I'm Sad....

[mprewitt]

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.

The model rooms for AKV are located at the DVC sales center at SSR. When we took the tour, we absolutely loved the AKV rooms, and it was the reason we bought into DVC in the first place.

 

[SharonLowe]

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.

Ditto - I was totally turned off by seeing them around every corner and they were "hounding" people - giving out DVC fast passes at every park if you listened to their talk (3 fastpasses for any rides); stuff in the rooms; etc. It is subtle but it is hounding nonetheless. And, I saw tons of DVC "tours" crowding all areas of AKL. DVC is a timeshare; a nice one of course, but it is a time share and it will eventually run its course like all other timeshares. As fewer people buy in, annual costs will get higher and more people will be in the resale market....

 

[SharonLowe]

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.

Disney didn't give AKL a chance - we've been going there almost since it opened and each year it gets more and more crowded so people were discovering it and learning to love it. As for the new pool/water attraction, AKL guests won't be able to use it but AKV guests will be able to use the AKL pool and facilities. Ergo, AKL gets way more crowded. No thanks. I had my fill at the overloaded WL/WLV. The quiet pool over there is anything but quiet and the other services are overwhelmed. I'll spend my $1550 per night for a 2BR suite (which we have rented many times) elsewhere and get a much nicer experience.

 

[SharonLowe]

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

The 2BR suites there are gorgeous so you won't be disappointed by it. The deluxe rooms are great too.

The CR 1BR suite on the 14th floor was gorgeous too and *HUGE* - 1 BR with full bath and its own door to hall; large living area; large dining area; wet bar area with mini frig (stocked with sodas and juice) and microwave. The bedding was lush though the sleep sofa was very uncomfortable. You need to learn the override code for the a/c since it is on a motion sensor and shuts down at night (press power and the temp down button at the same time and you will see BP; then select your desired temp - should work for at least 24 hours). We were in 4907 which was a Bay view suite at the north wing end so our view included the construction (more DVC....) - I would ask for a suite at the other end unless you have a MK view suite booked. (We liked the different view - we could go to the lounge for the MK view). The lounge was lovely; never crowded. The staff were very helpful - if you wanted something that wasn't out, just ask for it. I really liked it there - the afternoon offerings were better than what they put out at AKL this time and there were always bags of chips and pretzels and fruit you could take back to your room. I definitely felt like I was in a first class hotel. (Forget California Grill though - great service but horrible food - it has gone way too far downhill for us to enjoy.) I wasn't wild about bus transportation fromt here - took us over an hour to get to DTD - but the walk to MK is nice and the monorail to Epcot is fun.

 

[pilferk]

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.

They're not on par with the OKW units, but a bit bigger (the Kidani units anyway) than VWL units.

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.

You mean at AKL? I'm not sure how you attribute those changes to AKV....since AKV/DVC isn't running the concierge service yet...

 

[pilferk]

Disney didn't give AKL a chance - we've been going there almost since it opened and each year it gets more and more crowded so people were discovering it and learning to love it. As for the new pool/water attraction, AKL guests won't be able to use it but AKV guests will be able to use the AKL pool and facilities. Ergo, AKL gets way more crowded. No thanks. I had my fill at the overloaded WL/WLV. The quiet pool over there is anything but quiet and the other services are overwhelmed. I'll spend my $1550 per night for a 2BR suite (which we have rented many times) elsewhere and get a much nicer experience.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. I think 6+ years of lower than expected (or optimum) occupancy rates is "giving it a chance". And the business realities are that they found a more profitable use (which, actually, reduces the # of guests per square foot capacity of the existing resort) for the space that is used less frequently.

In addition, as I've pointed out earlier, DVC was planned as part of AKL from the get go.....so this has always been an envisioned evolution of the resort.

As for DVC members at Kidani being able to use Jambo's pool...I suppose they could, but I'm not sure why they would. It's a noteable walk from one building to the other, and with the pool complex going in over there.....I don't really see a compelling reason to make the trek to Jambo to use the pool. On the flip side, I can see some pretty compelling reasons for Jambo AKV guests to trek the OTHER way over to the DVC side pool.

 

[pilferk]

And, I saw tons of DVC "tours" crowding all areas of AKL. DVC is a timeshare; a nice one of course, but it is a time share and it will eventually run its course like all other timeshares. As fewer people buy in, annual costs will get higher and more people will be in the resale market....

So far, DVC has a better track record than most timeshares, both in terms of dues increases AND in terms of resale value. It will, likely, "run it's course", but the question is will it happen BEFORE resort expiration effects prices and/or BEFORE it satisfies the purpose we bought it for (prepaid vacations at a discount). After doing the research, crunching the numbers, etc...I only need to get 7 or 8 years out of it before the cost (with dues) of the prepaid vacations is offset. Less if I actually compare like accomodations (1BR DVC vs 1 BR suite or 2 BR DVC vs 2 BR suite) of factor in the discounts I get as a DVC member. ANYTHING I get after that, in terms of vacations or resale price is pretty much "profit". I don't see resale prices plummeting in that short of a time span, unless there is catastrophic economic downturn, as buyi-n rates are still pretty high. I also don't see Disney resort rates coming DOWN over the next 7 to 8 years.

I also find it strange you saw DVC tours at AKL. I asked our DVC guide about just such a tour and he said all the sales "tours" are going on at SSR....they were not even running tours at AKL back in March. I wonder when that changed....?? Anyone else who's been on the ground at AKL, or stopped by the DVC desk at AKL, heard about these? Can you sign up at the DVC AKL desk? I have friends who are heading down that way in about a month, who are interested in DVC, and I'd like to direct them if I can.

 

[dclfun]

As far as I've been told there are no tours being held at AKL. They have nothing to show and wouldn't allow guests in a construction area. The model rooms are at SSR. Perhaps the people touring were people from the hotel industry, travel agents, executives, etc...but it would not be guests wishing to purchase a DVC membership. I don't mind the advertising ( although the "best kept secret" promo is getting really old ) and never felt hounded to buy. The reason they give out fastpasses is to compensate a guest for the time spent listening to the information since everyone's time is valuable during their vacation.

Also I didn't realize that cash guests wouldn't be able to use the pool and facilities at Kidani Village. This would be a big change since currently you don't have to be a DVC member to use the WL or BWV or BC pool and common areas. Did anyone verify this change in policy?

Everyone is entitled to their feelings and I'm not trying to say that a person who is disappointed in the changes should just suck it up, think things will be better, or say how wonderful DVC has been for me, therefore it is a good thing for everyone. I too have special places at WDW that mean alot to me and don't like "change" in general so I can understand that feeling or of feeling excluded with so many who are members and some who like to brag about it as if they are somehow better than others. Nope..we're all there for the same reason- to find some pixie dust and make those special memories.---Kathy

 

[pilferk]

re at SSR. Perhaps the people tourinAs far as I've been told there are no tours being held at AKL. They have nothing to show and wouldn't allow guests in a construction area. The model rooms ag were people from the hotel industry, travel agents, executives, etc...but it would not be guests wishing to purchase a DVC membership.

Funny, that's pretty much, verbatim, what our guide told us.

Also I didn't realize that cash guests wouldn't be able to use the pool and facilities at Kidani Village. This would be a big change since currently you don't have to be a DVC member to use the WL or BWV or BC pool and common areas. Did anyone verify this change in policy?

I certainly didn't verify it...I hadn't given it much thought, actually. But you make a good point: At other shared facilities, the amenities are open to all the guests, cash and DVC.

Everyone is entitled to their feelings and I'm not trying to say that a person who is disappointed in the changes should just suck it up, think things will be better, or say how wonderful DVC has been for me, therefore it is a good thing for everyone. I too have special places at WDW that mean alot to me and don't like "change" in general so I can understand that feeling or of feeling excluded with so many who are members and some who like to brag about it as if they are somehow better than others. Nope..we're all there for the same reason- to find some pixie dust and make those special memories.---Kathy

Exactly. I couldn't have said it better. I don't have any issue with anyone who dislikes, on a personal level, the changes going on. That's a personal opinion, and everyone is entitled to those. I just want to make sure that clear and evenhanded info is being disseminated.

 

[robinb]

I don't have any issue with anyone who dislikes, on a personal level, the changes going on. That's a personal opinion, and everyone is entitled to those. I just want to make sure that clear and evenhanded info is being disseminated.

Yes, but this is a thread about being "sad" over AKV. Not who's "sad" and who's "glad". FWIW, I bought at AKV the very first month it was available.

I genuinely feel sorry for the people who feel that DVC is ruining their favorite resort . I do hope that they give the resort another chance once construction is complete.

 

[SharonLowe]

I also find it strange you saw DVC tours at AKL. I asked our DVC guide about just such a tour and he said all the sales "tours" are going on at SSR....they were not even running tours at AKL back in March. I wonder when that changed....?? Anyone else who's been on the ground at AKL, or stopped by the DVC desk at AKL, heard about these? Can you sign up at the DVC AKL desk? I have friends who are heading down that way in about a month, who are interested in DVC, and I'd like to direct them if I can.

They were not going up to the floors; they were getting a tour of the grounds. No idea how to sign up or where. Could have been related groups who showed up at the DVC desk at AKL and asked for a tour of the grounds.

 

[jarestel]

It's entirely understandable that whenever something at WDW changes there is a certain amount of longing and nostalgia for "the way it was". After all, when one has enjoyable memories of a certain ride, resort, restaurant or experience, it's difficult to imagine change could be for the best. We usually like things to be the way we first experienced them. Nothing wrong with that.

However, as the years go by, dealing with change simply becomes a part of the way things are. People who make their first trip to WDW or AKL this year or later will never know things were ever any different. So this "new & improved" AKL will become the baseline for subsequent visitors who will probably be a bit emotional when future changes are proposed.

 

[pilferk]

Yes, but this is a thread about being "sad" over AKV. Not who's "sad" and who's "glad". FWIW, I bought at AKV the very first month it was available.

I genuinely feel sorry for the people who feel that DVC is ruining their favorite resort . I do hope that they give the resort another chance once construction is complete.

I agree...it is a thread about being "sad" about AKV changes. And you'll note, I've not said I'm glad, either. I've simply corrected, or asked for clarification, about some information people say they are "sad" about. Since this IS an open forum, and that's certainly "on topic" of the thread.....I think I'll continue to participate in this thread in that vein.

I feel sorry for them too, FWIW. But I'd hate to see people "sad" based on some of the misinformation out there (and I'm not JUST talking about this thread...there's lots of it on AKV, and lots of questions out there)...and I'd also hate for someone to read this thread and get "sad" based on incorrect or unclear information.

 

[pilferk]

They were not going up to the floors; they were getting a tour of the grounds. No idea how to sign up or where. Could have been related groups who showed up at the DVC desk at AKL and asked for a tour of the grounds.

I emailed my guide this morning. No tours...not of rooms or of grounds...that he knows of. Weird....

 

[mirlow]

I guess what bothers me the most is that my family of five will have to spend quite a bit more to do concierge, if we can even get a room.

While Club Level rooms are my preferred choice I would say that DVC would be my second favorite type of room. One of the main reasons we never bought into DVC is because a lot of our trips are changed all the way up to the last minute. I'm under the impression this isn't such a good thing with DVC?

I'll just have to join my dh on one of his business trips to get my African fix

 

[pilferk]

I guess what bothers me the most is that my family of five will have to spend quite a bit more to do concierge, if we can even get a room.

While Club Level rooms are my preferred choice I would say that DVC would be my second favorite type of room. One of the main reasons we never bought into DVC is because a lot of our trips are changed all the way up to the last minute. I'm under the impression this isn't such a good thing with DVC?

I'll just have to join my dh on one of his business trips to get my African fix

I agree...that's the change I see as being the most "sad"...it's certainly the one I sympathize with the most. The eliminiation of those deluxe rooms for 5 hits large families a bit harder than I think is fair. I understand the why's, etc, but I KNOW the CRO rates for a 1BR DVC at AKV are going to be higher than those of a deluxe room was at AKV. We'll have to see if they're more than the rates for 2 standard sized rooms.....

Yes, changing trips last minute is bad with DVC. You really get the most out of membership by being able to plan, set in stone, 8 to 11 months out. Even planning 5 to 7 months out is a good bet. But for some people, with work committments, family commitments, school committments....that's understandably tough.

 

[rjeash]

For the reasons listed above, I am tentatively happy that we are a party of five and couldn't get the free DDP at AKL in Sept because we would need a deluxe room at AKL. I was concerned about the noise and such from the construction going on and it sounds like we would have been moved anyway. All deluxe rooms that accomodate a party of 5 are on floors 5 & 6 - both of which are in the process of being renovated to DVC villas. Since the deluxe rooms at AKL were not included in the free DDP, we are now staying at the Poly. Sounds like a nice trade.

 

[littlestar]

Ditto - I was totally turned off by seeing them around every corner and they were "hounding" people - giving out DVC fast passes at every park if you listened to their talk (3 fastpasses for any rides); stuff in the rooms; etc. It is subtle but it is hounding nonetheless. And, I saw tons of DVC "tours" crowding all areas of AKL. DVC is a timeshare; a nice one of course, but it is a time share and it will eventually run its course like all other timeshares. As fewer people buy in, annual costs will get higher and more people will be in the resale market....

Giving out fast passes is hounding? Take a tour with Westgate or some others in Orlando and you'll find out what hounding really is.

There are no DVC tours at AKL. So I don't know what you saw. All the tours are at SSR sales center. They have the preview rooms there.

I have seen Disney give tours to new CM's at the resorts - DVC and non DVC.

 

[pilferk]

For the reasons listed above, I am tentatively happy that we are a party of five and couldn't get the free DDP at AKL in Sept because we would need a deluxe room at AKL. I was concerned about the noise and such from the construction going on and it sounds like we would have been moved anyway. All deluxe rooms that accomodate a party of 5 are on floors 5 & 6 - both of which are in the process of being renovated to DVC villas. Since the deluxe rooms at AKL were not included in the free DDP, we are now staying at the Poly. Sounds like a nice trade.

Just a bit of info: There are still some deluxe rooms that have not been closed yet (on Kudo trail, from reports). They will be, as the conversion process progresses, but they'll probably still be open come September, especially in light of the construction "shuffling" to get concierge and value villas into inventory by early December. The uncertain availability, though, did probably lead them to NOT offering deluxe rooms as part of the free dining promo.

 

[SharonLowe]

Giving out fast passes is hounding? Take a tour with Westgate or some others in Orlando and you'll find out what hounding really is.

There are no DVC tours at AKL. So I don't know what you saw. All the tours are at SSR sales center. They have the preview rooms there.

I have seen Disney give tours to new CM's at the resorts - DVC and non DVC.

Fast passes - In one park, the DVC CM, called out to a couple to have them come over to get "all-day" fast passes. He said all they had to do was agree to go on a tour. When the couple asked if that meant they could get on any ride all day long, the CM then told them it was only for 3 rides. I think that is a bit underhanded.

It could have been a tour for new DVC CMs - there was definitely a DVC dressed person leading one large group I saw.

And, the DVC is in your face everywhere you turn - multiple locations in the parks, signs, billboards everywhere, etc. Every time I walked past them at AKL trying to leave the resort (I had to go past them to get to and from my room unless I wanted to go all the way down the other side of the resort and then back again), they said something to me to try to get me to come over.