Any update on AKL value rooms

[monorailmom]

Well this is intriguing, we are checking into a value studio next weekend too!

 

[Starwind]

I feel like I’m talking to myself, but to be thorough, they are clearly working on the DVC rooms too. I can see a paper taped to the window and 5th floor is included.
plusI answered my own question about the black rail since one pod is black and the other is the old multicolor.

Paper on the window could just be because they are repainting the exterior.

When they did Kudu and Zebra trails, only the AKL hotel rooms were renovated, but the exterior was repainted, including the DVC 5th floor. This Touring Plans page has some photos of the exterior work being done in the fall: https://touringplans.com/blog/2019/11/16/photos-exterior-work-at-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge/

If I recall correctly, when the do the painting they cover the old multicolour with a base single colour then paint over that with new multicolour.

This is the view from our balcony on 4th floor Kudu trail in December. Kudu trail was done at that point. You can see the new multicolour, which extends to include the 5th floor.

 

[Orsino]

Paper on the window could just be because they are repainting the exterior.

Not that kind of paper. It is a single sheet of paper taped inside on the window of the door. We speculate it is a checklist for the work being done, but don’t really know.

 

[SPLzero]

We check in on the 7th for a value studio, so will definitely give an update if we’re updated, or if there are any room updates.
What were you upgraded to? And still in Jambo?

I booked Valentines weekend for a coworker and they moved them to Kidani but upgraded them to savannah view.

 

[Jetku]

I booked Valentines weekend for a coworker and they moved them to Kidani but upgraded them to savannah view.

thanks. That’s what I want to avoid. We are just there for the weekend and I don’t want Kidani. Put me in BLT if you want to swap my resort

 

[Charysjoy]

I just checked in at Jambo - booked a value one bedroom and got a savannah view one bedroom instead. I had even called in when I saw the news posted back in December. DVC said that it wouldn’t affect my reservation - but it certainly did! They have just blocked off the whole hallway!

 

[Jetku]

I just checked in at Jambo - booked a value one bedroom and got a savannah view one bedroom instead. I had even called in when I saw the news posted back in December. DVC said that it wouldn’t affect my reservation - but it certainly did! They have just blocked off the whole hallway!

fantastic! And thanks for sharing! This is the type of shift I am hoping for Friday!

 

[monorailmom]

How did they find out ahead of time that they have been upgraded? Curious because we check in on Saturday and haven't heard anything. Called DVC today and my value studio was still showing in their system.

 

[SPLzero]

@monorailmom I got a phone call last month telling me the room was taken out of service. They than said they will be moving the reservation to kidani Savanna view. A few hours later my dashboard showed kidani savanna view.

 

[Lesley Wake]

thanks. That’s what I want to avoid. We are just there for the weekend and I don’t want Kidani. Put me in BLT if you want to swap my resort

I'll need to start watching this thread! I'm checking in on the 7th to a value studio for 2 nights. I definitely don't want to get moved to Kidani, as I'm doing a whole week there (savannah studio) pre-cruise. I would be ok with Savannah view normal room, or they would need to move me to another resort (preference Riveria)!

 

[Jetku]

I'll need to start watching this thread! I'm checking in on the 7th to a value studio for 2 nights. I definitely don't want to get moved to Kidani, as I'm doing a whole week there (savannah studio) pre-cruise. I would be ok with Savannah view normal room, or they would need to move me to another resort (preference Riveria)!

I didn’t think of the riviera . We’re supposed to be neighbors on the 7th - we can collectively petition for a riviera studio

 

[Lesley Wake]

I didn’t think of the riviera . We’re supposed to be neighbors on the 7th - we can collectively petition for a riviera studio

I had a friend who booked a cash room, tower studio, and was upgraded to a 1-bedroom. So, not an unreasonable ask!

 

[monorailmom]

@monorailmom I got a phone call last month telling me the room was taken out of service. They than said they will be moving the reservation to kidani Savanna view. A few hours later my dashboard showed kidani savanna view.

Thanks, I guess we'll see what happens! My DH and I will actually be disappointed if we're changed, this is our first time trying a value studio and were curious to see how we'd like it. We've done value 1br's before when we had DS with us and really liked the setup, and obvious huge point savings.

DH is also dreading having to move our Garden Grocer order and Owner's Locker if we're not in Jambo house, but I'm guessing we aren't the first who have had that problem and bell services can handle it.

In any case, can't wait for Saturday to get here!!!

 

[hsc3boys]

Where on the website does it say that, just curious as I have a reservation for next week in a AKL value.

Edit. I see it now.

When you go to plan a vacation, under Jambo House you get the message.
From my experience over the last couple of years the value rooms need some attention, broken tiles in bathroom, very scratched and chipped furniture. Missing island table in kitchen of one of them. The one bed villa we were upgraded to after complaining about the condition of the value one was much, much better, more what you expect from a deluxe resort. Just because we are staying on DVC points, it should still be a deluxe resort standard. Before OKW was updated the room we stayed in was in a terrible state worst room I have ever stayed in anywhere in the world. I’m my opinion that’s not acceptable, you don’t expect mould, walls falling apart, general filth at any hotel, definitely not a Disney hotel.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Last May we were moved to a standard one bed because the value one bed was in such a bad state and it also had issues with the heating/air con system. That room desperately needed some work doing to it, not what you expect at a deluxe resort at all.

Oh, Oh! I was considering booking a 1 BR value for my next stay. However, I really want a savannah view, which less than 50% of the values are. Or I could always book it, and then hope for an upgrade, as a PP was fortunate enough to get.

 

[Orsino]

Well the black rails are not black anymore, or I should say they won’t be shortly. Painting in progress back to original colors.

 

[Jetku]

Checked in today - before our flight the app showed Value. Afterwards it switched to Jambo studio Savannah. I had to re-check in. Then the room was ready as we were pulling up to the resort on ME at 10:40am!

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

But aren’t there regular rooms on 5th floor as well? That’s why values Re unavailable since you can’t get to them due to construction in the regular hotel rooms.

Or, are you saying you can see into a value room and it’s being redone?

They would not be able to see into a value room unless they were standing on the savannah looking through powerful binoculars.!! LOL
They are mistaken.

Perhaps if they were standing in a lifeguard chair facing the pool view value rooms, again looking through binoculars. LOL

 

[TonyaG83]

I booked a cash value studio on the WDW site for this summer, I was hoping the rooms might actually get refurbished (even if not on the schedule). Now I’m kind of hoping they upgrade me. I like the price I booked the room at, but it would have been nicer if I could actually book the room on points and not have it pulled out of inventory for cash booking.

 

[Sandisw]

I booked a cash value studio on the WDW site for this summer, I was hoping the rooms might actually get refurbished (even if not on the schedule). Now I’m kind of hoping they upgrade me. I like the price I booked the room at, but it would have been nicer if I could actually book the room on points and not have it pulled out of inventory for cash booking.

People have posted that the cash rooms that are "value" are typically upgraded at check in. Its a way to get people to book there. No first hand experience but from everything I have heard, your chances are good!