Studio for 4 nights: OKW or AKL?

[Sammy]

DH and I want to do F&W in late October and have enough points left for a studio at either OKW or AKL. OKW is our home resort and have stayed several times before (and love it). Never stayed at AKL although we visit almost every trip for Boma.

This is going to be more of a relaxing trip, with lots of "down-time" at the resort. Not sure if I like the distance to AKL, but if the ambience is worth it....then maybe it will be ok.

Which resort studio would you pick and why?

Sammy

 

[quentina]

AKV...because I like the idea of the couch vs 2 beds. That is the only reason, I love both resorts!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'd actually worry more about even getting a studio at this time - assuming you are talking about this year. You should call right away. There have been reports for several weeks already that studios are all booked - everywhere - with just some sporadic availability. I called MS a few days ago and the CM told me all of Oct was booked and that she hadn't been able to reserve anything that day for members calling for that month.

 

[WDW Enabler]

My DH would say OKW for the size of the studio and more laid back atmosphere. I would say AKV. I love it and many activities to do at the resort and if you like to take pictures lots to take. You may enjoy Kidnani better than Jambo house it is a little more laid back and not a far walk to the Jambo house,

 

[Sammy]

I'd actually worry more about even getting a studio at this time - assuming you are talking about this year. You should call right away. There have been reports for several weeks already that studios are all booked - everywhere - with just some sporadic availability. I called MS a few days ago and the CM told me all of Oct was booked and that she hadn't been able to reserve anything that day for members calling for that month.

I haven't been around the DVC boards for a while, so I wasn't aware of the lack of studio availability....thanks for the info. We just decided today to try and make a trip sometime during F&W, so hopefully if we are flexible with dates, we can find something.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I would go with AKV if you can get a savannah view. Nothing more relaxing than sitting on the balcony with your drink and watching the animals.

 

[AirGoofy]

Stayed at both. I would pick OKW.

We did really enjoy the animals with the SV. I think the community rooms at both are great, with Kidani having new computer games and Wii. The pools are great at both - Kidani has a great water slide and a spray park and Jambo has the larger pool. OKW has a great water slide, main pool, and the private pool at Turtle Pond is really cool. If you are at Turtle Pond, they have a snack spot by the pool, but it is a long way to the Hospitality House. AKL has more dining options right there, and it is a short walk to Jambo house. But, at OKW with the boatride to DTD, there are way more dining options. OKW has much larger balconies and much larger rooms. I do like the Kidani bathrooms, as the toilet is in a seperate area from the sink, but less living room space.

I think the big winner for OKW is access to DTD. You get to enjoy the resort and all the fun at DTD. With Kidani, you have to take the bus everywhere or drive your car. I don't want to drive on my vacation.

But, either way, have a great trip. Both were fun.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm gonna bet you are not going to get anything this late. There was another post about trying to get a last minute reservation in October and nothing at all was available.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd stay at AKL. One reason is what was said before-1 bed and sofa. I've stayed at AKL and found so much to do there, I didn't want to go to the parks so much so it's a great resort for lots of "down" time. Love their CS and TS options. Love the small Sunset Savannah lounge off the lobby. Love the evening campfire. Love lots about AKL.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I love both resorts . . . OKW has bigger studios, AKL a unique ambiance

Before you decide, I'd call MS because there may be no availability and if there is, it's probably SSR.

 

[lmshaggard]

AKL - and I wouldn't think twice. While they are both good properties, the service at AKL - especially Kidani - is better than we have experienced at any other DVC resort and we have stayed at all except VWL. If you think you will go to DTD a lot, then I would choose there, but otherwise AKL all the way!

 

[Sammy]

OP here....I called MS first thing Monday morning. My only criteria was 3 consecutive nights....any resort.....in the month of October. I got a pretty surly CM who, once she found out I was looking for October, basically shut me down and insisted there wasn't one night available in any of the resorts. I pretty much expected no availability, so ok.

Called back again today and spoke with a super nice CM who gave me my pick of several 2-night stays in various resorts, but we needed 3. She then found four different 3-night stays at SSR, one of which were the dates we had hoped for from the beginning. So, while it's not OKW or AKV, I'm so happy we were able to find something! F&W....here we come!

This will be our first time at SSR, so it's off to do some research! Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions on my original question...I appreciate it!

Sammy

 

[syng0]

Definitely waitlist the third night if you only get 2 nights. Same thing happened with me. I wanted 3 nights staring 9/30 and the only availability is SSR for 2 nights. I took it and waitlisted. The last day came through within 3 days. Good Luck !

 

[Sammy]

syng0: edited my post to clarify that we were able to get a 3-night stay at SSR. There were four different 3-night date ranges available at SSR.

 

[gkrykewy]

Great that you were able to get something on short notice.

 

[Disney Princess]

Glad you got something! Sometimes the CMs don't even want to try to look. I don't know why not. I'm glad you called back and got a helpful CM. Enjoy your one-on-one time!

 

[Mom B]

AKV...because I like the idea of the couch vs 2 beds. That is the only reason, I love both resorts!

Ditto! OKW would be OH so relaxing but AKV has the animals and the couch. That would do it for me!