REPORT FROM OUR TRIP TO AKV 12/18 - 12/21
I just have to write about our recent trip to AKV. We own at BWV and have only stayed on-site at either BWV or the Contemporary. We initially booked BWV, but due to a mix-up on our waitlist (long story) we wound up cancelling altogether and tried for a different weekend.
We lucked into getting two nites in AKV a value studio and waitlisted the other nite. About a week before our trip we got the third nite at AKV in another value studio.... BUT, this was a non-dedicated unit....different from our first two nites in a dedicated value studio. UGH!! Talk about confusing!! Anyway, off we went. Hoping for the best (like maybe not having to switch rooms).
We did not have much interest in AKV, but the kids seemed excited. We always thought it was too far. We do not like riding the Disney buses too much. And we (for health and other reasons) are not too adventurous in the food department. So, the kids were way more excited than the adults.
I checked us in, while DH and both DDs stayed in the car with our dog, who was going to Grandmas house. Let me tell you, it wasnt even dusk yet and AKL seemed VERY DARK to me. Upon entering I thought, Oh, no, this is not for us. We dont like dark furniture. And, I could smell the smoke (which I am highly sensitive to). But the staff was very warm and helpful and tried their best to get us three nites in the same room (to no avail!).
When the kids and I went up to our room (very convenient, near the elevators, pool-view) and opened the door, my oldest asked where the rest of the condo was (spoiled, huh?). But, I must say, the VALUE rooms are SMALL! I had to figure out where to put all of those pillows (from the bed and pull-out) and all our overpacked luggage. It was not an easy task. I called my DH, who was on the way to Grandmas and told him Youre going to hate it....Its tiny.....Its dark.....Its smoky.....And I dont see any animals!
Anyway, we went down to the busstop to head to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Well, I had my first of many AKV treats. The busstop is FANTASTIC. At BWV we all wait on one bench, eagerly watching to see what the oncoming bus displays as its destination. At AKV there are separate areas for each park (and DTD, too), with separate seating. Very convenient. And the pleasant surprises kept coming.....The bus was virtually empty, since it is only for AKL/AKV guests...no other pick-ups (at BWV we always share with Swan and Dolphin....extra stops and extra guests). Yes, the ride took slightly longer, but it was not that long, and very pleasant.
The next morning we walked around a bit (but had to get at MK for rope drop so no real dawdling about). But, we did manage to see a few animals from the observation deck. Had another FANTASTIC busride to MK. LOVE the AKV buses!!!!
That night we discovered Mara, AKVs counter-service. Having a counter service option right there was GREAT! At BWV, theres the boardwalk....lots of fun and table service...but no counter-service. Went to Mara the next morning for breakfast. Great!! Eggs and Mickey waffles. What more could you ask for??? Especially for the girls! Quick and inexpensive, too!
We did wind up having to switch rooms (to four rooms down from our original room). Weve never had to switch rooms during a stay. It was handled quite well. The bell person loaded up our luggage and by noon they had our other room ready. We had just come back from AK for a swim, so the timing was perfect. The room was exactly the same (still tiny), but it was really starting to feel like home.
Just in case, we had a packed a small bag with our swimsuits and left the bag in our car. Did I mention that there is very convenient self-parking at AKV?? It is very close, which is great for people like us who like to use our car a lot. (Although not on this trip....the buses were too great!).
The kids loved the pool and slide (although my oldest favors the Keister Coaster to the AK slide). They loved the playground.....especially since you could see GIRAFFES from the top of the equipment. And flamingos...and horned animals (maybe Gnus...I dont remember). We took a walk around the place and saw more animals (zebras and antelope type animals....I have to refer to my list).
Mara was always there if we wanted to grab something to eat. And the buses were always running in a timely fashion, and never full. My kids could swim and play and see animals. And I even started to like dark furniture....and my tiny little room with the comfy bed and flat screen TV. The more we looked around the more we loved it. It really is a beautiful resort!
Dont get me wrong. We still love BWV and are going to stay there next December (we like to walk to Epcot and DHS for Christmastime events and you cant beat watching the fireworks from your own balcony), but we fell in LOVE with AKV!!! In fact, we are staying in AKV again this March!!
I always hear people on these boards saying how they try the different DVC resorts and I always thought why? Well, now I know. We took a chance on something different and it was the best thing weve done in a long time!! I wish we had some extra money.....Id buy an add-on at AKV!
I just have to write about our recent trip to AKV. We own at BWV and have only stayed on-site at either BWV or the Contemporary. We initially booked BWV, but due to a mix-up on our waitlist (long story) we wound up cancelling altogether and tried for a different weekend.
We lucked into getting two nites in AKV a value studio and waitlisted the other nite. About a week before our trip we got the third nite at AKV in another value studio.... BUT, this was a non-dedicated unit....different from our first two nites in a dedicated value studio. UGH!! Talk about confusing!! Anyway, off we went. Hoping for the best (like maybe not having to switch rooms).
We did not have much interest in AKV, but the kids seemed excited. We always thought it was too far. We do not like riding the Disney buses too much. And we (for health and other reasons) are not too adventurous in the food department. So, the kids were way more excited than the adults.
I checked us in, while DH and both DDs stayed in the car with our dog, who was going to Grandmas house. Let me tell you, it wasnt even dusk yet and AKL seemed VERY DARK to me. Upon entering I thought, Oh, no, this is not for us. We dont like dark furniture. And, I could smell the smoke (which I am highly sensitive to). But the staff was very warm and helpful and tried their best to get us three nites in the same room (to no avail!).
When the kids and I went up to our room (very convenient, near the elevators, pool-view) and opened the door, my oldest asked where the rest of the condo was (spoiled, huh?). But, I must say, the VALUE rooms are SMALL! I had to figure out where to put all of those pillows (from the bed and pull-out) and all our overpacked luggage. It was not an easy task. I called my DH, who was on the way to Grandmas and told him Youre going to hate it....Its tiny.....Its dark.....Its smoky.....And I dont see any animals!
Anyway, we went down to the busstop to head to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Well, I had my first of many AKV treats. The busstop is FANTASTIC. At BWV we all wait on one bench, eagerly watching to see what the oncoming bus displays as its destination. At AKV there are separate areas for each park (and DTD, too), with separate seating. Very convenient. And the pleasant surprises kept coming.....The bus was virtually empty, since it is only for AKL/AKV guests...no other pick-ups (at BWV we always share with Swan and Dolphin....extra stops and extra guests). Yes, the ride took slightly longer, but it was not that long, and very pleasant.
The next morning we walked around a bit (but had to get at MK for rope drop so no real dawdling about). But, we did manage to see a few animals from the observation deck. Had another FANTASTIC busride to MK. LOVE the AKV buses!!!!
That night we discovered Mara, AKVs counter-service. Having a counter service option right there was GREAT! At BWV, theres the boardwalk....lots of fun and table service...but no counter-service. Went to Mara the next morning for breakfast. Great!! Eggs and Mickey waffles. What more could you ask for??? Especially for the girls! Quick and inexpensive, too!
We did wind up having to switch rooms (to four rooms down from our original room). Weve never had to switch rooms during a stay. It was handled quite well. The bell person loaded up our luggage and by noon they had our other room ready. We had just come back from AK for a swim, so the timing was perfect. The room was exactly the same (still tiny), but it was really starting to feel like home.
Just in case, we had a packed a small bag with our swimsuits and left the bag in our car. Did I mention that there is very convenient self-parking at AKV?? It is very close, which is great for people like us who like to use our car a lot. (Although not on this trip....the buses were too great!).
The kids loved the pool and slide (although my oldest favors the Keister Coaster to the AK slide). They loved the playground.....especially since you could see GIRAFFES from the top of the equipment. And flamingos...and horned animals (maybe Gnus...I dont remember). We took a walk around the place and saw more animals (zebras and antelope type animals....I have to refer to my list).
Mara was always there if we wanted to grab something to eat. And the buses were always running in a timely fashion, and never full. My kids could swim and play and see animals. And I even started to like dark furniture....and my tiny little room with the comfy bed and flat screen TV. The more we looked around the more we loved it. It really is a beautiful resort!
Dont get me wrong. We still love BWV and are going to stay there next December (we like to walk to Epcot and DHS for Christmastime events and you cant beat watching the fireworks from your own balcony), but we fell in LOVE with AKV!!! In fact, we are staying in AKV again this March!!
I always hear people on these boards saying how they try the different DVC resorts and I always thought why? Well, now I know. We took a chance on something different and it was the best thing weve done in a long time!! I wish we had some extra money.....Id buy an add-on at AKV!
We did'nt like it the first time we stayed but now it's our favorite. BWV is our 2nd favorite and we try to do a split stay each year. Glad you liked it
I promise you will be pleasantly surprised!
Have you ever done the safari ride at AK park? They are allowed to wander & meander around. They stop in the road & hold things up and nobody shoos them away or anything. They have free will to roam around. I don't think they realize they're in captivity there. I really don't.
The Elephant House!!! Is that bad or what!
