1993]

We like split stays too and these 2 resorts are great for a split stay, very different experiences.

 

[Shazzie B]

Another vote for yes do it

We love AKL, stayed there twice, really like the idea of staying in the boardwalk area too - so sounds great - You get the best of both worlds (Hey isn't that a Disney song).

We've done split stay and didn't find it too time consuming/pain

 

[Lisa x]

Aww thanks everyone for the reassurances that it would be a good thing

In all of the times we have been (12 times for me, my husband has been probably closer to 30 times), neither of us have ever stayed on site at Disney so we really don't know a great deal about each resort other than looking on the WDW website! Maybe crazy we took the plunge with DVC before staying onsite!

Anyway.....great news

We got 7 nights AKL in a savannah view and 7 nights in BWV in a garden/pool view! Just switched some ADRs around, so far we have

Yak and Yeti lunch
Sanaa dinner
Yachtsman Steakhouse dinner
Raglan Road dinner
House of Blues dinner
Via Napoli lunch
California Grill dinner
Kona Cafe lunch

Have never eaten at any of these before so really looking forward to it! Think we are leaving all other eating options open and will book when there or eat off site sometimes! Need an Olive Garden, Outback, PF Changs night too

We're not on a DDP but think we may get the TIW card when we arrive!

 

[irenep]

Glad it worked out for you

That's a lovely selection of restaurants too. I am sure you will have a great time.

We have TiW (AP) and it was a really good buy for us

 

[CAROLINE4]

I'm well jell!! mines so over and yours is still to come!!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Definitely get the card Lisa it will be worth it with some of those restaurants you've chosen, which are all great choices IMHO! Glad it worked out!

 

[TheFram4]

We love a DVC split stay (as you can probably see from my signature) and our home resort is BCV. We have only stayed at BCV the first year using DVC and the location is fab on boardwalk next to Epcot - the only reason we haven't returned is due to the points cost with family members coming with us.
I love the new online DVC reservation system and we decided on our vacation this year purely on the basis that AKL concierge was available for 9 nights ( at 7 months out. )

 

[UKDEB]

I think you've made a wise choice. As much as I love AKL, for me it's just too far away from the action for a long stay. It's nice to have the peace and quiet for a while, but with everything going on at the BoardWalk itself and its proximity to Epcot, you've now got the best of both worlds.

 

[Disneymad]

Woohoo! Glad you got the room ok

Buying into DVC blind is a brave but with how many trips you've had I'm sure you'll love it. We've been members since 2002 and have never regretted our purchase (in fact we added on extra points since our initial purchase).

Definitely buy the TiW card, it's an amazing deal, especially looking at some of the restaurants you'll be dining at, you'll easily make savings with it.

I'm sure you know this already but just in case... if you are just using your DVC membership to buy it then it's $100, if you are an Annual Pass holder then it's only $75. Not sure if you have an Annual Pass or not but just wanted to make sure you asked for the right version as there is a difference in price.

You're going to have a fab trip, I'm very jealous!