Is AKL worth 3k more over OKW?

[bethwc101]

We are doing a DVC rental for a group of 8 adults (5 men 3 women all late 20s-early 30s). And essentially as it says, is AKL worth 3k more than OKW for a three night stay? I like the animal view and rec area. It will be a joint bachelor/bachelorette trip, so will be a bit more laid back. It will be the first time at disney for 6 of the people so will not be doing rope drop. We will be going when everyone is up and staying until park close and we will have people from across all 4 US time zones. However, half the people are early risers so could enjoy the animals.
We are renting points and have never stayed at DVC before.
Another option in debate (but a really low contender) is using Hilton points for the Hilton Signa since it has the lazy river, although the idea of being on property and all under one room is the most appeasing part as with the Hilton it would be everyone in 4 different rooms. but with work, points, it would be free or dang near close. And has a bus to the parks that only shares service with one hotel next door. Although it is more of a gamble as we wouldn't be able to book until much closer when points are accumulated.

Editing to add, both OKW and AKL would be a 3 bedroom grand villa.
Both are two stories with a lower level king suite and pull out. With upper floor is two-two queen rooms each with their own bathroom.
They have aprox the same sq footage with the only difference being the Savanna has an animal view and a "game room".

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’m going to say no. If you were comparing OKW to a resort that was in walking distance to a park, I could *maybe* rationalize spending a little more… but 3K? That’s virtually a whole other trip.

Obviously I’d need to understand more about the rooms (are you staying in a bunch of studios vs. a grand villa, etc.) but given both resorts rely on buses to most places, I personally would stay at OKW.

 

[pzw90]

Really depends on what rooms you have. You say under one roof so assuming 2bd or 3bd to fit eight people. Fairly sure AKV gets you an extra bathroom over OKW in the 2bd

 

[Steelers0854]

Off property is a hard pass if you want to do anything at the parks with that many people IMO. Disney transportation is almost a must. I havent stayed at OKW but I have stayed at SSR which to me is similar in a lot of ways. Since you have first timers I would go AKL and bite the bullet. It will be much more magical, the lobby is absolutely gorgeous and the transportation will be much less frustrating. Plus the food onsite is much, much better. Boma is one of our favorites for breakfast anywhere on property. Sanaa’s bread service is legendary and while I dont love Jiko many people do. Transportation at OKW would frustrate me. So my vote is pay the extra and go AKL.

 

[bethwc101]

I’m going to say no. If you were comparing OKW to a resort that was in walking distance to a park, I could *maybe* rationalize spending a little more… but 3K? That’s virtually a whole other trip.

Obviously I’d need to understand more about the rooms (are you staying in a bunch of studios vs. a grand villa, etc.) but given both resorts rely on buses to most places, I personally would stay at OKW.

Really depends on what rooms you have. You say under one roof so assuming 2bd or 3bd to fit eight people. Fairly sure AKV gets you an extra bathroom over OKW in the 2bd

Both OKW and AKL would be 3 bedroom grand villa.
Both are two stories with a lower level king suite and pull out. With upper floor is two-two queen rooms each with their own bathroom.
They have aprox the same sq footage with the only difference being the Savanna has an animal view and a "game room".

 

[bethwc101]

Off property is a hard pass if you want to do anything at the parks with that many people IMO. Disney transportation is almost a must. I havent stayed at OKW but I have stayed at SSR which to me is similar in a lot of ways. Since you have first timers I would go AKL and bite the bullet. It will be much more magical, the lobby is absolutely gorgeous and the transportation will be much less frustrating. Plus the food onsite is much, much better. Boma is one of our favorites for breakfast anywhere on property. Sanaa’s bread service is legendary and while I dont love Jiko many people do. Transportation at OKW would frustrate me. So my vote is pay the extra and go AKL.

The only reason Hilton is a contender is because of work and points some of the people get it would be free or really close to. And the Signa has a free bus to all the parks and only shares with the hotel next door. Although it is more of a gamble as we wouldn't be able to book until much closer when points are accumulated.

 

[Steelers0854]

The only reason Hilton is a contender is because of work and points some of the people get it would be free or really close to. And the Signa has a free bus to all the parks and only shares with the hotel next door. Although it is more of a gamble as we wouldn't be able to book until much closer when points are accumulated.

Still not worth it IMO, but I will give you that this hotel does have a more favorable shuttle schedule than most others that run once or twice a day. They seem to leave on the hour. But I wouldn’t want to spend my time and energy planning my day around the shuttle schedule. If you miss it you’re waiting an hour or getting Ubers. Remember for MK you will end up at the TTC and this will add extra time and another wait to get from the TTC to MK.

I have had to do offsite hotels a few times, and every time I wish I were staying on property. I just wouldn’t recommend it especially for what your are going for, if this were just a regular trip with a bunch of folks that have been before, go for it. Not for this.

 

[pzw90]

Both OKW and AKL would be 3 bedroom grand villa.
Both are two stories with a lower level king suite and pull out. With upper floor is two-two queen rooms each with their own bathroom.
They have aprox the same sq footage with the only difference being the Savanna has an animal view and a "game room".

Personally, 3k is 3k, that would go a along way for paying for other things. Drinks, dinner, Minnie vans, lightning lanes, souvenirs, etc.

You’re bussing everywhere from both resorts, OKW at least has the boat option to Disney Springs if any plans to visit there.

I vote OKW. But if money is no object (if this is the case you wouldn’t be asking or would be looking at other resorts) or this is a once in a lifetime trip, then AKV

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would definitely stick with Disney-owned for first timers. Both of your choices would be lovely, and I agree that AKL has better food options. But I’d still pick OKW, for a few reasons (and we’ve stayed at both).

A 3BR villa at OKW will be awesome. If you have cars you can pull them up right outside. Buses are fine, same as other resorts (just home from Coronado and no difference). You could get a grocery delivery for some basic drinks (water, sodas, maybe some juices) and groceries (snacks, breakfast items, sandwich stuff) and of course, your own booze.

My kids are around your age and both love OKW. In fact, my son said on our recent stay there that it’s one of his top favorite Disney resorts. We all love the relaxed vibe, and the villas are so spacious. Food from Olivia’s and the quick service was good. Chances are you’ll want to eat at other places, too, anyway. The boat to DS would be great for your group - really nice (especially pretty at night), short ride, with a ton of places to eat there. (Mine really like D Luxe Burger and the Hangar Bar.) There’s also a path where you can walk to DS during the daytime through the golf course and SSR, nice walk (if not too hot).

I take it you’re all sharing costs. With 8 people, even if some are doing well financially, there may be others who are a bit strapped and would appreciate the savings. As the original DVC, there’s a ton to do around the resort, which your friends might enjoy. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/old-key-west-resort/recreation/

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I vote OKW also, closer to everything, boat ride to Disney Springs, bus to Epcot 5 minutes, lovely bright rooms. Fun watching golfers go by.
AKL is farther from any park other than the Animal Kingdom. If you are in the Kidani area of rooms, it’s a long walk to the restaurants in the main lodge, a good 10 to 15 minutes, dark hallways and confusing hallway layout. Really personal preference if the animal watching is worth the choice.

 

[airjay75]

https://dvcnews.com/wdw-resorts/ani...dani-village-begins-months-long-refurbishment

Kidani or Jambo? And will the refurb be done by you planned travel dates? Check the article above for dates. Kidani scheduled to be done by May, then on to Jambo, which is scheduled to be done by January.

If the refurb will be done by your planned travel dates, I'm going to say that, yes, AKL will be worth it. I just don't think you can compare what might feel like a once in a lifetime experience to wake up and be able to look at giraffes and zebras outside your hotel window to what OKW offers. And a newly refurbished room will make it feel much more like you're staying in a brand new hotel room. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe OKW was last refurbished in 2019, and is due for another one, but we don't have any formal start date at this point. I've read plenty of people who have stayed recently remark about the rooms starting to feel a bit long in the tooth.

Also note the Kidani GV's are 2-story, but I believe the Jambo GV's are only 1. Both are still fantastic, I'm sure.

AKL has a lot more options for dining than OKW.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/old-key-west-resort/dining/
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/dining/

At OKW, it's either table service at Olivia's or an outdoor quick service restaurant. That's basically it. Sure, Disney Springs is a quick boat ride away, but I just think the options at AKL are way more interesting and memorable, especially for a first time trip to Disney. I will note that most of the dining options at AKL are in Jambo, and that is going to take you about 10-15 minutes to walk or will be a short shuttle ride from Kidani to Jambo.

So, to me, an extra $375/person for AKL? That would absolutely be worth it. AKL is a unique, incredibly themed resort with a host of resort amenities. OKW is perfectly fine, but it's more a a sprawling condo-type resort that, although perfectly fine and lovely, just doesn't compare IMO for a unique and memorable Disney trip. Now, if the budget is tight, ok, we all have to make trade-offs, and I'm sure you'd have a lovely time at OKW too.

 

[airjay75]

Also just adding, I think time of year could make a difference too.

Late Spring/Summer/Early Fall with lots of heat and humidity and potential for thunderstorms everyday? I don't think I'd want to be walking outside around OKW very much with that sort of weather.

November-March where you can have some really lovely weather for being outside? Well, I still personally think AKL would be worth it, but I think OKW would be much more enjoyable during more pleasant weather, and so maybe the trade-off could be a bit more worth it.

 

[Brian Noble]

We can't answer "worth it" questions for anyone but ourselves, because some differences will matter more or less to me than to you, and because "an extra $3K" might mean something different to me than it does to you.

So instead, here are the factors I would consider. First, what are the life situations of each person/couple? Is everyone doing well, financially, or is this trip already a stretch for some of you? Second, what is your group's vibe? OKW is very casual beach-cottage. AKV is a little more bougie, though still relaxed and definitely not stuffy. Are you likely to want to spend Real Money on dining, or are you likely to want to spend more time touring the parks?

That said, knowing nothing about any of you, my advice: This is a rare, celebratory gathering of friends who live far apart from one another. It might be worth splurging for. For a garden variety extended family trip that the elders are paying for? I am not sure I would spend the extra $1K/night. For a life-milestone moment among friends who are splitting the cost? Go for it.

 

[sndral]

…
Editing to add, both OKW and AKL would be a 3 bedroom grand villa.
Both are two stories with a lower level king suite and pull out. With upper floor is two-two queen rooms each with their own bathroom.
They have aprox the same sq footage with the only difference being the Savanna has an animal view and a "game room".

…would go AKL and bite the bullet. It will be much more magical, the lobby is absolutely gorgeous and the transportation will be much less frustrating. Plus the food onsite is much, much better. Boma is one of our favorites for breakfast anywhere on property. Sanaa’s bread service is legendary and while I dont love Jiko many people do. Transportation at OKW would frustrate me. So my vote is pay the extra and go AKL.

FYI AKL/V has 2 buildings - Jambo & Kidani, they are about a 10 minute walk apart. The 16 grand villas at Kidani are 2 story, the 6 grand villas at Jambo are single story. Jambo has the stunning lobby, Kidani’s lobby, while nice, is smaller. Boma (and Jiko & the bar - Victoria falls) are located at Jambo, Sanaa is at Kidani.

 

[airjay75]

I’m not sure if you are basing your figures on savanna view or resort view. If you are hoping to get resort view because it costs less points - there are only 2 resort view Grand Villas at AKL/V & they are both in Kidani & overlook a narrow portion of the Pembe Savanna.

Good thought. And just noting that the Pembe Savanna does not have giraffes. Personally, if I were splurging on an AKL GV, I would want a full savannah view with giraffes.

 

[kristenrice]

If it is important to you, the AKV grand villas that have the game room are the ones in JAMBO HOUSE. The 2-story Grand Villas are in KIDANI and they do not have the game room. When you make your reservation, you will have to choose which building you want.

It is a very tough call because OKW and AKV are such dramatically different resorts with very different vibes. You really cannot go wrong with either choice. I do not envy your position....I could not make that decision either.

 

[Sandisw]

I deleted a few posts. We do not allow time of year or dates looking to rent to be shared.

General questions can continue.

 

[Nabas]

First, there are two different AKV buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village. Kidani is just DVC with minimal services (one restaurant, a small store, and a pool that’s geared towards children). You mention the AKV Grand Vills that you are looking at has two stories, so that's Kidani. (Jambo Grand Villa is on one floor.) For an all-adults group as you describe, I advise Jambo. (Jambo has a better pool for adults, two restaurants, a food court, a much larger store, a bar, and a grand lobby.)

Second, I have stayed in both a Jambo House and OKW Grand Villa. No question in my mind that Jambo House is the much better experience. If you were going to have a "relax at the pool all day" kind of trip, then Jambo might be worth the extra cost. However, you mentioned that you pretty much are going to the park all day, once everyone is awake and dressed. With this in mind, I’d save the $3K and stay at OKW.

I get that you want to all be together in the morning and when you get back at night but, seriously, you're going to be hanging together all day at the parks (which you say you are going to stay at until closing). Based on past experiences, it is frustrating in the morning waiting for a "sleepy head" to get their *** out of bed while you're raring to go, especially when you spent a bunch of money on a ticket that's just being wasted while you twiddle your thumbs in the room. Did you consider just booking 3 or 4 rooms, and then just meet everyone at the park? You'll save a lot more and not have to wait for the last one to be ready.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Sounds like you are going for a potential rental at Kidani so here are some benefits I could think of.

• In terms of in the room vibe, there is nothing more magical than a view of the animals. Having hosted friends and family at multiple resorts, there is an overall consensus that most just love when we host them there.
• Kidani has a great pool but you will also have the option of going to the pool at Jambo.
• One big perk of the room at Kidani vs OKW is the elevator access to both floors. Your room key or magic band will open the door or each floor and that may be a perk for some after a long park day or if there is some mobility issues in your group. With that said, if the person who has this issue needs to use the elevator they may have a long hallway to navigate to do so.
• Kidani has an extra sleeper sofa both downstairs and upstairs (this was pre-reburb so this could change).

We love the vibe at both resorts. Good luck to you on your choice/stay.

 

[Bucketfoot]

We own at and love AKV, but for $3K there is nothing to even think about here. Go with OKW