Need help picking between AKV & VWL

[ateam79828592]

I have friends going to Disney in June. For those that have stayed at both, can you give me some pros / cons to help advise them which to pick? (they were gifted DVC points and it will be between these 2 resorts). Here are some details so you can think "in their shoes".

* First (and likely only) disney trip
* 6 nights / 5 day stay.
* 2 adults and 3 kids (triplets age 5 1/2)
* Disney transportation
* No dining plan - dining on a budget.
* Will have a 1 bdrm at either resort.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!!

 

[JLR]

There are a lot of different preferences which could impact what they choose, but in this case it doesn't really matter:

It is very simple:

AKL 1 BR can sleep 5 (2 in the bedroom, 2 on a pull out couch and 1 in a pull-out chair), WLV 1 BR only sleep 4 to my knowledge.

I hope they love it. We will be there in June!

 

[chalee94]

AKV (kidani building only) has 2 bathrooms in the 1BR villas.

VWL is a much better location with younger kids who are spending a lot of time at the magic kingdom - VWL is only a short boat ride away while AKV is a long (for little ones) bus trip.

but VWL does not allow 5 in a 1BR villa. if they make an exception, be aware that the DVC villas do not provide bedding for the 5th person- no sheets, no rollaway cots, nothing like that. some people do bring inflatable beds and their own sheets - maybe that could work.

AKV has a quick service dining option at jambo house (the original AKL building) but not at kidani. VWL is probably better for quick service options. the all of the 1BRs would have a kitchen so saving some money by eating (at least having breakfast) in the villas is an option.

 

[LilGMom]

Since your friends have five people over the age of three AKV Kidani is pretty much their only option out of WL or AKV. A one bedroom at AKV Kidani will have two full bathrooms which is wonderful! If they request a room near the South end of Kidani it will put them closer to Jambo where the CS is. The Mara (the CS restaurant) has a pretty good selection for all meals but if staying at Kidani they will either have to walk (very short walk if close to the south end of Kidani) or take the bus from Kidani to Jambo. We used the buses at Kidani in November and were pleasantly surprised. Kidani is the first stop for picking up and dropping off so you are pretty much guaranteed a seat. The pool and kids' water play area at Kidani are both great. And the CMs that they have spread around talking about the animals are wonderful. The kids' club area in Kidani is nice and the playground at Jambo is always fun for my boys (5 & 9).

 

[MelissathePooh]

We love both resorts, and I believe that most DVC 1 bedrooms will now accommodate a 5th person, I'd have to say Kidani would probably be a better option for your friends.

The villa is a bit more spacious as mentioned above and the second bath room is nice. While Kidani doesn't have a counter service, if they're on a budget they may really enjoy the full kitchen. Kidani doesn't have a counter service, but we've never found that to be a major issue.

I have to say the Kidani pool is 1000 times better than VWL. The Lodge has a nice pool and nice quiet pool, but the water playground at Kidani is fantastic. The rec room there is great and even the best view at VWL can't touch seeing a giraffe enjoying its lunch right off your balcony!

The bus service is fine - first on and off with the exception of the DD bus. I have never really found AKL to be any more remote than some other resorts - its not much further away from things than All Stars resorts. The CM's have always been wonderful at both resorts, but Kidani has got out of the way before to be helpful or friendly.

DS was learning about different countries during a particular kindergarten quarter. One of the countries was Kenya. We weren't staying there at the time but stopped to visit - the front desk staff made a list of all the Kenyan art and where it was located around the resort. The escorted ds to find some of it and sought out one of the CM's from Kenya to come talk with him. It was a tremendous experience.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Biggest problem will be what is still available for their dates.

 

[nolanboys]

AKV, BLT, and OKW are the only 1 bdrm that sleep 5 - otherwise you have to spring for the points for a 2 bdrm which are a lot more. They should call ASAP.

 

[Deb & Bill]

AKV, BLT, and OKW are the only 1 bdrm that sleep 5 - otherwise you have to spring for the points for a 2 bdrm which are a lot more. They should call ASAP.

If they don't own the points, they can't call anything. The owner of the points will need to call Member Services and get availability.