greenban EXCLUSIVE: AKL DETAILS

[Disney1fan2002]

The Guides would probably argue that it's even more strange to see people falling all over themselves for information.

I don't say that to insult anyone but if you step back and look at the situation, it's pretty easy to see the humor. They aren't going to start taking reservations for over 2 months so there's no functional need to be on the phone today or Thursday or anytime in the next 8 weeks. DVC isn't going to run out of points.

I am antsy because Tony mentioned a "surprise" at the 150 point level, that may only be available to the first 200 or so purchases. He won't even tell us what it is, until he is sure to get one! LOL So, I don't want to miss out on that, is all.

Not to mention, I am probably one of the THE most impatient persons in the world, and when you tell me I have to wait, it makes the wait all that much more excruciating.

 

[BCV23]

I don't say that to insult anyone but if you step back and look at the situation, it's pretty easy to see the humor. They aren't going to start taking reservations for over 2 months so there's no functional need to be on the phone today or Thursday or anytime in the next 8 weeks. DVC isn't going to run out of points.

But someone will end up with a contract with the number 00001.

We have a rather low one for BCV (not single digits though) and it is always fun for me to see it and remember our excitement the morning sales opened up for BCV and we were awaiting the call from our guide.

 

[spiceycat]

are the value rooms in the Lodge or the new DVC building (so we have to wait).

or both?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Alright everybody, don't get so excited about Tony's mysterious surprise...I'm thinking it's probably a free African Bullfrog to the first 100 members that add-on AKV points!

 

[BCV23]

Oh, and as to concierge, I am curious to see what happens there.

I don't think it would be available in its present form to all 142 units (is that the right number?) in the mainlodge. There is no way that lounge could serve that many people. Will it be an addon for 5th and 6th floor units as it currently is for 5th floor rooms. Or will it be more limited in scope? Perhaps no food and beverage served but just access to the lounge and IPO as well as the safaris?

I do think the points for a studio conceierge level in low season is a steal if accurate and if the concierge includes everything it does now. I would not be surprised if that changed.

Oh, and how about room service? Did Deep Croak address that, Tony? I would expect it to be available to units in the main lodge but how about in the seperate structure?

 

[spiceycat]

if people can stay in a value - then it is a great deal even for the weekends - OKW studio is 20 points on the weekends value season - if this one is really 16 points - that is a deal.

 

[Connor' Dad]

Just got off the phone with my guide and I know what the mystery incentive is. As we are not adding on 150 points (just two 50pters to get the $8 discount) I will disclose what it is:

The first 150 members will be refered to as founding members and will have their names in a large tapestry that will be displayed in the lodge. My guide also said that some sort of replica will be given to each Founding Member for their home, but she was unsure if it would be a photograph of the tapestry, a glcee or a smaller tapestry. It sounded neat, but not neat enough for us to up our purchase another 50 points. But upon our first visit I am have a feeling that I will regret not buying the additional 50.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

So say the points chart Tony posted are correct. (I am a bit confused on the value/peak seasons, since DVC has 4 season to choose from).

Anway, I want a 2 bedroom at club level peak season. Total points for 7 nights is 543 points. OUCH. If I purchased 150 points (pretty much what we can afford) 300% would not even cover the week.

So, here is my question, I know I high-balled the example, I don't need club, and probably won't be going at peak time, but I do want a savanah view. Since the weekend points are so high, I am thinking I can use my AKL point for Sun-Thurs, and then wait for the 7 month window to use OKW or BCV points to book the Fri-Sat. Do you think there will be weekend availablility at the 7 month window?

Just passing the time fantasizing, is all.

 

[spiceycat]

yes weekends should be availability at 7 months at most places.

but remember peak season is Palm week, Easter week, Christmas to NY - that is all.

I don't think many DVC members go to WDW in peak season - it is just too plain crowded.

unless you go like Granny did - knowing the parks would be crowded. So they just enjoyed being at WDW - not necessary in the parks.

DVC has 6 season
adventure (value), Choice, dream, magic, premier (peak)

 

[Disney1fan2002]

My guide just called, and she can't tell me anything until Thursday.

She told me something interesting, I read her Connor Dad's post about the tapestry. She said the guide who told him about it will be in trouble. Marketing really reads these boards and others, and they can figure out who Connor dad is, and find out his guide.

Points info will be posted on DVCmember.com Thursday morning.

 

[spiceycat]

That's all true, but the distinction I'm seeing is that this is the first resort amenity on which limitations are being placed while it is funded by the whole.

the GV - I will never stay in a GV - but at OKW they are the reason we are paying so much in maintence fees.....

and yes that hurts - but you play by Disney rules.

 

[CarolA]

The Guides would probably argue that it's even more strange to see people falling all over themselves for information.

I don't say that to insult anyone but if you step back and look at the situation, it's pretty easy to see the humor. They aren't going to start taking reservations for over 2 months so there's no functional need to be on the phone today or Thursday or anytime in the next 8 weeks. DVC isn't going to run out of points.

If I was a guide (AKA salesperson) this would be my dream come true. Customers fighting to spend money LOL!

Now, I have LOST my guide's phone number..... (Anyone got Roland's number?) EDIT: I found it. I am going to call and confess my DIS board addiction today and make sure I am on the list LOL!

 

[pilferk]

I think the bigger risk re: savannah views is at concierge level. If I remember correctly from posts I've read on the Resorts board, if you stay concierge level at AKL you are not guaranteed a savannah view -- you could get a pool view room. (I hope someone will correct me on this if I am wrong here.) So I'm wondering if the same issue will carry over to AKV's concierge level?

Correct. You can request it, but...well...I'd be shocked if everyone staying concierge, now, doesn't make that request. When you book concierge, right now, you are not gaurenteed a specific view. Could be pool, could be savannah.

 

[pilferk]

So say the points chart Tony posted are correct. (I am a bit confused on the value/peak seasons, since DVC has 4 season to choose from).

Anway, I want a 2 bedroom at club level peak season. Total points for 7 nights is 543 points. OUCH. If I purchased 150 points (pretty much what we can afford) 300% would not even cover the week.

So, here is my question, I know I high-balled the example, I don't need club, and probably won't be going at peak time, but I do want a savanah view. Since the weekend points are so high, I am thinking I can use my AKL point for Sun-Thurs, and then wait for the 7 month window to use OKW or BCV points to book the Fri-Sat. Do you think there will be weekend availablility at the 7 month window?

Just passing the time fantasizing, is all.

I'm doing our breakdown now (though I've got to wait until the points go on sale to Joe Public) for the number of points we'll need.

We'll be driving down from CT, so we'll book our stays Saturday to Friday (so only one weekend night...Sat since we'll check out Friday AM for the drive back). We typically stay in one of the first 2 "seasons" (adventure or choice), and we need a 1BR (there's 5 of us...2 adults, 3 kids). I want enough points to cover Savannah view, so...we're figuring between 155 and 162 points for our trips. We're going to buy 175 pts...which allows us to bank between 13 and 20 points at a clip...and that translates into a Club level stay every other year (182 to 194 points), by varying the season we stay.

I don't think thats too shabby!

 

[Dean]

That's all true, but the distinction I'm seeing is that this is the first resort amenity on which limitations are being placed while it is funded by the whole.

No, not everyone will CHOOSE to use the pool or bus transportation or valet parking, but in all of those cases it's a choice. In all of these cases, the amenity is still accessible to all guests regardless of what class room they decided to reserve.

But if access to the concierge lounge and CMs is limited to just the people booking these "Club" class rooms, that's an amenity funded by all members to which access is restricted. I can't think of a similar situation in the DVC world. Perhaps this is commonplace in other timeshares and I'm making too big a deal of it. Speaking as someone who is considering adding a few points at AKV, it's a little offputting to know that the concierge services would be funded by my dues, yet I would have no real intention of ever using it myself.

I guess we just have a fundamentally different way of looking at it. If one is using more points for that option and paying the fees on that option, they are paying for it in my book. Else one could say the same about a 1 BR compared to a studio or even BWV BW view compared to other views. They will sell more points overall at that resort. I guess one would argue the other direction for non AKV points but I doubt that'll be much of an issue since I doubt this room type will be available to non owners very often.

Of course we don't have all the details yet, there may actually be a cash charge in addition.

 

[Dean]

I called my guide at 8:50am. Knowing she wouldn't be in until 9AM, I wanted to leave a voice mail as early as possible. Waiting for her to call back.

Anyone else think it is strange that the guides will not be allowed to give out info until the day they are allowed to sell?

Legally they cannot discuss it until it's officially registered with the state which usually involves a start date as well in this case 1 Feb.

Funny all this hype and some felt it will be a flop. It took months to get this much energy and discussion about SSR.

Pat, there are 5 DVC seasons, not 6, I'm sure you had a typo.

 

[tomandrobin]

The first 150 members will be refered to as founding members and will have their names in a large tapestry that will be displayed in the lodge. My guide also said that some sort of replica will be given to each Founding Member for their home, but she was unsure if it would be a photograph of the tapestry, a glcee or a smaller tapestry. It sounded neat, but not neat enough for us to up our purchase another 50 points. But upon our first visit I am have a feeling that I will regret not buying the additional 50.

I wonder how many are already "pre-reserved" of the 150 are already sold or been committed to members?

 

[spiceycat]

I wonder how many are already "pre-reserved" of the 150 are already sold or been committed to members?

it is one thing to reserve it and another to have the deposit paid - doesn't count til DVC receives the money.

and I don't think they can take any money until Feb 1?

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I wonder how many are already "pre-reserved" of the 150 are already sold or been committed to members?

I don't think any points have been "commited" to members. I am sure it will be FCFS. I did tell my guide I was interested in being a "Founding member" and she promised I would be one of the 1st people she call on Thursday AM.

 

[Tinker74]

So are we getting all the info on this on Thursday? ..Exciting ...we love AKL.