AKL vs Poly

[alohatok1986]

I've been pretty dead-set on buying AKL due to the low price, room variety, and theming. They say to buy where you want to stay- well I love both AKL and Poly. I was only put off of Poly because of the small rooms. The bungalows are not for me- honestly I'm mad they block the view I've loved since I was a kid lol! I have a family of 5, 3 kids (almost 4, 7, and 9yo). For now we *could* fit in a studio with a daybed but our preference will definitely be for more space soon. Now I'm reconsidering AKL vs Poly because of the contract length and difficulty getting AKL resale. It's my understanding that it is not difficult to book at both of them 7 months out right now, but that may change. I also am well aware my children could outgrow Disney trips. I sure won't. I'm not concerned about waiting for the Poly tower regardless of whether it offers more room sizes, I'm honestly put off by it in general. I prefer the history & charm of the original resort.

So I guess now you've heard the pros and cons rattling around in my brain- which do you think is a good fit & value?

 

[Sandisw]

If AKL is where you want to be, go that route. I would have a tough time buying Poly now without knowing what will happen with the new tower,

There is a good chance it will be restricted from resale and that will include resale points bought for Poly.

 

[kc51570]

AKL due to the larger room sizes and savanna. I was not a fan of Poly and there were only 3 of us staying in a studio. Beyond feeling cramped, I like to unpack and there is very little storage for that. I think we are too spoiled by the space of 1brs. I also found the pool to be too crowded and very shallow. The location is great but I will not stay there again if at all until the tower opens with larger DVC room options.

 

[bobbiwoz]

AKL due to the larger room sizes and savanna. I was not a fan of Poly and there were only 3 of us staying in a studio. Beyond feeling cramped, I like to unpack and there is very little storage for that. I think we are too spoiled by the space of 1brs. I also found the pool to be too crowded and very shallow. The location is great but I will not stay there again if at all until the tower opens with larger DVC room options.

I also found Poly’s pool too shallow as an adult to enjoy! Never saw a post about it, but it’s a real reason Poly was a one and done for me.

@alohatok1986 I think based on what you say, I would buy AKV. There are a variety of rooms, and in Kidani the extra bathroom in 1 and 2 bedrooms is very useful.

 

[sndral]

My first contract was an AKV resale almost a decade ago & I’ve not regretted it. I personally prefer Jambo & have been lucky at stretching my points by booking standard view 1 & 2 br.s & being assigned to villas w/ ‘lesser’ Sunset savanna views. I keep intending to try out the more spacious Kidani 1 or 2 br.s & a lower floor view of the savanna - but then I think of the joy I feel when I first walk into that spacious Jambo lobby - & end up at Jambo again .
We enjoy our laid back AKV stays. We also own VGF & enjoy our stays there too.
Maybe buy enough resale AKV for trips between now & when Poly2 opens & then pounce on Poly2 at the member’s discount price when it goes on sale in 2 short years?

 

[alohatok1986]

My first contract was an AKV resale almost a decade ago & I’ve not regretted it. I personally prefer Jambo & have been lucky at stretching my points by booking standard view 1 & 2 br.s & being assigned to villas w/ ‘lesser’ Sunset savanna views. I keep intending to try out the more spacious Kidani 1 or 2 br.s & a lower floor view of the savanna - but then I think of the joy I feel when I first walk into that spacious Jambo lobby - & end up at Jambo again .
We enjoy our laid back AKV stays. We also own VGF & enjoy our stays there too.
Maybe buy enough resale AKV for trips between now & when Poly2 opens & then pounce on Poly2 at the member’s discount price when it goes on sale in 2 short years?

I have only done Kidani & didn't know there was a difference in room sizes between there and Jambo! Interesting & time to go research.....

 

[Ronaldo17]

We would go with AKL for the Savanna and the pool but also due to the uncertainty around Poly.

 

[RoseGold]

AKL priority is much more valuable, especially if you want value or club. If you can snag a couple value nights, it would make up the cost difference IMO. And Poly isn't hard to waitlist. There are so many rooms.

 

[Jwaire]

They're both great resorts. However, sounds like your family prefers AKV.

I would personally never purchase an AKV contract to get value or club level rooms. There's only 10 value rooms and 5 club level rooms. Similar to Poly, it's widely available at the 7 month (and less) mark—especially Kidani.

I'd just consider it a bonus if I managed to snag one. It wouldn't factor much into my decision.

PVB has been a decent value on the resale market (I haven't checked lately) because of low maintenance fees (subject to change) and length of contract. However, if that's not where your heart is—don't buy it.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Based on what you wrote l would definitely vote for AKL. Plus, the priority booking is important at AKV if you want to stay in the Jambo House, and…

I personally prefer Jambo & have been lucky at stretching my points by booking standard view 1 & 2 br.s & being assigned to villas w/ ‘lesser’ Sunset savanna views. I keep intending to try out the more spacious Kidani 1 or 2 br.s & a lower floor view of the savanna - but then I think of the joy I feel when I first walk into that spacious Jambo lobby - & end up at Jambo again .

I couldn’t agree more!! I’ll be at Jambo House on my next 2 trips

 

[alohatok1986]

Thanks so much you guys, you're the best! I am back to a strong team AKL. Now if only I could pass rofr.....

 

[Warriorfish5392]

AKL is where we bought resale, I just love being around the animals. Just be careful with too low of a price Disney has been buying back some AKL on ROFR. As high as $145 a point.

 

[alohatok1986]

AKL is where we bought resale, I just love being around the animals. Just be careful with too low of a price Disney has been buying back some AKL on ROFR. As high as $145 a point.

I was a recent victim and am still licking my wounds, lol.

 

[Maria_Ohana]

I've been pretty dead-set on buying AKL due to the low price, room variety, and theming. They say to buy where you want to stay- well I love both AKL and Poly. I was only put off of Poly because of the small rooms. The bungalows are not for me- honestly I'm mad they block the view I've loved since I was a kid lol! I have a family of 5, 3 kids (almost 4, 7, and 9yo). For now we *could* fit in a studio with a daybed but our preference will definitely be for more space soon. Now I'm reconsidering AKL vs Poly because of the contract length and difficulty getting AKL resale. It's my understanding that it is not difficult to book at both of them 7 months out right now, but that may change. I also am well aware my children could outgrow Disney trips. I sure won't. I'm not concerned about waiting for the Poly tower regardless of whether it offers more room sizes, I'm honestly put off by it in general. I prefer the history & charm of the original resort.

So I guess now you've heard the pros and cons rattling around in my brain- which do you think is a good fit & value?

I would opt for AKL, more room options as your family grows. The Poly tower is coming in 2024 which will have the other room options. However, price per point is still unknown.

We were considering in waiting for the Poly Tower to add on, but then based on renderings, permits filed it does not have a covered walkway from the building to the main house and transportations. This would be one of the reasons I would pick AKL. Even if it's raining, if you need to go get some QS meals, you can walk thru the resort without getting wet.