AKV- purchase/ or not- curious on rooms

[Moeluv4u7]

We are looking to purchase very soon- Our Guide has told us that right now AKV is the resort up for membership but when we first startedto plan a vacation at the resorts and were looking to choose AKV was not at the top of the list mind you- We have been looking at every source we can to research the resort and the rooms but I am curious - First as to what the rooms will be like since AKV is still under construction w/ May 09 being forecasted opening time- It is growing on us but of anyone who has stayed or are home resort to AKV- do you have pics of rooms? we would be in the 2 BR at least- (7 member family) I looked at point chart and they have rooms from Value to Concierge level- If the room sleeps 8-9 how "Value" could it be? Just wondering between Standard view and Savannah View and now Value- Trying to determine how many points would be good for our family so we could have enough points to do more than one vacation a year if we like- At Value we could do at least 2 vacations every other year or more often w/ the amount we are looking OR one every year for 2 years and 3rd year a much more upgraded vacation or skip for 4th year to be a cruise... A very rigorous process here & I don't want to overbuy for our first experience but don't want to disappoint myself that I would have wanted to buy more up front OR even been happier still at OKW or BCV or elsewhere - Have seen actual rooms there aplenty in pics so I know what to expect- w/ AKV still undergoing construction has anyone seen in the new area actual layout- All pics and diagrams say that the layout and furnishings could change.
Also, I am really more of a beachy feel person and the New England style is gorgeous to see in the pictures- African Safari's seem exciting and all but not sure if I want to be committed to that feel.. Oh & why aren't the Polynesian and Carribean areas part of DVC- Also loving those resorts as well- As Non-DVC I understand rates could change and room not as spacious? Any help appreciated!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Living room/entry of 1 bedroom AKV/Jambo

Master bedroom

bathroom

balcony

 

[Cmbar]

Great Pictures!!
To OP: We are in the same dilemma. I really would like to buy into DVC but the Animal/Africa theme is really a downer for me. I need light and bright so I am really dissappointed that AKV is all that is available through Disney right now. Of course the AKV resort does have some lovely benefits, I am just curious as to what type of actual amenities the new resort will have. I understand there are DVC properties in the main building, but I am also under the impression that the new building will have its own pool and restraunts and stuff, but I can't find information on that. It is a hard decision to decide to buy right now because I know that I will not love AKV!

 

[drusba]

Points on AKV:

1. The existing AKV is on 5th floor (top floor except for lobby area) of Animal Kingdom Lodge (called the Jambo house) and the 6th floor (which is only above the lobby) for concierge rooms. The new Kidani building will be all AKV and opens May 2009.

2. "Value" rooms are only at Jambo (Kidani will have none), are a small number, and are smaller rooms than all others and that is why they are lower points; space is definitely at a premium in those rooms and seven will definitely feel very cramped in those 2BRs. They are in the front part of the AKL and some face the parking lot, some the pool, and some the sunset savanna.

3. "Concierge" rooms are also only at Jambo. There are five 2BR lock-off concierge rooms (meaning a possible 10 total -- 5 1BRs and 5 studios). Three face the sunset savanna and two the pool. You get full concierge service if you reserve one of those; you also get daily maid service.

4. "Savanna" view point cost rooms are, and will be when Kidani is done, the vast majority of rooms (about 80% of all rooms). They all face (and will face at Kidani) a savanna so you can see animals. Because of their number, they will likely be the easiest to reserve if you do not reserve 11 months out.

5. "Standard" view point cost rooms face the pool at Jambo and will face the road, front garden or pool area at Kidani.

Posted above are pictures from Jambo. Decor at Kidani will be like that but rooms will be different. The studios at Kidani will be close to the same size as regular (i.e., not Value) studios at Jambo. The 1BRs (and thus 2BRs) at Kidani will be larger than the rooms at Jambo and the 1BRs will have two bathrooms (giving the 2BRs three bathrooms). Jambo 1BRs have one bathroom (2BRs thus have two bathrooms). The 1BR at Jambo has combination tub/shower; the 1BRs at Kidani will have separate tub and shower.

AKV is more or less out there all by itself -- it is intended to give a feel of being on a savanna far away from anything else. Bus transportation is good; the existing pool is very good and the new one at Kidani should also be. The buildings and rooms are to great extent dimly lighted -- again an intentional "feel" effect. Restaurants are good (in the view of many, Boma's at Jambo is the best buffet restaurant on site). Unlike other resorts, there are not many places you can walk outside -- the savannas occupy 3/4's of the outside areas; there are viewing areas but no free roaming in the savannas.

Disney always says decor, layout and furnishings could change. It is still saying that for all the other resorts. You should assume what is in pictures above is close to what it will be for a long time. Kidani will have its own restaurant (not buffet), pool, lobby, pool bar, activity area near the pool.

Polynesian might someday have a DVC (one is coming at the Contemporary) but not likely to be at Carribean because Carribean is a "moderate" and the DVC's are touted as Deluxe and thus far have been attached only to deluxe hotel resorts when there is an attachment.

If your heart is set on a beach type decor, AKV is definitely not it.

 

[Cmbar]

Drusba,

Thanks for that really informative post! One more question. Do you know if the new AKV building (Kidani) will have a food court or sit down Restaurant? If we stayed in the villas will we need to go back to the main building to get food? I understand there will be another pool, but wondering about food. We have been to Boma and it is good, but not Great for us, so I guess this isn;t the DVC for us, but very curious about the convenience for a future trip someday.

Thanks!

 

[drusba]

Kidani will have a sit-down restaurant but not buffet or food court. Pool bar will likely serve typical sandwich/hot dog fare. There will be a store.

 

[LisaS]

I need light and bright so I am really dissappointed that AKV is all that is available through Disney right now.

You can purchase any of the DVC resorts directly from Disney. The guides don't volunteer that information but if you don't want AKV, tell them what you do want and they can check availability for you. There are no incentives when you purchase one of the "sold out" resorts however.

If they don't have points available for your preferred resort and Use Year you can go on a waiting list. They often have points available immediately for every resort except BCV if you will take any Use Year. Waits for points at BCV can vary from a couple of weeks to many months depending on which Use Year you want.

Contracts at AKV and OKW (from Disney) expire Jan 31, 2057; SSR expires Jan 31, 2054; the rest (BCV, BWV, VWL, VB and HHI) expire Jan 31, 2042.

You can also purchase any DVC resort on the resale market. Most of the OKW contracts on the resale market are the non-extended contracts that expire Jan 31, 2042.