AKV - 2 savannah studios or 1 standard 2 bedroom?

[mlacreta]

AKV lovers I need your help deciding what to do!!!!! I called today to start booking my September trip....planning for 17n in the 2bed value and it is not available!!!! Now I don't know what to do. all my other options get me 15 nights. We will be 3 adults and 5 kids. would you choose 2 deluxe studios with the savannah view or go with a standard 2 bedroom? Different plusses and minuses for each. Another thought is actually 9 nights in the 2 studios then 6 in a 2bed at the boardwalk. thoughts? Is having the savannah view worth losing the full kitchen and laundry? And the bit of extra space. Figure we will be at parks most days so space not too big an issue. Or I could possibly get the value 2bed for 5 nights and the 2 studios for an additional 11 adding a night. Don't know what to do!!!!!

 

[DiznyDi]

If it were me, I'd choose the 2 bedroom standard view in a heartbeat. With 5 kids, I'd want the full kitchen and laundry facilities.

We have previously done split stays. I no longer like to do them or enjoy doing them. So, I guess I'd stay put and enjoy all that the resort has to offer. Though given the number of days you're staying, a split is certainly do-able. Enjoy planning for your trip!

 

[hakepb]

It really depends on the makeup of the group and how they will pair off in beds.

A Kidani dedicated 2BR gets you 3 real beds (1 king and 2 queen) plus 2 pull-out couch(queen?) and chair(twin) and 3 full bathrooms. Overall it is a big upgrade over a value b/c the value has no pull-out chair and there's only 2 bathrooms and the 2nd bedroom would only have 1 real bed (because its a studio).

No studios are connecting (can be good or bad)
And you only get 2 real beds (queens) and 2 pull out couches (smaller twin?)

In the Kidani 2BR the 3rd adult and 1 child get their own bed. In studios, everyone is paired up unless 1 or 2 sleep on airbeds.

 

[drusba]

Two deluxe studios at about 360 sq ft each, 720 total, gives you two rooms, each with a queen bed and pull-out couch double, mini-kitchen and a typical hotel like fairly small bathroom and separate sink area. If you stay at a 2BR at Kidani, you get 1170 sq ft, huge living room/Kitchen area, w/d, three full bathrooms and the huge master bath has separate shower and tub, a king bed in master BR, a pullout couch queen and a large sleeper chair, and if you get dedicated, two queens in the second bedroom. The 2BRs at Jambo are smaller, about 1070 sq ft and have only two bathrooms and it is a combined tub and shower in master bath but still signifcantly better than two studios.

I hate the choice you have to make because I believe savanna view is very important while at the same time I would never take two studios if I could get the 2BR. I will take a flyer and offer an alternative that you may or may not like: if you go on line now you can get BWV 2BR standard view for Sep 8 to 15 (and it is showing that it is still open after that in Sep so you should be able to add days as needed when you can add more). The cost is the same as that standard view at AKV in September but with BWV taking standard view does not make a significant difference as you would be getting it for its location which is ideal.

Otherwise, the best I can offer is to flip a coin and live whatever result it gives for AKV

 

[mlacreta]

I'm not too woried about sleeping room. Again each has a plus and minus. Either the 2 studios or the 2 bed will have enough places for everyone. It is truely the opertunity to have that savannah view that is tripping me up. We loved AK last time we stayed ( 3 years ago) in the valus villa. For that trip we also stayed at the tree house villas and beach club villa. This time we figues we would stay put in the value for a slightly longer stay. would have been 17n if it had worked out. Never planned to splurge for savannah view but with the value being booked I noticed it is actually less points for 2 studios than the 2 bedroom. We would likely eat mostly in the parks. Maybe just breakfast in the room so again..kitchen not totally necessary. we could manage on the days we don't do the parks. But the extra space is quite a bit...and the bathrooms are nicer....although everyone mentioned Kidani but we would actually stay in Jambo house as we like the hotel feel. Being close to quick service dining and the pool. and then of corse after seeing the standard 2 bed at AK costs the same as the 2 bed at bwv I thought it might be nice to try a new place. But if we do only the 2beds our stay is 14n. vs a combo of 9 akv in 2 studios and 6 in 2 bed at either resort for a total of 15..and just to make it more difficult a decision I could possible get the value 2bed for 5nights then the 2 studios for 11 for a 16n stay! I just don't know which choice will be better...more space...more luxury....better views.....more time!!!! Are the savannah views really that awesome? Have any of you stayed at the boardwalk? I am curious if it is very noisy there with the night life. But it is so convieient to the parks too. I have a feeling this decision will take all night but it has to be made quickly before everything books up!

 

[drusba]

Are the savannah views really that awesome? Have any of you stayed at the boardwalk? I am curious if it is very noisy there with the night life. But it is so convieient to the parks too. I have a feeling this decision will take all night but it has to be made quickly before everything books up!

If you are going to spend time on your porch watching the animals for a while (like 30 minutes or more at a time), which we often do then yes savanna view is awesome. If all you are going to do is spend five minutes a day on the porch then no. The savanna is nice to look at even for a short time but its ambiance is defined by spending some time watching the animals.

If you get standard view at BWV, you will be on the side opposite of the boardwalk and won't experience any of its noise. Your noise factor will simply be front of the resort activities including cars coming in to the valet/front door area. Most of the standards are far enough away from that front entrance that they get little to no noise and recommend you request high floor and across from the bus stop (which is actually a ways off on the inn side). If you get that you will also see the upper level fireworks from Epcot.

 

[hakepb]

I would lean to at least ending a 16 day trip at BWV because that is otherwise a lot of bus rides.

My complaint with Jambo 1 and 2 Bed is the limited bathroom. The older DVC's like BWV would give you 3 vanities in the 2BR, but Jambo would only have 2 so getting ready takes longer. (I understand the point savings, I went from a Kidani Savannah view 1BR to a Jambo standard 1BR and did not like the room functionality.).
Now my Jambo standard view was one of those reclassified 60% savannah view rooms, so a balcony lover, I was thrilled.

As mentioned, I love balcony time, so I love the savanna view. But if you are only a morning/night person (no afternoons) savanna view may be disappointing as there are times with no animals in sight.

The actual boardwalk view gets some noise complaints, but mostly from the boat horns. I think the rest of the resort is manageable. One of the complaints of BWV is the lack of DDP QS options, but EPCOT with the most QS options is so close...

I think the main benefit of the 2br may be the washer/dryer. Kids often need it for one reason or the other.

 

[mlacreta]

If you are going to spend time on your porch watching the animals for a while (like 30 minutes or more at a time), which we often do then yes savanna view is awesome. If all you are going to do is spend five minutes a day on the porch then no. The savanna is nice to look at even for a short time but its ambiance is defined by spending some time watching the animals.

If you get standard view at BWV, you will be on the side opposite of the boardwalk and won't experience any of its noise. Your noise factor will simply be front of the resort activities including cars coming in to the valet/front door area. Most of the standards are far enough away from that front entrance that they get little to no noise and recommend you request high floor and across from the bus stop (which is actually a ways off on the inn side). If you get that you will also see the upper level fireworks from Epcot.

Thanks for all the advice. I keep thinking I have made up my mind and then I second guess it! I think we will deffinately try BWV atleast for 5 nights. I just have to decide between the 2bed with less nights at AKV or the 2 studios. Only a second ago after reading your last post I was convinced the 2 studios for 10n and BWV for 5 was the way to go. It would use our points to the exact amount and although we wouldn't likely sit and watch the animals everyday there will be a couple days anyway that we wouldn't be in the parks all day so we could sit and enjoy it. Plus it gives me the extra day there vs, just the 2bed. Or maybe even do a 9/6 split where I would only have to buy a couple points. Then I had to go ahead and remember the whole reason I bought into DVC was because I didn't want my large family to be split between 2 rooms and that is exactly what I would be doing! I over think things. Either way I know we will have a blast......
It's that savannah view...it is such a tease!

 

[mlacreta]

[As mentioned, I love balcony time, so I love the savanna view. But if you are only a morning/night person (no afternoons) savanna view may be disappointing as there are times with no animals in sight.]


I suppose that is something to consider. I am an all day at the parks sort of person. Arrival day is a resort only day, then usually I do one other day as a resort only day. But mostly we are just at the parks open to close. Only other day would be the water park day which has us back slightly earlier since they close earlier but if the animals are primarily out during the day and really viewable mornings or evenings then it might not be worth it to keep it in the equation.
My original plans being 17n were exciting in that I thought this time around we would have a couple extra days at the resorts but without the value being available that cuts me down to 14 or 15 nights. At 14 that just leaves 10 days at parks, 2 days at waterparks, and arrival and departure day. If I went with the 2 studios that would give me one extra day to use for someting like DTD which the kids would enjoy. I am just so torn!

 

[Deb & Bill]

AKV lovers I need your help deciding what to do!!!!! I called today to start booking my September trip....planning for 17n in the 2bed value and it is not available!!!! Now I don't know what to do. all my other options get me 15 nights. We will be 3 adults and 5 kids. would you choose 2 deluxe studios with the savannah view or go with a standard 2 bedroom? Different plusses and minuses for each. Another thought is actually 9 nights in the 2 studios then 6 in a 2bed at the boardwalk. thoughts? Is having the savannah view worth losing the full kitchen and laundry? And the bit of extra space. Figure we will be at parks most days so space not too big an issue. Or I could possibly get the value 2bed for 5 nights and the 2 studios for an additional 11 adding a night. Don't know what to do!!!!!

Getting a value villa at 7 months out would have been a real treat. But there aren't that many of them so they go at 11 months out. Have you thought about OKW? It sleeps nine in the two bedroom and it would be the biggest of all the two bedroom villas .

 

[mlacreta]

Getting a value villa at 7 months out would have been a real treat. But there aren't that many of them so they go at 11 months out. Have you thought about OKW? It sleeps nine in the two bedroom and it would be the biggest of all the two bedroom villas .

It would make sense. I thought it was a great deal when we went 3 years ago but alot of people on the boards at that time were down on them just because of the slightly smaller size. Fit us great! I didn't see any closed dates posted either as I was checking but I know not all DVCers surf the boards......still bummed though.

We actually did stay at OKW our first trip down 6 years ago. I did love the spaciousness of it but not the added distance/time of needing the shuttle to get to the pool and such. I think it is different now where you can know at reservation time if you are around the hospitality area but the points to stay in the 2 bed villa there are only 3 pts. less a week I think than the 2bed standard at AKV and we loved staying in jambo house last time and having everything right at your figertips! Truthfully we are not in the room much....we are park goers from morning till night so room size is not a super huge deal....just needs to sleep us all! Ironically I bought DVC because I didn;t like the idea of having my family split into two rooms and at the time disney didn't have accomodations other than the villas to fit us all and now here I am considering 2 studios which would do just that. I think it may be worth it to get that extra night though.....the savanah view would just be a plus! On the other hand it is a concern if we did not get rooms very near each other as my oldest are only 13. I'd probably get no sleep checking up on them!!!! I can just hear it now..."Um, front desk...there is some lady walking down the hall in her PJS every hour peaking in another room!!! lol!"

 

[Bribrittmom]

I know I would not feel comfortable having my children in a non connecting room if the oldest was only 13.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know I would not feel comfortable having my children in a non connecting room if the oldest was only 13.

I totally agree, and for that reason alone, I would be finding SOME way to do ANY 2 bedroom. If you are set on AKV, then I'd go with the standard view and be content to watch the animals from the fire pit area or the viewing windows. If you aren't set on AKV, then I'd go with OKW and enjoy the extra space and slightly easier commute to the parks.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know I would not feel comfortable having my children in a non connecting room if the oldest was only 13.

Disney's not going to let you leave underage children alone in a room without an adult. So if the OP goes with two studios, the mom and dad will be splitting up into the two rooms.

 

[VrBchJ]

If it were me I'd go with the std view 2 bdrm. And for as long as you're going to be there won't you want the washer/dryer and full kitchen of the 2 bedroom? And I'd pick Kidani for the second bathroom. It can make such a difference when everyone's getting ready in the morning and in the evening when it's bedtime. I know you will enjoy whatever you decide.

 

[mlacreta]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! We decided to go with the 2 studios for the benefit of the extra day. When we think back to our other trips really we didn't use the kitchen much and so maybe we have to use the resort washer for a load or two....no big deal. Any way to get an extra day at Disney is the way to go....there is just so much at the resorts we miss being at the parks all day so an extra day there to enjoy it was too good to give up! With a savannah view to boot.....probably won't chose to do it again but that is the great part of being a DVC member....all the chances to experience differerent places...k..different resorts! And as far as the letting the older kids sleep in a room on their own I don't think it is a Disney issue so much as a parent issue. I doubt a cm is going to come knock on the door in the middle of the night to see who is sleeping. If the room is adjacent to or across the hall it is no different that being in a home where the rooms are spread out. And disney actually allows kids much younger (10) to enter the parks alone, I think it is 12 to go to the pools without an adult. Sleeping is certainly less hazerdous than that. For my kids anyway...all kids are different. I don't think I would let my 10 year old wander the parks without me being close by (even though Disney would) but I would let her stay home alone. And as far as I am aware Florida doesn't have a minimum age for legally allowing kids to be alone. So I am sure I (or anyoneelse) would be able to use their best judgement on wether their kids are responsible and mature enough to sleep in their own room. Not to get too heavy and technical as this is a disney board that should just be for getting helpful information and sharing in the excitment of disney planning with others but when you stay in a 2 bedroom lockoff your kids are in their own room.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Many (maybe most) hotels/motels have age requirements. Often there has to be a person who is 21 but at Disney I think it's 18. It may not have be only about safety but more about responsibility in many fashions. That they do not get loud and disturb other guests, that they take proper care of property etc. etc. Also, it really is quite different than being at home. They are in a public place with one door between them and any number of people they don't know and neither do you. Either way, I do believe it is a requirement. Did MS allow you to book with just the kids in one room?

 

[dbs1228]

I booked my DD and 3 friends in a room for graduation and DD was 17 - no go, thankful her friend was 18 so all reservations had to go her name, ME passes mailed to her ect...
Legally they will not allow it but that does not mean it cannot be done.

OP please remember that even though you link and book your reservation together there is always that chance the rooms maybe far apart different floors, extreme different ends of halls ect... We booked and linked reservations in the past and have been very disappointed how far apart our rooms were but wdw resorts have people coming and going everyday so it could be a challenge to get you near each other just something to think about. Enjoy your trip

 

[rentayenta]

Getting a value villa at 7 months out would have been a real treat. But there aren't that many of them so they go at 11 months out. Have you thought about OKW? It sleeps nine in the two bedroom and it would be the biggest of all the two bedroom villas .

I might sound silly but why would Value views be hot at AKV and not SV other than they cost fewer points?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I might sound silly but why would Value views be hot at AKV and not SV other than they cost fewer points?

There are fewer of them than the Standard view and the savanna view, they are only in Jambo House and you can get lucky and get a savanna view at times. Plus you save points.