Okw vs akv

[kstorms27]

Ok, I think we have it narrowed down to OKW or AKV for our home resort. Would anybody be willing to give us some pros and cons of either resort. We have a 3 yr old daughter that we have to take into account as well. Thanks for all your help!!

 

[SusieBea]

About 6 months ago, we "counseled" some friends during their purchase of DVC. They have an 8 year old and 4 year old twins, all girls. What I reminded them was that those children will not always be those ages, their interests will change. You need to take that into consideration as you make your choice. The desire to be close to the MK, for instance, may morph into the desire to shop at DTD (or the outlet malls). The contract runs for a lot of years. We have owned at OKW since 1993. It has served us well. But Kidani is our second favorite place to stay. Our girls were about 10 & 8 when we purchased. We now have grandchildren. Needs in this case are fluid. Good luck!

 

[chalee94]

Ok, I think we have it narrowed down to OKW or AKV for our home resort. Would anybody be willing to give us some pros and cons of either resort.

most OKW contracts expire 2042 - can be a pro or con, depending

all AKV contracts (and some extended OKW) go till 2057

OKW is probably a little cheaper upfront. OKW gives you access to OKW's giant (and less expensive) grand villas at 11 months out.

AKV gives you access to concierge and value villas at 11 months out.

both require buses to get to the parks. OKW has a boat to DTD.

AKV is darker and more exotic - easier to overeat at the buffet at boma and roll up to your room (if you are at jambo house). i love jiko also. AKV is more hotel-style - you'll park farther away and some of the long hallways are becoming legendary.

OKW is lush and beautiful - pastels and fountains. it's condo-style setup means you can park right outside your villa.

disclosure: i've stayed at both multiple times...i own at OKW but if i added on, AKV would probably be the top candidate.

 

[quinnc19]

I am also considering adding on at AKV (between that and BWV, most likely). I am a little concerned about the animals, both that the cost to care for them could become astronomical and that Disney might decide to remove them at some point in the distant future. Are these concerns irrational, do you think? Sorry to partially hijack the thread.

 

[chalee94]

I am a little concerned about the animals, both that the cost to care for them could become astronomical and that Disney might decide to remove them at some point in the distant future.

anything can happen at any resort...but if you like the animals and they are part of the draw at AKV, i'd assume you'd be willing to pay a bit extra for them.

 

[dianeschlicht]

most OKW contracts expire 2042 - can be a pro or con, depending

all AKV contracts (and some extended OKW) go till 2057

OKW is probably a little cheaper upfront. OKW gives you access to OKW's giant (and less expensive) grand villas at 11 months out.

AKV gives you access to concierge and value villas at 11 months out.

both require buses to get to the parks. OKW has a boat to DTD.

AKV is darker and more exotic - easier to overeat at the buffet at boma and roll up to your room (if you are at jambo house). i love jiko also. AKV is more hotel-style - you'll park farther away and some of the long hallways are becoming legendary.

OKW is lush and beautiful - pastels and fountains. it's condo-style setup means you can park right outside your villa.

disclosure: i've stayed at both multiple times...i own at OKW but if i added on, AKV would probably be the top candidate.

We own at both AKV and OKW and I think Chalee did a decent job of comparing the two. I'm going to add a little more of our impressions as well.

OKW: This is our all around favorite DVC resort. LOVE that it's easy and quick access to ALL parks with the exception of AK (that one requires a stop at BB, so takes longer-We usually drive to AK unless we are there in Jan. when BB is closed)
LOVE the large units and huge balcony.
LOVE the grounds and friendliness of the resort
LOVE that you park right outside your villa and there are a LOT of bus stops and multiple (4) pools and hot tubs.
LOVE the big in room jacuzzi and full sized laundry room
LOVE that it feels like home, and that the units are well laid out and convenient to use.
LOVE that I can walk or take a boat to DTD.
LOVE most of the views at OKW.
NOT in love with the new decor...It was done on the cheap and no longer fits the theme of 1900 Victorian Key West as well as it used to.
HATE the stupid roman shades they put in the living area. And also feel similarly about the paint on the coffee table.
WISH they would have updated the bathroom more.

AKV: This was a place I knew I had to own once they made a DVC option for it. I love animals and I like the embiance and decor of the place and all the African atmosphere. There is more to do at AKV than at just about any other DVC resort, and you can totally immerse yourself in the African culture. Kids will love the drum circle every evening, and standing around the fire pit talking to the exchange people is a great experience as is their cultural exchange talks in the evenings in the library. Sure, you are a long way from the parks, but bus service has always been exceptional when we have been there, and the only issue is that going to MK you stop at BB. Like the AK option at OKW, this adds time to your trip to MK.
LOVE all the cultural exchange opportunities here.
LOVE all the animals right outside my door.
LOVE Sanaa...Best restaurant in all WDW!
LOVE Jiko...Second best restaurant!
LOVE the fun water play area at Kidani.
LOVE having the ability to book concierge on points.
LOVE the AKL and concierge only touring options.
LOVE that there are 3 bathrooms in a 2 bedroom unit and 2 in a 1 bedroom.
NOT so in love with the layout of the kitchens.
HATE the darkness of the rooms and especially bathrooms.
DISLIKE the fact that the closets are so small.
NOT in love with the Jacuzzi here. OKW beats it hands down.

All in all, I love both of my home resorts, but if I had to choose one over the other, I'd probably look at how you tour and your age. Since you are obviously younger, you might want the extra years AKV would give you (unless you buy and extended OKW contract). If you like the idea of being able to stretch your points a bit, OKW is by far the best choice. I would suggest you look at the end dates on both resorts and ask yourself what you will be doing in that end year. For us, OKW ends when we are in our mid 90's...We don't expect to be using it then.

As for the kiddos...Kids will love both resort's amenities, and both will have plenty for them to do and enjoy...That part is a wash, but AKV's animals make it a plus for me. I would also put a very high premium on the fact that two or more kids can sleep on pull out beds in a 1 bedroom at either resort. That part too is a wash except that at AKV you will have an extra bathroom. OKW unit sizes are a big draw for us when we have more than the two of us on a trip. AKV seems cramped to me.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[kstorms27]

If I was to purchase OKW through resale, would I still be able to extend my contract? If so, do I have to do it when I buy my contract or can I do it later on down the road?

 

[chalee94]

If I was to purchase OKW through resale, would I still be able to extend my contract? If so, do I have to do it when I buy my contract or can I do it later on down the road?

extending 2042 OKW contracts through 2057 cost $25 per pt. most of us didn't think that was a good deal and passed, so it's tough to find resales that have been extended.

i think you still have the option of paying $25 per pt to extend if you buy a resale but i'm not sure...

all direct OKW purchases are extended to 2057 so if it's worth a lot to you, that is an option.

 

[vandy]

You did not mention what time of the year you would be visiting. We don't own at either AKV or OKW, but they are our most favorite rooms and have not had any issue booking a 2-br for either May, June or July at 7-months. Maybe length of contract would have more importance in this instance. If you travel during the various holidays, festivals and so forth, then having the 11 month booking window may be more important.

We drive so I love AKV for it's under-building parking. Keeps the heat out of our van and makes it more pleasant to ride in when going to stores, etc. Another big vote for the extra bathroom in the 1 and 2 br villas at AKV.

 

[kstorms27]

I think the majority of the time we go would either be fall or spring. I want to go sometime during Christmas festivities and the wife would like to go during the flower and garden deal in the spring. Not necessarily doing this every year but these would be thee first 2 trips. Summertime is not really an option because my wife doesn't care for the extreme heat and humidity.

 

[vandy]

Other than holiday weekends, you should be fine getting a room at either resort in the spring and fall at the 7-month window. What you can do is make a reservation at 11 months at your home resort, then at the 7-month call and see what is available at another resort. It sounds like you may want to look at length of contract and price per point. Obviously the lower price per point, the more points you can get. Good luck.