AKL Concierge V. AKV Standard 1BR...need opinions!!

[seaprincess]

Hello everyone!! I decided to take the plunge last night and book our post-cruise stay at AKV (a 1BR villa-standard) in December. Since we have not been fortunate to receive a code, we were quoted $2041.62 for 3 nights with Deluxe Dining and a 1 day base ticket. I was so excited after I got off the phone...more room in a villa, they are new and it would be nice to have a gauranteed king bed and washer and dryer in case we need to do some laundry after the cruise.

So, being the planner that I am, I started reading about our villa and the view. I guess when I booked, I thought standard meant, savannah or pool view. Much to my dismay, it means, garden, pool or parking lot view. Of course when I called back, WDWTC told me sorry, all rooms booked. I thought, wow already and it's only February. Mind you, the view is not the deal breaker, but I thought for the amount of money, it would be nice to see some animals right?

This past December we stayed at AKL on the Concierge level, our room was on the fourth floor with a Savannah view, Zebra Trail. We saw so many animals, we were amazed!! I decided to price the same package (Club Level, Dlxe. dining and 1 day base ticket) and was quoted $1704.12. A savings of $337.50 I thought to myself hmmmmm what to do? There are plusses and minuses to both. So I am at a crossroads!!

I am hoping that you all will share your opinions with me!! Especially those who might have had the opportunity to stay in the Villas. My DH and I are the only travelers as we do not have kids. I just want to make the most of our trip but perhaps I am paying too much for the villa??

Thanks so much!! Sorry so long!!

 

[tinknsnow]

I have not yet stayed at the AKL or AKV but went thru a similar planning dilemma while planning our Jan 2009 trip.

I would think that for the price, you would get more bang for your buck with AKL Concierge than with a Villa. My only thoughts about Villa benefits would be if you wanted to do some laundry after the cruise.

Best of luck with the planning!

 

[seaprincess]

Hi Tinknsnow,

Thanks for the quick reply!! I was just reading the AKL/AKV thread and the more I am reading about the 1BR Villas, the more I am confused. It seems that they are located at the end of two trails with varied views. Perhaps we should wait until construction is complete for the new building!!

Have a great night!!

Any other opinions??

 

[tinknsnow]

Yeah, laundry is always a drag after vacation... but you're only going to be at WDW for a few days. I would rather spend the time enjoying WDW and not worrying about laundry (I always do at least one laundry session while we're at WDW for 7-9 days). When I cruised DCL, the laundry rooms were not crowded except on sea days so maybe you can pick a time to do it while onboard (or take a couple hours while you're at the AKL if not). I love concierge so I'd totally do that-- especially given that you don't need the bedroom to have privacy from kids.

 

[seaprincess]

Thanks for your reply!! I think what you suggested makes a lot of sense!!

Have a great night!!

 

[seaprincess]

Bumping...just seeing if anyone else has an opinion?? Thanks!

 

[PBX1]

I do Concierge whenever I can afford it mainly because you now have someone else to do all the running around and planning of your dining and other events for you. Just the time saving of not having to sit on the phone trying to book stuff makes it worth it for me. Plus the Concierge lounge is a lot quieter place to kick back in than the lobby area of AKL ... oh and the express check in!

 

[Claire L]

Standard view 1 bed will be pool view, only the value rooms have parking lot views and are smaller than the standard or Savanna view villas.

Claire