OK now how about OKW vs. AKL

[dts718]

Ok the OKW vs. CBR thread went much as I expected, OKW-4 CBR-0. We are also considering the AKL and would love some opinions on these two resorts. Keeping in mind we will be at VWL the first week. Thanks

 

[mbhoxsie]

I don't know if its fair to compare a DVC resort to another non DVC resort (even if its a Deluxe one..)

I have never stayed at OKW, but usually visit the resort once a year... I enjoy the sense of community of the resort, and how it feels like a private "condo" community nestled in the heart of WDW..

I somewhat familar with the room layout, and the Studios are generous in size compared to a normal room at a WDW resort.. Plus you have a kitchenette with a small fridge and microwave... At OKW, you would also have access to a Washer/Dryer.

While staying at OKW, Olivia's is a great place to eat...


My family stayed in a Savannah Room view room at AKL last December. The room was surreal... (Smaller than the OKW studio, mind you...) But to be able to watch the elk, vultures, and giraffe from the balcony was awesome! We would order room service and eat on the balcony just so that my three year old could watch the giraffes chase the food truck around the Savannah...

The decor was nice... The pool was themed, with a slide... (Construction on the OKW pool slide will be starting shortly.) If you stay at AKL, I would HIGHLY recommend Boma's... All you can eat African Buffet... The food was great!

I really enjoy each resort, and don't think you could go wrong either way... It really all depends on what type of atmosphere you are looking for, and how much you wanted to spend...

 

[kda]

Depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. AKL is spectacular, in my opinion. The rooms are smaller, and some people think the decor is dark. We loved our stay there and would do it again when we're looking to save points on a weekend. It's also a very relaxing resort. We love Boma and eat there every trip. Now that I think of it, we're at AKL at least once a trip for one reason or another. We don't have enough points to spend on a resort, so would always be paying cash here.

If you want the refrig, microwave (assuming you're talking about a studio @ OKW) easy access to w/d, leisurely boat rides to DTD, and parking at the door, OKW is the winner.

Edit: just realized I didn't make OKW sound too appealing --- we love it here, too, and will be there soon. VWL is our home, and we love it the very best.

Good luck deciding.

 

[Richyams]

For me, AKL concierge makes up for the lack of a kitchen. The lounge, especially with my laptop for Star Trek episodes and surfing my Verizon card or hopefully local WiFi, makes up for the lack of a living room. Still gotta share the room with the kid, don't like that and two AKL concierge rooms are just out of the question.

I see my future use of points leaning towards AKL concierge stays. I fully understand that renting the points and paying cash would work better, but they are only points.

Dec 1-10 AKL concierge 480 points
Dec 1-10 OKW GV 440 points

Not much difference in points from my usual digs.

What's the rack rate for that AKL concierge stay?

 

[David&Danielle]

We just got back on Saturday from a week at AKL concierge on points. I'm glad we did it once but I won't do it a second time. We are a family of 5 and the rooms are too small. It is also a long bus ride to anywhere. Those are the cons. The pluses are great, especially concierge....snacks all day...free!! Be sure to ge an animal view room or don't go. That's part of the fun. My home resort is OKW but I've never stayed there nor do I ever plan to. From now on we we stay at the BWV.

Have fun!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I have never stayed at AKL. But I have stayed a OKW.

The rooms at OKW are huge, especially the one and two bedroom villas.

If you have kids, shut the door to the master bedroom for plenty of privacy. My vote is for OKW.

 

[BWVDee]

My vote would be for AKL for several reasons:
Location--both resorts are not located within walking or boating distance to major parks, shops etc. So location wise it is a draw between OKW and AKL.

Rooms--Since you are thinking of a OKW studio the only real difference between an AKL room and an OKW studio is the kitchenette in the studio. With a food court and several restaurants at AKL, the studio kitchen for coffee, breakfast and lunch items etc is not that big of an issue. Room wise, I think is also a draw between AKL and OKW.

Dining Options-AKL has 2 of the best restaurants on WDW property, plus an excellent food court, room service, a fantastic lounge and very nice pool bar. OKW has 1 restaurant, a snack bar and a pool bar. AKL takes the prize in the dining options.

Resort activities-AKL wins hand downs. Just watching the animals on the safari alone is unbelievable. Not to mention the story tellers, kids activities, camp fire, etc.

Atmopshere-While OKW is a very pretty resort it is really nothing out of the ordinary from what you can get at many other resorts all around FL. AKL on the other hand is a truly unique resort and vacation experience, unlike anything you will get anywhere else. AKL wins atmopshere by leaps and bounds.

Yep, my vote would be for AKL.

 

[JimC]

We love AKL, think it is the best themed resort on property. However, if you require the space, rooms and amenities of DVC then you need to get a suite (a bit pricey).

Stay in concierge, it is the best alternative and much more reasonable. It also has the sunrise safari, which is great fun! The concierge staff are great and there is fabulous food in the lounge.

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by David&Danielle
My home resort is OKW but I've never stayed there nor do I ever plan to. From now on we we stay at the BWV.
Have fun!

I am always curious when I read posts like this. Why did you buy OKW as a home resort if you never intended to stay there?

 

[rpink58]

As much as I love to stay at OKW , I have to say the AKL was great. I agree with Rich the lounge makes up for the lack of kitchennand room. But as soon as the kids are gone I see us doing AKL more often.

 

[jaysue]

AKL is an amazing resort - the rooms are smaller than OKW studios at about 340 square feet versus 376 square feet. The deluxe rooms are 381 square feet in size

To me it would be X nights at OKW and Y nights at AKL to have a good mix of experience

On the next trip it is BCV-VB-AKL-BCV - twinmomplus2new would be proud of our resort hopping

As for the rack rate for AKL Concierge -- if you need to ask you cannot afford it

Seriously, it is:

2004 Room Rates with Concierge Service Available (tax not included)‡
Room Type Value Regular Peak Holiday Pre-Holiday

Standard $425 $480 $545 $610 n/a

Suites
1 BR Suite $635 $710 $795 $900 n/a
2 BR Suite $1135 $1250 $1395 $1575 n/a
Vice Presidential Suite $1690 $1860 $2055 $2290 n/a
Presidential Suite $1945 $2115 $2275 $2505 n/a

 

[Richyams]

I guess I would only save a couple dollars, certainly not worth the trouble of renting.

Interesting though, an OKW GV less points per night than AKL concierge.

 

[jaysue]

Rich, does not make much sense to me - I think WDW resorts undervalue DVC points

But as you said the rent arbitrage is not worth the hastle

thanks
jaysue

 

[BWVDee]

AKL is an amazing resort - the rooms are smaller than OKW studios at about 340 square feet versus 376 square feet.

This is true, but can also be very misleading when comparing a AKL room to a OKW stuido. The size difference between the 2 is predominately in the bathroom. So other than when you are taking a shower/bath or using the toilet --you really do not benefit from the extra space.

 

[jaysue]

BWVDee, good point

Having stayed in both, I can see what you mean - in OKW, the bathroom is a touch bigger and then there is the kitchenette area which AKL does not have

On the AKL side, there is the dual vanity outside of the bathroom where the commode and tub/shower is

OKW living space still feels a touch bigger - maybe it is the non-rectangle design that fools the eye

thanks
jaysue

 

[dts718]

thanks everyone for all the great tips, i have a feeling that we will end up at AKL this trip but we'll make it a point to take a trip over to OKW and maybe eat at Olivia's to get a feel for it. We're staying for 9 nights total with the first 4 being at the VWL, so I guess we'll do a resort for the last 5. We're thinking about becoming members which is one of the reasons we chose to rent points on this trip.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think too many folks decide to buy on the studio experience alone. I think that is a BIG mistake! The real reason for doing DVC is to have access to the suite type accomodations and full kitchen, laundry etc.

As far as comparing AKL to OKW studio....I just don't think it is comparable. AKL is a very nicely appointed, albeit dark, room. OKW studio is a very moderately appointed large, light room with a huge bath and kitchenette. The real difference is the wonderful Savannah experience outside your door. That CAN NOT BE BEAT! That being said...We did it once for one night for the experience. Not interested in doing it again. I do go over to AKL each trip for a meal at Boma or Jikka, and I get the Savanna view from the common area then. It isn't worth giving up the king bed, in room whirlpool, kitchen, living room or in room laundry for it.

 

[dts718]

I totally see your point.

 

[KLR-wlv]

I've stayed in the OKW studios and AKL and I'd go for AKL. The resort is one of the most amazing hotels I've ever been at. I seriously doubt you'll miss the extra 30 square feet! Everyone talks about all the "space" at OKW - that applies to the 1 Br's and up. When you're talking about the difference of a 5 by 6 foot area - that's not a real noticeable difference to base a resort stay imo. OKW is a relaxing, lovely resort and if it were a toss up between a 1 br and a akl room - there may be more debate - but apples to apples - the resort experience at AKL is hard to beat. At OKW you can sit on your balcony and watch golfers or lawn mowers - at AKL - you get to watch Giraffe!