AKV - Short Trip Report

[HGLightlyj]

AKV Value Studio - 9/6 - 9/9

Stayed in 5120 on Ostrich Trail. The room was in excellent condition. No problems. Small but good view of savannah. Giraffes, zebras, were out at feeding time - usually 3:00 - 4:00 in pm. I checked in about 1:30 and room was ready at 3:00. Lobby area was very busy on Labor Day but rest of week very quiet. Went to Boma Tuesday and Wednesday evenings - both times excellent, excellent!! Went to MK Tues. am - crowds were low - had lunch at Kona - just ok lunch. Went to Mara several times - like the Butternut Squash soup but everything else about this qs place leaves me cold. Wed. am went to Hollywood Studios - not many folks there in am - planned to go to Epcot in pm - went back to AKL and just hung out at resort - Low key trip this time - Love the ambiance of AKL!!

ETA: Talked with a couple from my home state of Indiana. They were very interested in DVC - were staying in studio in Lodge for $265/nite - They seemed unclear about info. given them at DVC kiosk - I mentioned resale opportunity and this website to them.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Thanks for the trip report! I've come to enjoy those low key trips, my commando days are done! I've heard the week before Thanksgiving is low key as well, I'm hoping that's true! I have family visiting from France and we will be having dinner at Boma, and visiting AKV, the lobby is simply beautiful at Christmas with all of the X-Mas trees and decorations!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad you got a savannah view and I enjoyed reading your report. I like the chicken and other offerings at the Mara. I haven't tried the soup, but I will!

Bobbi

 

[charight]

Thanks for the trip report. Its great that you had a decent view of the animals in a value room. Good for you. It also seems like you picked a great couple of days to go. Not only are the points low but the parks sounded like they were empty. We have two little ones under two and we are dreading taking them into the crowds during President's week in February.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I love, love, love that butternut squash soup at Mara. They say it's the same as at Boma, but I tried it at both places less than an hour apart and I preferred Mara. Thanks for reminding me why I'm on my "pre-Disney diet". One question-do they still give you a USA Today in the Value studios? They did last year when I was there. And how was your view? Twenty five days til I'm in my value studio again!

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi HGLightlyj,
Thanks for the trip report. Sounds like you had a great time. Sometimes short low key trips are the best. AK is one of my favorite DVC resorts. Thanks again for sharing!

 

[HGLightlyj]

I love, love, love that butternut squash soup at Mara. They say it's the same as at Boma, but I tried it at both places less than an hour apart and I preferred Mara. Thanks for reminding me why I'm on my "pre-Disney diet". One question-do they still give you a USA Today in the Value studios? They did last year when I was there. And how was your view? Twenty five days til I'm in my value studio again!

USA Today was outside my door every morning. The view was part of the Sunset Savannah - kind of a little pocket area between buildings - large enough that several times there were two giraffes, four zebras at one time, quite a few ostriches and different varieties of birds. The zebras were usually not out at the same time as the giraffes. There were different types of "cattle" w/big horns out also - sorry I don't remember their names. The animals were usually out between 3:00 & 4:00 in the pm at feeding time. The giraffes would leave as soon as they finished their food. I've been very fortunate to get a savannah view the three times I've stayed in a value studio!

 

[madthemouse]

We have stayed at AKV but never in the "Value" catagory room. I know the square footage is less then the standard size studio. I am considering staying in a "Value Studio", next spring. We only use the room for sleeping. So we're not in the room much. Just would like to know if you found the room to be too small?

Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

USA Today was outside my door every morning. The view was part of the Sunset Savannah - kind of a little pocket area between buildings - large enough that several times there were two giraffes, four zebras at one time, quite a few ostriches and different varieties of birds. The zebras were usually not out at the same time as the giraffes. There were different types of "cattle" w/big horns out also - sorry I don't remember their names. The animals were usually out between 3:00 & 4:00 in the pm at feeding time. The giraffes would leave as soon as they finished their food. I've been very fortunate to get a savannah view the three times I've stayed in a value studio!

That USA Today is really a bonus. I've had savannah view 3 times and pool view 2 times when I've booked value category.

The cattle are Ankole cattle.

I have a value studio stay in 2 1/2 weeks, and I can't wait to be in WDW!

Bobbi

 

[Simba's Mom]

USA Today was outside my door every morning. The view was part of the Sunset Savannah - kind of a little pocket area between buildings - large enough that several times there were two giraffes, four zebras at one time, quite a few ostriches and different varieties of birds. The zebras were usually not out at the same time as the giraffes. There were different types of "cattle" w/big horns out also - sorry I don't remember their names. The animals were usually out between 3:00 & 4:00 in the pm at feeding time. The giraffes would leave as soon as they finished their food. I've been very fortunate to get a savannah view the three times I've stayed in a value studio!

That sounds so wonderful! Did you request the savannah view? I've never requested or gotten a savannah view in a value studio (like you, 3 trips) but I requested one for next trip. Here's hoping I'm sitting on my balcony watching the goings-on on the Sunset Savannah while I sip my coffee and do the sudoku puzzle in my USA Today in a few weeks.

 

[HGLightlyj]

We have stayed at AKV but never in the "Value" catagory room. I know the square footage is less then the standard size studio. I am considering staying in a "Value Studio", next spring. We only use the room for sleeping. So we're not in the room much. Just would like to know if you found the room to be too small?

Thanks.

I didn't find it to be too small for myself. There are pictures of the Value studio on an older AKV thread I believe that might be helpful to you.

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

It sounds like you had a nice visit. Thank you for your post and report.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the great trip report.