dsneygirl
<font color=blue>My little pirate is here<br><font
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2000
- Messages
- 5,480
We just got back from 12 really magical days at WDW. It was myself, DH and our 2 year old DS. We had an amazing time. I will try to keep it brief.
AKV~We were in a value studio 5018. AMAZING location. Right off the elevators and when you when to the 1st floor it opened onto the pool and just steps from the Mara. This was our first stay at AKL or AKV and we loved it. The bus service was very good. We spent a lot of time at AK and it was a 4 min drive. Epcot and the Studios were about 10 min and about 15 min to AK. We never waited longer than about 10 min for a bus. The resort was just beautiful my DS loved the animals and the zero entry pool. We never ate at Mara only had snacks but it was never crowded.
We had an amazing meal at Jiko and a good meal at Boma as well. Excellent service from all the cast members we encountered and everything was immaculate. We also found it very quiet. Since 5018 is at the end we only had neighbours on one side and never heard a peep.
VWL~Moved for 4 nights after 7 nights at AKL. We were in 3538 a woods view. This was a studio lock off. The only slight downside was we could hear the family in the other room fairly often. We had a couple nice lunches at Roaring Fork. DH raved about the Beef and Blue Cheese sandwich. Again quick efficient service from every CM we encountered. We had great boat service except for one night coming home from MK. They sent both boats to FW instead of one to WL so we waited about 25-30min. We love the VWL it really felt much more cozy and homey than AKL (although we enjoyed it immensely) it really does feel like "home".
SSR~Due to a mix up in our flight bookings we needed one more night so we rented points and went to SSR (only availability at about 3 weeks out). We were in a studio in Congress Park overlooking the quiet pool and DTD. Awesome location. Too bad we were only there one night. SSR had the busiest busses by far we had seen in our entire two weeks. Coming home from MK was the only time we had to stand in almost 2 weeks. Everything was clean etc but just doesn't wow us the way VWL and AKV does.
Highlights of our trip~
MNSSHP! Just an amazing night. We loved the parade, fireworks and candy. I really enjoy this more than the MVMCP. Low crowds (Sept 5th) first party of the season.
Renting a pontoon boat at WL. We spent an hour touring Bay Lake and it was just bliss. Lots of sun, we took a picnic, and a light breeze. It was a splurge but we all loved it.
Low Crowds! It was so quiet all week. We were even able to get a couple walk in and same day ADRs (even with free dining) never having to stand on a bus or boat. Also I commented to DH over and over again how friendly the CMs are when it isn't crowded. Nearly everyone we encountered was so polite and helpful. We had a photopass photographer by the tree at AK probably take 2 dozen shots of DS as there was no one else around.
I would be happy to answer any questions.
AKV~We were in a value studio 5018. AMAZING location. Right off the elevators and when you when to the 1st floor it opened onto the pool and just steps from the Mara. This was our first stay at AKL or AKV and we loved it. The bus service was very good. We spent a lot of time at AK and it was a 4 min drive. Epcot and the Studios were about 10 min and about 15 min to AK. We never waited longer than about 10 min for a bus. The resort was just beautiful my DS loved the animals and the zero entry pool. We never ate at Mara only had snacks but it was never crowded.
We had an amazing meal at Jiko and a good meal at Boma as well. Excellent service from all the cast members we encountered and everything was immaculate. We also found it very quiet. Since 5018 is at the end we only had neighbours on one side and never heard a peep.
VWL~Moved for 4 nights after 7 nights at AKL. We were in 3538 a woods view. This was a studio lock off. The only slight downside was we could hear the family in the other room fairly often. We had a couple nice lunches at Roaring Fork. DH raved about the Beef and Blue Cheese sandwich. Again quick efficient service from every CM we encountered. We had great boat service except for one night coming home from MK. They sent both boats to FW instead of one to WL so we waited about 25-30min. We love the VWL it really felt much more cozy and homey than AKL (although we enjoyed it immensely) it really does feel like "home".
SSR~Due to a mix up in our flight bookings we needed one more night so we rented points and went to SSR (only availability at about 3 weeks out). We were in a studio in Congress Park overlooking the quiet pool and DTD. Awesome location. Too bad we were only there one night. SSR had the busiest busses by far we had seen in our entire two weeks. Coming home from MK was the only time we had to stand in almost 2 weeks. Everything was clean etc but just doesn't wow us the way VWL and AKV does.
Highlights of our trip~
MNSSHP! Just an amazing night. We loved the parade, fireworks and candy. I really enjoy this more than the MVMCP. Low crowds (Sept 5th) first party of the season.
Renting a pontoon boat at WL. We spent an hour touring Bay Lake and it was just bliss. Lots of sun, we took a picnic, and a light breeze. It was a splurge but we all loved it.
Low Crowds! It was so quiet all week. We were even able to get a couple walk in and same day ADRs (even with free dining) never having to stand on a bus or boat. Also I commented to DH over and over again how friendly the CMs are when it isn't crowded. Nearly everyone we encountered was so polite and helpful. We had a photopass photographer by the tree at AK probably take 2 dozen shots of DS as there was no one else around.
I would be happy to answer any questions.
Did you take any pics from the pontoon boat? Would love to see some. We did 
