Recent info on VAKL

[disneygal55]

We recently visited the AKL to help with our decision about whether or not to buy points there. We spoke to one of the managers there who gave us some input. He stated that the DVC itself would be set pretty far away from the existing lodge...not really walking distance. There would be an upscale restaurant but no food court area..probably just a pool snack area. We thought that it would be kind of like BCV..the resort being next to the DVC so that you can share the amenties. I'm more confused about our choice to add on then ever. I was excited to buy VAKL but may switch to BCV instead. Has anyone heard anything more about the plans for the new resort?

 

[DonnaL]

Based on previous information released by DVC I would tend to doubt the DVC building will not be within walking distance. If that were the case I don't think DVC would also be taking over two floors of the exisiting AKL. According to previously released info the new DVC building will be built in the area where the current AKL service area is (which if you were standing in front of the main entrance of AKL facing the lobby would be to your left) Now, the building does curve around into sort of a C shape so I don't know how the new building will fit into that configuration, but, that's what had been announced.

 

[nuts]

Based on previous information released by DVC I would tend to doubt the DVC building will not be within walking distance. If that were the case I don't think DVC would also be taking over two floors of the exisiting AKL. According to previously released info the new DVC building will be built in the area where the current AKL service area is (which if you were standing in front of the main entrance of AKL facing the lobby would be to your left) Now, the building does curve around into sort of a C shape so I don't know how the new building will fit into that configuration, but, that's what had been announced.

I saw an arial map showing where it would be. If the map is correct, it is not next to the service facility, but a good distance further away. I was surprised by the location. Now, before you ask, I honestly don't remember where I saw it. I'll do some hunting and post it if I find it.

 

[monami7]

I would really like to see that. Where are those scouts?

 

[lisareniff]

I remember seeing that too. I thought it must not be correct and a placement next to the lodge would be the way to go. Hummm.... I'm thinking I saw this on a web site that can't be named. The photo was based on an oberservation and photo of sight balloons.

I'll look too.

 

[Sammie]

I was told it was going to be to the left of the exisiting building as you come in the main drive. There is a large cul de sac area if you keeping going straight as you approach the resort. To go to the lodge you take a right instead of going toward this dead end area. I was told the drive to the DVC portion would be there.

I think it will be within walking distance.

 

[nuts]

I remember seeing that too. I thought it must not be correct and a placement next to the lodge would be the way to go. Hummm.... I'm thinking I saw this on a web site that can't be named. The photo was based on an oberservation and photo of sight balloons.

I'll look too.

Yes, you are correct! I remember the balloons comment and that it was away from the main lodge (no worse than the long hallways of BWV ).

 

[lisareniff]

Well I'm having no luck finding it and I got to get to bed. I can't remember all that clearly but think the posters were indicting that it would be to the west of the sunset savannah. Maybe over were there is a small animal building. This may have been all based on some sight balloons so might not really mean a whole lot.

Sammie, I think even if these thoughts are true it would be within walking distance, but not a quick one. It could still be consistent with what you are saying. This position could still have a drive from that dead end and be to the left of the lodge.

I still don't know if I believe that location. Closer to the lodge would make more sense and the views from both the lodge and the DVC property might be compromised.

 

[Caskbill]

One thing known is the name it's going to be: Animal Kingdom Villas, so the abbreviation is AKV, thus like the BWI/BWV, BC/BCV, it'll be AKL/AKV.

It's not named like VWL, so VAKL is not correct.

Now, as far as being located away from the AKL, don't forget that part of the current lodge is being converted into some of the villas. So there will be DVC rooms both in the current lodge building itself, and also villas in the separate DVC building yet to be constructed.

 

[starbox]

EEEk. I've been very excited about AKV, but this news worries me. I'm picturing a worst-case scenario where the AKV bus drives to Blizzard Beach, then loops around for a drop-off at AK!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm really excited about this, too. But I'm a little nervous about the points/night, especially for the rooms in the current lodge. Did I hear that those rooms include a sunrise safari or did I dream that part?

 

[Lexxiefern]

Is the new building going to have its own checkin? If not then the new building cannot be too far away.

 

[DisOrBust]

FWIW, we were told as the AKL DVC will NOT be on the 5 &6th floors.

 

[jennz]

I would think there would be a food court...of course I could be wrong. FWIW, maybe he hasn't a different defintition of "walking distance." I'm sure some people would argue that SSR has buildings that aren't within walking distance of the food court, and for that matter that the CBR and other resorts as well.

Just my two cents...

 

[ADP]

I would think there would be a food court...of course I could be wrong. FWIW, maybe he hasn't a different defintition of "walking distance." I'm sure some people would argue that SSR has buildings that aren't within walking distance of the food court, and for that matter that the CBR and other resorts as well.

Just my two cents...

Good point. It's really a matter of perspective on walking distance.

Maybe I'm wrong, but won't AKL and AKV share some of the same savannahs. If that is true I can't imagine the two buildings would be that far apart.

 

[BillPA]

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/

 

[dumbo71]

Not in walking distance of the lodge???

I highly doubt that. You have the worst location of any DVC resort to begin with. Then they would make it in essence a stand alone Resort?????

I have faith DVC would NOT go this route. I'm sure it will be as close as the infrastructure would allow. If it isn't going to be connected or walking distance why even bother to call it AKV?

Just because someone is the manager at AKL does not mean they are informed. How many "managers" are there at these resorts to begin with? Many I'm sure.

 

[lisareniff]

Is the new building going to have its own checkin? If not then the new building cannot be too far away.

I had heard it was to have it's own check-in. I'm not sure where I read that but tagged it as credible information.

 

[lisareniff]

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/

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.

 

[Stitch 03]

The location makes sense. I do not see how it could be much closer to the AKL without either:

a) minimizing the number of savannah view rooms
b) having a savannah the size of someone's backyard