Recent info on VAKL

[kdzgon]

... Hummm.... I'm thinking I saw this on a web site that can't be named. ...

WARNING: OT! OK, OK - I give up - I finally have to ask outright. My curiosity is simply overwhelming me! I have seen similar comments on other threads, but I don't get it - what is the *big deal* about naming other sites, especially dedicated Disney subject ones? Other than the concern of an appearance of endorsement (easily solved with a standard "we do not endorse...blah.blah, blah" if preferred/required), what is the rationale here?

Thanks for any input!

Back on topic: I think the AKL will have a more specialized fan base, and I suspect the walking distance will not be an issue as much as the "split" nature of the DVC rooms.

 

[lisareniff]

WARNING: OT! OK, OK - I give up - I finally have to ask outright. My curiosity is simply overwhelming me! I have seen similar comments on other threads, but I don't get it - what is the *big deal* about naming other sites, especially dedicated Disney subject ones? Other than the concern of an appearance of endorsement (easily solved with a standard "we do not endorse...blah.blah, blah" if preferred/required), what is the rationale here?

I don't under stand why I can't say I found the info on wdwmagic or screamscape (did I get *'s on this one?) This really does drive me nuts because I like to reference my info whenever possible and point people to direct sources.


***EDIT***- I take that all back. I was under the impression that these sites were banned. I guess not! I wonder if there has been a change those sites used to *** out. I will not be so shrouded in my writing from now on.

 

[nuts]

I found this photo, it shows the planned area. As mentioned to the left of the main building.

http://blog.mousekingdom.com/2006/1...b-animal-kingdom-lodge-balloons-and-location/

Yes, that's it! This is the picture I saw before...and we all know that if it is on the Internet that it must be true!

 

[wasabi girl]

Hi all! Just checking the thread here. I'm not a DVC member, yet, and thought it likely that I would just continue to stay in the resorts (I don't even want to make my own bed on vacation....) but I would be very tempted by Animal Kingdom Villas if they share the same atmosphere as the AKL. I'm on my way to WDW in Janaury, if I get a chance I'll see if they've got any new info....

 

[kidsister]

I don't under stand why I can't say I found the info on wdwmagic or screamscape (did I get *'s on this one?) This really does drive me nuts because I like to reference my info whenever possible and point people to direct sources.


***EDIT***- I take that all back. I was under the impression that these sites were banned. I guess not! I wonder if there has been a change those sites used to *** out. I will not be so shrouded in my writing from now on.

Hi Lisa, well, I've wondered the same thing. Can't say that I've heard of the wdwmagic or screamscape sites, but I mentioned *********** once and got a PM telling me that I wasn't allowed to mention them here. I can't fathom why a web site about DIsney stuff would be censored here, and no explanation was forthcoming...so I'm still in the dark. But maybe, since yours wasn't ***** out, there was some copyright rules or something...so lets see if mine get **** out too.

As for AKL DVC, I wonder if all the rooms built within the current AKL will be studios and then the larger units in the new building? If there are units in both the lodge and the new structure...this will be something new for DVCPerhaps the units in the lodge will come at higher points and offer concierge type amenities...for a whole passel of points! It's gonna be fun, whatever happens!

 

[disneygal55]

When we visiited the AKL 2 days after Thanksgiving we spoke to a food manager who told us that there would be a table service restaurant and probably a snack bar poolside at the AKV. He also said that there would be separate check-in, separate bus stop and that it would have a separate entrance area...not walking distance to the AKL. Hopefully we'll get the facts sooner than later. We were kind of hoping to share in the lodge's ambiance! I'm sure the new villas will be beautiful but I was looking forward to using that great lobby!

 

[lisareniff]

Everything I was hearing was great up until this piece of info. I was assuming the AKV would be adjacent to DAK Lodge and easily share amenities. I guess between the sight balloons and the guide comments we are in solid rumor territory now. *sigh* I guess 1/4-1/3 will be in the lodge. Perhaps that's the reason to own at VAKL.

 

[lisareniff]

As for AKL DVC, I wonder if all the rooms built within the current AKL will be studios and then the larger units in the new building? If there are units in both the lodge and the new structure...this will be something new for DVCPerhaps the units in the lodge will come at higher points and offer concierge type amenities...for a whole passel of points! It's gonna be fun, whatever happens!

That was my first thoughts but since it has been reported (from the concierge CMs and guides) that DVC is taking over the whole 5th and 6th floors that would be too many hotel rooms to make into 134 'remodeled accommodations'. There has to be over 300 deluxe rooms on the 5th and 6th floor and between 50-100 standard rooms on the 5th.

 

[AnimalPrincess]

Hey Guys, I just want to clear some things up. if I can. I work at DAK so here is what I know....as far as a walk way I can't really remember that point, sorry, but I do not think there is one.

As far as savannah view rooms, at least 80% of the rooms at AKV will have savannah views (just like AKL).

The new structure will be off to the left of AKl and it will be the shape of a backwards 3, which will be perpendicular to the current hotel, does that make sense? They are planning on expanding the sunset savnnah and making a new one on the back of the new gotel as well.

HTH!

 

[Dean]

Everything I was hearing was great up until this piece of info. I was assuming the AKV would be adjacent to DAK Lodge and easily share amenities. I guess between the sight balloons and the guide comments we are in solid rumor territory now. *sigh* I guess 1/4-1/3 will be in the lodge. Perhaps that's the reason to own at VAKL.

I know they could, but I wonder it they'd make them technically 2 separate resorts. I'm thinking no but it could go either way with the way the set up is looking.

 

[pilferk]

BillPA, That's it! I think there was a discussion of the SS pics on another rumour forum.

There was mention of expanding the Sunset Savannah and bringing in more animals.

We discussed them in the initial AKV thread on this forum...I know because I originally posted those pics in that thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15054225#post15054225

 

[lisareniff]

We discussed them in the initial AKV thread on this forum...I know because I originally posted those pics in that thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=15054225#post15054225

Ahhh... so true! They were right here all along! It just seemed more like a wdwmagic type info. Good catch pilferk!

 

[Mama2Matthew]

I haven't looked in great detail, but I just wanted to post that there are some applications and plans for VAKL available on the water management district site now. I hope this helps your discussion.

http://my.sfwmd.gov/ePermitting/DetailedReport.do?recordId=3&showMenu=false

 

[Connor' Dad]

Just subscribing

 

[Chloe'sMom]

The area that is shown in red in the picture mentioned does not look to be within walking distance of the AKL. Especially when you consider that Mara, Boma, Jiko, and the pool are all located on the Right side of the lodge.

~Amanda

 

[Dean]

The area that is shown in red in the picture mentioned does not look to be within walking distance of the AKL. Especially when you consider that Mara, Boma, Jiko, and the pool are all located on the Right side of the lodge.

~Amanda

True, but would they open a TS restaurant if it were right next door like BCV or VWL, I'd say no. So I think it's either no restaurant or quite a hike to the other portion of the AKV. And then there are the questions about how each portion is managed, check in, etc. Then back to the one resort vs two idea.

 

[3DisneyKids]

As soon as I find it, I will post the "official" information, so that we don't have to go by "A CM told me once that..."

Yes, part of the existing AKL will be coverted to DVC rooms. Period. This was even in the press release. I guess they can change that, but right now that is official as it gets. Based on this, AKV will not be a "stand alone" resort.

They ARE expanding the Savannah to include the new DVC (the part that will not be part of the current AKL). Thus, it could be off and to the left and a bit of a walk. But again, with part of the new DVC actually AT AKL, I can't imagine it being too far of a walk.

There will be a new sit down restaurant, some shops, and new themed pool to "rival" SAB.

Guess I'll go hunt for the official stuff....

 

[3DisneyKids]

Here is the official press release from DVC...though it does not say where the new building will be, it clearly states that rooms on the 5th and 6th floors will be redone for DVC. Looking at all of the amenities to be added (restaurant, pool, etc.) it sound possible that the new building could be quite a distance from AKL....

There was more official information available on the DVC members site at one point, that was copied and pasted into a thread, so I will look for that as well.



October 11, 2006, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Disney Vacation Club announced today that it is building a new timeshare resort on Walt Disney World® property to meet ongoing strong demand for its unique vacation-ownership program.


Disney's Animal Kingdom® Villas will be part of Disney's Animal Kingdom® Lodge, which readers of Travel & Leisure Family magazine recently honored with the No. 4 spot on their list of the 50 greatest family resorts in the United States and Canada. The Disney Vacation Club® accommodations will feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and most will offer sweeping views of an expanded savannah inhabited by a variety of African animals. These new accommodations are scheduled for development in phases with an anticipated opening beginning Fall 2007 and a completion date planned for Spring 2009. The project's first phase will include 134 remodeled accommodations on the fifth and sixth floors of the existing Disney's Animal Kingdom® Lodge building, and subsequent phases will include the construction of 324 vacation homes in a new building on the resort property, for a total of 458 Disney Vacation Club homes.


The project also calls for construction of a new table-service restaurant, themed pool and water-play island, fitness center, merchandise shop, sports and recreation facilities and more.


"We continue to see strong demand from families who want to build a lifetime of unforgettable memories by vacationing in ways they never dreamed possible," said Jim Lewis, President of Disney Vacation Club. "I am delighted to announce that our members will have yet another place to call home with Disney's Animal Kingdom® Villas. This begins another exciting new era for Disney Vacation Club as we continue to explore future destination possibilities both domestically and internationally."


Disney Vacation Club, now celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, is an innovative timeshare program that lets families enjoy flexibility and savings on future vacations at Disney destinations and more than 500 other popular vacation sites around the world. Since 2000, Disney Vacation Club membership has doubled to include more than 300,000 individuals from over 100 countries and every U.S. state.


Disney's Animal Kingdom® Villas will be the eighth Disney Vacation Club Resort, joining five others at the Walt Disney World® Resort, one in Vero Beach, Fla., and one in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Disney Vacation Club has sold out of memberships at its first six resorts, and sales remain ahead of schedule at its seventh property, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which opened in May 2004 near the Downtown Disney area at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

 

[3DisneyKids]

And here is the rest of the info...this one breaks down what is known (stated in official documents) vs. speculation:

KNOWN -AKV will be bigger than VWL, BCV, and BWV, but smaller than SSR and OKW
KNOWN - AKV will have it's own 50 year term and expire in 2057
KNOWN - AKV will have it's own seperate check-in, going to use the existing bldg and build a new one
KNOWN - AKV pool area will rival stormalong bay except it will be more outpost type theme to fit into the AK theme (NOTE: this does not mean it will be LIKE SAB, but rather that DVC expects the pool itself to be a draw to the resort, like SAB is for BC/BCV)
KNOWN - SOME one bedrooms will sleep 5, and SOME 2 bedrooms will sleep 9, and there will be 2 grand villas. One that will sleep 12 on a single story like BWV and one that will sleep 15 with a formal and informal dining room
SPECULATION - that point charts will be very similar to that of BC, BW and VWL.
SPECULATION - that pre-sales will begin in Feb
KNOWN - Plans are to start allowing guests to stay in AKV starting next fall (assuming construction timelines are met)
KNOWN - Model rooms for AKV are being built in the theatre at SSR

 

[Dean]

And here is the rest of the info...this one breaks down what is known (stated in official documents) vs. speculation:

KNOWN -AKV will be bigger than VWL, BCV, and BWV, but smaller than SSR and OKW
KNOWN - AKV will have it's own 50 year term and expire in 2057
KNOWN - AKV will have it's own seperate check-in, going to use the existing bldg and build a new one
KNOWN - AKV pool area will rival stormalong bay except it will be more outpost type theme to fit into the AK theme (NOTE: this does not mean it will be LIKE SAB, but rather that DVC expects the pool itself to be a draw to the resort, like SAB is for BC/BCV)
KNOWN - SOME one bedrooms will sleep 5, and SOME 2 bedrooms will sleep 9, and there will be 2 grand villas. One that will sleep 12 on a single story like BWV and one that will sleep 15 with a formal and informal dining room
SPECULATION - that point charts will be very similar to that of BC, BW and VWL.
SPECULATION - that pre-sales will begin in Feb
KNOWN - Plans are to start allowing guests to stay in AKV starting next fall (assuming construction timelines are met)
KNOWN - Model rooms for AKV are being built in the theatre at SSR

I see some of what you've posted as known as rumor at this point. While we've heard a lot of people say they were told it would be 2057, we don't know that for certain. And while there is reference to a themed pool and water play island, we don't know how extensive that will be. Whether it'll rival SAB remains to be seen. ASAMOF, even the info in the press release could change. DVC has actually announced two entire resorts in this manner that never happened.