The DVC board official Animal Kingdom Villas discussion thread

[LisaS]

Someone Needs To Help Me Cause I Dont Understand What All The Hub Bub Is About With Akv Its Just A Bunch Of Stinky Animals You Would Honestly Rather Have That Than The Peace Of Ssr Its So Elegant And Nice Im Just Confused Its A Very Peaceful Resort... I Mean I Guess Cause I Think That Animal Kingdom Is A Halfday Park With Only A Couple Of Attractions ..maybe Im Being To Hasty I Just Dont Get It

I just wanted to comment that I've stayed at AKL four times and never noticed any smell coming from either the animals or the savannahs. I have no idea what happened during your stay, but it's the first report I've ever read about any bad smell at the resort. I've watched the groundskeepers at work and they do an excellent job keeping those savannahs clean.

As to why someone would choose to stay at AKL/AKV, it is a combination of things. First of all, stepping out on my balcony at AKL and seeing giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, ostriches, "tommies", etc. wandering the grounds, some of them within 50 feet of where I'm standing and with the AKL's architecture as the backdrop makes me feel like I'm in Africa. I'm not aware of anywhere else outside of Africa itself where you could have this kind of experience. I really enjoy watching how the animals interact out on the savannahs. (The zebras and the wildebeests have a kind of Capulets and Montagues thing going on out on their savannah.) It's just wonderful to sit out on the balcony around 10pm with a glass of wine and watch the giraffes in the "moonlight".

Second, it's the resort as a whole: the lobby area is stunning, the CMs from Africa are friendly and helpful and such wonderful ambassadors for their home countries, and Boma and Jiko are two of our favorite restaurants in all of WDW. I also like the pool and way the hot tubs are secluded, again making you feel like you've traveled to some distant part of Africa to have a soathing soak. The pool bar makes a great Mai Tai, too!

I agree with others who have said that AKL is a destination in and of itself so I assume AKV will feel the same. Everything else in WDW is easily accessible by bus and since the buses are not shared with any other resort, it doesn't seem to take long to get where you want to go. And after a hectic day in the parks, coming back to the peace and quiet of AKL is wonderfully relaxing.

The only drawback to AKL has been that if you like to go for a stroll after dinner, it's not really possible to do that. Unlike BWV where you can walk around the lake in the evening, there aren't any walking paths around AKL. That's the only thing it lacks to make it absolutely perfect for us. I'm hoping that when they construct the new AKV building, they make some provision for that. At a minimum, I guess we'll be able to walk between AKL and AKV.

As others have said, it's not for everybody. But if you're an animal lover, it's hard to imagine a more magical place to stay!

 

[spiceycat]

In order for AKLV to be a big hit (sales wise) I think they need to have guaranteed savannah view rooms and guaranteed concierge rooms. If not, I no longer understand the need to have AKLV as a home resort (though I will still probably add-on anyways). Without guaranteed views though, I could pass on the AKLV and hold out for the Disneyland DVC (now that is a resort where 11 month window could be very valuable).

does not matter - AKLV will be sold. I won't count on 80% savannah rooms that figure seems high to me - now the hotels conversion could definitlely be that - but the new building don't know.

dvc say that never again would they do a guaranteed view - the only DVC resort that has separate views is BWV.

they didn't with VWL or BCV - so I don't see a guaranteed view being offered at AKLV.

just hope that Doc is one of the first visitors and brings back one of those nice maps - so everyone else hears knows what to ask for on their reservations.

 

[bluslag]

I just think everyone is different in what they are looking for in a vacation. We stayed 1 night at AKL before going to BWV's and enjoyed it. It was a fun experience but we live up north where everything is dark all winter long and when we go south for vacation we want to see the light. I can't say we won't ever go there again but it gets harder than ever to decide because we love everywhere we stay. I can see AKL selling out fast but will they sell it before SSR sells out.

 

[ADP]

does not matter - AKLV will be sold. I won't count on 80% savannah rooms that figure seems high to me - now the hotels conversion could definitlely be that - but the new building don't know.

dvc say that never again would they do a guaranteed view - the only DVC resort that has separate views is BWV.

they didn't with VWL or BCV - so I don't see a guaranteed view being offered at AKLV.

just hope that Doc is one of the first visitors and brings back one of those nice maps - so everyone else hears knows what to ask for on their reservations.

Why do you think 80% of rooms being Savannah view is too high? If they build the parking underneath the hotel like some of the DVC Reps have said I could see it being very possible.

 

[spiceycat]

this is being build like a hotel - so you will have the savannah side on side of the resort - not sure what the side of the hotel will see. I can almost guaranteed that will be more than 20% of the rooms.

 

[CarolA]

Someone Needs To Help Me Cause I Dont Understand What All The Hub Bub Is About With Akv Its Just A Bunch Of Stinky Animals You Would Honestly Rather Have That Than The Peace Of Ssr Its So Elegant And Nice Im Just Confused Its A Very Peaceful Resort... I Mean I Guess Cause I Think That Animal Kingdom Is A Halfday Park With Only A Couple Of Attractions ..maybe Im Being To Hasty I Just Dont Get It

Here are few clues...

1. It's more peaceful at AKL
2. STOP and look around, if you can do AK in half a day you are doing the RACE between attraction
3. Every word in your post does NOT have to be captitlized. It's very hard to read that way.

If you don't like AK that's fine. That's the nice thing about Disney. Look at it this way VAKL will now be the new "hated" resort moving SSR out of the position it has held since opening.... (I see you have started trashing VAKL already... beating the rush?)

 

[KristiKelly]

Someone Needs To Help Me Cause I Dont Understand What All The Hub Bub Is About With Akv Its Just A Bunch Of Stinky Animals You Would Honestly Rather Have That Than The Peace Of Ssr Its So Elegant And Nice Im Just Confused Its A Very Peaceful Resort... I Mean I Guess Cause I Think That Animal Kingdom Is A Halfday Park With Only A Couple Of Attractions ..maybe Im Being To Hasty I Just Dont Get It

I'm confused by the lack of punctuation and all words starting w/ capitals.

We've stayed @ AKL and visited on several occassions. There has NEVER been a smell there that I have experienced. So, you don't like animals? That's fine, 1 less to worry about when booking at 7 month window.

 

[jmatias]

DVC is like ice cream.......some like chocolate, some like vanilla, some like strawberry. No matter which flavor you like its all good.

I personally like neopolitan.....that's why we own at BWV, BCV and VWL and hopefully soon AKV.

Aloha,
Jen

 

[Stitch 03]

DVC is like ice cream.......some like chocolate, some like vanilla, some like strawberry. No matter which flavor you like its all good.

I personally like neopolitan.....that's why we own at BWV, BCV and VWL and hopefully soon AKV.

Aloha,
Jen

And some complain regardless of the flavor.

 

[salmoneous]

The only drawback to AKL has been that if you like to go for a stroll after dinner, it's not really possible to do that. Unlike BWV where you can walk around the lake in the evening, there aren't any walking paths around AKL.

ITA. I love 99% of AKL, but this last 1% is a killer for me. I can't stand staying someplace where I can't go for a walk - make me feel cooped up and trapped.

I expect it won't happen - but wouldn't it be great if they put in a couple walking trails to DAK when they build VAKL?

 

[MrShiny]

We always spend at least a full day at AK. Of course, we spend a full day at the zoo too, so add that appeal to the theme park elements and we are there from open to close.

As far as 80% savannah, isn't AKL already mostly savannah views? There siply aren't that many roomns built on the "other side."

 

[Dean]

One though, told me not to bother with AKLV. Said it will cost more and the point requirements will be higher. I have never encountered one of the reps who was a argumentative as he was. The dixie dust was definitely not being shared that day.

Doubtful overall, sounds like someone trying to push people to buy now possibly to pad their own pockets.

 

[Stitch 03]

Anyone have an idea of how far in advance they will announce a date in which AKLV sales will commence? Or will there be little to no advance warning.

Also, based on past experience, how far in advance of sales commencing can we expect to see point charts? Any chance these can be released prior to Christmas.

 

[erikthewise]

We always spend at least a full day at AK. Of course, we spend a full day at the zoo too, so add that appeal to the theme park elements and we are there from open to close.

As far as 80% savannah, isn't AKL already mostly savannah views? There siply aren't that many roomns built on the "other side."

That's true. Only the rooms along the front side are standard view, and interior rooms on the right side have pool view. All the rest are savannah view. See http://allearsnet.com/acc/aklmap3.jpg .

 

[CarolA]

ITA. I love 99% of AKL, but this last 1% is a killer for me. I can't stand staying someplace where I can't go for a walk - make me feel cooped up and trapped.

I expect it won't happen - but wouldn't it be great if they put in a couple walking trails to DAK when they build VAKL?

Am I the only person who walks along the floors looking at the art and views? (Trust me, from my years of travel you can get a good workout prowling hotel stairs and halls!)

 

[lisareniff]

Am I the only person who walks along the floors looking at the art and views? (Trust me, from my years of travel you can get a good workout prowling hotel stairs and halls!)

Nope! Include me. AKL hallways are mighty long! I did quite a walk with my then little one in a stroller trying to get her to go to sleep! We saw some pretty neat views, including a great one from the outside (fire escape?) stairway. (BTW, she never did go to sleep.)

 

[LisaS]

Am I the only person who walks along the floors looking at the art and views? (Trust me, from my years of travel you can get a good workout prowling hotel stairs and halls!)

I have done this too. I've been down every hallway on multiple (but not yet all) of the floors. I've enjoyed looking at all the African artwork on display throughout the hallways and checking out the views from the large windows along the way. But I miss being able to take a brisk walk outside in the fresh air, especially in the evening after a good meal.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Am I the only person who walks along the floors looking at the art and views? (Trust me, from my years of travel you can get a good workout prowling hotel stairs and halls!)

No, you aren't the only one, and I can attest to getting severly LOST the first night and unable to find our room!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Someone Needs To Help Me Cause I Dont Understand What All The Hub Bub Is About With Akv Its Just A Bunch Of Stinky Animals You Would Honestly Rather Have That Than The Peace Of Ssr Its So Elegant And Nice Im Just Confused Its A Very Peaceful Resort... I Mean I Guess Cause I Think That Animal Kingdom Is A Halfday Park With Only A Couple Of Attractions ..maybe Im Being To Hasty I Just Dont Get It

Wow...only been a DVC member for 4 days and already resort bashing!! Gotta love the DIS!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Someone Needs To Help Me Cause I Dont Understand What All The Hub Bub Is About With Akv Its Just A Bunch Of Stinky Animals You Would Honestly Rather Have That Than The Peace Of Ssr Its So Elegant And Nice Im Just Confused Its A Very Peaceful Resort... I Mean I Guess Cause I Think That Animal Kingdom Is A Halfday Park With Only A Couple Of Attractions ..maybe Im Being To Hasty I Just Dont Get It

A couple of disgruntled wildebeest got hold of a pc. They're sick of tourists.