The DVC board official Animal Kingdom Villas discussion thread

[3DisneyKids]

OFFICIAL press release is available on the members' site!

From the press release on the member site (it is a .pdf, so I can’t copy and paste here) but here are some highlights:

“The 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.”

--then it states what we already know about rooms…134 on 5th and 6th floor of AKL ready by Fall 2007, and then a total 458 at completion in Spring 2009.

“The plans also calls for construction of a new table-service restaurant, themed pool and water play island, fitness center, shops, sports and recreation facilities and more.”

 

[CarolA]

OK. I have to call my guide when I get to Florida tomorrow and get on the list!

 

[DISNEYDUET]

Yippy Skippy!! Well if I can't go to the real Africa on my points at least I can be a little closer!! This is great news!! We were going to take advantage of the $15 promo for points but me thinks we should wait and see about AKV! Would be nice to buy a new contract for there-that way we have the 11 month window! Oh what to do!

 

[mochabean]

Here is a direct link to the press release pdf file.

http://dvc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/languagespecific/eng/member/justformembers/PressRelease_DAKVillas.pdf

 

[Cruelladeville]

Well, darn it all--now I have to buy another add-on! I had just given a 150 pt contract to DD, because we don't need as many pts as we did previously, but 100 pts at AKLV would be wonderful! I am so excited about a DVC there! I have already saved enough for 1 pt, so we are on our way! Yea! I wonder why they didn't just save the announcement for the condominium meetings the end of November? I thought something might be announced then!

 

[bobbiwoz]

If it's going to be ready by fall 2007, we're already at the 11 month window. Where do I sign up for points??? We were going to take DFamily to VWL next October, but I think this would be better. AK was a big hit with our little ones. I can imagine the DGKs with the animals right there! Our last trip just flew by, we didn't even think of taking them to AKL for a visit.

Bobbi

 

[mochabean]

I've read through this entire thread and was surprised that I didn't see anyone mention the dues. I think dues would be higher than most of the other DVC resorts, as members will have to pay their share for feeding and care of the animals, and upkeep of the savannah, etc.

 

[diznyfanatic]

With all of the rumors that had been flying around, our Guide has been keeping a list for those interested in AKV for quite some time. I think he added us back in June when we became members.

I'm sure he's going to be very busy fielding questions and calling those on his list the next few months!!

We loved AKL and I'm beyond THRILLED with this announcement. I just can't imagine anything better than having tea on the balcony watching the Savannah come to life each morning.

To us, this resort is almost a complete destination unto itself.

Absolutely cannot wait!

 

[linzbear]

If it's going to be ready by fall 2007, we're already at the 11 month window. Where do I sign up for points??? We were going to take DFamily to VWL next October, but I think this would be better. AK was a big hit with our little ones. I can imagine the DGKs with the animals right there! Our last trip just flew by, we didn't even think of taking them to AKL for a visit.

Bobbi

You read my mind!

Though we can't add on now (I was half hoping CRV would be first, so that we could add on to AKL when it first opened, but oh well), I'm half hoping I can get a 7 monther at AKL for the Fall.

If I can't... well, I'm still going to take the tour!

 

[jennz]

I was wondering the same thing (adding points)...

 

[KristiKelly]

I'm surprised at what should be a big announcement is just a small little blurb, that you have to look for, on the DVC website. Anybody else think that's odd? I would think that it would be on the homepage of the members site. Oh well.

 

[bicker]

I've read through this entire thread and was surprised that I didn't see anyone mention the dues. I think dues would be higher than most of the other DVC resorts, as members will have to pay their share for feeding and care of the animals, and upkeep of the savannah, etc.

It surely should be more but I'm not sure how much more that should cost as compared to paying the timeshare's share of the costs of the boat from VWL to MK, and/or the costs of maintaining the BoardWalk entertainment.

 

[glewis1123]

If DVC is going to take up 134 rooms on the concierge floor for AKV - what is happening with the current AKL concierge area?

 

[bicker]

My guess is that they're discontinuing that service, as they did at the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[BCV23]

If DVC is going to take up 134 rooms on the concierge floor for AKV - what is happening with the current AKL concierge area?

I'd be surprised if they discontinued it. All the other deluxe resorts have it. Bicker, are you sure YC discontinued it? Could they have just closed for rehab. At any rate, the BC portion of that resort still has it. AKL has those gorgeous suites and you would think there would still be club level service for those rooms. And people have reported getting reservations for club level next year but in standard rooms instead of the deluxe rooms which are those on the 5th and 6th floor.

But since there are so few rooms on the 6th floor and DVC has announced a presence there, it seems reasonable that the concierge lounge will be moved.

Someone specualated on the suites becoming GV. No way in my estimation. They must bring in so much revenue for the hotel. They also are spread around the hotel and would be tough for DVC housekeeping I think.

Lisa has a great point about the deluxe rooms becoming all studios. It would be so much easier to convert a deluxe room to a studio than to a 1 or 2 BR....no plumbing for jacuzzis and washers. There would also be no need to reconfigure walls for kitchens and master baths.

Regardless, it will be fun to see what happens.

 

[pilferk]

I had a chance to talk to someone at the meeting yesterday and it was said that nearly 80% of the rooms would be Savannah View. The drawings that have been posted are pretty accurate with the new building shaped somewhat like a large "W" and many balconies would be large enough for chaise lounges. Construction would be over 5 phases through spring '09. The biggest news seemed to be that they would be larger rooms with the 1 bedroom having an additional chair that makes into a twin bed and TWO BATHROOMS!!. The 2 bedroom would of course have 3 bathrooms and the 3 bedroom/ GV will have 4 bathrooms. Rooms would also have flat screen TV's. Finally, it was indicated that there would be 9 new species of animals dedicated to the new savannah area. -Hope this is all accurate but it seems like there will be official details released pretty soon. It's still somewhat uncertain when the models at SSR will open but Phase 1 should be ready by Fall '07 as reported.

That would be the absolute IDEAL set up for my family. I-freaking-deal. 5 in room and 2 full baths would be pie in the sky perfect for us, because with the 3 girls (my wife and 2 daughters), long term, I'm not sure 1 bathroom would cut it.

Woo Hoo, I hope that person was right.

 

[pilferk]

I hope the new restaurant is a good mid-priced (for Disney) sit down eatery. I love Jiko, but to me it is more of an "event" type eatery (like V & A, Bistro de Paris, etc), and with food allergy problems (especially to coriander) Boma isn't an option, with allergies buffets are a little tricky anyway.

I think that's exactly what you'll get. You'll have Boma's for buffet, Jiko's for upscale...the only thing AKL really lacks is a good family sit down (like Whispering Canyon at WL) place. Given DVC caters to families so heavily...I think it makes good sense to add that type of place to AKV.

Of course, I also think they're going to need to expand Mara or add another place like it to AKV.

 

[pilferk]

Ok folks, now that Animal Kingdom has been announced...let me be the first official complainer! Heck, we all know that the latest resort always catches the complaints...so let me begin:
1. I don't like the Savannah view...dust blows in my face
2. I can't believe they used the same stupid thermostats from SSR
3. The pool is too small for the size of the resort
4. The restaurant does not serve hamburgers and hotdogs...WHERE ARE MY HAMBURGERS AND HOT DOGS!
5. The bus service is horrible. I had to wait 3 minutes for the next bus!

And don't forget: No straws allowed!

 

[Viki]

I'd be surprised if they discontinued it. All the other deluxe resorts have it. Bicker, are you sure YC discontinued it? Could they have just closed for rehab. At any rate, the BC portion of that resort still has it. AKL has those gorgeous suites and you would think there would still be club level service for those rooms. And people have reported getting reservations for club level next year but in standard rooms instead of the deluxe rooms which are those on the 5th and 6th floor.

But since there are so few rooms on the 6th floor and DVC has announced a presence there, it seems reasonable that the concierge lounge will be moved.

Someone specualated on the suites becoming GV. No way in my estimation. They must bring in so much revenue for the hotel. They also are spread around the hotel and would be tough for DVC housekeeping I think.

Lisa has a great point about the deluxe rooms becoming all studios. It would be so much easier to convert a deluxe room to a studio than to a 1 or 2 BR....no plumbing for jacuzzis and washers. There would also be no need to reconfigure walls for kitchens and master baths.

Regardless, it will be fun to see what happens.

They better not have cancelled YC concierge; I'll be staying there with it in five weeks!

 

[BCV23]

They better not have cancelled YC concierge; I'll be staying there with it in five weeks!

LOL....have fun!