Need some advice - AKV vs. AK vs. WL

[WDWorld2003]

I finally was able to book an AKV standard studio for cash for 239.00+ tax for January 2nd.

Now the AP rates have come out and I can book a standard room for $194 at AK (we have to pay $25.00 ea. for adult kids - ouch - first time we've had to do this) or $189+ tax @ Wilderness Lodge. The AP rate for studios at each lodge were higher than the MS rate because of the two extra adults.

I know the main difference between the studio and rooms is the 1Q and pull out plus mini kitchen vs. 2 Q beds. My kids can survive on the pull out for one night. Is it worth the extra $39.00 for AKV vs AK? Or should we stay at WL? (no rooms available for cash through MS at WL).

We've never stayed at either and both appeal to us. Any advice would be appreciated....

 

[bobbiwoz]

At that time of the year, and especially for only 1 night, I would pick WL because of its beauty and theme, which is so right for the time of the year.

If you could have a room with a savannah view, well, then I would pick AKL/V but the standard room that we had, before DVC came there, was off the beaten path...down a long hallway, and if we had a view it would have been of the bus area. So, I am prejudiced against AKL standard rooms, the AKV standard rooms have views of the pool, so that would be better, but IMHO, not nearly as good as staying at WL!

Bobbi

 

[WDWorld2003]

We could probably get a Savannah view at AK or a Courtyard at WL for about the same price as MS Standard Studio at AK.

I can't believe how much time I'm spending on booking the first night but it's been 4 years since we've all been there together.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We could probably get a Savannah view at AK or a Courtyard at WL for about the same price as MS Standard Studio at AK.

I can't believe how much time I'm spending on booking the first night but it's been 4 years since we've all been there together.

Whatever you decide, it will be worth the planning. We're going to be at the BWV for NYE, our first experience with any sort of major holiday at WDW. We go home on January 2nd.

As I said, I love VWL, it's my absolute favorite DVC, but I also love a savannah view. I don't know where you're spending the rest of your vacation, but if it's not AKV, then I would go with the savannah view, for a real treat, a very unique experience.

Bobbi

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Whatever you decide, it will be worth the planning. We're going to be at the BWV for NYE, our first experience with any sort of major holiday at WDW. We go home on January 2nd.

As I said, I love VWL, it's my absolute favorite DVC, but I also love a savannah view. I don't know where you're spending the rest of your vacation, but if it's not AKV, then I would go with the savannah view, for a real treat, a very unique experience.

Bobbi

Hi Ms. Bobbi...a bit OT, but the vetran that you are , I thought I would ask you which of the DVC resorts is your favorite and why? I know you own most all of them! Oops...didn't read all of your reply. Ok, so VWL is your favorite? Why?

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks Bobbi - the rest of our vacation is in a 2 bdrm. Boardwalk view which to date is our favorite but then it's the only place my family has ever stayed other than POR (My daughter and I have stayed at SSR and BCV).

We get in early our first day (cross your fingers there's no snow storms here) so we'll probably get to our resort no later than 1:00 p.m. so we'll have some time to explore whatever resort we chose.

We've never been there at Christmas time so that's a hesitation as far as AK because the holiday celebrations seem to all end on the 4th and AK is out there a bit. On the other hand, I know we would love a Savannah view but would also love the grounds at Wilderness Lodge (I love to walk around in the a.m.). It's a great dilemma to have and I really appreciate any advice you have.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Personally, I would chose the Savannah view at AKL. It's just so different from any other Disney experience. I'd eat at Boma the first night and listen to the story-telling around the fire, and watch the animals from the balcony as much as I could.

If I choose the WL or VWL, also both great, I'd check in and walk the grounds, maybe take a monorail ride all the way around the resorts, stopping to poke around at the Poly, and then walk to the GF and look around. I'd try to eat at Chef Mickey's, then take the boat back to the WL.

Which sounds better to you???

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi Ms. Bobbi...a bit OT, but the vetran that you are , I thought I would ask you which of the DVC resorts is your favorite and why? I know you own most all of them! Oops...didn't read all of your reply. Ok, so VWL is your favorite? Why?

Hi

There is nothing I can say except it just feels right! I met DH on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights June 10, 1966, and he felt right too!

Do you dream of BWV because that's your match?

Bobbi

PS. I know we're OT...someday we just have to get together and chat about all things!!!!

PPS.WDWorld2003 - If you do pick WL, don't hesitate to walk around in the evening, in dark. Go up to the observation area, you will be up a cliff, overlooking the pool, with the lodge at your back. You are so close, but so apart from the action. It's a special place for me at night because the lights of the pool, darkness of the area, just contrast enough to be especially beautiful up there. Another thing, no matter where you stay, I think riding over to FW, renting a bike there (if you stay at WL, rent the bike there and ride over) you will be amazed at the decorations that people who camp there have. There even was a blurb on one of the Travel Channel shows, it is amazing, even in the afternoon. The people are so friendly there too!

 

[WDWorld2003]

This isn't getting easier - my husband leans toward Wilderness Lodge and I'm leaning toward Animal Kingdom. I think we'll be tossing a coin!

 

[Anal Annie]

We have not stayed at all the resorts (yet) but we LOVE both of your choices. You do have a tough decision. I think that for just the one night, being in the winter, I would say the VWL would "fit" the mood / theme / timing! They are both gorgeous, but I doubt you'll have THAT much time to sit and enjoy the savannah view if you're just there for one night. (Plus you could save a few bucks.)

 

[Granny]

Go with your hubby...got to keep him happy, right!

Really, I agree with Bobbi. WL with all the Christmas decorations still up is hard to beat. You can't go wrong with any of the choices but I'd vote for WL just because of the time of the year.

 

[WDWorld2003]

He won.... we're staying at WL for the first night!!! We may also add on the 2nd night to avoid the high weekend points at BWV - another decision that has to be made by tomorrow... which is the last day to bank our points.

We have a reservation for Chef Mickey's that night which we've never been to. We wanted O'Hanas which is our traditional first night but they were booked solid.

Thanks everyone for your help - we're really looking forward to trying a new resort! Next time, Animal Kingdom.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks Bobbi - the rest of our vacation is in a 2 bdrm. Boardwalk view which to date is our favorite but then it's the only place my family has ever stayed other than POR (My daughter and I have stayed at SSR and BCV).

We get in early our first day (cross your fingers there's no snow storms here) so we'll probably get to our resort no later than 1:00 p.m. so we'll have some time to explore whatever resort we chose.

We've never been there at Christmas time so that's a hesitation as far as AK because the holiday celebrations seem to all end on the 4th and AK is out there a bit. On the other hand, I know we would love a Savannah view but would also love the grounds at Wilderness Lodge (I love to walk around in the a.m.). It's a great dilemma to have and I really appreciate any advice you have.

Given that information and the fact that you are from Minnesota too, I'd say definitely give AKL savanna view the nod. It is just too unique an experience to miss.

BTW, I am jealous, because we LOVE Disney on NYE!!! Our favorite thing to do is Epcot and Illuminations for midnight. Unfortunately, we aren't traveling to WDW until the last two weeks of January this year. We had to accommodate our nephew who has some days off then.

If you have only stayed at BWV, you have missed out on a lot of special DVC experiences! It is actually our least favorite resort. Of course, we own at OKW and AKV, so we are pedjudiced a bit there. I like to visit WL each trip and especially at Holiday time, but it isn't our favorite place to stay. That is mostly because we live in a lodge here in Minnesota, and when we vacation in Florida, we want it to be different than home.

BTW, if you do go with the savanna view room, I think in the regular lodge you will have two real beds also. With an AKV studio, you will have one bed and one sleep sofa.

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks Diane - you're making me want to change my res back to AKL! We will not be there NYE but arriving on the 2nd but we'll still be able to see the resorts decorated which we are thrilled about.

We need to spread our wings a little and try some other resorts. I think because our first DVC visit was a Boardwalk view 2 bdrm. it will always be our first love...

 

[ldo]

It is the premier place for the Holidays, IMHO (we bought DVC there just to have home DVC booking over the Holidays)--you will almost never get this thru DVC at 7 mths). Plus, you can hop a boat over to Contemp. and get on monorail to go sightsee all the decorations at GF, Contemp, and Poly. For one night, I would definitely pick WL. Plus, I love AKL, but given the # of units, you have much better chance of getting an AKL in future trips than WL.