AKL Value Studios - How difficult during the summer

[sndral]

Several people have referred to "walking" a room. What does this mean?

People book dates for way before they plan to go, then every couple of days they add on at the end of their booked days & drop the first couple of days, walking the reservation to their desired dates & blocking others from booking those rooms at 11 months. It works because at 11 months you can book up to +7 days - so you’ve blocked anyone trying to get a new 11 month booking. Here’s a thread from someone who’s been walking 2 AKV value villas for 9 months https://www.disboards.com/threads/member-services-lost-my-reservation-frustration-rant.3888557/.
I personally have never been interested in staying at SSR, so chose AKV for my first resale purchase many years ago figuring I wouldn’t mind staying there if nothing better was available, turns out I love staying there, especially when I save points booking a standard view at Jambo & get a view of Sunset savanna, good thing because I’ve never even found an opening to start a walk for a value (or a club) villa there .

 

[gharter]

We owned at AKL for 6 years and never remember seeing the Values being available.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

It’s very difficult. As an example. This morning I knew a studio was going to be available. Hit search right at 8:00am. Value studio was first pick. Stupid me decided to scroll down to see if a two bedroom value was available. It wasn’t. Scroll back up to studio, and it was gone. Literally 5 seconds. You have to be FAST and LUCKY!

 

[smmora]

Some members browser/computer/settings allows them to search for availability before 8am and just hit "Continue" at 8:00:00

How do you get into this group?

 

[DaveNan]

How do you get into this group?

I don't know. 2-3 years ago my browser behavior changed. I have not found a browser/settings combination that's works since. From what I have seen in other posts and by how fast availability disappears, it still works this way for some members. My guess there is some combination of settings (incognito, cache, browser, privacy,....) that it works for.

 

[Sandisw]

How do you get into this group?

It is hit or miss. While I don't try for AKV value, I have had success with this method some of the time with my RIV rooms and sometimes not...same computer and browser!!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

This is coming from someone who has booked MANY value studios and one value 2-BR. I was even able to book 3 value studios over Thanksgiving in 2019! I would NOT buy AKV if your intention is to try to book value studios each trip. It is a very frustrating and time-consuming process. I have been shut out of several walks for some unknown reasons, and it is not a good feeling. It's also not a good feeling having to get up every day just to try to get a walk started. Renting the additional points will be time-consuming as well. I guess if you are willing to spend your time doing these things, it might work. My advice is if you love AKV, then buy AKV, but if you love SSR, then buy SSR But I'm not sure trying for AKV value studios for every trip will be something you enjoy.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Value rooms are impossible. Currently they are sold out till June 8 2023. There are a few day here and there available but that is it. But if you really want one there is a resale company that has 5-8 listings for value rooms for rent The owner owns 31 DVC contracts and he always has a ton of value rooms at AKL listed. All for the same check in and check out dates.

 

[nasmith]

People who rent frequently LOVE to book AKL value rooms as they are easy to rent ( low cost).

So many people buy smaller AKL contracts thinking they can book value rooms and then are disappointed. If you want to stay at AKL, assume you will be in a standard.....if you get a value reservation, bank the points until the following year.

 

[Aela]

I had two WL go though for 2 nights both times we’ll be at WDW this year. One is for our July 25-29 trip (27-29 AK Value), and the other is our Dec 21-26 trip (21-23 Value). I was shocked!

 

[E2ME2]

Value rooms are impossible. Currently they are sold out till June 8 2023. There are a few day here and there available but that is it. But if you really want one there is a resale company that has 5-8 listings for value rooms for rent The owner owns 31 DVC contracts and he always has a ton of value rooms at AKL listed. All for the same check in and check out dates.

What company is that? & do they also rent AKL-Club Level ??
Thanks!!