AKV construction update video

[WDWguru]

We just returned from our first AKV stay. We'd stayed at the lodge before, but this was our first time in a villa. We had a one bedroom - 5549 - on the far right side of the lodge. Our view was great, as you saw if you checked out our live webcam. We had a section of the savannah where animals come and go to their barns so there was a lot of activity.

On our last day, we took the Wanyama Safari. This tour is at sunset and takes you out into the lodge savannahs with two animal care CMs in a truck. We did it a few years ago and it has changed quite a bit. Instead of being in a van with a pop-up top, we were in a large, open vehicle. There were five in our group but it can hold up to 14. (It also includes a dinner at Jiko after, which is how we were first introduced to our now-favorite restaurant on our previous tour.)

Anyway, to my point... when we entered the savannah we drove though the construction area for the new AKV building! My DH shot some video of the progress. One end is just starting but the end closer to the existing lodge has outside walls and is three or four stories high already!

I posted the video at http://www.tivogirl.com/akv_construction.mp4

 

[AKV707]

Thanks for the video and the web cam!

How was the one bedroom villa?

Also, how can I book that Safari? WE are planning on eating at Jiko on our first AKV trip in July.

 

[WDWguru]

The villa was interesting - the layout is different due to the conversion of regular hotel rooms. It worked well for the two of us, but I missed the separate shower and the larger tub. I'm short, so this tub doesn't work well for me with the sloped back and no back jets. Also, the faucet is mounted at the end so you can't lean against the straight side. I loved the kitchen layout - it was well out of the way.

The Wanyama Safari used to just be for concierge guests, but they've opened it up to DVC guests as well now. You do pay about a bit more per person than concierge guests do, which makes it around $160 each. I believe you have to be 14 to do it, and it's limited to 14 guests. They only do it two or three times a week and you can call the concierge at AKL to book it - I found the number on the AllEars site.

You meet up at 3:45 at Jiko, check in and meet the CMs and they escort you out to the truck. You're on the savannah for about an hour and a half or so, including a short stop where you have a traditional safari snack (nuts, dried fruit) and juice. Then the CMs escort you to Jiko where your entire safari party is seated together. A chef attends to your table and brings out several selections from each course to try, including red or white wine if you like.

The whole experience wraps up about 7:30-8 depending on how long you linger over dinner. It's a great way to meet new people, too, as it's an intimate group (we had four on our first, five on this one) and you spend the safari and dinner together.

 

[kenman]

I was wondering does it look like they started the lobby yet?
Do you have any pictures of the consruction?
THANKS for the video!

 

[WDWguru]

I had some stills but I managed to wipe them off my card as I was transferring them. Thankfully, DH took that video! It was from the same distance and angle, so the same images either way. The CM did point out the area where the new lobby would be, which was right about the middle of the construction. It's definitely NOT recognizable as they barely have the footprint and lower stuff started on that end.

 

[AKV707]

The Wanyama Safari used to just be for concierge guests, but they've opened it up to DVC guests as well now. You do pay about a bit more per person than concierge guests do, which makes it around $160 each. I believe you have to be 14 to do it, and it's limited to 14 guests. They only do it two or three times a week and you can call the concierge at AKL to book it - I found the number on the AllEars site.

You meet up at 3:45 at Jiko, check in and meet the CMs and they escort you out to the truck. You're on the savannah for about an hour and a half or so, including a short stop where you have a traditional safari snack (nuts, dried fruit) and juice. Then the CMs escort you to Jiko where your entire safari party is seated together. A chef attends to your table and brings out several selections from each course to try, including red or white wine if you like.

The whole experience wraps up about 7:30-8 depending on how long you linger over dinner. It's a great way to meet new people, too, as it's an intimate group (we had four on our first, five on this one) and you spend the safari and dinner together.

The whole thing sounds great. Is the dinner part of the price? DW and I will be celebrating our 15th (a couple months early) when we are at AKV in July. This sounds like a nice addition to the trip.

Thanks

 

[LisaS]

The Wanyama Safari used to just be for concierge guests, but they've opened it up to DVC guests as well now. You do pay about a bit more per person than concierge guests do, which makes it around $160 each.

It is also open to AKL guests not staying concierge for $210 so that is a great deal since you paid the same price the Concierge guests pay.

 

[huey578]

Cool Vid

 

[WDWguru]

The meal IS included in that price. And yes, we were quoted the $210 price for non-concierge when we booked but we were only charged the $160, which I am just now realizing. So either they made a mistake or the DVC price is the same as concierge? In any case, the meal was included, and well worth it.

 

[AKV707]

Wow, I hope that is the DVC price! It sounds like an incredible experience.

 

[discruiser]

WDWguru,

I had to reply to you as we checked in to villa 5549 on Dec. 30. I was a little disappointed at first that we didn't face the main savannah, but we had awesome views of the fireworks at both MK and MGM on New Year's Eve.

Did you happen to leave some Starbucks coffee in one of the cupboards? If so, my husband says "thanks"...he has been enjoying it every morning!

 

[WDWguru]

That was my DH who left the coffee We're always hoping the next guest finds the stuff we "hide" behind. I'm pretty sure he left a little bottle of Tide in the laundry basket, too.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Thanks for the update! Too funny that two DISers were in the same villa back to back!