New DVC Owner - Silly Question(s)

[blondemom]

Hi, all. I am new to the DVC (but not new to these fabulous boards). I have a few questions.

If I am planning on visiting my home resort (Animal Kingdom) August 21, 2011 for 7 nights, my 11 month timeframe is September 21, 2010? I just want to make sure I do this all right!

Secondly, if I wanted to add a night to a different DVC resort, I would then call 7 months to the day that I want the room (for example, if I wanted August 20, 2011, I would call January 20, 2011? And, on that note, what are the chances of getting a single night ressie? I don't care which DVC we go to, as I am new. I would love to be able to experience them all!

Last, but not least, if I plan on staying concierge at AKL, does anyone know if this room type is savannah view or is that a request? I was hoping that since it is concierge, we would get a fabulous view as well as fabulous service.

If there is a main thread someone could direct me to that would be great, too. As I mentioned, I am new to the DVC - excited, too!

Thanks in advance...



Lisa

 

[Chuck S]

Welcome to the DVC Boards.

Your booking window dates are correct, it is 11/7 months from arrival date. A single night is probably not too hard to book at 7 months, especially in August, as many people try to avoid the summer heat. Some resorts, of course, may be all booked up.

I can't answer the question about concierge, as I have never stayed there, but be sure to try to book it the very minute your 11 month window opens. There are only 5 lockoff two bedroom concierge rooms, which can be broken into 10 studios and one bedrooms. Very limited availability.

 

[disneynutz]

Last, but not least, if I plan on staying concierge at AKL, does anyone know if this room type is savannah view or is that a request? I was hoping that since it is concierge, we would get a fabulous view as well as fabulous service.

Lisa

There are 3 savanna view and 2 pool view concierge rooms by type. The concierge rooms are not known for their views. The view is partially obscured by the roof and the location doesn't get very much animal traffic. We saw some birds and a big buffalo type of animal.

Bill

 

[blondemom]

Thanks! I appreciate your quick answers and feedback. Maybe we will skip the concierge and go for a savannah view. I have never been to the AKL, so I am just as new to the Lodge as I am to the DVC!

Thanks again.

Lisa

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks! I appreciate your quick answers and feedback. Maybe we will skip the concierge and go for a savannah view. I have never been to the AKL, so I am just as new to the Lodge as I am to the DVC!

Thanks again.

Lisa

Not to pop your bubble, but viewing animals can be a mixed bag. When people think of a savanna, we tend to think of a huge area with hundreds of animals. In reality AKV and AKL have small areas with food feeders that are used to keep the animals is the area. Different areas of the resorts have different views. We have stayed at Kidani and Jambo and have had mixed results. The number of animals have ranged from a couple of birds and the buffalo, to some birds and some hogs.

The classic savanna view is on the Sunset Savanna where you might see some giraffes. The viewing areas at the lodges have the best views by design.

Bill

 

[blondemom]

Disneynutz, would you suggest I go for concierge since I will have enough points, or do the 1 bedroom savannah view? As I said, I have never been at AKL. I have also never stayed concierge before either. I would just love advise!

Thanks.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Since you are wanting to experience several things, maybe you could consider a few nights of each? Since you are staying at the same resort, moving shouldn't be too much of a hassle (though it would be for us--as a family of 5, we MOVE IN! ). But depending on what your travel habits are like, it might work well for you. Just a thought.

And as for the single night--you won't have any trouble at all and will likely have your choice of resorts (though maybe not every single one) at 7 months out. Since you don't care which resort, you will DEFINITELY get something.

Also, since you are so interested in seeing them all, you may want to take a day and just DVC-resort-hop! Just spend an hour or two at each. We have done this as a family and just LOVE it. The kids experience each pool (and have an elaborate system for rating both the pool itself and the slide...it is hilarious...they are DISers in the making!) and my husband and I sample each pool bar and we will have lunch one place, dinner at another, with two or three different pools in between. Really a fun way to spend a more relaxing day and a great way to get the "feel" of each resort without having to move during your trip.

FYI--we have a rental car, so it isn't hard to hop around. (And remember that while you can certainly go the BCV and walk around and have a meal there, you cannot use the pool. That is only for members staying AT BCV, but that is the only exception. All other pools are available for hopping other than AKV, but you will be staying there so no worries.)

 

[disneynutz]

Disneynutz, would you suggest I go for concierge since I will have enough points, or do the 1 bedroom savannah view? As I said, I have never been at AKL. I have also never stayed concierge before either. I would just love advise!

Thanks.

I like the way 3DisneyKids thinks. I believe that everyone should try each resort and it's amenities at least once so you can make up your own mind. I would stay at Kidani for a few days, then move to concierge for a couple of days. That gives you both AK resorts and a fun vacation.

I would also think about doing the DDP during the Kidani stay. Short stays make the DDP a real value and the credits are good until midnight of your check in day at Jambo House.

Bill

 

[3DisneyKids]

I like the way 3DisneyKids thinks.

Where is that Tag Fairy???

 

[blondemom]

Wow. You are so amazing! Thanks for the feedback! I am going to play around with my points and see what I can do. But, fabulous suggestions!

Thanks again!