First DVC stay- Recommendations

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Still wishful thinking as contract is in ROFR but starting to plan for May trip as DVC members-

What are some things you recommend trying as DVC members??

Im thinking

-Sunrise Safari (since staying at AKV)

-Welcome Home Wednesdays (is this worth the time? )

-Trip to TOTWL for a drink and appetizer (ok to bring the kids?)

Am i missing anything? Wont necessarily do all on first trip since we want to enjoy the resort more than we've been able in the past

 

[chalee94]

-Sunrise Safari (since staying at AKV)

this is only available if you are staying club level. but from what i've heard, worth it if you haven't done it before.

i enjoyed the sunset safari a few years back, which is available to anyone staying at AKV (but it is a little pricey).

-Welcome Home Wednesdays (is this worth the time? )

if you're bored and want some free DVC swag (hats, stickers), sure - but not a must-do.

-Trip to TOTWL for a drink and appetizer (ok to bring the kids?)

it's a nice option for fireworks. sure, take the kids.

Am i missing anything? Wont necessarily do all on first trip since we want to enjoy the resort more than we've been able in the past

definitely hang out at AKV a bit - do the night vision goggles, "culinary tour", firepit story-telling and such...it's a great resort.

 

[RSWA2]

I believe both Jambo and Kidani village have a zero entry pool, which is usually pretty neat and helpful for kids who aren't that sure of themselves around a pool.

Looks like you're going in May? When I last went in December, DVC members had a Sundown Mingle held on the 2 balconies at Jambo, I think it was on a Monday or a Wednesday in the evening between 5-6pm. Some light snacks, drinks (including an alcoholic punch) and the basic DVC games (trivial, meeting someone new). I'm not sure of the schedule of this but it's worth checking out.

 

[AirGoofy]

Still wishful thinking as contract is in ROFR but starting to plan for May trip as DVC members-

What are some things you recommend trying as DVC members??

Im thinking

-Sunrise Safari (since staying at AKV)

-Welcome Home Wednesdays (is this worth the time? )

-Trip to TOTWL for a drink and appetizer (ok to bring the kids?)

Am i missing anything? Wont necessarily do all on first trip since we want to enjoy the resort more than we've been able in the past

AKV may have changed the Sunrise Safari to certain DVC guest only. Also, BLT has restricted its usage to TOTWL to just DVC members staying at BLT in the past. Currently, it is open to all DVC members, staying on property on points.

I enjoy WHW. It is one hour long, free cracker jacks, lemonade, and a hat at the end. If you or your children get included in any games, then you get a Disney pin. We have done it most every trip. It's not the best thing in the world, but still fun. DW won a gift certificate one year and she used it for a free t-shirt.

As for TOTWL at BLT, we make it a point to go up there if we have the opportunity. In April and then planned for October, we are going to have dinner elsewhere and then go up for a drink. Yes, children are welcome both in the lounge and on the terrace. Personally, I like outside on the terrace better. The food service has been terribly slow there each time.

The only other suggestion I could offer is to enjoy the resort. Before DVC, we stayed on property and went to the parks everyday. There is so much fun at all the DVC resorts to enjoy - pool games, community hall, outdoor movies, dining, etc. Now, we do parks every other day.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Still wishful thinking as contract is in ROFR but starting to plan for May trip as DVC members-

What are some things you recommend trying as DVC members??

Im thinking

-Sunrise Safari (since staying at AKV)

-Welcome Home Wednesdays (is this worth the time? )

-Trip to TOTWL for a drink and appetizer (ok to bring the kids?)

Am i missing anything? Wont necessarily do all on first trip since we want to enjoy the resort more than we've been able in the past

First of all, welcome home (hopefully!). Since you are planning on staying at AKV, I would suggest Kidani. Your kids will love the pool and splash area.

TOTWL is nice, but most 8yo and all 5yo would be challenged to see over the wall. May not be worth the time on this visit. Save it for a trip when you are staying at BLT or a monorail resort.

The kids may be bored with WHW. It is fun, but corny. The kids would have more fun spending the hour in the butterfly tent at Epcot F&G.

Don't forget that AKV has Simba's Clubhouse for child care services. My son really enjoyed the hour that he spent there during one of the Sundown Mingles (which I think no longer are occurring). It may be a nice option if you and you spouse want and adult evening at Jiko or Sanaa.

Definitely try Sanaa. Wonderful food, service and setting.

The Sunrise Safari is awesome! They have extended it to non-concierge guests during part of this year, but I suppose that could change. If AKV is you home resort, you will definitely want to do a CL stay to try the Safari.

Your kids would probably enjoy the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise. It leaves from the Contemporary, and there is a short snack session before the cruise with an opportunity to do photos with Capt. Hook and Smee. Peter Pan is there for photos after the cruise.

Have a great trip!

 

[com_op_2000]

Some options of other things to think about trying at some point, depending upon what you and the kids are into:
sports: golf, mini-golf, fishing, RPDE, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DTD, area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area, EPCOT drinking around the world
movies: DTD 24 screen theater some with meals served by waiters
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour

 

[jerseygal]

My ABSOLUTE fav at WDW are the water parks!

Our kids have always had a blast and we love them too! First "non summer" trip this December that we will not be doing the water parks! A little sad, but can't wait to see WDW during the Holiday Season for the first time!

Don't forget about night vision goggles to see the animals in the evening!

We are spending 2 nights at Jambo(AKV is our home), then 2 nights, first time at VGF! CAN'T WAIT!

WELCOME HOME! We stayed at Kidani also on our first WDW trip as members, summer of 2010! GREAT; ENJOY

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Such good tips!

We totally forgot about the water parks! I think we are going to get the APs that include those so we will try them out in May

SO many things to look forward to with DVC- just blessed. Hope the kids enjoy it as much as we will and also hope they appreciate being able to go to WDW as much as they have and will be able to.

Thank you all for your advice! It absolutely helps

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

FYI - it's starting to come out that the Sunrise Safari is being discontinued at the end of Dec this year.