need to decide between SSR, OKC, AKV

[greyraven40]

The mentioned 3 seem to be the most reasonably priced for our DVC plans.
Will be getting a 2 BR for sure. 4 adults, 4 kids ages 3-7.

I know there are a lot of "personal preference" answers, but what might be some pros and cons of each to consider?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help newbies.

grey

 

[Bill and Jen]

By my sig you can see I prefer AKV, but I can tell you why.

It is like traveling into another world. If you are looking to feel relaxed after your day at the parks, and don't mind not being in the mix of all the excitement of a resort near a park... AKV would be for you.

We really consider staying at AKV a vacation within our vacation, it so calming when we arrive.


If you do not like dark decor, or feeling apart from the Disney action at the end of your day this is not the resort for you.

As an aside, other than the feel of the being away from the parks, I have found the actual transportation time to be very comparable overall.

 

[Sammie]

OKW would be my choice because the villa is the largest. With 8 in the group I would want the extra space,

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would pick AKV Kidani because it has 3 baths. If you get a dedicated, you will have two queens in the second bedroom.

Bobbi

 

[greyraven40]

Wow, all great feedback. Please keep it coming. I likely have to reserve today!
Is there a discernable difference between the on site food options and the pool quality amongst the 3 noted in subject?

 

[cogero]

With the kids those ages I would probably go with AKV.

 

[Chuck S]

Some description of the resorts may help. Both OKW and SSR are freestanding DVC resorts, meaning that they are not attached to a standard WDW cash hotel. Both are large resorts,with lovely "condo -style" accomodations. These resorts do not offer valet parking or room service meals. OKW has the largest rooms in the DVC system, and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. SSR is a newer resort than OKW, but is likley getting close to its refurbishment timeline.

AKV, of course, offers views of the animals, and the additional amenities of the attached cash Disney resort. The "value" class AKV units are located in Jambo house (the original Animal Kingdom Lodge buidling) Value class rooms are smaller in size, so it would be no comparison to OKW of SSR for elbow room.

None of the resorts you listed are within walking distance of a theme park, all are connected to the parks by busses. OKW & SSR have a boat connection to Downtown Disney, as well as a walking path. OKW is not quite a mile from Bldg 55 to Dtn Disney via walking path. SSR is dirctly adjacent to Dtn Disney.

Food Quality....AKV would be more for the adventurous diner, as most of their foods have an African style. Both Sanaa and Jiko are very good. Boma, the buffet at AKV, is not my favorite, but I don't really care for buffet style dining anyway, plus coriander, one of the main seasonings at Boma, doesn't agree with me. SSR has a nice casual counter service, and is close to Dtn Disney for table service. OKW has very limited counter service at Good's to Go, but Olivia's is an excellent family style table service eatery.

 

[moredisneyplease]

with 4 kids aged 3 - 7 you cant go wrong with AKL!!!!!!! the pool is amazing, the community room is awesome, the activities are worth skipping parks for, and the animals were the highlight last summer for my kids. as far as i'm concerned SSR and OKW dont even compare to AKL when you have that many little kids.

OH, and at the pool the lifeguards were constantly blowing up and giving out these great inflatable giraffes, lions, zebras, etc. the kids each picked one and carried it around the whole time we were there and then when we got home, until they popped.

OHHHH, and they had the wii station out in the lobby every day from 3- 5, which my boys just loved.

go AKL!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm with Sammie. OKW has the most room and also the additional sleeper chair that SSR doesn't have. There are four pools to choose from and the buses are always good.

But most OKW buildings do not have elevators, so you'll be using the stairs - unless you request first floor (and that is just a request).

 

[adminjedi]

AKL hands down, IMO. To little kids (and big kids, too) SSR and OKW will feel like a somewhat normal hotel experience, although themed. AKL is a unique experience!

 

[Lexilulu]

AKV is awesome with small kids. They love seeing the animals and the pool is awesome. I prefer Jambo house because of the Mara. It's a great quick service restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, Boma is one of my favorites. The buffet for breakfast & dinner are great - alot of choices - even for the little ones. We walked over to Kidani and swam in the pool. It's also very nice but we like to be able to grab a quick service meal and head into the parks. Plus the food at Sana is very different - not for fussy eaters.

 

[Rochester Disney Fan]

I have stayed at SSR and AKV. Just because of the children in your age group I would say AKV Kidani without a doubt. The pool has an entire play area just for children your age and the pool itself is very easy to watch kids.Their are enough places to view animals even if you can't afford to get a savanna view.