Live from AKV club level...now BCV

[BCV23]

Well, at least live for a couple more hours. As soon as everyone wakes up we're off to the Polynesian to conserve those weekend points. Then on to BCV next week.

DH and DD enjoyed the Sunrise Safari yesterday. It was his third time but her first. The white rhinos came right up to their truck yesterday.

The bill wasn't on our door last I checked but I'm confident that internet is free here now, too. The page on which you accept charges has a disclaimer that it's free for members.

We've had a very short but wonderful stay here. There is now very hot water for tea in the lounge. It comes out of a spigot on the cappucino machine. When we stayed here at the end of February, the water for tea was just lukewarm.

And....we've had delivery of the USA Today both mornings. Yippee! It's listed as an amenity on the DVC page but we didn't receive it in Feb.. As always there are also NY Times and WSJs in the lounge.

We had a fantastic dinner at Jiko on Thursday. Probably our best meal there ever. Our DD said her steak was probably the best she's ever had.

We have an accessible two BR lockout. The one BR portion is actually the accessible part of it.

We've loved it here. Who knows if we will ever win the club level lottery again but it sure has been fun!

 

[laughinplace199]

Glad to hear you're having such a nice time. We stayed at AKV (2 BR Savanna view, but not club level) last month and I miss it so much already! I hope we get the chance to stay club level and do the sunrise safari someday. Nice to hear that you had such a wonderful meal at Jiko. That is my absolute favorite restaurant. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

 

[kgc07]

Glad to hear you are enjoying you stay. We will be there on Sunday. I hope we don't end up with the HA room. My son HATES taking baths.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did in March. We didn't get USA Today OR turn down service, but it was still special. We did both safaris (Sunrise and sunset) and thought the ounge was wonderful!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've booked DH and I into a 3 night weekend CL AKV studio stay for next March. DH doesn't have as many vacation days as he used to, and I just wanted to book something special for him. I'm glad people have been reporting such nice experiences. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Bobbi

 

[LisaS]

When we were there at the end of Apr/early May we got a USA today every morning but one (Wednesday, I think). I was surprised because up until then people had reported not receiving it at all.

Thanks for explaining what had been going on about the hot water for the tea. We made our tea using the water from the cappuccino machine and it was fine so I kept wondering why people had been complaining about lukewarm tea!

I agree with Diane about the lounge -- such a nice place to relax! Our concierge stay was in a studio and we didn't mind the lack of living space because we spent time in the lounge every day. I loved coming back from the parks and pouring myself a cold glass of lemonade. One day my DH had to take care of some work-related issues so he took his laptop to the lounge, got a cup of coffee and spent an hour sitting at a table near a power outlet quietly working away. It's no fun having to do work on vacation, but when you have such a nice place to do it in, that certainly helps!

 

[tomandrobin]

Glad to read you are enjoying your trip!

We had daily newpaper, turn down service and room was clened every day.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I too was surprised about not receiving the USA Today. I think someone reported that they were told that the newspapers weren't available except for sale. Yet, when I was at AKL a few weeks ago, I saw USA Todays in front of every regular AKL room in the morning. Yet, not everyone in club level DVC was getting one!? If regular hotel guests are getting one, why doesn't DVC, at least club level?

 

[famsen]

When we were at AKV just last week, we did not get a newspaper at all.
No one on the fifth floor had newspapers but every door on the third floor had them. When I went to the front desk and asked about getting a USA Today, I was told I could purchase one in the gift shop.
I don't why DVC shouldn't get a paper like all the other guests staying there.

 

[jerdria]

Glad you had such a wonderful time. We are trying to book our Disney vacation now and was considering AKV. After reading so many great things, it seems like the perfect choice!

 

[patsal]

I'm so glad you are enjoying it. We had a wonderful CL DVC stay after our cruise in April. It was just the perfect way to end a wonderful and relaxing vacation. We had a USA Today on Friday as I had expected and the room was immaculate. Turn down service each night and a perfectly attentive staff in the lounge. The only bother we found were the incredible disappearing beers--I swear someone would empty all the beer from the cooler as soon as it was loaded in. DH did have to ask for one beer one evening, the next evening they seemed to be watching the cooler more closely--and the beer supply was not exhausted as quickly. I was surprised at the number of people who seemed to use the lounge as an all you care to eat buffet. But that did not deter our vacation it just gave me a good way to show my children how to act and what maybe one should not do. Given the opportunity I'd stay again, but I might also be a bit more careful with the weekend points--since this past trip entailed a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and those points added up quickly!

 

[BCV23]

Glad you enjoyed it as much as we did in March. We didn't get USA Today OR turn down service, but it was still special. We did both safaris (Sunrise and sunset) and thought the ounge was wonderful!

I remember that, Diane. You were there right after we were as I recall...like the next day or something. We did have turndown that trip and this one as well except the studio portion wasn't turned down as we got to the room on Wednesday night.

The lounge is spectacular, isn't it? And the concierge staff is friendly and helpful.

I've booked DH and I into a 3 night weekend CL AKV studio stay for next March. DH doesn't have as many vacation days as he used to, and I just wanted to book something special for him. I'm glad people have been reporting such nice experiences. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Bobbi

Congratulations, Bobbi!!!! What a great treat for your husband. You will love it!!

When we were there at the end of Apr/early May we got a USA today every morning but one (Wednesday, I think). I was surprised because up until then people had reported not receiving it at all.

Thanks for explaining what had been going on about the hot water for the tea. We made our tea using the water from the cappuccino machine and it was fine so I kept wondering why people had been complaining about lukewarm tea!

I agree with Diane about the lounge -- such a nice place to relax! Our concierge stay was in a studio and we didn't mind the lack of living space because we spent time in the lounge every day. I loved coming back from the parks and pouring myself a cold glass of lemonade. One day my DH had to take care of some work-related issues so he took his laptop to the lounge, got a cup of coffee and spent an hour sitting at a table near a power outlet quietly working away. It's no fun having to do work on vacation, but when you have such a nice place to do it in, that certainly helps!

Glad you did receive the paper. It is a treat to open your door and have it right there. It's about the only thing we really miss when we're in a DVC villa.

Yes, the hot water was just in a carafe during our other stay and I think Diane's, too. We stayed club level at the Lodge a couple years ago and the hot water was from the machine (different machine then). I suspect the carafe was a temporary fix.

I agree about the lounge. And it's so convenient for DVC. Not as much from the regular club level rooms on the 5th floor in past years and now the 4th...at least in my opinion.

Glad to read you are enjoying your trip!

We had daily newpaper, turn down service and room was clened every day.

When was your stay? We did have daily housekeeping both trips as well as turndown.

I too was surprised about not receiving the USA Today. I think someone reported that they were told that the newspapers weren't available except for sale. Yet, when I was at AKL a few weeks ago, I saw USA Todays in front of every regular AKL room in the morning. Yet, not everyone in club level DVC was getting one!? If regular hotel guests are getting one, why doesn't DVC, at least club level?

At the end of Feb, the USA Today wasn't even sold in the gift shop. Like all the deluxe hotels, regular hotel rooms at AKL receive it daily. And like all other DVC villas, those on the 5th floor don't receive it. But the DVC website listed daily delivery as a perk of club level and we were disappointed not to be receive it or even buy it in Feb.. The lounge does get a couple copies but they were usually gone in Feb. by the time I looked.

But it's fixed for club level now!

When we were at AKV just last week, we did not get a newspaper at all.
No one on the fifth floor had newspapers but every door on the third floor had them. When I went to the front desk and asked about getting a USA Today, I was told I could purchase one in the gift shop.
I don't why DVC shouldn't get a paper like all the other guests staying there.

Were you able to purchase it?

I don't think regular villas at Jambo House or Kidani will ever receive a paper. It's not an amenity at any DVC other than those few club level villas. Just a guess but I think many members wouldn't be willing to pay for it with dues.

Given the opportunity I'd stay again, but I might also be a bit more careful with the weekend points--since this past trip entailed a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and those points added up quickly!

Wow, that would be point killing stay. But glad you had fun!

Thanks for the good wishes everyone. We're off to Epcot today. Lunch at Coral Reef before a break and then back to dinner at Le Cellier.

 

[shovan]

Glad you're having a great trip!!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts comparing the three resorts.

 

[BCV23]

Glad you're having a great trip!!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts comparing the three resorts.

I love them all.

The Polynesian is the resort that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our children grew up vacationing there so it just holds so many memories. I'm misty eyed typing this in fact. Practically speaking, the rooms are quite large, transportation can't be beat and there are so many great restaurants around the monorail circuit. I could go on and on, really.

We also love BCV. Love the space, love the light decor, love walking into Epcot. SAB is great and we also love the Dunes Cove pool...when it's open. It's not this trip. We're making new memories here of a different time of our lives.

The theming of AKL is amazing. I spend a lot of time just roaming that hotel. I hope Kidani has the same nooks and crannies. We only have a small contract there but I think that suits us perfectly given the way we vacation.

Or do you mean in terms of accessibility, shovan?

We ended up canceling Le Cellier and went to Captain's Grille instead. The whole point of that reservation was to get prime rib for our daughter and she loved it at Captain's. The halibut was great and I heard their seafood stew is too although no one in our family ordered it last night.

 

[jjohnson]

I would like to hear your thoughts on the condition of the lobby, halls, & elevators at BCV. We felt they were in dire need of a rehab.

 

[BCV23]

I would like to hear your thoughts on the condition of the lobby, halls, & elevators at BCV. We felt they were in dire need of a rehab.

The lobby looks great as do the halls I've been down...ours and the first. I noticed a scuff area on one elevator floor but that doesn't bother me. I know they do refinish them as I've seen pristine elevator floors on some trips. They are wood so I'm sure all the wheeled cases give them a beating. And of course every time the floors are refinished it causes some inconvenience for guests so it's probably a balancing act. The new hall carpets appear to be holding up well.

The pool and whirlpool are finished and being refilled right now! It's fun to walk out and see the level go up.

Some of us did DHS today with a good lunch as always at Mama's. Dori was our server and we saw Kevin as well...two fantastic servers. Dinner tonight is at Flying Fish. Toy Story Mania was not open when my DH checked and at Guest Relations they had no info on soft openings. DHS didn't seem crowded at all to me. We've been quite lucky with park crowds this trip.

 

[WoodysRoundup]

So glad you're having a great trip BCV23!!! Sorry we missed you at the Poly. I was looking for you! Ran into Seaspray in the elevator!

 

[MJS]

Sounds like a great trip. We love the BCV, and we were there at Easter. The check in at the villas was a mess ~ are they still doing it in the BCV lobby? I hope that your experience was better than ours!

 

[shovan]

I love them all.

The Polynesian is the resort that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our children grew up vacationing there so it just holds so many memories. I'm misty eyed typing this in fact. Practically speaking, the rooms are quite large, transportation can't be beat and there are so many great restaurants around the monorail circuit. I could go on and on, really.

We also love BCV. Love the space, love the light decor, love walking into Epcot. SAB is great and we also love the Dunes Cove pool...when it's open. It's not this trip. We're making new memories here of a different time of our lives.

The theming of AKL is amazing. I spend a lot of time just roaming that hotel. I hope Kidani has the same nooks and crannies. We only have a small contract there but I think that suits us perfectly given the way we vacation.

Or do you mean in terms of accessibility, shovan?

We ended up canceling Le Cellier and went to Captain's Grille instead. The whole point of that reservation was to get prime rib for our daughter and she loved it at Captain's. The halibut was great and I heard their seafood stew is too although no one in our family ordered it last night.

The lobby looks great as do the halls I've been down...ours and the first. I noticed a scuff area on one elevator floor but that doesn't bother me. I know they do refinish them as I've seen pristine elevator floors on some trips. They are wood so I'm sure all the wheeled cases give them a beating. And of course every time the floors are refinished it causes some inconvenience for guests so it's probably a balancing act. The new hall carpets appear to be holding up well.

The pool and whirlpool are finished and being refilled right now! It's fun to walk out and see the level go up.

Some of us did DHS today with a good lunch as always at Mama's. Dori was our server and we saw Kevin as well...two fantastic servers. Dinner tonight is at Flying Fish. Toy Story Mania was not open when my DH checked and at Guest Relations they had no info on soft openings. DHS didn't seem crowded at all to me. We've been quite lucky with park crowds this trip.

No I didn't mean accessibility. Was just wondering how the three resorts compared since you did all 3 in one trip. Since all three are considered Deluxe Resorts, I was really wondering how the BC Villa compared with the Poly & with the newer villas at AKV? Glad to hear the hallways look good, how's the room?

But since you mentioned accessibility, what's being done at the pool & whirlpool? I'd love to hear that a pool lift was being installed, but I know that I'm really just wishing on that.

Glad to hear your having a great trip! Glad to hear that Captain's was so good! We've only had breakfast there, but I do love a good prime rib.

My SIL & BIL are in WDW right now, but I couldn't get them anything at the BC. They are staying at SSR. How was Flying Fish yesterday? They are heading there tonight!

 

[BCV23]

So glad you're having a great trip BCV23!!! Sorry we missed you at the Poly. I was looking for you! Ran into Seaspray in the elevator!

I was looking for you too, Woodys. We weren't in the lounge much though. Did you see Seaspray in the elevator in Hawaii?? Yippee if so! I read your thread about AKV but didn't answer as I don't really have any advice. I understand your feelings about the MK resort area...we were/are the same way. But we also have come to love the extra room in 1 and 2 BRs. So we almost always split and get the best of both worlds for our family's taste. Good luck with your decisions.

Sounds like a great trip. We love the BCV, and we were there at Easter. The check in at the villas was a mess ~ are they still doing it in the BCV lobby? I hope that your experience was better than ours!

They are still doing it in the villas between 8-6pm. I checked in early though to drop off insulin and get our room keys with dxDDP. The woman who checked me in at the BC seemed to have an attitude....first time I've felt that way at BC/BCV. Far more importantly she somehow managed to assign us inaccessible rooms when we were blocked for an accessible 2 BR. It eventually was straightened out but that wasted quite a bit of vacation time and still wasn't done quite completely. However, Cissy and Vincent at BCV checkin were great in helping straighten everything out.

No I didn't mean accessibility. Was just wondering how the three resorts compared since you did all 3 in one trip. Since all three are considered Deluxe Resorts, I was really wondering how the BC Villa compared with the Poly & with the newer villas at AKV? Glad to hear the hallways look good, how's the room?

But since you mentioned accessibility, what's being done at the pool & whirlpool? I'd love to hear that a pool lift was being installed, but I know that I'm really just wishing on that.

Glad to hear your having a great trip! Glad to hear that Captain's was so good! We've only had breakfast there, but I do love a good prime rib.

My SIL & BIL are in WDW right now, but I couldn't get them anything at the BC. They are staying at SSR. How was Flying Fish yesterday? They are heading there tonight!

The villas and room at the Polynesian were all quite clean. The three have completely different theming so hard to compare. Each had a couple minor problems/missing items which were quite speedily addressed.

As for Dunes Cove (is that right?), we saw them working on the tile as well as applying some kind of patchwork. Yesterday, a material was sprayed all over the pool surface and then smoothed with trowels. Both the pool and whirlpool are filled now and a couple guys were doing something there this afternoon. We've heard different things about when it will open. No lift spotted here and if my DH had seen one at SAB, I know he'd have told me. Of course, it's so large he could miss it.

Flying Fish was excellent and we had fantastic service. Much better in that department than Narcoossee's. Things like filling the wine glasses, replacing ice teas, etc.. Tonight we're headed to YSH.