Buyer's remorse with AKL????

[GuySmiley]

Again, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you.....to everyone who has taken the time to post to my paranoid thread! You really are all making me feel so much better about our purchase. Maybe we'll save some points and stick with AKV. It is nice that there is such a variety of ways to spend your points there....so if I need a "cheap" point year, I'll get it.

Seriously you guys are the best!

I'm a strong believer in the try it for yourself concept. We bought AKV without seeing it also. We've stayed there twice now and really, really, really love it!

But from reading other people's posts I also had a lot of preconcieved notions about the resort. After staying there, many of my ideas were changed, some for the better and some for the worse. But something one person lists as a bad thing, may be a good thing to another. And I dont think you really know till you stay there. For instance, the 'small' lobby at Kidani. I originally was kind of bummed that it wasn't the huge jaw-droppingly impressive lobby like Jambo had. But after staying there, I really love it, and now think of it as an asset to the resort. Its relaxing to be there, and the layout makes the view incredible. But, again, you can't go off other people's opinions! I could list a lot of these kind of things.

WDW Today podcast recently did a show about a survey of hotels at WDW. Kidani actually rated the highest of all the resorts! Read through the AKV lovers thread if you really need a good pick-me-up.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Another vote for "try it first."

Several things--remember that this is a LONG term deal, right? So what is important right now (like being at a monorail resort) may not be important in 5 or 10 years or so.

We have young kids, too--and we actually prefer being farther away once in a while. We often schedule "down time trips" which means that we aren't in the parks all day, every day. We have lots of pool/resort time planned. And if you travel like this, then a resort like AKV is perfect.

Finally, and perhaps more importantly, we have never ever booked more than a few months out. Maybe 3 or 4 months at the farthest. With my husband's work schedule, we just can't plan that far in advance. So that means that home booking advantage isn't a factor for us--it can't be. And we have always, always, always gotten every resort we have wanted. We have stayed everywhere on property except VWL--and that is by choice--it was available when I have called. So I definitely think you can get what you want without the home resort advantage...BUT --

But, we don't travel during peak times and don't necessarily care about view. If the higher point view is the only one available--even though we don't really care about that view--we just take it even though it is more points. Or, if are really wanting a particular view but it isn't available but the resort it, we take it. We are very flexible about what dates we travel (I pull the kids out of school) and we don't care about view. Those two things are big when it comes to booking close to travel time.

Be aware of peak travel times and peak resort time--don't expect to get VWL during Christmas week at 2 months out. It's about expectations--if you are flexible and don't have your heart set on a particular view, etc., you will likely be happy.

Again, though, I have gotten everything--including BWV and BCV each at 6 weeks out DURING F&W, so it can be done. I just got back from Grand Californian and I booked that 2 weeks out. A couple of times I have had to use the waitlist option, but it has always come through.

But breathe, relax--you own DVC. ALL of the properties are wonderful and they all have pros and cons. It may take several vacations before you decided which property best suits your needs. And then, like us, you might have different properties that suit different needs depending on the type of trip your taking. But really, don't sweat it right now. If you don't want to stay at AKV, don't. There are lots of places you can get on the 7 month window.

 

[ctosh]

We stayed there in Jan '10 and had a great time. This is our home resort and it it is perfect for us. Give it a try

 

[UConnJack]

We own at BWV, and have stayed at each DVC resort at least once (including AKV and BLT). Overall, BCV is probably my favorite, but AKV is a close second. BWV is in the upper middle of the pack, but BLT is near the bottom.

Personally, I think you made the better choice with AKV. Other than it's proximity to the MK and the monorail (which admittedly is a big plus), I find nothing about BLT that is superior to the other DVC resorts. The rooms are small, the themeing is bland, and furnishings are cheap (hopefully they will fix this). The pool is OK, but nothing special. Parking is convenient, but you have to check in at the Contemporary and use the bell services there, and there aren't any trolley's you can use at BLT, so the close parking is kind of useless. The views are great.....if you get the right rooms. I have heard more complaints about disparity in BLT views than any other resort I can recall. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice resort and we enjoyed our stay, but in comparison to the other DVC, I don't see it justifying the high buy-in cost or the high point requirements.

On the flip side, AKV is just a feast for the senses, especially Jambo house. The lobby and overall themeing is so impressive, I just feel like I am in a different world when I am there. The pools and restaurants are awesome, and although it gets a little ho-hum after a long stay, having the animals outside the hotel is just so cool. The rooms may be a little dark, but it fits the theme and the quality of the furnishing seems high. The points required for the best view (savannah) are on par with the other DVC resorts, and not crazy high like the BLT rooms (particularly MK view). Also, the points required for the lesser views (standard and value), are real bargains.

Finally, regarding the busses, they may not be as good now that Kidani and Jambo share the same busses, but I have never found there to be an issue.
Yes AKV seems the furthest away from most parks, but it has little effect on the travel time vs. the other resorts. Comparing AKV vs BLT:

AKV to:
MK = 8 miles
EPCOT = 5.5 miles
HS = 4 miles
AK = 1 mile

BLT to:
MK = adjacent (although the walk or monorail ride door to door is at least 10 minutes)
EPCOT = 5 miles (via monorail, but with a transfer at the TTC)
HS = 6 miles
AK = 8 miles

As for the other resorts, VWL is similar to the BLT distances. BWV and BCV, while obviously convenient to HS and EPCOT by boat, are about 6 miles from the AK and have to contend with a bunch of resort stops and stoplights along Buena Vista Drive. OKW and SSR have multiple stops within the resorts themselves, and also have to deal with a bunch of stop signs and lights.

Overall, I would contend that the average time to get to the various parks from AKV is not any worse than any other resort, and that the feeling that it is so far away is just perception. Personally, that perception that it is far away (but actually so close) is one of the things I like and find so relaxing and refreshing about AKV.

 

[kimberh]

I am one of the Founding Members of AKV's. I just could not wait for this resort to open! We almost didn't even become DVC owners because we love the Hotel so much. It was our favorite. We didn't stay there last month, but went over for dinner, sat on the Savanna in the rockers. Just took it all in. Just love this resort!!!

 

[dbs1228]

Enjoy being an owner and try different resorts! We have traveled to Disney for years and finally bought in at BLT in Feb. After buying 1st and researching after I started having second thoughts since BLT design and lay out is not at all my style but I love the location. (I love AKV layout and rooms)
Well I just got back from OKW with my 2 girlfriends (girls week) and I thought I would try OKW for the relaxation for my 1st dvc visit. WELL you do not know how many times I wished we were at BLT just for the convience. We went to MK 3 times (per their request) and I would have loved to hop the monorail back to the room for lunch, pool time or just because I was done shopping and browsing and they were not.

I LOVED OKW (property was beautiful) and I know I will stay there again but I will only stay there when not planning much park visits.( I love non park vacations too) I want to try all the resorts and I am sure each resort will have its pros and cons.

 

[dbs1228]

oops

 

[Brancaneve]

You guys are the BEST!!!!!!!!

You really made my day.....I know I was getting all worried about nothing. I love these boards they are incredibly helpful but at the same time it can drive you bonkers. I guess it's just like all the restaurants.....I swear everyone of them, someone has LOVED it, and the next post you read, they absolutely HATED it. There is always good and bad reports to everything. I also feel much better now knowing that you all don't seem to be having a hard time booking at the 7month window.

So I'm just going to take a deep breath, enjoy our trip in Aug to BWV and in July book our trip for May at AKV and who knows maybe I won't even want to change it come my 7 month mark!!!!!

Thanks again guys! Keep posting the good stuff about AKV I would love to hear about it.

Jaylin-What you said is true. You will read both good and bad about everything. After reading all the posts, I just sat back and thought, "Aren't we the luckiest people to have DVC?" Many of my friends are(should I say) envious about the trips we take, and all we have to worry about is transportation from CA to FL. Let's just be adventurous and try all the resorts if we can, and relish in our choices and experiences!

 

[AKV707]

I'll admit up front that I haven't read all of the posts in this thread. That being said, we are very very happy AKV owners.

We bought in 2007. We will be at AKV for the 4th time this summer.

We love the resort. Both Jambo and Kidani are beutiful resorts. The savannas are incredible. In my opinion there is no other resort like this anywhere.

In terms of distance, I think that is largely overstated. It takes about 12 minutes to get to Epcot, 4 min to AK, 18 to MK and about 20 to DHS because of the stop at BB.

Not bad at all. But one of the great things is that when you return after a long day at the parks, you do feel like you are in another world at AKV. It is natural to have a little buyer's remorse. but give AKV a shot. The 2 brs at Kidani have the three bathrooms as well which is great for families.

Book and AKV vacation and then decide if you want to stay there regularly. We have.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

When we were deciding about buying DVC, we debated between BWV resale and AKV direct through Disney. The sleeper chair and 2 bathrooms in an AKV one bedroom won out, and we bought sight unseen. The points values were also a major plus. We had eaten at Jambo on our 2008 trip and loved it. Other than that we had never set foot in AKL.

Last year, sitting on our savanna view balcony, enjoying a glass of wine, DH turns to me and said, "I am never staying anywhere else." I laughed and mentioned BWV or BCV. "I'm not kidding. This is the first time I've come to WDW and completely relaxed. This is paradise." This from the guy who consented to buy DVC only because I was relentless!

Watching "our" giraffe munching away outside our balcony probably helped.

On our upcoming trip, DH has mandated 2 "no park" days just so we can relax, and enjoy all that Kidani has to offer. OP, give it a try! It's a really unique property.

 

[Tara]

\ The rooms are small

Admittedly, the studios are small. But unless you are comparing only to OKW, how can you say the rooms at BLT are small? They are virtually identical in size to AKV non-value rooms (the AKV value rooms are a good bit smaller) and BLT and AKV rooms are both bigger than other DVC rooms except for OKW.

 

[AKV707]

The rooms are not small unless you are talking about the value category. But that option saves points and is only available at AKV. The rooms at Kidani are spacious in the 1 and 2 brs. The studios, as stated are only outdone in size by OKW.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at Kidani last summer in a studio and loved it! I toured the BLT model and wasn't impressed with the studio. Seemed really cramped, plus the dumb bathroom sink setup.

 

[Crystal_27]

We've never even seen AKL or experienced the buses and long commutes to the parks from there.

I totally understand where you are coming from, but I would recommend at least giving AKV a chance...it offers so many cool things that the other resorts don't. And, lots of resorts use the busses as their only means of transportation - they aren't *that* bad. And, ,even as a BLT owner, there are things about it that I wish were different, so, even though I have the closeness to MK and the monorail, I have also have to deal with the bathroom sink in the kitchenette! Again, if after your first stay at AKV you still aren't sold on it, just list your points for sale, take the hit, and buy where you really want to own.

 

[wdwfan1]

We could not get all our days at BWV at 9 months out. We are still on the WL for 2 of the nights, and I am starting to think it may not happen. You never know if you will get what you want even before the 7 month window opens.

I always hope for the best, but have my back up plan in place.

 

[toniosmom]

I bought AKV before it opened and having only seen the models. We stayed at SSR during our first stay and I liked it more than I expected. We finally went "home" to Kidani this past March and it was wonderful. The pool is great -- there was a lot for my DS5 to enjoy, which helped ME enjoy myself. We had a savannah view and I really enjoyed watching the animals from our balcony. Yes, you can watch them from many other areas of the resort, so if you don't have a savannah view, you are not cut off from the animal population, BUT there's nothing like sitting out there at sunrise in your pajamas with a fresh cup of coffee, watching the animals.

I bought a small contract at BCV and another small one at BLT, planning to bank and borrow to travel to each of those resorts every 2-3 years. I'm hoping that I can switch things around as the 7 month mark hits for every trip. Like everyone else, I'd like to try all of the resorts.

Please do NOT fret over the transportation. I had NO problem at all with the buses -- we rarely waited very long. The ride never seemed very long at all -- even the trip to MK. Yes, it's nice to be on the monorail, but you are only close to MK, not to any other park.

Anytime one makes a large purchase like DVC, it's natural to second-guess yourself. As long as you are not losing sleep over it for financial reasons, your reaction is perfectly normal.

Enjoy your new membership and all of the joyous memories you will be making with your family.

All the best to you and your family.......

 

[disney1474]

I'll admit up front that I haven't read all of the posts in this thread. That being said, we are very very happy AKV owners.

We bought in 2007. We will be at AKV for the 4th time this summer.

We love the resort. Both Jambo and Kidani are beutiful resorts. The savannas are incredible. In my opinion there is no other resort like this anywhere.

In terms of distance, I think that is largely overstated. It takes about 12 minutes to get to Epcot, 4 min to AK, 18 to MK and about 20 to DHS because of the stop at BB.

Not bad at all. But one of the great things is that when you return after a long day at the parks, you do feel like you are in another world at AKV. It is natural to have a little buyer's remorse. but give AKV a shot. The 2 brs at Kidani have the three bathrooms as well which is great for families.

Book and AKV vacation and then decide if you want to stay there regularly. We have.

I agree 100%! There is no other resort like AKV. Go and stay there and see for yourself.
We walked from BLT to Magic Kingdom with two children and it took almost as much time as the bus from AKV to MK

 

[DizGirl20]

For whatever it's worth... we just came back from a week at BCV and absolutely loved it. My kids are now 9 & 12 and being within walking distance to Epcot and DHS was priceless. I think we may now consider a small add-on at BCV.

We also own at AKV and went to check it out, just to confirm that we made the right decision. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and decor and definitely plan to stay there for our next trip. We mentioned to a Cast Member that we owned at AKV but weren't staying there and he gave us a tour of the rooms so we could see what it was like!

We also checked out BLT via an "open house" and I have to tell you - I did not care for it at all. It was nothing special and too compact. I thought the furnishings at AKV were much better quality. Yes, it is within walking distance to 1 park, but what about the other 3 parks, not to mention Downtown Disney, TL/BB and all the other resorts you may wish to visit?!?

I love being near the parks, but for me it's more about the overall ambiance of the resort. Also, your kids aren't going to be the ages they are at forever. My girls used to love MK, now they are more into Epcot, DHS and Downtown Disney. Please don't base your decision on proximity to MK.

Final thought: some day when the kids are older, you may find yourself wanting a resort that is a bit more relaxing and peaceful. Some resorts you consider to be a bit "out of the way" now will seem like a peaceful haven.

 

[enigmaMN]

We did an add on at AKV Kidani sight unseen of either Jambo or Kidani. We'd heard so many wonderful things and seen the pictures that we knew we'd love it. Fast forward to Sept of 2009 to our first trip to AKV. Words cannot describe how much we hated it. The room - was amazing. However, the resort was utter chaos all of the time. I never felt like we could actually relax. Just not our cup of tea.

The great thing with DVC though is I don't actually have to stay there. In fact we were supposed to spend the first portion of our Christmas trip this year at Kidani. I called this morning (7 mth mark) and had ample choice of resorts to choose from. We'll be at VWL instead and I'm incredibly excited!