AKV Concierge = FIVE units?!?!

[50 years Too!]

Don't you all think they are limiting it because of the safari?
I know we don't have info, but I think these probably will be less desirable views than the SV category. Maybe that is why the point difference is so small?
I plan to book two 2 bedroom villas for 5 nights December 2009. (I know, pathetic how I plan so far in advance). Before anyone thinks I'm trying to rent, I am planning a reunion for my brother and sister, myself, and our kids. I plan to book SV Sun thru Wed then have us move to Concierge for the one night on Thursday so that we can do the Safari. I have stayed concierge too many times where I didn't even make it to the lounge. Safari is the only draw for me.
Deb

 

[jemiaule]

Has anyone considered that perhaps they will also make a concierge level in the new building? I have NO information that they are doing this but one would hope that they would be.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Has anyone considered that perhaps they will also make a concierge level in the new building? I have NO information that they are doing this but one would hope that they would be.

A very good point indeed. This is a good possibility, especially since DVC is running the whole concierge show at AKV and AKL.

MG

 

[tjkraz]

I do have a little bit more information to add. I skimmed the 100+ page Declaration of Condominium posted on the Orange County Comptroller website. The document makes it clear that the Concierge Lounge is being shared between DVC and WDWHRC (can't remember exactly what that stands for--Walt Disney World Hospitality...something--it's the entity that operates the Lodge.)

One passage in the document reads as follows:

"...upon WDWHRC's election to terminate its easement rights, the Association shall be entitled to (i) allow additional Owners (in addition to the Owners staying in the Concierge Units) to use the Concierge Lounge upon payment of a fee determined by the Association in its discretion."

The way I read that, DVC is prohibited from allowing any guests to use the lounge other than those in the Concierge class UNLESS WDWHRC withdraws its use of the lounge. If WDWHRC ceases to use the lounge, only then could DVC permit other owners to use the lounge at whatever fees it might determine.

I'd say this is a sign that WDWHRC is very interested in protecting the quality of the concierge experience for its cash guests. They don't want DVC flooding the lounge, which could result in less-than-satisfactory experience from people paying premium nightly rates for concierge access.

Also noteworthy is the fact that "Concierge Lounge" is singular throughout the document. Terms such as "units", "pools", "whirlpools", etc. are frequently used to indicate more than one will exist on property. That does not appear to be the case with the lounge.

 

[StacyPop]

Multiple sources have confirmed that there will be exactly five units in the AKV Concierge category. All are lockoff Two Bedrooms, making for a maximum of 10 rooms.

If this is true, then why are there studio and 1 bedroom point values listed at the club level on the point chart?????

 

[tomandrobin]

Multiple sources have confirmed that there will be exactly five units in the AKV Concierge category. All are lockoff Two Bedrooms, making for a maximum of 10 rooms.

If this is true, then why are there studio and 1 bedroom point values listed at the club level on the point chart?????

When you break a 2 bedroom l/0 unit in half you are left with a studio and a one bedroom unit.

 

[MickeyCrazed]

Multiple sources have confirmed that there will be exactly five units in the AKV Concierge category. All are lockoff Two Bedrooms, making for a maximum of 10 rooms.

If this is true, then why are there studio and 1 bedroom point values listed at the club level on the point chart?????

Because a two-bedroom lockoff can become a one bedroom and a separate studio.

 

[Granny]

Originally Posted by Maistre Gracey
You know, now that I'm thinking about it, how hard would it be to increase the number of club level rooms? It seems like a very easy stroke of the pen. I mean, there is no difference in the rooms, just the services offered. They could just increase the points required for a regular room and turn those into cash to pay for it, sort of like the Disney Collection.

Alright, this is a new one. I'm "bumping" my post from earlier in this thread. I would really for the folks here to comment on this and see if it's viable.

MG

Maistre G....I think this post summarizes some comments I've seen on this thread about increasing the number of club room levels.

I'd say this is a sign that WDWHRC is very interested in protecting the quality of the concierge experience for its cash guests. They don't want DVC flooding the lounge, which could result in less-than-satisfactory experience from people paying premium nightly rates for concierge access.

I haven't read the entire thread, but I tend to agree that this will be a hot topic for years to come if it remains as we now understand it.

 

[mydogdrew]

Not an ideal number of units but I think you might be overstating the importance of this. I would suggest that these rooms would often be booked for shorter stays and clearly the views are not ideal. 2 BR's will be hard to come by so I think it will be closer to ten rooms in reality. Yes, you will likely have to own there to get one and I am pleased to see that DVC is rewarding owners of AKV will a real booking advantage over non-owners. Something we have not seen since BCV (e.g. dedicated 2BR 2Q).

 

[Bytor01]

Is that 5 rooms total or just 5 rooms in the AKV set up in the main building which is slated to open up in the fall? Will there be more once the new building opens up in '09?

Tim

 

[tomandrobin]

Not an ideal number of units but I think you might be overstating the importance of this. I would suggest that these rooms would often be booked for shorter stays and clearly the views are not ideal. 2 BR's will be hard to come by so I think it will be closer to ten rooms in reality. Yes, you will likely have to own there to get one and I am pleased to see that DVC is rewarding owners of AKV will a real booking advantage over non-owners. Something we have not seen since BCV (e.g. dedicated 2BR 2Q).

Um, SSR has Dedicated 2 bedroom and grand villas! BCV does not have any Grand Villas. So I think there is advantages at SSR for home booking.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Yes, you will likely have to own there to get one and I am pleased to see that DVC is rewarding owners of AKV will a real booking advantage over non-owners. Something we have not seen since BCV (e.g. dedicated 2BR 2Q).

Another example is the guaranteed Boardwalk View for BWV owners. I think that was implemented after BCV.

Of course, they have it real good, as their premium view doesn't cost additional points!

MG

 

[Sammie]

How many "club" rooms did the hotel give up for DVC? Each two bedroom DVC room takes the place of three hotel rooms. DVC room occupancy is 8, the hotel rooms is 12. So I am not really sure about DVC over whelming the lounge.

It is not unusual in a 2 bedroom DVC to have at least 4 adults. In a standard room the norm is 2 adults, so yes DVC will contribute more adults to the lounge and more food consumed.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It is not unusual in a 2 bedroom DVC to have at least 4 adults. In a standard room the norm is 2 adults, so yes DVC will contribute more adults to the lounge and more food consumed.

I'm looking at that differently. If a 2br equals 3 hotel rooms, than a 2br would take the place of 6 adults using your guidelines.

MG

 

[tomandrobin]

I'm looking at that differently. If a 2br equals 3 hotel rooms, than a 2br would take the place of 6 adults using your guidelines.

MG

Yeah...What you said!

 

[mydogdrew]

Um, SSR has Dedicated 2 bedroom and grand villas! BCV does not have any Grand Villas. So I think there is advantages at SSR for home booking.

If you can get a dedicated 2 BR at SSR as a guarantee then I guess I stand corrected. Not sure you can though. Anyway, doesn't matter - I can get these rooms at 7 months anyway so there is no real booking advantage at SSR. Try to get a BCV 2 BR 2Q at 7 months most times of the year or SV at BWV's. The dues advantage at SSR is important but as an owner you have no real booking advantage over non-SSR owners at 7 months and I'm glad to see this issue back in play at AKL.

 

[tomandrobin]

If you can get a dedicated 2 BR at SSR as a guarantee then I guess I stand corrected. Not sure you can though. Anyway, doesn't matter - I can get these rooms at 7 months anyway so there is no real booking advantage at SSR. Try to get a BCV 2 BR 2Q at 7 months most times of the year or SV at BWV's. The dues advantage at SSR is important but as an owner you have no real booking advantage over non-SSR owners at 7 months and I'm glad to see this issue back in play at AKL.

You can reserve them at 11 months, guaranteed.

Don't give me that typical BVC condescending attitude!

Let me know how booking a Grand Villa works at 11 months for you........oops that's right, there are none!

 

[SharonLowe]

I agree IF there are only 5-10 villas that can have the concierge service it will be inadequate for the demand and will be a mess. I am somewhat OK with that but it would be sooo much better if the concierge service was allowed to be purchased by the other rooms as an addon fee. Actually, if the rooms on the 6th floor are the concierge rooms, people might not be fighting as much as you think to get those. Six are pool view and the other nine look toward the Sunset savannah with an over hang roof (reportly not the greatest view). Most previous AKL concierge guests wanted the 5th floor rooms.

What bothers me more, actually, is the thought that the 6th floor lounge, a DVC space, may be used mostly by AKL concierge guests not DVC members. Now I say thought because at present I have no real information as to what is happening, just a lot of putting pieces together and guessing. The previously the AKL concierge service/lounge included 19 suites and 55 rooms, which equals about the equivalent of 107 rooms. AKV is planning on having 15??

As a long time fan of AKL, especially its CL, but not a DVC member, I have to say it is very interesting to read the DVC thread on this and compare it to the Resort Board threads on our wonderful AKL CL. The 6th floor lounge is CL's space and it is being taken over by DVC - we long-time AKL CL'ers are terribly upset about it. The AKL CL and IPO staff are the absolute best in all of WDW and we all sure hope the service doesn't suffer due to its change in management to DVC. We were devastated to learn that our access is being limited and our room choices downgraded to "standard" rooms because of DVC. CL access has always been limited and it is a "lottery" now in many ways. You guys just have to join the rest of us who want CL access and have to book it far in advance to get it. As for those who only want it to do the Safari, join the other non-DVC owners who want the same thing and think the safari should be open to anyone staying at AKL.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

As a long time fan of AKL, especially its CL, but not a DVC member, I have to say it is very interesting to read the DVC thread on this and compare it to the Resort Board threads on our wonderful AKL CL. The 6th floor lounge is CL's space and it is being taken over by DVC - we long-time AKL CL'ers are terribly upset about it. The AKL CL and IPO staff are the absolute best in all of WDW and we all sure hope the service doesn't suffer due to its change in management to DVC. We were devastated to learn that our access is being limited and our room choices downgraded to "standard" rooms because of DVC. CL access has always been limited and it is a "lottery" now in many ways. You guys just have to join the rest of us who want CL access and have to book it far in advance to get it. As for those who only want it to do the Safari, join the other non-DVC owners who want the same thing and think the safari should be open to anyone staying at AKL.

You make it sound as though it's our fault that CL is changing hands. Perhaps there was just too little demand from the hotel renters, and this is whats needed.

DVC Members who own points at AKV can start booking 11 months prior to check out, so the booking far in advance thing is limited, and set in stone. Everyone here who wants club level room will be on the horn the morning of the 11 month booking window.

MG

 

[SharonLowe]

You make it sound as though it's our fault that CL is changing hands. Perhaps there was just too little demand from the hotel renters, and this is whats needed.

DVC Members who own points at AKV can start booking 11 months prior to check out, so the booking far in advance thing is limited, and set in stone. Everyone here who wants club level room will be on the horn the morning of the 11 month booking window.

MG

No, my point is that it is the CL lounge, not the DVC lounge - if it was the latter, all DVC members would be allowed to use it. And, yes, I know it is a dollars thing - WDW wouldn't do it if it didn't think it would make more money for the company. You all are likely underestimating the number of AKV CL rooms - they are converting those rooms on the 5th floor too, many of which were AKL CL rooms. I'm guessing that what this does for WDW is get more people to stay there at non-peak times plus of course, it gets lots of money up front. Look at how many people on these boards jumped in to buy a ton of points the very first day they could without even knowing all the details yet.


As for the 11 month window, it is your choice to buy the points so you have to accept that limitation. We have stayed in villas before but decided we preferred the greater flexibility of renting whenever and wherever we choose. I expect there will be AKV villas for non-members to rent too.