No love for VGF

[Lorilais_mommie]

One thing that I am curious about, I always see mentions of hot tub, and disappointment with location or only 1 etc... But for the most part I don't see a high number of people using them. Of course if there were more maybe they would be used more. Just doesn't seem cost effective, since only a few can take advantage of in resorts that could have a 1000 plus guests. I have used at times but not a big fan of sharing others germs in the petri dish of a hot tub, or people in there have taken it over for the night as if its their personal hot tub in their backyard.

DH said "I'd rather the jetted tub with the tv in the mirror, then the hot tub filled with strangers!"
So I don't think it's going to be big issue for us..

However we were use to the hike at the POR to the lobby/bus/main pool.. So this is huge improvement on that for us!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Just a quick post--haven't finished reading the comments but in a rush -- we stayed there 3 weeks ago in a strd 1 br. Found it heavenly. Posted our spectacular pool/beach views to the room number thread.The back hallway probably eats up space but we found it perfection for two nap-aged toddlers. We could put them in either room with black out curtains and still sneak from room to room without waking them/adding extra light--so we could sneak into the kitchen easily to grab snacks, etc. We also stored the stroller there when not in use. we had no storage issues but we used the huge closet heavily and the washing machine too, we pack very light and wash a lot, leaving some staples in the owners locker like our suits and pjs. Finally--the pool bar has amazing CS items and i think mug refills and other than 1st thjng in the am, it was open all the time. The lobby was busy but exactly when you would expect--when 1900 Park Fare was loading their people for meals and when the orchestra was playing. We loved it but variety is the spice of DVC so we'll try 'em all. We haven't picked a favorite yet and probably won't. We haven't stayed at BLT--offhand it does not appeal to me but we will definitely try it. I think all the lake views are overrated--I prefer a view of the resort or pool so we can watch the action. Loved our huge balcony at VGF and watched the pool and beach a lot.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

I would never walk to the front of the resort to access the monorail, go through the side entrance facing the pool and the villas, and the stairs are right there and walk up and over to the monorail. It really is no further or no more hassle than any other place. As far as I know there is no resort without a walk from your room to transportation. It just seems some don't mind the walk at certain locations.

this is what we did. we also found it N eSy and beautiful walk to the Epcot monorail at the TTC. And super close to the spa, health club and wedding pavillion

 

[disneynutz]

We didn't like VGF. It is very pretty but the walk to the monorail is annoying. We stayed for 1 night and were over it pretty quickly.

Once inside the GF, did you use the stairs or the glass elevator to get to the second floor or did you take the regular elevator?

Bill

 

[AmyB2006]

For me, this is the main advantage of staying at AKV - Jambo House. I truly prefer the entry through the main lobby and elevator ride up to the 5th floor over walks through a large resort, especially after a long day at the park.

I love AKV Jambo!!!

But... I have to say, probably one of the longest walks I've ever had to a room from the transportation was Jambo LOL. I mean you're inside instead of outside sure, but it's a long walk if you're on the end of the building of Jambo. Unless you have a room right by the main lobby then yes, no walk.

 

[jade1]

Pics are great thanks.

Still prefer the BLT walk and view (and 2nd Bath) though. We consider a glass wall of the Magic Kingdom as part of the room decor. Actually that's all we notice-and no need to close the drapes is awesome.

I think we will try VGF though-wish they would put in a walking bridge.

 

[Cee]

Beautiful pictures as always, Mike! Thanks!

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I love AKV Jambo!!!

But... I have to say, probably one of the longest walks I've ever had to a room from the transportation was Jambo LOL. I mean you're inside instead of outside sure, but it's a long walk if you're on the end of the building of Jambo. Unless you have a room right by the main lobby then yes, no walk.

A value villa, down the Giraffe Trail, is ideal because the trail has its own elevator and you can walk through the gift shop to get to the bus stop. It has to be one of the closest walks, from transportation to villa.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

Once inside the GF, did you use the stairs or the glass elevator to get to the second floor or did you take the regular elevator?

Bill

We took the glass elevator. Couldn't take the stairs with a stroller. Where is the regular elevator?

Also, that trundle bed is dangerous for little kids. My 6 and 2 year old kept hitting their heads when they sat up.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

We've only have the BLT and VGF STUDIOS to compare myself. We've stayed in the lake view for both. Both my DH and I felt the studio at BLT was smaller…I haven't looked up the actual room square feet, but I thought the "kitchenette" area was wasted space that took up "bedroom" space. Also the decor to me is cold and not very aesthetically pleasing. Now, mind you, we DID spend a lot of time in our rooms on both these trips, not a lot of parks.

The decor and arrangement of the room at VGF makes it seem to be a larger space (as I said, I'm not talking about actual sf, just perception). It seemed a lot more open and "brighter and warmer". The view was AWESOME!! Imagine our surprise, when we were laying in bed watching TV, to hear the water parade music, and to go to our balcony to watch it!! We absolutely adored the bathroom at VGF (my DH loved the TV in the mirror, LOL, he said it wasn't fair, because it was a man's idea, but a woman must of designed it, because it can't be seen from the bathroom area Hahaha.). LOVED the huge walk-in shower!!

I think all of this is probably going to be a personal choice. If we ever got a 1 bedroom, it would be for just me and DH, so it's not a problem if there's just one bathroom, but an extra large closet would be awesome!

Oh, and the day we spent at the MK and rode the monorail, we also preferred this to walking from BLT. But my knees aren't the best, so the walk from BLT to MK seems long to me, much longer than just walking to the GFV monorail and getting off at the MK.

Another thing we loved, was walking to the Poly for breakfast. Only a 9 minute walk!! Yeah, the view of the construction wasn't the best, but that's only temporary.

As to points need to stay at either VGF and BLT are high to me…and I imagine the Poly will even be higher. This is why we only bought 50 points at VGF, to enjoy them for short romantic stay every-other year or so…we wouldn't stay a whole week there, I'd rather spend my points at BWV!

But everybody has their priorities and thoughts!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

The decor and arrangement of the room at VGF makes it seem to be a larger space (as I said, I'm not talking about actual sf, just perception). It seemed a lot more open and "brighter and warmer". The view was AWESOME!! Imagine our surprise, when we were laying in bed watching TV, to hear the water parade music, and to go to our balcony to watch it!! We absolutely adored the bathroom at VGF (my DH loved the TV in the mirror, LOL, he said it wasn't fair, because it was a man's idea, but a woman must of designed it, because it can't be seen from the bathroom area Hahaha.). LOVED the huge walk-in shower!!

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Oh, and the day we spent at the MK and rode the monorail, we also preferred this to walking from BLT. But my knees aren't the best, so the walk from BLT to MK seems long to me, much longer than just walking to the GFV monorail and getting off at the MK.

************

Another thing we loved, was walking to the Poly for breakfast. Only a 9 minute walk!! Yeah, the view of the construction wasn't the best, but that's only temporary.

********************

As to points need to stay at either VGF and BLT are high to me…and I imagine the Poly will even be higher. This is why we only bought 50 points at VGF, to enjoy them for short romantic stay every-other year or so…we wouldn't stay a whole week there, I'd rather spend my points at BWV!

==

But everybody has their priorities and thoughts!

Totall agree with all of this!!!