Does anyone know....

[Littlegem]

If possible I would like to look round both the SSR & AKL whilst on my vacation in Orlando this October...

I don't want to stay, but just want to get a feel for the resort area, as I hope to make a purchase during my visit from the UK, or at least get ther contract to take back & OK with my DH...

As I am not staying at WDW, I don't know if I will be able to access either site for a look..? I have mentioned booking a tour with my DVC sales person, but she said they only take bookings a week in advance, so I will do this nearer the time..

The problem is that I really need to see AKL with my own eyes, to see if this would be better for our family, as my baby son Travis is in a wheelchair, and I have heard that SSR is very big!
I am worried that I will not get past security on the gate, as I am not a guest. I know this was true when I stayed at "Dixey Landings", back in '98..

Also if I have time, I would love to get a quick look at the other DVC resorts also...

Obviously I don't need to see in the rooms as there are many pictures available on-line, but you can't beat seeing a resort with your own eyes, to know if you will love it or not!

Hope somone can shed some light on whether this is possible or not..

Hazel

 

[salmoneous]

Anyone can pull up to the gate at AKL and tell the guard they just want to look around. They will look at your license (why? nobody knows) then give you a three hour parking pass.

I know some people are nervous that they won't be allowed in. If, even after reading this, you are still a bit nervous, book yourself a meal at Boma. It isn't necessary, but it should put your mind at ease if you don't trust us. Besides, meals at Boma can be darn tasty.

 

[Littlegem]

Thankyou Salmoneous...


That has made me feel a whole lot better, as its a big commitment to buy into DVC without actually having visited the place you will call home..

I may still take up your recommendation of having a meal there though..

I love good food & good company..

Hazel

 

[castleri]

Just take one of the buses to the resort you want to visit from one of the parks or DTD. You can also arrange a tour at any of the kiosks and they will transport you to SSR. You can actually walk from DTD to SSR if you wish to really get a feel for that resort. You can also just drive up as salmoneus said and ask for a short term parking pass so you can take a look around.

 

[Littlegem]

Thankyou Castleri..

I like the idea of walking over to SSR from DTD...

Thats the sort of thing I need to do, to see how it would work in practice if we were staying there...

BTW Is there a time limit on parking in DTD's parking lots?? I wouldn't want to feel rushed as we looked round..

I am not intending to spend much time in the parks themselves on this visit so probably wouldn't get the chance to use the bus to get there..

I always have a hire car anyway, due to the amount of stuff we carry for Travis..

Would I also be able to walk into BWV or BCV area for a look at the same time do you think??

 

[castleri]

If you do go to EPCOT you can walk out from the international gateway by England and walk over to the BW and BCV. I would imagine you could get a short term parking permit at the BW also if you told them you wanted to walk around the resort and maybe stop at one of the restaurants to eat.

 

[Littlegem]

I must admit I was a little unsure of the exact location of some of the DVC resorts...

So that must be why BWV are so popular during the Food & Wine festival..

I am still learning...!


Thanks

 

[JudyS]

The last time I was at SSR, they had models set up that you could tour. I'm not sure if this is still true, but someone here would probably know.

...BTW Is there a time limit on parking in DTD's parking lots?? I wouldn't want to feel rushed as we looked round...

Parking is free at Disneyworld's Downtown Disney area. It's not metered or anything and there is no gate when you drive in. I don't know what would happen if a car were left there overnight, but parts of Downtown Disney are open until 2 am, so parking until then shouldn't be a problem.

I actually find it a bit far to walk from Downtown Disney to Saratoga Springs in the blazing Florida sun, so I usually take Disney transportation when I visit resorts.

 

[OlderMan]

FYI...

SSR sales office had models of both SSR and AKV when we were there in July.

I assume it's still the same..

 

[Littlegem]

Thanks JudyS & Olderman..

I beleive you are correct about the model rooms for AKV being at SSR resort, but I want to see the resort its self so I can see the location, facilities & get a feel for it, as I have never stayed at AKL or indeed any of the WDW resorts except Dixey Landings..

Thanks for the tip about the Parking at DTD as I will try to walk over to SSR & see how easy/difficult it is, with TJ's Wheelchair..

Hazel

 

[dwelty]

Hazel, If you are considering purchasing DVC, now is the time. The dollar is weak right now compared to the British pound (As you already know) Since interest rates are creeping up in the US, this could change things in the future.
The current exchange rate cannot be beat! Good luck.

 

[Donald is #1]

OK, just to add my 2 cents....

1) definitely stop by AKL/AKV to look around, it will give you a feel for the resort

2) As other posters have mentioned, once you get to WDW, just go to any DVC kiosk and they can set up a tour for you. Sicne you will have your own car, you could either walk over to SSR or I would drive over so that you can drive around the property a little.


Good luck with your decision!

 

[Littlegem]

Thanks for the good wishes dwelty & Donald is #1...

I really can't wait for October to arrive, so I can get my site Visit & hopefully purchase underway..

Have a good Disney day

Hazel