Help... Can't Decide Between AKL/OKW

[DISNUT21]

This morning, my younger brother called me as we are going on a grand gatherings vacation for my mothers 50th birthday, and asked if maybe we should get 2 2bedroom villas at OKW ($9000 for the stay). Instead of staying at the AKL where we are currently booked in 2 savannah view rooms ($4000 for the stay). He said he is only worried about staying at the AKL because of the construction and the small room size. My response to his was that I checked it out here at the dis and also posted questions on the boards about the construction and everyone said it doesn't affect you. But, he doesn't seem amused. I don't know what to do... help? Is their another option available to us... and another question I had was... I recently graduated from U Miami, and was wondering if I would qualify for the Fl. Res. Rate being that I have an ID and all, and if so how many rooms could I reserve? Thanks again for all of your help!
Anthony

 

[kerri0616]

While I can't help you with your FL resident question (I suggest you call WDW travel right away...there are some decent codes out there for you!!) I have stayed at both resorts.

For the huge difference in price, I would choose AKL Savannah. It is a truly unique resort and from the reports I've read, the construction going on does not seem to be affecting the comfort or convenience of its guests. True, it does feel a bit removed from 3 of the theme parks, but just take the longer bus rides in stride. Heck, nothing is that far away from anything else, and you can always choose to drive if you have your own vehicle.

The size of the OKW 2 bedroom units is amazing, I admit. OKW has more of a confo feel, in my opinion. It is lovely and tropical and feels a million miles away from the parks. But I've never seen anything else like AKL. There aren't any codes available for us at AKL this year, so we've happily chosen POFQ.

Just my 2 cents.

KJ

 

[ruzer28]

Gosh, for $5k, I'd deal with the smaller room at AKL. Is that rack rate for OKW? If so, have you looked into renting points for OKW from a DVC member? If price were not an factor, I'd absolutely go with OKW, but for that kind of price difference, no way.

 

[geokeim]

I would rather stay in a broom closet @ AKL than spend an additional 5 grand!
The place is awesome.
And yes, I believe that you would qualify as a Florida resident.

 

[spiceycat]

you can stay at AKL in the AKV in a 2-bedroom.

just don't go through CRO or a travel agent.

use a DVC member to rent you a reservation.

dvc units are available at
AKV
BCV
BWV
OKW
SSR

and soon (hoping) at CR - as BLT!!!

OKW has the biggest rooms - but AKV is much prettier - the interior space is better than AKL rooms. no picture does it justice!

 

[spiceycat]

forgot renting from a DVC member - you don't get housekeeping.

also you only want to rent Sun-thurs (fri/sat are more points).

you need a AKV owner if you staying past Nov, 2008.

otherwise any member with enough points would do.

 

[DISNUT21]

Thank you guys for all your help!... I'll call CRO to check out the florida resident rates... and I'll keep you updated... question spicey cat... is there any way you might be able to check availability online for DVC resorts and how many points it would cost via a member? This way I could look at all my options before making a decision. And, if there is no DVC member availability it will be even better because now I know to go onto plan 2. Thanks again!

and p.s. I would rather stay in a broom closet at AKL too... but these are the hassles you deal with when planning a family gathering. Ruzer28 and geokeim