Need Some AKV Waitlist Advice

[Empress Room]

I spoke with MS this morning about ressies at AKV for this December 5-12. Looking for either a studio or one-bedroom (any view). There is no availability for that week at AKV (in fact, there is no availability that week at BLT, WLV, BCV, BWV either). I have a one-bedroom ressie at OKW.

I am waitlisted at AKV but MS told me that I had to choose not only what size unit (one-bedroom), but also which building (Kidani or Jambo) and which view (standard or savanah). This really appears to limit my options. Since AKV is considered one resort, I would have thought that a waitlist request for a one-bedroom would get me either Kidani or Jambo (that I wouldn't have to choose). Same is true for the view. Is this the proper waitlist protocol for AKV?

In addition, given the above, what would you choose to maximize chances for success? Clearly standard view is less desirable, but how about Kidani v. Jambo? On one hand, Kidani has more units, but it's newer and may attract more waitlist activity. Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[dairyqueenmom]

I spoke with MS this morning about ressies at AKV for this December 5-12. Looking for either a studio or one-bedroom (any view). There is no availability for that week at AKV (in fact, there is no availability that week at BLT, WLV, BCV, BWV either). I have a one-bedroom ressie at OKW.

I am waitlisted at AKV but MS told me that I had to choose not only what size unit (one-bedroom), but also which building (Kidani or Jambo) and which view (standard or savanah). This really appears to limit my options. Since AKV is considered one resort, I would have thought that a waitlist request for a one-bedroom would get me either Kidani or Jambo (that I wouldn't have to choose). Same is true for the view. Is this the proper waitlist protocol for AKV?

In addition, given the above, what would you choose to maximize chances for success? Clearly standard view is less desirable, but how about Kidani v. Jambo? On one hand, Kidani has more units, but it's newer and may attract more waitlist activity. Thoughts? Thanks!

Yes, that is the proper waitlist protocol. Jambo and Kidani are seperate booking catagories and have some different views and levels of booking.

I would think there would be a better chance at Kidani due to the size of it. Some will not stay there due to the lack of counter service. IMHO I would waitlist for Kidani Standard view.

 

[Debby7]

I waitlisted this morning for AKV 2 bdrm Dec 5-8. We are currently at OKW for that time. I made two waitlists, one for Kidani dedicated 2 bdrm and one for Jambo 2 bdrm lockoff. I am hoping that when new units are declared for the 2nd phase, one of the waitlists will come through. I could have got two nights at Kidani, but since my 83 year old mom will be with us , I didn't want to chance switching in the middle of a three night stay.

 

[bonybroad]

Well, this doesn't sound good for me.
I was calling tomorrow looking for 2 studios and a 1bedroom for Dec 6-10.
I guess we will stay at SSR, which is FINE with me!

 

[Inkmahm]

Well, this doesn't sound good for me.
I was calling tomorrow looking for 2 studios and a 1bedroom for Dec 6-10.
I guess we will stay at SSR, which is FINE with me!

Are you sure SSR even has an opening for that week?

 

[klburns]

I just called yesterday to try to get in to AKV Kidani on Dec 2-8 for a studio. They couldn't do it for the whole time, but I got it for Dec. 2, 4 & 5. Wait listed the 3, 6, 7, & 8. I went with standard view, thinking that people with a savannah view probably won't give it up and there are many more standard rooms that value. I don't know about Kidani vs. Jambo. In any event, I hope my waitlist comes through. Right now I'm booked at SSR for the days I'm waitlisted. I figured I could wait until the month before and if I still haven't gotten all the days at AKV, I can just switch the whole thing to SSR. Knowing my luck there won't be any availability there and I'll be switching resorts every other day!

 

[disneynutz]

I am waitlisted at AKV but MS told me that I had to choose not only what size unit (one-bedroom), but also which building (Kidani or Jambo) and which view (standard or savanah). This really appears to limit my options. Since AKV is considered one resort, I would have thought that a waitlist request for a one-bedroom would get me either Kidani or Jambo (that I wouldn't have to choose). Same is true for the view. Is this the proper waitlist protocol for AKV?

The requirements for your wait list isn't unique to AKV, it's the same at all DVC resorts. With the new restrictions that DVC has made on the number of wait-lists that a member can have at one time, our chance for a successful wait-list coming through has really been reduced.

 

[JerJan]

I too called today no studios availabe 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/8 anywhere but OKW & SSR

 

[bonybroad]

I already have SSR booked, for the PP that asked about availibilty for me.

 

[Empress Room]

The requirements for your wait list isn't unique to AKV, it's the same at all DVC resorts. With the new restrictions that DVC has made on the number of wait-lists that a member can have at one time, our chance for a successful wait-list coming through has really been reduced.

Well, the requirements for my waitlist at AKV do appear to be unique to AKV in that this is a DVC resort that is, in effect, split in two. For example, if I wanted a one-bedroom at OKW, I could simply waitlist for that one-bedroom. Theoretically, I would receive the first available one-bedroom if I moved up the list. At AKV, however, waitlisting for a one-bedroom mandates that I choose between the Jambo half and the Kidani half and further mandates that I choose the kind of view. If I incorrectly guess that a one-bedroom becomes available by waitlist at Jambo when one actually becomes available at Kidani, I am out of luck. This reduces my chances for finding a match.

Now, clearly, it appears as if BLT may have a similar issue, at least to an extent (MK view of lagoon view) and SSV may have a somewhat similar issue if one wants to waitlist for a tree house villa. But I am not aware of any other DVC properties that are so "partitioned" so to speak, are you?

 

[disneynutz]

Well, the requirements for my waitlist at AKV do appear to be unique to AKV in that this is a DVC resort that is, in effect, split in two. For example, if I wanted a one-bedroom at OKW, I could simply waitlist for that one-bedroom. Theoretically, I would receive the first available one-bedroom if I moved up the list. At AKV, however, waitlisting for a one-bedroom mandates that I choose between the Jambo half and the Kidani half and further mandates that I choose the kind of view. If I incorrectly guess that a one-bedroom becomes available by waitlist at Jambo when one actually becomes available at Kidani, I am out of luck. This reduces my chances for finding a match.

Now, clearly, it appears as if BLT may have a similar issue, at least to an extent (MK view of lagoon view) and SSV may have a somewhat similar issue if one wants to waitlist for a tree house villa. But I am not aware of any other DVC properties that are so "partitioned" so to speak, are you?

OKW has Hospitality House and other resorts have dedicated verses non-dedicated. According to MS you can't wait-list any one-bedroom, you have to specify dedicated or non-dedicated. If you don't care which one-bedroom, you use up both wait-list requests because you have to wait-list each. I've talked to several Managers at DVC about this and the Member Satisfaction Team. I get the feeling that they don't agree with the rule, but they didn't make it and their hands are tied.

 

[lisareniff]

At least in the beginning of the new waitlist procedure, both the dedicated and lock-off studios at AKV-Jambo House were considered separate waitlists. Does anyone know if this has been changed?


So the waitlist choices the OP would have would be the following:

One Bedroom
AKL Jambo Savannah View
AKL Jambo Standard View
AKL Jambo Value
AKL Kidani Savannah View
AKL Kidani Standard View
AKL Concierge

Studios
AKL Jambo Savannah View Dedicated
AKL Jambo Savannah View Lock-off
AKL Jambo Standard View Dedicated
AKL Jambo Standard View Lock-off
AKL Jambo Value Dedicated
AKL Jambo Value Lock-off
AKL Kidani Savannah View
AKL Kidani Standard View
AKL Concierge


If I were to choose one I would go with One bedroom Kidani or Jambo Savannah View. Logic being that one bedrooms are not as popular as the studios (although this might be not as true with the AKV sleeper chair) and there are the most rooms in the savannah view category.

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

I also am going to wdw 12/5-12/12. I have a 2br booked at SSR, w/ a waitlist at BCV. Wondering why this week is so busy? Really getting discouraged that every time I call to book a res. there is never any availability. I've never stayed at SSR (it's our home resort!), but am still looking forward to it if that is where we end up. Good luck to you w/ your trip!

 

[Malaguti Ball Clan]

So I made ressies the 29Nov-4Dec for a 2 bdrm, Savannah view at Kindani back in March, but I think we want to stay at wilderness lodge villa 2 bedroom for our december trip as I think it would feel more "chrismassy" so I called today and am waitlisted at WLV, now for the question....My waitlist is for 29NOV-04DEC, can I have another waitlist for 6DEC-11DEC at WLV? that is the week I would prefer. Thanks

 

[penguins1]

This thread is sort of depressing me. We were hoping to make our first trip 11/29-12/4 as DVC members. Our contract has not even been sent for ROFR as of yet. It doesn't sound like we will have many (if any) options. We want a 1BR.

 

[jmurphy625]

If I were to choose one I would go with One bedroom Kidani or Jambo Savannah View. Logic being that one bedrooms are not as popular as the studios (although this might be not as true with the AKV sleeper chair) and there are the most rooms in the savannah view category.

This makes me feel a little better...am waitlisted for 1 bed savanah view june 26-30. I also hoping because they cost more points people may go with the other categories. Right now I have a 2 bed SV/booked.

Is it rude to call once and a while to see if there are any 1 bedrooms (in the other categories) that open up?

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

Malaguti ball clan-

yes the wilderness lodge is an awesome place to stay at xmas time. we were there back in Dec. '05 and it was so beautiful...the Christmas tree is enormous!!

But really, all of the resorts are beautifully decorated during the holidays, you really can't go wrong with any of them!

 

[TDC Nala]

Couldn't even get OKW for December 3-8. I have SSR. Am glad I have a room but I could have booked that months ago since I own SSR.

Waitlisted for Standard Kidani (studio) because they have more rooms than Jambo. Value rooms are only at Jambo and there are very few of them.

The first week to week and a half of December are extremely popular and it's getting much harder to find rooms at 7 months.

 

[Sandisw]

So I made ressies the 29Nov-4Dec for a 2 bdrm, Savannah view at Kindani back in March, but I think we want to stay at wilderness lodge villa 2 bedroom for our december trip as I think it would feel more "chrismassy" so I called today and am waitlisted at WLV, now for the question....My waitlist is for 29NOV-04DEC, can I have another waitlist for 6DEC-11DEC at WLV? that is the week I would prefer. Thanks

I don't think you can WL for a time when you don't have anything booked. If you don't currently have a reservation for the 6th through the 11th, then there is nothing to WL.

 

[Malaguti Ball Clan]

I don't think you can WL for a time when you don't have anything booked. If you don't currently have a reservation for the 6th through the 11th, then there is nothing to WL.

That is what I thought, the dates I wanted were not available, so we took the week before, thats okay though at least I have a ressie at AKV and who knows Wilderness may come through...I have some "Cash" friends who are wiggin out because they haven't made their thanksgiving ressies yet so who am I to complain about being stuck at AKV!!