Home resort face-off: AKV (Jambo) vs CCV

[DisneyStarWisher]

We have a 100-point contract at AKV. We love it and always stay at Jambo. I'm not a big fan of Kidani. We have found that if we want to stay at Jambo, we need to own AKV. We mainly stay in studios. But we have discovered that we may love Wilderness Lodge even better. We have stayed in studios at both CCV and BRV. We found we like the rooms at BRV better. CCV was too small. Sometimes we wish we had divided our AKV contract into two smaller contracts so we could sell off part of it to add on at BRV. We have no desire to add more points. Not sure if you have smaller AKV contracts which would make it possible to sell some of your points and purchase CCV. If I ever did decide to add on CCV, I would definitely buy a fixed week.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

We have a 100-point contract at AKV. We love it and always stay at Jambo. I'm not a big fan of Kidani. We have found that if we want to stay at Jambo, we need to own AKV. We mainly stay in studios. But we have discovered that we may love Wilderness Lodge even better. We have stayed in studios at both CCV and BRV. We found we like the rooms at BRV better. CCV was too small. Sometimes we wish we had divided our AKV contract into two smaller contracts so we could sell off part of it to add on at BRV. We have no desire to add more points. Not sure if you have smaller AKV contracts which would make it possible to sell some of your points and purchase CCV. If I ever did decide to add on CCV, I would definitely buy a fixed week.

This is very helpful! I totally agree that staying at Jambo requires owning there... which is why I’m afraid to sell. We own 200 AKV points- and sadly, it’s all in one contract. I probably need to stay at both BRV and CCV to really compare. I just feel like CCV would give me the same happy feels that Jambo does. So, it’s interesting to hear another Jambo-lover prefer BRV.

Many people have mentioned the small rooms at CCV- how do the studios compare to BLT (which I think are the smallest)?

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

This is very helpful! I totally agree that staying at Jambo requires owning there... which is why I’m afraid to sell. We own 200 AKV points- and sadly, it’s all in one contract. I probably need to stay at both BRV and CCV to really compare. I just feel like CCV would give me the same happy feels that Jambo does. ☺ So, it’s interesting to hear another Jambo-lover prefer BRV.

Many people have mentioned the small rooms at CCV- how do the studios compare to BLT (which I think are the smallest)?

We have stayed in a BLT studio which is also small. I think they are about the same size, give or take a couple of square feet.

I know it's weird that we like Jambo House and not Kidani, but also prefer BRV over CCV. I think if Kidani was closer to Jambo like BRV is to Wilderness Lodge, we would like it better.

You definitely need to consider the expiration date of BRV compared to CCV. I'll be 86 when AKV expires so the later CCV expiration doesn't interest me.

 

[wvujeb]

This is very helpful! I totally agree that staying at Jambo requires owning there... which is why I’m afraid to sell. We own 200 AKV points- and sadly, it’s all in one contract. I probably need to stay at both BRV and CCV to really compare. I just feel like CCV would give me the same happy feels that Jambo does. ☺ So, it’s interesting to hear another Jambo-lover prefer BRV.

Many people have mentioned the small rooms at CCV- how do the studios compare to BLT (which I think are the smallest)?

CCV is 338 sq. ft.
BLT is 339 sq. ft.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

CCV is 338 sq. ft.
BLT is 339 sq. ft.

Give or take one square foot.

As far as 1-BRs, I think BLT is quite a bit larger than CCV.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

You definitely need to consider the expiration date of BRV compared to CCV. I'll be 86 when AKV expires so the later CCV expiration doesn't interest me.

Yeah, that’s a pretty serious strike against BRV to me. Also, it seems like you don’t need to own at BRV to stay there like Jambo or CCV. I really don’t think we’d ever buy there- but if I *might* prefer it to CCV, then I’d rather keep my AKV & just use it at BRV when we feel like staying at Wilderness Lodge (& not worry about not getting into CCV).

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Yeah, that’s a pretty serious strike against BRV to me. Also, it seems like you don’t need to own at BRV to stay there like Jambo or CCV. I really don’t think we’d ever buy there- but if I *might* prefer it to CCV, then I’d rather keep my AKV & just use it at BRV when we feel like staying at Wilderness Lodge (& not worry about not getting into CCV).

Actually, sometimes it's hard to get BRV at 7 months out, especially if you are looking at studios. We usually go in the fall and before Christmas, and we really struggle getting just a few days there.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Actually, sometimes it's hard to get BRV at 7 months out, especially if you are looking at studios. We usually go in the fall and before Christmas, and we really struggle getting just a few days there.

Thanks! I honestly haven’t paid as much attention to BRV, but I’m looking at booking a 1 or 2-bedroom there this May, and they are wide open (for months).

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Thanks! I honestly haven’t paid as much attention to BRV, but I’m looking at booking a 1 or 2-bedroom there this May, and they are wide open (for months).

Yes, I would think May would be an easy time to get something, especially larger accommodations. Maybe that should be your strategy for awhile. Try to book BRV (or even CCV for the larger villas) with your AKV points. Then you have the best of both worlds without having to sell and buy again. Instead of selling and buying a BRV contract or adding on points which we don't want to do, we've decided to book AKV values or standards in two reservations at the 11-month mark and then try to move to BRV for the second part of the trip. We are even willing to take CCV if it's available. Even though we aren't crazy about the rooms, it would allow us to stay at Wilderness Lodge which we love. Hopefully, we will get lucky and get a few nights. You might have more luck with when your trips are and the type of rooms you want. Not sure if you are interested in split stays, but I'm just thinking if you couldn't get your whole trip at BRV or CCV, it might be an option. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Lorana]

Is Wilderness Lodge your favorite mainly based on nostalgia? Or can you pinpoint what makes it the best to you?

There are two things that really allow me to "catch my breath" and "recharge my soul," as it were. One is Disney - there's nothing like walking into the park and seeing the Castle in MK or the Tree in AK, and somehow my tensions melt away. The other is "the great outdoors." I love nature. Aside from Disney, our favorite trips have really involved nature (and ruins/castles/old buildings following that). DH and I want to complete our National Parks Passport in our lifetime and visit all the National Parks. We love wildlife, and escaping out into the woods puts me at peace. DH even got me a picture that says "Into the Forest I Go, To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul" that hangs on one side of my desk, with Tinkerbell hanging on the other.

So, yes, there's a Nostalgia factor with the Wilderness Lodge - we honeymooned there - but there's also just that Wow factor of the Lobby (and we were there before the Animal Kingdom Lodge was built), but also just this sense of coming home. It's the perfect blend of Disney and the Great Outdoors, and we just find serenity there.

Aside from that, it's a smaller resort, so it feels more intimate, with wonderful trails out into the woods. I realize the walking trail to FW is closed now, though, and I really hope it opens up. (It was even more perfect when Discovery Island was still open across the way!). Admittedly, the addition of the cabins and other amenities means they've thinned out the woods some and it's not quite as wilderness-y as it once was, but it still has that allure and feel for us. AKV, for all that it sits our sweet spots around African safari theming and animals, utterly lacks in good outdoor space and walking trails, which I could go on a forever rant on how Disney did a disservice by not giving AKV more outdoor walking trails AND A PATH TO ANIMAL KINGDOM. Ahem.

My only gripe with CCV is that the rooms are now more "modern with a hint of wilderness" than they are "wilderness lodge;" I honestly love the hotel side decor better now, with BRV second (if a little outdated and in near of refurb), and CCV last. And while I wish the rooms were larger, they are still perfectly fine (though how I wish CCV had the fifth bedding BRV does).

We love the restaurants -- Artist Point was our favorite as we loved both the Pacific Northwest and "Exotic" Game menu. I have not eaten there since it became a character meal, though, so I imagine we may not have the same feelings now, much as our perspective on Akershus changed (not for the better!) when it became a character meal, too. But we absolutely love Whispering Canyon Cafe -- both for the servers, who make it fun, but also my husband and sons could subside on BBQ food forever. I also really like the family style, honestly.

That boat ride to the MK and back is just our favorite. Sometimes we do it just to ride the boat. And you can still see the Electrical Water Pageant from the lake. We really enjoy having the water views. We really love the theming of the pool, and the creek running through the lodge.

Best of all, if you get stuck in a room at the end of the corridor, it doesn't take you fifteen years to walk to it. ;-) Seriously, I love AKV so much, but we have the worst luck in being stuck near the end of the horseshoe and at the end of the day, I hate that walk with a passion. Walking into my room to see animals makes up for it, but it does make the resort feel so very, very large, even on the smaller Jambo side.

If the Animal Kingdom lodge had a lake and some amazing outdoor walking trails, it might edge out the WL, but it doesn't, so WL edges out. (If WL had animals -- and a lazy river -- it would be perfection!!)

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

There are two things that really allow me to "catch my breath" and "recharge my soul," as it were. One is Disney - there's nothing like walking into the park and seeing the Castle in MK or the Tree in AK, and somehow my tensions melt away. The other is "the great outdoors." I love nature. Aside from Disney, our favorite trips have really involved nature (and ruins/castles/old buildings following that). DH and I want to complete our National Parks Passport in our lifetime and visit all the National Parks. We love wildlife, and escaping out into the woods puts me at peace. DH even got me a picture that says "Into the Forest I Go, To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul" that hangs on one side of my desk, with Tinkerbell hanging on the other.

So, yes, there's a Nostalgia factor with the Wilderness Lodge - we honeymooned there - but there's also just that Wow factor of the Lobby (and we were there before the Animal Kingdom Lodge was built), but also just this sense of coming home. It's the perfect blend of Disney and the Great Outdoors, and we just find serenity there.

Aside from that, it's a smaller resort, so it feels more intimate, with wonderful trails out into the woods. I realize the walking trail to FW is closed now, though, and I really hope it opens up. (It was even more perfect when Discovery Island was still open across the way!). Admittedly, the addition of the cabins and other amenities means they've thinned out the woods some and it's not quite as wilderness-y as it once was, but it still has that allure and feel for us. AKV, for all that it sits our sweet spots around African safari theming and animals, utterly lacks in good outdoor space and walking trails, which I could go on a forever rant on how Disney did a disservice by not giving AKV more outdoor walking trails AND A PATH TO ANIMAL KINGDOM. Ahem.

My only gripe with CCV is that the rooms are now more "modern with a hint of wilderness" than they are "wilderness lodge;" I honestly love the hotel side decor better now, with BRV second (if a little outdated and in near of refurb), and CCV last. And while I wish the rooms were larger, they are still perfectly fine (though how I wish CCV had the fifth bedding BRV does).

We love the restaurants -- Artist Point was our favorite as we loved both the Pacific Northwest and "Exotic" Game menu. I have not eaten there since it became a character meal, though, so I imagine we may not have the same feelings now, much as our perspective on Akershus changed (not for the better!) when it became a character meal, too. But we absolutely love Whispering Canyon Cafe -- both for the servers, who make it fun, but also my husband and sons could subside on BBQ food forever. I also really like the family style, honestly.

That boat ride to the MK and back is just our favorite. Sometimes we do it just to ride the boat. And you can still see the Electrical Water Pageant from the lake. We really enjoy having the water views. We really love the theming of the pool, and the creek running through the lodge.

Best of all, if you get stuck in a room at the end of the corridor, it doesn't take you fifteen years to walk to it. ;-) Seriously, I love AKV so much, but we have the worst luck in being stuck near the end of the horseshoe and at the end of the day, I hate that walk with a passion. Walking into my room to see animals makes up for it, but it does make the resort feel so very, very large, even on the smaller Jambo side.

If the Animal Kingdom lodge had a lake and some amazing outdoor walking trails, it might edge out the WL, but it doesn't, so WL edges out. (If WL had animals -- and a lazy river -- it would be perfection!!)

I totally agree with this. I love to walk, especially in beautiful, serene environments. I so wish the walking trail from WL to FW would open back up, too! This is the one thing I don't like about AKV. I actually started a thread about how I thought AKV could add a walking trail, and people flamed me! They said it was dangerous. Duh, I didn't mean a walking trail THROUGH the savanna! Looking at Google Earth, there is actually a small space behind Jambo's bus stops that looks like a perfect place for a walking trail.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Yes, I would think May would be an easy time to get something, especially larger accommodations. Maybe that should be your strategy for awhile. Try to book BRV (or even CCV for the larger villas) with your AKV points. Then you have the best of both worlds without having to sell and buy again. Instead of selling and buying a BRV contract or adding on points which we don't want to do, we've decided to book AKV values or standards in two reservations at the 11-month mark and then try to move to BRV for the second part of the trip. We are even willing to take CCV if it's available. Even though we aren't crazy about the rooms, it would allow us to stay at Wilderness Lodge which we love. Hopefully, we will get lucky and get a few nights. You might have more luck with when your trips are and the type of rooms you want. Not sure if you are interested in split stays, but I'm just thinking if you couldn't get your whole trip at BRV or CCV, it might be an option. Good luck with your decision!

I do love going in May (& hope to every other year or so), but our usual times are fall (Oct-early Dec) and early winter (past was Jan, but future will be Feb). I will definitely try to book BRV & CCV with AKV points for now- I don’t mind split stays (if we’re staying a week). We have stayed in more studios than anything else, but are starting to book some larger accommodations which may help us find availability ... but I’ll still want studios sometimes

Thanks again!

 

[MonaMN]

There are two things that really allow me to "catch my breath" and "recharge my soul," as it were. One is Disney - there's nothing like walking into the park and seeing the Castle in MK or the Tree in AK, and somehow my tensions melt away. The other is "the great outdoors." I love nature. Aside from Disney, our favorite trips have really involved nature (and ruins/castles/old buildings following that). DH and I want to complete our National Parks Passport in our lifetime and visit all the National Parks. We love wildlife, and escaping out into the woods puts me at peace. DH even got me a picture that says "Into the Forest I Go, To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul" that hangs on one side of my desk, with Tinkerbell hanging on the other.

So, yes, there's a Nostalgia factor with the Wilderness Lodge - we honeymooned there - but there's also just that Wow factor of the Lobby (and we were there before the Animal Kingdom Lodge was built), but also just this sense of coming home. It's the perfect blend of Disney and the Great Outdoors, and we just find serenity there.

Aside from that, it's a smaller resort, so it feels more intimate, with wonderful trails out into the woods. I realize the walking trail to FW is closed now, though, and I really hope it opens up. (It was even more perfect when Discovery Island was still open across the way!). Admittedly, the addition of the cabins and other amenities means they've thinned out the woods some and it's not quite as wilderness-y as it once was, but it still has that allure and feel for us. AKV, for all that it sits our sweet spots around African safari theming and animals, utterly lacks in good outdoor space and walking trails, which I could go on a forever rant on how Disney did a disservice by not giving AKV more outdoor walking trails AND A PATH TO ANIMAL KINGDOM. Ahem.

My only gripe with CCV is that the rooms are now more "modern with a hint of wilderness" than they are "wilderness lodge;" I honestly love the hotel side decor better now, with BRV second (if a little outdated and in near of refurb), and CCV last. And while I wish the rooms were larger, they are still perfectly fine (though how I wish CCV had the fifth bedding BRV does).

We love the restaurants -- Artist Point was our favorite as we loved both the Pacific Northwest and "Exotic" Game menu. I have not eaten there since it became a character meal, though, so I imagine we may not have the same feelings now, much as our perspective on Akershus changed (not for the better!) when it became a character meal, too. But we absolutely love Whispering Canyon Cafe -- both for the servers, who make it fun, but also my husband and sons could subside on BBQ food forever. I also really like the family style, honestly.

That boat ride to the MK and back is just our favorite. Sometimes we do it just to ride the boat. And you can still see the Electrical Water Pageant from the lake. We really enjoy having the water views. We really love the theming of the pool, and the creek running through the lodge.

Best of all, if you get stuck in a room at the end of the corridor, it doesn't take you fifteen years to walk to it. ;-) Seriously, I love AKV so much, but we have the worst luck in being stuck near the end of the horseshoe and at the end of the day, I hate that walk with a passion. Walking into my room to see animals makes up for it, but it does make the resort feel so very, very large, even on the smaller Jambo side.

If the Animal Kingdom lodge had a lake and some amazing outdoor walking trails, it might edge out the WL, but it doesn't, so WL edges out. (If WL had animals -- and a lazy river -- it would be perfection!!)

The fact that the overall footprint of WL is significantly less than AKL was another factor in our decision to buy CCV over AKV. Much better accessibility to all things regardless of where you're located. We'll still probably stay at AKV from time to time because we do love it there as well.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

There are two things that really allow me to "catch my breath" and "recharge my soul," as it were. One is Disney - there's nothing like walking into the park and seeing the Castle in MK or the Tree in AK, and somehow my tensions melt away. The other is "the great outdoors." I love nature. Aside from Disney, our favorite trips have really involved nature (and ruins/castles/old buildings following that). DH and I want to complete our National Parks Passport in our lifetime and visit all the National Parks. We love wildlife, and escaping out into the woods puts me at peace. DH even got me a picture that says "Into the Forest I Go, To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul" that hangs on one side of my desk, with Tinkerbell hanging on the other.

So, yes, there's a Nostalgia factor with the Wilderness Lodge - we honeymooned there - but there's also just that Wow factor of the Lobby (and we were there before the Animal Kingdom Lodge was built), but also just this sense of coming home. It's the perfect blend of Disney and the Great Outdoors, and we just find serenity there.

Aside from that, it's a smaller resort, so it feels more intimate, with wonderful trails out into the woods. I realize the walking trail to FW is closed now, though, and I really hope it opens up. (It was even more perfect when Discovery Island was still open across the way!). Admittedly, the addition of the cabins and other amenities means they've thinned out the woods some and it's not quite as wilderness-y as it once was, but it still has that allure and feel for us. AKV, for all that it sits our sweet spots around African safari theming and animals, utterly lacks in good outdoor space and walking trails, which I could go on a forever rant on how Disney did a disservice by not giving AKV more outdoor walking trails AND A PATH TO ANIMAL KINGDOM. Ahem.

My only gripe with CCV is that the rooms are now more "modern with a hint of wilderness" than they are "wilderness lodge;" I honestly love the hotel side decor better now, with BRV second (if a little outdated and in near of refurb), and CCV last. And while I wish the rooms were larger, they are still perfectly fine (though how I wish CCV had the fifth bedding BRV does).

We love the restaurants -- Artist Point was our favorite as we loved both the Pacific Northwest and "Exotic" Game menu. I have not eaten there since it became a character meal, though, so I imagine we may not have the same feelings now, much as our perspective on Akershus changed (not for the better!) when it became a character meal, too. But we absolutely love Whispering Canyon Cafe -- both for the servers, who make it fun, but also my husband and sons could subside on BBQ food forever. I also really like the family style, honestly.

That boat ride to the MK and back is just our favorite. Sometimes we do it just to ride the boat. And you can still see the Electrical Water Pageant from the lake. We really enjoy having the water views. We really love the theming of the pool, and the creek running through the lodge.

Best of all, if you get stuck in a room at the end of the corridor, it doesn't take you fifteen years to walk to it. ;-) Seriously, I love AKV so much, but we have the worst luck in being stuck near the end of the horseshoe and at the end of the day, I hate that walk with a passion. Walking into my room to see animals makes up for it, but it does make the resort feel so very, very large, even on the smaller Jambo side.

If the Animal Kingdom lodge had a lake and some amazing outdoor walking trails, it might edge out the WL, but it doesn't, so WL edges out. (If WL had animals -- and a lazy river -- it would be perfection!!)

Thank you so much for your thoughts!! Wow. Everything you say (that I’ve experienced), I am thinking- me too! Which makes me think harder about the points you bring up that I haven’t experienced. Which is super helpful!!

My husband and I love being surrounded by nature as well. I’m trying to figure out how much of my love for AKL is to do with nostalgia... my dad (pre-covid) traveled to Africa many times a year and is the head of a charitable organization providing meals to children in orphanages and schools. A few years ago, my siblings and I (with our spouses) had the honor of visiting Kenya with my parents to witness firsthand the impact of this ministry. The land and the people were inspiring. At the end of the trip, we took a week-long safari in the Maasai Mara (part of the Serengeti National Park). It’s something that none of us will ever forget... and AKL definitely brings those incredible experiences to mind, which will always keep it close to my heart. Yet, the place with my most loved/serene memory is sitting by a babbling brook in Austria, with the Alps off in the distance, across an open plain ...but I digress.

I have often lamented the lack of water (lake, pond, anything!), and walking trails at AKL. WL definitely needs animals & 100% to the lazy river!! (I’m finally understanding why you were so stoked for the now-cancelled Reflections... it was 1 step closer to perfection).

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

I totally agree with this. I love to walk, especially in beautiful, serene environments. I so wish the walking trail from WL to FW would open back up, too! This is the one thing I don't like about AKV. I actually started a thread about how I thought AKV could add a walking trail, and people flamed me! They said it was dangerous. Duh, I didn't mean a walking trail THROUGH the savanna! Looking at Google Earth, there is actually a small space behind Jambo's bus stops that looks like a perfect place for a walking trail.

Me too! I could totally get behind a walking trail to AK that wasn’t running through dangerous animals (duh- people are so silly sometimes!)

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

The fact that the overall footprint of WL is significantly less than AKL was another factor in our decision to buy CCV over AKV. Much better accessibility to all things regardless of where you're located. We'll still probably stay at AKV from time to time because we do love it there as well.

That’s a really great point. The more I’m reading responses, the more I’m thinking that while Jambo & CCV may be comparable, BRV & Kidani don’t seem to be ... which is notable, and definitely something to consider in this equation.

*Again, realizing that with AKV you get both Jambo & Kidani, while CCV and BRV are separate entities.

 

[MJ NH]

The walking trail is at Kidani. It is called the hallway and it is safe from animals but not from strollers.

 

[Lorana]

My husband and I love being surrounded by nature as well. I’m trying to figure out how much of my love for AKL is to do with nostalgia... my dad (pre-covid) traveled to Africa many times a year and is the head of a charitable organization providing meals to children in orphanages and schools. A few years ago, my siblings and I (with our spouses) had the honor of visiting Kenya with my parents to witness firsthand the impact of this ministry. The land and the people were inspiring. At the end of the trip, we took a week-long safari in the Maasai Mara (part of the Serengeti National Park). It’s something that none of us will ever forget... and AKL definitely brings those incredible experiences to mind, which will always keep it close to my heart. Yet, the place with my most loved/serene memory is sitting by a babbling brook in Austria, with the Alps off in the distance, across an open plain ...but I digress.

What wonderful, amazing memories!! We haven't yet gotten to Africa, and I cannot wait till we do and can do a safari ourselves.
I haven't been to the Alps either, but some of our most serene memories are similar: sitting at the edge of Lake Pukaki with Mount Aoraki (Mt Cook) reflected in its waters; a trail in the woods in Ireland where we stumbled across a brook; moss-covered trees deep in Olympic National Park; Sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala; etc.

I have often lamented the lack of water (lake, pond, anything!), and walking trails at AKL. WL definitely needs animals & 100% to the lazy river!! (I’m finally understanding why you were so stoked for the now-cancelled Reflections... it was 1 step closer to perfection).

Exactly!! Reflections had a Wilderness Lodge theme in a wilderness-like setting, with treehouses and cabins, a lazy river, some great dining announced, small enough to be easily walkable. It was just missing animals. I sooooo hope they still build it!

 

[RoseGold]

I agree that it’s a good time to sell AKL, mathematically.

For studios, I wouldn’t buy AKL or CCV. Availability is too tight at CCV, and the AKL I’d take (savannah, or maybe GV) is wide open when I travel, so no use owning there. I’m also just not a fan of the whole WL vibe.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

I agree that it’s a good time to sell AKL, mathematically.

This is definitely causing me to think more about it.

For studios, I wouldn’t buy AKL or CCV. Availability is too tight at CCV, and the AKL I’d take (savannah, or maybe GV) is wide open when I travel, so no use owning there. I’m also just not a fan of the whole WL vibe.

I can totally believe wide open at Kidani, but Jambo? That’s not the case for me.

Your last point is another reason we love DVC! Everyone can find something they enjoy when there are so many different options!!