I'm Sad....

[pilferk]

Okay, I guess it makes some sense when it comes down to quick money. We were trying to get a deluxe room for us plus my MIL but could only get concierge and then it wasn't guaranteed savannah so we didn't do it.

So they are only remodeling the 5th and 6th floors and doing away with the deluxe rooms altogther? What's a family of 5 to do at AKL unless they buy into or rent DVC?

I'm not sure it's ALL about "quick money"...but it certainly is about money and maximizing the use of their assets. If I were them I wouldn't want to cut off the lucrative revenue stream from DVC either. Given the current demand, and that it's one of the fastest growing business units at Disney.... The way I figure it, you can't really begrudge Disney making decisions based on what they percieve is good business....because if they didnt', there'd likely be no Disney to make any decisions at all.

As of the completion of the conversion...those are their only options: Buy DVC, Rent DVC from CRO, or rent points from a DVC member and book a room. I feel for you...we're a family of 5, ourselves and I know how hard it can be to find vacation options for families that size. Actually, that's precisely one of the reasons AKV jumped out at us for purchase: Being able to fit 5 in a 1 BR villa.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Wow, I can't wait to see the new DVC AKV, sounds really wonderful.
Darn DVC! I know it's gonna pull me in one of these days (I hope)! I gotta save save save and become a DVC member! Someday...

 

[ADisneygirl]

If they are taking the concierge floor for DVC, where will they put concierge?

 

[NMW]

I can understand being sad about losing what you love about your favorite resort. We love the BC, but never stayed there pre-villas, so I don't know what it was like before. We have never stayed in the villas there, only the hotel part. We love BWI/BWV, but they were built together. I have heard that villas were always a possiblity at AKL, just like they were in mind when WL was built. However, as Sammie pointed out, they are adding services like a seperate check-in counter. something that was not done when BCV and VWL were built. That should in theory, keep the AKL hotel part somewhat seperate.

 

[SharonLowe]

We are at AKL right now staying in 2 standard CL rooms. We have connecting rooms just as requested - on the Arusha Savanna (Kudu Trail) with one room having bunk beds. Room numbers 4229 and 4231 - great view of Arusha Rock and many animals coming to visit at various times including the voracious African rabbit and the winged African Mallard . The 6th floor is closed off and half of the fifth floor (actually the central 5th floor and Zebra Trail side; Kudu Trail rooms are currently open. We have only heard tiny noises from the construction and none from our room. The CL is currently in the former Presidential Suite on the 5th floor - told it was for 3 months.

There are currently fewer animals here but not too bad - those that didn't like the noise are being accommodated elsewhere. But, from our room, we have seen 5 Ankole Cattle at at time; 4 zebras; 3 giraffe; etc. Plenty to keep us happy.

As for changes, yes, it will be different. I don't understand why Disney felt the need to add DVC units to the Lodge since they are building a whole new building but obviously they weren't at the occupancy levels they wanted so they are selling them as DVC. We will miss our 5th floor deluxe rooms and the fabulous 2BR suites we used several times. I can feel the difference already - we wanted a late check-out for one of our rooms since our flight isn't until 5:45 pm. The best they could do was offer us 12 noon - no thanks! We'll check out, send our bags to the airline and use the facilities at Typhoon Lagoon for changing, etc.

We are frequent AKL guests and I am not happy with changes. But there are many things I am not happy that WDW is doing. I used to love to shop the crafts and other items in the AKL store - now it is mostly the standard WDW merchandise or things I can find at home. Even Mara has been junked down - none of the great, unusual food they used to offer. Disney might be appealing to the masses but it is alienating those of us who wanted something a little different. It is becoming lower and lower on my list of vacation places as a result. We stayed 2 nights in a suite on the Tower Floor at CR and to be honest, it was much more to my liking - great service; fabulous amenities and decor; huge suite. While my DD's heart is at AKL, I am not sure mine is anymore.

 

[robinb]

We are frequent AKL guests and I am not happy with changes.
{snip}
While my DD's heart is at AKL, I am not sure mine is anymore.

Wow. Bummer . I am sorry that your AKL is being taken away from you. As you have already stayed in the 2-bedroom suite and your DD loves AKL, perhaps you should give AKV a try when it's complete.

I am hoping that all the things that I love about AKL wil be there, and more! We bought into AKV because it is my DH's favorite resort.

 

[pilferk]

If they are taking the concierge floor for DVC, where will they put concierge?

4th floor...but the rooms will now be standard sized, not deluxe.

The lounge will remain on the 6th floor and will be operated by DVC (as will the entire concierge service). There will also be a concierge level booking category for DVC, for the first time at any DVC resort.

 

[Sammie]

We stayed 2 nights in a suite on the Tower Floor at CR and to be honest, it was much more to my liking - great service; fabulous amenities and decor; huge suite.

I am sure you noticed the construction on the North Side, which is rumored to be the next DVC. They are taking over the "World"

And Yes I am a DVC member, but I am also a frequent deluxe resort guest. And my personal opinion is they should have kept them seperate.

Hopefully AKV will prove me wrong and what has been wrong in my opinion with WL and BC will be corrected with the new AKV building.

And as stated even the new DVC rooms in the lodge will not actually add more guest to the exisiting facilities.

 

[mirlow]

We are frequent AKL guests and I am not happy with changes. But there are many things I am not happy that WDW is doing. I used to love to shop the crafts and other items in the AKL store - now it is mostly the standard WDW merchandise or things I can find at home. Even Mara has been junked down - none of the great, unusual food they used to offer. Disney might be appealing to the masses but it is alienating those of us who wanted something a little different. It is becoming lower and lower on my list of vacation places as a result.

I know how you feel. It seems like every visit something is taken away. In Oct. we noticed how there was no longer a specialty drink menu specific to the resort, but one that was used at all the resorts. We had the same problems with the kids meals, the same everywhere we went. One of my favorite things to do at WDW is shop so I love going to the different resorts to see what they have. The Marketplace at the AKL was my favorite.
I am drawn to WDW because it is a theme park not an amusement park.

The AKL is one of our favorite resorts. We are a family of five and we enjoyed ending our Disney stays at concierge there. I'm really disappointed knowing it won't be the same. I'm willing to give it a try. I'm wondering 1-how hard it will be for our family to book through CRO (I don't own and I don't want to rent pts.) 2- If the pricing will be comparable to the other CL rooms or will it be more like paying for a suite?

We have a trip coming up in Sept. and this will probably be a make or break trip. We went to Orlando in April and it was our first time going to Fl that we didn't stay or do WDW. We got two rooms at the Omni and had a GREAT time. I know that trip cost a heck of a lot cheaper that what we are spending in Sept. and that's with free dining.

Having said that I love WDW and I am looking to have a good time

 

[pilferk]

I'm wondering 1-how hard it will be for our family to book through CRO (I don't own and I don't want to rent pts.) 2- If the pricing will be comparable to the other CL rooms or will it be more like paying for a suite?

For 5, you'll have to rent a 1BR (studios only sleep 4).

I haven't seen actual prices for CRO AKV inventory, but if other resorts are any indication, it will be more like the cost of a suite....well, less than some suites on property, but more than the cost of a concierge room. Of course, given the SMALL number of concierge rooms that AKV actually has (it looks like they'll have about 10 to 15 2BR lockoffs) actually GETTING one of those is gong to be tough...assuming CRO holds on to any of that inventory at all.

Renting points (which you've stated you're not interested in) would likely bring that cost down to much closer to what you were paying for a deluxe concierge room. I do understand not wanting to go that avenue, though.

Disclaimer: I don't, haven't, and have no plans on renting our points. I just don't want anyone to think I'm trying to push people to rent points in hopes of padding my own pocket.

 

[wildernessDad]

Restaurant: Yes. Saana (I'm probably butchering the spelling...Swahili for artwork) will be a family sit down place with a HUGE picture window overlooking the savannah.

Food Court: We don't know. It's not listed in any of the literature we've gotten, but....then again...the 1BR and 2BR have kitchens, so maybe the food court gets less use.

Carry out items: The "pool bar" is listed as serving food (not sure what) but that's probably where you'll be able to get carry out stuff.

Gift Shop: Yes, and a DVC style one (like SSR or OKW) that will also carry some basic staples like milk, bread, fruit and other kitchen/food items.

It will also have it's own pool complex and water play area. It will have it's own laundry, valet services, bell services, and gym, too.

I'm SURE there will be some AKV Kidani guests who will use the lodge services (like Boma's and Jiko's) just as there are other WDW resort guests who do the same (we eat at Boma's no matter where we stay, at least once). But some of the AKV guests at Jambo will likely use some of Kidani's services, too, so.....

And it will have its own check in area.

 

[princessgirl2238]

i understand how some people think it's wonderful that dvc is moving into akl, but i'm not sure that i'm happy about it. sure there are perks. but i've stayed at dvc resorts and deluxe ones and everytime i stay at a dvc resort, i feel that i'm an outsider trying to belong to a special group (almost like i'm back in high school). also i feel that i am constantly hounded to buy into dvc when i don't want to purchase it, i only stay there when i need a 2br villa cause my family is in town. but when i stay at a deluxe, i go there to feel spoiled. i love the feeling that akl has where i feel as if not everyone can stay there and that it's a special thing. but now with dvc moving in, i feel that its lost that special spark that sold me on staying there. i truly sad that it will no longer be the hotel that i feel in love with 4 years ago.

 

[wildernessDad]

... everytime i stay at a dvc resort, i feel that i'm an outsider trying to belong to a special group (almost like i'm back in high school).

That's the way I feel when I attend church on rare occasions.

 

[livinthedisneydream]

We are at AKL right now staying in 2 standard CL rooms. We have connecting rooms just as requested - on the Arusha Savanna (Kudu Trail) with one room having bunk beds. Room numbers 4229 and 4231 - great view of Arusha Rock and many animals coming to visit at various times including the voracious African rabbit and the winged African Mallard . The 6th floor is closed off and half of the fifth floor (actually the central 5th floor and Zebra Trail side; Kudu Trail rooms are currently open. We have only heard tiny noises from the construction and none from our room. The CL is currently in the former Presidential Suite on the 5th floor - told it was for 3 months.

There are currently fewer animals here but not too bad - those that didn't like the noise are being accommodated elsewhere. But, from our room, we have seen 5 Ankole Cattle at at time; 4 zebras; 3 giraffe; etc. Plenty to keep us happy.

As for changes, yes, it will be different. I don't understand why Disney felt the need to add DVC units to the Lodge since they are building a whole new building but obviously they weren't at the occupancy levels they wanted so they are selling them as DVC. We will miss our 5th floor deluxe rooms and the fabulous 2BR suites we used several times. I can feel the difference already - we wanted a late check-out for one of our rooms since our flight isn't until 5:45 pm. The best they could do was offer us 12 noon - no thanks! We'll check out, send our bags to the airline and use the facilities at Typhoon Lagoon for changing, etc.

We are frequent AKL guests and I am not happy with changes. But there are many things I am not happy that WDW is doing. I used to love to shop the crafts and other items in the AKL store - now it is mostly the standard WDW merchandise or things I can find at home. Even Mara has been junked down - none of the great, unusual food they used to offer. Disney might be appealing to the masses but it is alienating those of us who wanted something a little different. It is becoming lower and lower on my list of vacation places as a result. We stayed 2 nights in a suite on the Tower Floor at CR and to be honest, it was much more to my liking - great service; fabulous amenities and decor; huge suite. While my DD's heart is at AKL, I am not sure mine is anymore.

I am coming soon with my family. Most have never been to Disney before and they are so excited to stay at AKL. We have a 2 br suite, deluxe concierge (qh)and deluxe savannah bunk(qf) booked through disney's fairytale weddings (we are doing a 10 year vow renewal). I guess I need to call to find out where we will be and if those room types exist during construction. I am so disappointed about the deluxe rooms although I have to say the reason I don't do DVC is b/c I don't want to cook and do laundry on vacation, I want to relax and be pampered so maybe having concierge dvc will work for us in the end. We are moving to a 1 br tower suite at the Contemporary for 3 nights after our AKL stay and I am curious how you liked this. We have done CR (just stayed 12th floor 10/1/06) so we've seen the new rooms and we stayed in a regular 14th floor room a few years ago but would love to hear more about the suites and how you liked it at CR. Any info on either resort is great! Thanks! Lisa

 

[dclfun]

I have never heard anyone say before that they felt "hounded to buy into DVC". DVC booths are everywhere- in the parks, resorts, DTD but the CM's never approach guests or try to sell it to anyone as DVC has certainly done well selling itself. I am a DVC member for 10 years and can understand the feeling that it's now everywhere but I wish I'd known about it sooner. 10 years ago there were no booths or much advertising or a feeling of a DVC presence at the World. I doubt that AKL in the current building will feel overrun or "different" with the addition of the DVC rooms and hopefully having the new savannah viewing areas and the water play area in Kidani House will add to everyone's experience since cash guests won't be excluded from enjoying those new areas. It should give more value to each guest's visit. ---Kathy

 

[mprewitt]

I have never heard anyone say before that they felt "hounded to buy into DVC".

I agree. Since DVC is one of the best programs out there, they can afford to be extremely low-key, as it practically sells itself. DVC doesn't need to use any high-pressure sales techniques.

 

[littlestar]

I actually like the Wilderness Lodge a lot better since it got DVC. Because now it has a quiet pool, exercise room/spa, and the villa's lobby is wonderful if you want to play board games or just sit quietly in the corner and read a book. I thought the addition really enhanced the whole experience at the Wilderness Lodge.

I remember a cash trip in 2001 we took to Wilderness Lodge. I wandered over to where the brand new villas were and found "quiet" at the quiet pool - wonderful. I remember looking up at the villas and thinking, wow, you must have to be rich to stay over here in this section. Then three months later I found out about DVC (I honestly didn't realize that part of the lodge was DVC). I had no idea what in the heck DVC was. When I did find out what it was, I thought it would cost at least $40,000 or $50,000 to buy into it. When I found out we could buy 150 points for $75.00 a point, my husband said "do it." We adore the Wilderness Lodge. We like staying anywhere we can at the lodge. Be it standard view rooms in the main lodge on cash or using DVC points for a studio, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedroom at the villas.

The villas at Wilderness Lodge only added about 130 some rooms - and with that addition, the resort got a quiet pool, another lobby, and finally a gym/exercise facility. Pretty good addition in my book.

 

[n2mm]

I agree. Since DVC is one of the best programs out there, they can afford to be extremely low-key, as it practically sells itself. DVC doesn't need to use any high-pressure sales techniques.

That was a funny comment as I've never been hounded by DVC either. We actually never had the tour before buying and have never met our guide (though we've talked to her many times). DVC is where the money is according to Disney. With the maintenance fees and property tax we pay its a deal for Disney. I guess if AKL had stayed full and was successful Disney probably would not have to add DVC to it, who knows. But with the DVC at AKL, there is going to be a new water attraction/pool in the villa area and a new sit down restraurant, along with a separate checkin area. I can't wait to see this place when it's done.

 

[robinb]

Originally Posted by dclfun
I have never heard anyone say before that they felt "hounded to buy into DVC".

I agree. Since DVC is one of the best programs out there, they can afford to be extremely low-key, as it practically sells itself. DVC doesn't need to use any high-pressure sales techniques.

I can totally understand how someone might feel "hounded" by DVC. The sales booths are everywhere! There is one in every resort plus two and three in every single park. There are bill boards and shuttles and ads plastered on the buses. Sometimes it seems that everywhere you turn there is another ad for DVC! Now the sales staff does not jump out at you or follow you down the walkway trying to get you to take a tour. They don't need to. They wait for you to come to them.

 

[SharonLowe]

Wow. Bummer . I am sorry that your AKL is being taken away from you. As you have already stayed in the 2-bedroom suite and your DD loves AKL, perhaps you should give AKV a try when it's complete.

I am hoping that all the things that I love about AKL wil be there, and more! We bought into AKV because it is my DH's favorite resort.

We stayed one year in a WLV - 2 BR unit - hated the whole experience - WL was way too crowded; the food court was a joke for such a large place (I don't go to cook; I get the larger units for the space); and the transportation was horrible. A number of years ago, we stayed in a 2BR unit at OKW - much nicer; huge compared to the size of the WLV. If AKV is on par with the size of the OKW units, it will be okay but I think the size of the total complex will turn me off.

Also, I must say the CL staff, other than one fabulous CM, were cranky, gossipy (amongst themselves) and not the least bit helpful this year (The IPO staff are still the absolute best!!!!). The food came out very late every session and one morning when I asked at 7:20 if I could get a bagel since I have food allergies and it was the only thing other than fruit I could eat (they had not been brought out yet although service is supposed to be available at 7:00), the CM said no, you'll just have to wait. It was so bad, I intend to write a letter to WDW about our experience. They just don't seem to realize the impact these changes are having on the CMs and their regular guests.