Future concerns about AKL... nothing to do with construction or closure

[Irishhockey]

I know AKL has been a huge topic of discussion recently with the DVC conversions that led to resort transfers and construction. My concerns don't really have to do with either... but rather what the resort will be like when this is all done.

My boyfriend's ideal resort right now is the AKL. I've stayed there before, pool view, and found the resort to be "ok" but not really worth the price. Even with that being said though, I was thinking of maybe surprising him one day with a trip to that resort. (oh the things we do for the people we love )

All of the reviews I've read claim that the higher rooms provide you with the best view of the "savanah" and how lower floor rooms are not exactly worth the price considering the obstructed views you may recieve. Now I know it's a mixed lot, and I'm sure people have had the opposite experience of what I just described. I remember having a higher floor room when we stayed and how much more amazing the pool area really looked. We could even see a few giraffes off in the distance.

Taking into consideration that DVC will be occupying the top two floors, and maybe even the top three in areas... would a savanah view room really be worth it? All I can think about is being placed on a room close to ground level and smelling this awful smell from the animals/waste and having barely any view out into the savanah due to tree trunks or brush and animals not really interested in "getting close" to the building

So I guess my question is...
Do you think DVC will infact bring "down" the quality of these resort rooms or am I just overthinking all of this?

I'd really like to surprise him with this (not for another year or two)... but am very hesitant now

 

[elijahpep]

Well, AK DVC 1 bedroom villas, for example, will have 2 full baths (the master having a jucuzi tub), a beautiful kitchen, flat screen tvs with dvd players, sleep 5 (which includes the king size bed) and a washer and dryer to boot. The DVC building at AK will have its own best new designed theme pool(in addition to the other one that exsists now) with easy access from the DVC units for members and a new quiet pool. I hope these accomendations at DVC's Animal Kingdom Villas will not bring "down" the standards of what any one would expect from the old AK lodge standards.

~DW

 

[dawgsgirl]

I believe she was asking about the regular rooms for regular people, not the DVC part. I think she brought up a very valid point for guests wanting to stay at AKL in the future.

 

[Starr W.]

Timeshares are becoming the "in" investment for hotel companies. I saw the CEO of Wyndham hotels on a CNBC show and the margins they talked about for the timeshare division was quite a bit higher than the hotel division. After Disney's last quarterly report, DVC is a big growth division for the company(they are even talking about trying off site locations again).

Problem is AKL was simple built too big, when I can get a savannah view room 6 weeks out from Xmas or Easter something has to give. If it was booked at Disney's required capacity figure, DVC would just be the new Kidani building. I know the sales figures so far have been far about DVC's projection(people are already on waiting lists for certain Use Years.)

 

[EEyorelover22]

We were on the second floor once and it was nice and we could see the animals better. There was no smell either.

 

[Irishhockey]

Please understand that I personally see nothing wrong Disney capitalizing on DVC and this addition to the resort... BUT at what cost?

Personally, we're not fans of the villa aspects, and I know we're not the only family out there who feels this way. I don't need a full kitchen or sitting area, and as nice as the studios are... if your more then a family a two, someones sleeping on the pull out. The same can be said for the 1-bedroom villas. We're interested in buying into DVC, but financially not anytime soon and we're also weighing the advantages and price.

So because my only option is resort rooms or because someone prefers a room with 2 queen beds or a set of bunk beds for the little ones, our room locations are limited, and if my readings were true, they'll be "bottom of the barrel" quality?

I understand that DVC members pay a nice premium for those villas and I also understand the growing demand for timeshares in the area and it makes sense for Disney to capitalize. As I said, I guess I'm just "scared" of what this ultimately means for future general resort guests.

 

[QueenGoblin]

If it makes you feel better I've heard a lot of people say they like the lower floors better because you get a more up close and personal view of the animals. So I think it can be personal preference.

I understand what you are saying though. Hopefully the suits making the decisions will find a good balance that leaves lots of options for everyone.

 

[mprewitt]

I believe she was asking about the regular rooms for regular people, not the DVC part. I think she brought up a very valid point for guests wanting to stay at AKL in the future.

Don't forget that "regular people" who are not DVC members can still rent out DVC villas. So if you want a SV on an upper floor, go for it.

DVC rooms exists at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk and now Animal Kingdom. I don't think the existence of DVC villas at the first three resorts have in any way negatively impacted them.

Disney has recognized that some people want to visit WDW at least once a year, and by pre-paying their vacations by becoming DVC members, they can lock in a low rate for a great room.

 

[Starr W.]

Don't forget that "regular people" who are not DVC members can still rent out DVC villas. So if you want a SV on an upper floor, go for it.

DVC rooms exists at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk and now Animal Kingdom. I don't think the existence of DVC villas at the first three resorts have in any way negatively impacted them.

Disney has recognized that some people want to visit WDW at least once a year, and by pre-paying their vacations by becoming DVC members, they can lock in a low rate for a great room.

Don't know about you mprewitt, but I would consider most of the DVC'ers I have met as "regular" people. Ran into some really funny OKW owners at SSR (they have stayed everywhere but OKW, even at Thanksgiving).

I haven't seen the AKV models, but the advantage of sleeping 5 in a 1br room(with a second bath) even raised DH's eyebrow(conserve points, even if it's at AKV). We're 2br villa types(boys have to have seperate beds, or I need a RX for Valium to get through the vacation )

 

[Irishhockey]

Don't forget that "regular people" who are not DVC members can still rent out DVC villas. So if you want a SV on an upper floor, go for it.

DVC rooms exists at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk and now Animal Kingdom. I don't think the existence of DVC villas at the first three resorts have in any way negatively impacted them.

Disney has recognized that some people want to visit WDW at least once a year, and by pre-paying their vacations by becoming DVC members, they can lock in a low rate for a great room.

Just to make an anaology...
What if the majority of floors with lake views at the BC were coverted to DVCs? What if 2 or 3 floors were converted at the BWI overlooking the boardwalk? The other DVCs have an advantage... seperate wings... which I think makes a world of a difference. This is the first DVC that mixes villas with regular rooms in one, sole, actual resort building. Interesting idea, but I'm curious to how Disney will blend the two.

Again.. I completely understand everyones points and comments and I thank you for taking the time to post! I'm glad to here that some lower floor locations aren't as bad as they seem!

I did infact look into the idea of actually paying rack rate for the villas... but have been unable to find how much it would actually be. Also, thats "if" any were available... with the hype and popularity of this resort... I may not even have the option due to DVC member reservations.

I guess we will all just have to wait and see!

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure I'm understanding your concern. The lower floors rooms will not be changing -- the quality and the view will be the same after the new construction as they are today. What will change is that you won't be booking regular size hotel rooms on the upper levels -- they will be studio size or larger. To a non-DVC member booking directly with Disney, it's just another (more luxurious) size of room. It will actually enhance the options at AKL for all Disney guests.

 

[Irishhockey]

My concern is...
I was under the assumption that the best "rooms for the price" were on the higher floors of the resort that overlook the savana. Those rooms will now be unavailable who can't afford or who are not interested in the villas.

Yes... those lower floor rooms will be the same rooms that currently stand, but as I said, I was under the assumption that those lower floor rooms were considered to have a poorer view then the higher floors. In the "past" you'd be able to ask for a 5th or 6th floor room upon check-in if you had view concerns. That's no longer a possibility as the bottom two floors will only be available.

Do I personally think theres a big room difference between floor 1 and 2? Of course not.. thats foolish. But of floor 1 and 4? Yes...

Will all of this hinder someones expereince at this resort? And what about DVC members.. if the lower floor rooms do offer more "up close and personal" images... whouldn't a villa-goer be interested in that experience as well, or at least have the option?

If a top floor room at the AKL is the "best" viewing point... Disney was smart to put the premium on it for non-DVC members... and add a little "perk" to owners.

EDITED TO ADD:
If a stanard savanah room at AKL was in fact the same price of a studio savanah room at AKL... then I see no issue with the exception to the sleeping arrangements. As Pam said, its nicer room, more spacious, new deocor, etc. But if it's more (what you see at the WL and WLV) I would be a little disapointed.

 

[Sammie]

Even though we are DVC members; I think what Disney is doing is wrong, soon it won't be Disney World it will be Disney Vacation Club World.

I am afraid AKL is just the beginning.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I'm a bit confused by this post I must confess.

I thought the DVC rooms were only on the upper floors of the main lodge.

I did NOT think they affected the upper floors of the 'trail wing' rooms.

Did I misunderstand?

Knox

 

[spiceycat]

My concern is...
I was under the assumption that the best "rooms for the price" were on the higher floors of the resort that overlook the savana. Those rooms will now be unavailable who can't afford or who are not interested in the villas.

I think you need to read the AKL guides.

unless you want concierge - the best rooms for the animals are on 4 and 3, might even be 2.

you are directly across from the animals on 2. not up looking down.

5 & 6 are above - not on level with the animals - so they are distance.

now 1 will be a problem - but it is now.

if AKL stayed full - then it would never (at this time) become part of DVC. Disney hates to discount their premium hotels to fill the rooms - especially during busy times - summer, spring break, etc.

sometimes you got to wonder why the disney management even build it. Now if it was attached to the AK and guests could walk over - then it would be different. but you can't. It is far enough from the MK for the bus ride to be long.

the MK is still the big draw. AK is not.

Now you are really going to be upset - rumor may have the new building coming up next to the CR as a DVC, too - maybe. Now if DVC does the excellent job on it that they have done on the others. Well it will probably be the best building on Disney property.

the first studio at OKW have 2 queen beds - these were not popular with DVC members so they went to queen bed and double bed - more for the couples and solos than the families.

and if you really want to stay up high at AKL - then just rent some points from a DVC member.

 

[drew64]

I have stayed at AKL several times and the views from the top two floors were not great. Too far to really feel close to the animals and see up close. Best views are 2nd and 3rd floor.

 

[disneynutz]

I think that you will find good views on all floors. Remember what I consider good, you may hate. AKL has never had as good of numbers as the other resorts. Turning Jambo House into a mixed use resort was a given. Now with all of the AKV sales Disney is making some good money on the property. If they weren't, they wouldn't be pushing the AKV construction schedule up. DVC tries to fund their construction from their sales. Saratoga Springs was paid off before construction started on the last units.

 

[Irishhockey]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions...

Canadian Guy... from the DVC brochure I recieved the map indicated that all areas/wings in the resort are coverting. Now whether or not that means every higher floor room in these sections.

Apparently what I was reading heavily favored the idea of higher floor rooms for the fact of seeing more of animals. If floors two and three are the best, I might just take my chances! As I said, I understand the supply and demand of DVC rooms and can understand the idea of blending... but I guess I wonder if Disney may have rushed this one?

Depending on how CRV turns out, that would be our DVC resort of choice to finally buy into and I can't imagine how that would make us upset either? Even if we didn't buy in, we would still have those CR breathtaking MK view rooms to ease the pain. I don't see any issue with the new villa tower with exception to how it's not exactly as complimenting to CR as the other DVC wings and their resort... but I'm excited to see the final product and decor of the villas.

 

[SharonLowe]

My concern is...
I was under the assumption that the best "rooms for the price" were on the higher floors of the resort that overlook the savana. Those rooms will now be unavailable who can't afford or who are not interested in the villas.

Yes... those lower floor rooms will be the same rooms that currently stand, but as I said, I was under the assumption that those lower floor rooms were considered to have a poorer view then the higher floors. In the "past" you'd be able to ask for a 5th or 6th floor room upon check-in if you had view concerns. That's no longer a possibility as the bottom two floors will only be available.

Do I personally think theres a big room difference between floor 1 and 2? Of course not.. thats foolish. But of floor 1 and 4? Yes...

Will all of this hinder someones expereince at this resort? And what about DVC members.. if the lower floor rooms do offer more "up close and personal" images... whouldn't a villa-goer be interested in that experience as well, or at least have the option?

If a top floor room at the AKL is the "best" viewing point... Disney was smart to put the premium on it for non-DVC members... and add a little "perk" to owners.

EDITED TO ADD:
If a stanard savanah room at AKL was in fact the same price of a studio savanah room at AKL... then I see no issue with the exception to the sleeping arrangements. As Pam said, its nicer room, more spacious, new deocor, etc. But if it's more (what you see at the WL and WLV) I would be a little disapointed.

Actually, the 6th floor was concierge rooms only and their views are not very good - their savanna views are obstructed and the pool views aren't that great either. The 5th floor was a mix of concierge and non-concierge deluxe rooms - they were larger and could sleep 5 but the views weren't better and in fact in some cases were much worse than lower floors. For the best views of animals, you actually want to be on floors 4 and lower.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I think a high floor on sunset savanna would be okay as the animals seem to come up closer and I suppose it depends on where the higher floor is. We were on 4th floor on sunset and it was good. All the other times we have been on 2nd or 3rd.

I didn't know numbers weren't good at AKL. We must just always go at a busy time.