akv versus vwl

[janischa]

okay, i'm looking to buy bwv (or bcv, but only if i could find a way lower price per point than the current 80s going rate -- it would have to come close to bwv for me to consider buying it -- which will likely never happen) through resale, but as i was going through the pictures on the disney website, i really seemed to like vwl as well. i like the calm surroundings the place seems to have (my main hesitant to bwv is the question if it's a place where i could really relax -- i'm a bit afraid for too much hustle and bustle -- and it seems the views are either of a pool, the boardwalk or a parking; and the swan or dolphin hotel, which i can't stand the look off are always in sight)
so entry my consideration of vwl.
i've never been on those grounds and my main question to all of you is the following: Is the VWL equally dark as the animal kingdom lodges ? We've been to the animal kingdom lodge lobby twice and each time, we caught ourselves getting a claustrophobic feel. We've been in Africa and loved it, but that place is just sooooooo dark at the inside.... really can't imagine staying there for long stretches (though we would stay there like one or two nights, since we really do like the restaurants there and the facilities). My hubbie said that judging by the pictures, the lay out is very similar between the animal kingdom lobby and the wildnerness lodge lobby, but is that so and what about the rest, like the rooms/villa's ?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

VWL is dark, but not as dark as AKV imo. The darkest is clearly VGC, but that's obviously not an issue.
Personally, VWL, AKV, and VGC are my three favorite DVC resorts. The Poly is a favorite non DVC and that's also dark. I guess I like dark.

MG

 

[twinklebug]

I love both Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge. BUT It's so dark in the Jambo lobby that I cannot see a darn thing for the first 10 minutes I'm there - I have good vision too. I'm in awe how some folk can grab such beautiful photos of the lobby.

AKV is comprised of two sub-resorts: Jambo and Kidani. Both AKV: Kidiani and Wilderness Lodge lobbies are MUCH MUCH brighter (and quieter) than the Jambo lobby. Kidani also boasts some of the largest villas you can book as well as multiple categories: value, standard, Savanna and concierge.

Wilderness lodge is much harder to book at 7 months out for prime seasons. Christmas in particular is difficult once inside that window. I also love the sound of the boats.

You can't go wrong with either resort. Note the expiration on VWL is 2042(?) which seems a good ways off, until we go another 7 years. AVK expires around 2054 (?). Guessing on those dates - too many windows open to go looking for a bit

Good luck on your decision.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We love and own at both. The VWL doesn't have a GV if that's a consideration.

 

[janischa]

thanks
it seems to me that if i don't like dark (as being cosy) and prefer bright and sunny, i'm better off with boardwalk villas anywayz good, it confirms my first feeling was right

 

[pamickey]

I know a lot of people really love VWL, but I'm not a big fan. We stayed once several years ago (in February) and I really didn't like looking out the window into the pine trees the whole time. We had no view at all unless we leaned over the railing to see the quiet pool. The main lodge lobby was nice but noisy and the themed pool was ok, but not anything that I would pick over other resorts.

I've stayed at AKV-Kidani twice and love it. Yes, it seems a little dark in the rooms, but most of the views are much better than pine trees. The first time we had a savannah view and the most recent view was a standard pool, overlooking the pool area. The pool is awesome, with 2 hot tubs, a little kids' splash area, and a great slide. I spent a lot of time on the deck overlooking the savannah, then moved inside to the library when it was raining. The staff at Kidani is wonderful.

I actually own at BWV. I have stayed there several times and have booked for marathon weekend next January. I've never had a bad view there either - whether pool view, boardwalk view, or standard view. We like the themed pool, but the quiet pool is also very nice and is rarely busy. I like to be able to walk or take a boat to Epcot or the Studios. You can see the fireworks at both, depending on where your villa is located. I think it is a very relaxing resort.

Wherever you buy, you still have the freedom to book at other resorts. One of my other favorites has become OKW. I try to book based on who is travelling with me, so we tend to try different places and views. It will take you numerous trips to figure out your favorites!

Terri

 

[Granny]

(my main hesitant to bwv is the question if it's a place where i could really relax -- i'm a bit afraid for too much hustle and bustle -- and it seems the views are either of a pool, the boardwalk or a parking; and the swan or dolphin hotel, which i can't stand the look off are always in sight)

If you like quiet, BWV can still be your resort of choice. We've had rooms overlooking the quiet pool/community hall and found them to be extremely quiet. Same thing with some standard view rooms as long as you don't get too close to the elevators/main drive up area. We've never booked a Boardwalk View room so can't say much there other than that would probably be the rooms with the most "hustle & bustle" going on outside.

If you don't like "dark decor", then definitely stay away from VWL and AKV.

If you like a light and breezy decor and a feeling of getting away from the hustle & bustle, then I'd vote for OKW. Resale prices are right, it is definitely away from the hustle and bustle, the villas are significantly bigger in the 1BR and larger accommodations and the dues are low.

SSR would also work for the same reasons listed for OKW except the larger rooms.