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.