Saratoga or AKV for a honeymoon

[Rosborough]

I have friends who are going to Disney in June for a honeymoon, and they will be staying at a DVC property. Would Saratoga or AKV be better, and why? Any other suggested properties that they could get June reservations at the 7 month window?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[casper]

It will depend mostly in what they are interested in. However, for my opinion I would rather go to SSR. It is a big resort with a lot of "romantic" walking areas. Downtown Disney has some great resturants for a couple -- even a few snack places (share some ice cream). It is also a very quiet resort with a lot of places just to sit and hold hands and enjoy the moment.

But in the end, it's Disney. It's a magical place. So either resort will be fantastic.

 

[Kmango]

I'm very fond of SSR, but I think I'd pick AKV, given the option. It's a little more exotic, everything's under one roof, there's in-room dining (none at SSR), much better onsite restaurants, and generally grander feel. But it'll be great whichever they pick.

 

[pilferk]

I have friends who are going to Disney in June for a honeymoon, and they will be staying at a DVC property. Would Saratoga or AKV be better, and why? Any other suggested properties that they could get June reservations at the 7 month window?

Thanks,
Dave

IMHO, AKV is more romantic (especially with Savanna view rooms). It also has better on site dining options.

The downside (or upside, depending on your viewpoint) is that it's a bit more "remote" than SSR. SSR has Downtown Disney a hop away, which makes it feel a little more "in the middle" of the action.

I'd choose AKV..but then, AKL has been our favorite resort since it opened. DW and I took a little second honeymoon there in 2001....it really was magical.

 

[Jeremy&Susan]

While the SSR property is larger and has a romantic feel with it's walkways and water features, AKV may be the better choice depending on your friends.

At SSR people walking by the room will know where the animal noises are coming from. At AKV, your friends will have a little bit of cover.

 

[Wedgeh]

Having just had my honeymoon at AKV, I can highly recommended it!

 

[Rosborough]

Thanks for the replies thus far. Are there other DVC properties that you would recommend over AKV or Saratoga for a honeymoon?

 

[pilferk]

Thanks for the replies thus far. Are there other DVC properties that you would recommend over AKV or Saratoga for a honeymoon?

Hmmmm...other than those 2, the Boardwalk Villas and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge both strike me as romantic. I still think I would prefer AKV, but BWV would probably be my 2nd choice (even with the LONG hallways! ), followed by VWL.

 

[DeeCee735]

While I've never stayed at SSR, I think for a honeymoon, that would be my pick. The proximity to DTD (perhaps dinner and Cirque Du Soleil one night?), and the Spa at the resort where you could do a couple's treatment, to me make it a better choice.

While I own at and am in LOVE with AKV, you could maybe have dinner at Jiko one night, get there early to spend time watching the animals (dinner time they are closer to the resort like 5:30/6:00 ish), have a drink in the lounge (the antioxidant cocktail is awesome!) , but stay at SSR??

Just my suggestions. Congrats on the nuptuals! And enjoy your honeymoon!

 

[backyardponder]

Everyone has different likes and dislikes. That's what makes DVC and the options fantastic. In my opinion, in order:

1) VWL: An isolated resort with very mature landscaping. The Lodge and landscaping make you feel as if you are in a national park in the Pacific NW. Nice boat ride to MK.

2) BCV: Cute resort, walking distance to Epcot and DHS. Also walking distance to the hustle and bussle of the Boardwalk. Has a great pool.

3) BWV: Where we own. Similar to BCV, but for a honeymoon, I think BCV would be nicer

4) OKW: Nice and quite, isolated resort. Very nice landscaping

5) AKV: Too far from attractions, but a fantastic resort with definately a different theme. I don't know how all the construction would affect me.

6) SSR: To me, SSR is like an apartment complex. I've stayed there and it is fine, but I'd prefer somewhere else. Once the landscaping matures more, I might change my opinion. It is walking distance to Downtown Disney, which is a big plus.

 

[Wedgeh]

The other part of our honeymoon was at VWL, which was just wonderful. We did have points to burn and had a 1 bedroom, so maybe that clouded my judgement, but it's a truly beautiful place!

 

[hakepb]

If you are talking about a studio stay, I might rule out OKW because their studios have 2 queens and no couch, the rest of it depends on the activities they'd like to participate in. All of the DVC's all have reasons why they can all work very, very well for a romantic trip, and with the extra Disney magic in the air...

SSR has several completely remote view rooms (like golf-course only or DTD view) where you do not see any other resort room from your balcony, but also has buildings that face other buildings (across a pond) i.e Springs. You can order food to your room at SSR, but it would be from outside delivery like Giordano's (pizza/pasta), more limitied selection and not as fancy in presentation, but much better if you are a pizza lover)

I got the feeling that at AKV you could usually see other rooms from your balcony. I do think the public areas and restaurant choices may seem more romanitic. AKV does not have a quiet pool, but by that time the new Kidani pool should be open and the Jambo pool may have few kids, and with the landscaping there are many lush areas that seem somewhat quiet..

In the end you need to figure what activities they want on their ideal trip (Spa, DTD, Park proximity, In-hotel services...) and choose the resort that c

 

[thepops]

I'd go for SSR and take one of the treehouse villas (they should be open by then I think). Nice and secluded. Bigger than what a couple would need, but very nice.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

From a romantic stand point...definately AKV.

The dining options, style, and view all make it perfect.

 

[hakepb]

I'd go for SSR and take one of the treehouse villas (they should be open by then I think). Nice and secluded. Bigger than what a couple would need, but very nice.

June 2010, sure. But I though THV would not open until ~October 2009?

 

[SunnieRN]

AKV concierge!! That would be fantastic for a honeymoon! Daily maid and turndown service, wine in the evening, bring your breakfast back your room, etc.
2nd choice for me would be the wilderness lodge. Breathtaking!

 

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

While we own at SSR and are looking forward to THV, they are 2bdrm units so might be more than you need. We honeymooned at Wilderness Lodge and it was the most magical experience. We arrived mid-afternoon and then went out to EPCOT. When we arrived back in our room, there was a fruit, cheese and cracker basket with sparkling juice in it and balloons. This was courtesy of the resort!! Whereever you stay, congrats!