AKV - Too far away???

[jcf]

Does the theme outweigh the distance. I figure me and my six year old son would be able to maximize are time better by staying at BCV in light of SAB as well as the proximity to Epcot/MGM and the Boardwalk.


Just wondering whether I should switch from doing an AKV add-on to add-on more at BCV or start a new "home" at BWV. I also own at VWL.

 

[jarestel]

The ability to walk to/from a nearby park is of great importance to a good many of the posters here so your question is a good one. I don't happen to think AKV is too far away, but many do, there's no doubt about that. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[KelNottAt]

I happen to love all the new room varieties at AKV. Alas, this appeal doesn't outweight the faraway feeling I get at that resort. I have no plans to add-on there.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We take short trips a few times a year to WDW. On 2 previous trips we took time to go to AKL to look around at the animals and to chat with the CM. So, it's going to be at least a once a year stay for us. AKV will have dedicated 2 bedrooms with 2 Q's and that sold us on an add on there.

Bobbi

 

[n2mm]

We take short trips a few times a year to WDW. On 2 previous trips we took time to go to AKL to look around at the animals and to chat with the CM. So, it's going to be at least a once a year stay for us. AKV will have dedicated 2 bedrooms with 2 Q's and that sold us on an add on there.

Bobbi

I read there was going to be an extra bathroom in the 2 bedrooms also. Not sure if it's true, but if it is, that is a real plus too for the 2 bedrooms. (We just stayed in a 2 br at BCV a week ago and an extra bathroom would've been great for the folks sleeping on the sofa in the living room--2 bathrooms was not enough for the 7 of us.) We are staying there in January and can't wait to see the new place. (We have stayed at the AKL, so the resort is not new to us.)

 

[pilferk]

Does the theme outweigh the distance. I figure me and my six year old son would be able to maximize are time better by staying at BCV in light of SAB as well as the proximity to Epcot/MGM and the Boardwalk.


Just wondering whether I should switch from doing an AKV add-on to add-on more at BCV or start a new "home" at BWV. I also own at VWL.

You're going to get as many answers as there are perspectives....and the only one that ultimately matters in the decision is yours.

I find that, using Disney transportaiton, it takes between 15 and 30 min to get to just about anywhere I want to go on property. Yes, AKL is a bit removed (which I actually like....it's sort of relaxing to be a bit further removed from the hustle and bustle...but still have the world's best theme parks "in my back yard"). But I'm not sure I'd qualify AKL as "far away" from anything. Again, that's my perspective...but I live in the boondocks of CT and drive an hour and 15 min, one way, to work every day.

AKV/AKL (for now...we'll see what happens with Kidani's addition) has the best, most efficient bus service on property, IMHO. That counteracts some of the distance, for me. The theme, relaxing atmosphere, and other "benefits" it offers counteracts the rest.

 

[pilferk]

I read there was going to be an extra bathroom in the 2 bedrooms also. Not sure if it's true, but if it is, that is a real plus too for the 2 bedrooms. (We just stayed in a 2 br at BCV a week ago and an extra bathroom would've been great for the folks sleeping on the sofa in the living room--2 bathrooms was not enough for the 7 of us.) We are staying there in January and can't wait to see the new place. (We have stayed at the AKL, so the resort is not new to us.)

Kidani village will have an "extra" bathroom in the 1BR piece of the 2BR lockoffs, and in the dedicated 2 BR's.

 

[G8RFAN]

Taking the bus or walking to the monorail at EPCOT is probably more of a hassle than taking a bus at AKV. AKL/AKV has dedicated buses and while distance-wise, it may be a hike to MK, EPCOT, MGM, or DTD, since they don't really pick up other resort guests, timewise, the bus trips may even be a little shorter. Since you already own at BCV, I would book your next stay at AKV and try it out before buying an add-on. Tough call since you will pay a premium for a small add on at BCV, but are subject to the "price of the day" for AKV the longer you wait.

 

[ADP]

I'm confused....I thought AKL/AKV was right next to a theme park?? Just a guess, but maybe the remoteness others feel has to do with the theming of the resort.

Unfortunately, you can't walk to the Animal Kingdom because of the Savannas and roadway. It is a very short bus or car ride. The ability to walk to a park is a nice feature.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We also own at VWL, like you do...what about the remoteness there? Does it bother you? We own at BWV, VWL, BCV and AKV, as well as VB. This means that for an all family vacation, we really do have to borrow (and bank ) and that's one drawback to owning smaller amounts (100) at a few resorts, but we're happy with the mix, except DH does want to do another add on. Really, he doesn't even go to these boards and has addonitis.

I hope you decide and then enjoy what you've done!

Bobbi

 

[Granny]

Does the theme outweigh the distance.

You need to ask yourself that, not us. As it so happens, my DCV Mathematics 101 textbook indicates that "Theming > Location". But how I rate my accommodation likes doesn't really help you.

I figure me and my six year old son would be able to maximize are time better by staying at BCV in light of SAB as well as the proximity to Epcot/MGM and the Boardwalk.

Unless you are planning on selling your DVC in a few years, I would focus more on your own likes. Your 6 year old son will move on to other things in a few short years while you're looking at 35 years or more of DVC stays. So in the long run, it's more important about what you like than anything else.

Just wondering whether I should switch from doing an AKV add-on to add-on more at BCV or start a new "home" at BWV. I also own at VWL.

All good options...isn't it nice to have to make these tough decisions?

 

[AKV707]

As has been said, it really comes down to you. But in terms of AKV being far? The theming is incredible, the resort has a great feel, and there is no other resort like it. It is on WDW property, very close to AK and a relatively short and direct bus ride to the other parks and DTD.

Don't get me wrong, the ability to walk to Epcot, particularly during Food and Wine is a big asset to BCV and BWV. That is probably why someday we will add on at one of those. But AKV will always be our main DVC home.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[3DisneyKids]

The OP mentioned "maximizing time". Generally, people spend several hours/day in the parks and several days on the vacation as a whole. So while it certainly takes longer to go from AKV to Epcot than it does toi get from BCV to Epcot...we are talking about what....maybe an hour a day extra time in traveling from the resort to a park? (and yes, I have read the horror stories about people waiting 2 hours for a bus...but let's deal with the norm.)

So for a week's vacation you are really worried about the extra hour here or there in transportation as opposed to buying at the resort where you really like the theming? Seems like a pretty minor thing to me.

For us, DVC is not about maximizing our time. In fact, it has become just the opposite. We now love to take things much more slowly. We just returned from a quick 5 day trip...and only spent 1.5 days in the parks. We are getting into enjoying resort life, cocktails by the pool, exploring, etc.

So I guess my long-winded point is...lol...if you really need to get the most out of your park days and that saving travel time to and from only one park (only Epcot, btw...that MGM boat is slower than any bus), then sure, you should buy an Epcot resort.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[DavidRoss]

I am a member in Michigan and had the fortunate opportunity to visit the new Doorway to Dreams store in Illinois. My wife and I were amazed to say the least. We own at Vero, BWV and OKW. They have a built to scale 2 bedroom lockoff of what will be in Kidani Village. We have stayed at all the resorts except HH. I always felt BWV was my favorite because I liked the theme and the location. I must say, I feel that will change. Not only is there a third bathroom in the 2 bedroom, the living room was larger. The furniture and decor are absolutely breathtaking. My wife sat down and didn't want to leave. The kitchen is layed out slightly different. But just the feel of the accomodations and the amenities in the room itself are amazing. I am now considering another add-on which I told myself I wouldn't do.

 

[Melrosgirl]

I briefly thought of adding on there, but two things happened. One, my DVC guide never sent me the info I asked for via snail mail. I waited and waited and it never showed up. Never even got a follow up call to see if I got it, so I lost all interest. Plus I also thought yes, it's not close to anything really. I'd rather stay there on occasion than own there. So now I'm glad he didn't send me the info I asked for. Saved me $12,000.

 

[veenstra56]

Does the theme outweigh the distance. I figure me and my six year old son would be able to maximize are time better by staying at BCV in light of SAB as well as the proximity to Epcot/MGM and the Boardwalk.


Just wondering whether I should switch from doing an AKV add-on to add-on more at BCV or start a new "home" at BWV. I also own at VWL.

I understand what you are saying. With a six year old child there is NOTHING better than to be able to take a time out from the parks for a while so the little ones can take a nap, a swim, or eat their comfort foods (sometimes a peanut butter/jelly sandwich and a glass of milk are preferred by kids to a greasy burger and fries).

I remember before we became DVC members that it was a real chore to take the kids back to our off-site condo to decompress. Obviously, AKV is MUCH closer than our off-site condo was, but it did open our eyes to how convenient BWV and BCV were, and how nice it would be for a quick pit stop.

One thing to consider, though, is the fact that your son will not be six forever, and the distance won't be as big a factor as it is now.

Another consideration is buying BCV because of its size (small and harder to book) and staying at AKV on occasion (which is larger and will usually be easier to book than BCV).

I am not the biggest fan of AKV (just my opinion) because I, too, feel it is too isolated (psychologically perhaps). In the end, go with your gut and don't look back.

Good luck.

 

[wdw1972]

I just got back from a long weekend at AKV. The bus to Epcot took 12-14 minutes, and the bus to MGM should take the same length of time. Walking to either park from BWV or BCV might take about 10 minutes....so you're not saving much time, in my opinion. Taking the boat would probably take as long as the bus from AKV.

To get to AK from AKV takes less than 5 minutes. From BWV/BCV figure about 15 minutes. To get to MK it will be a longer ride from AKV than it would from BWV/BCV but by the time you factor in NOT having to stop at all those Epcot resorts in the loop I doubt the difference is significant.

So, I really don't see how the AKV location will cost you more time to get to the parks.

 

[AKV707]

I just got back from a long weekend at AKV. The bus to Epcot took 12-14 minutes, and the bus to MGM should take the same length of time. Walking to either park from BWV or BCV might take about 10 minutes....so you're not saving much time, in my opinion. Taking the boat would probably take as long as the bus from AKV.

To get to AK from AKV takes less than 5 minutes. From BWV/BCV figure about 15 minutes. To get to MK it will be a longer ride from AKV than it would from BWV/BCV but by the time you factor in NOT having to stop at all those Epcot resorts in the loop I doubt the difference is significant.

So, I really don't see how the AKV location will cost you more time to get to the parks.

Great explanation! makes perfect sense.

 

[jarestel]

I just got back from a long weekend at AKV. The bus to Epcot took 12-14 minutes, and the bus to MGM should take the same length of time. Walking to either park from BWV or BCV might take about 10 minutes....so you're not saving much time, in my opinion. Taking the boat would probably take as long as the bus from AKV.

So, I really don't see how the AKV location will cost you more time to get to the parks.

The only variable in the bus scenario is the time you have to wait for it, which CAN be 20-30 minutes before you even board. Walking has no such variable and tends to take roughly the same amount of time each trip.

But I do agree that the whatever extra minutes to/from AKV in any event is pretty inconsequential in the overall scheme of things.

 

[casper]

The only "too far away" that I'm aware of is living in Indiana and only being able to get to Disney World 2 weeks out of the year. After that, even a twenty to thirty minute bus wait isn't too far away.