Staying at AK on points

[David&Danielle]

We just booked a week at AK for March. We took the concierge option for the snacks and drinks. We had to borrow about 20 points from 05. Will we receive daily maid service even though we are on points? Will we be treated any differently in any other way from a cash guest? Lastly, was this a good or bad idea to use points to stay at AK?


D & D

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think you will be treated like any other guest accept that I think the room you get with a DVC exchange will not be a Savanah view. I have never tried the exchanges to Disney. I think our deluxe acommodations at OKW are a better use of points. We did pay for one night of a room at AKL 2 years ago and loved it, but I would not have wanted to waste all those points for an AKL single room when I can get a 2 bedroom villa at OKW for so much longer and fewer points.

 

[Michelemouse]

In the past there was only one "price" for DVC members who booked at a non-DVC resort. You then got whatever room they gave you with little to no choice as to view, etc. Now, however, they have changed the point schedule for the non-DVC resorts and you can book exactly the category you want.

So, you will get whatever category room you booked (Standard View, Savannah View, Deluxe Savannah View, Concierge, etc.). If you booked Concierge you will either get a Savannah view or a pool view (although not many Concierge rooms are pool-view). If you definitely want a savannah view call MS and ask them to note it on your reservation. I would actually have them note "Arusha Savannah View". The Arusha Savannah is the largest one and the only savannah with zebras. We've stayed at AKL twice (once on points) and were lucky enough to have Arusha savannah views both times.

You will be treated exactly the same as any other guest. Have a great time!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by David&Danielle
Lastly, was this a good or bad idea to use points to stay at AK?


D & D

Only you can determine whether this was a good or bad idea. How long could you have stayed at a DVC resort for the same amount of points? You had to borrow from your 2005 trip points, so evidently, this trip will cost you more points than you planned to use when you bought into DVC.

Many here will tell you that trading out DVC for WDW resorts or other exchanges is not a good use of your points because the trade ratio is not favorable.

My opinion is that they are your points, and you should use them to create whatever vacation you want with them.

Have a great trip!

 

[Disney Doll]

Froma purely techinical/financial standpoint, is it the most effective use of points?? No. But if it is how you want to spend your vacation, then that's what the points are for. Stay where you want.

As far as what type of room you'll get for a trade out liek that, I don't know.

 

[cherylp3]

Make sure you look into going on the Sunrise Safari

 

[tinkfan]

We just stayed at AKL concierge and Poly concierge on points. We had cancelled cruise points that needed to be used at a non-dvc resort. AKL concierge is awesome. Yes, it is more points than a dvc resort, but IMHO definately worth trying at least once. We had stayed here twice previoiusly ( on cash) and love it. You get daily maid service and are treated just as any other guest. The concierge staff at AKL will also contact you prior to your stay. Definately look into the Sunrise Safari, its offered only to concierge guests.