The DVC board official Animal Kingdom Villas discussion thread

[MILLZ]

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

Wow a member for a year man ole wise one....cmon are you serious i wasnt bashing im only asking what all the fuss is about i wanted to no why people were so geeked on this it doesnt make sense to me... Apparently intelligent conversations arent allowed on here excuse me

 

[MILLZ]

Apparently this site isnt for me people have a tendency to cry alot cant discuss an issue without bashing me answer the question i was just wondering

 

[DVCLiz]

Wow a member for a year man ole wise one....cmon are you serious i wasnt bashing im only asking what all the fuss is about i wanted to no why people were so geeked on this it doesnt make sense to me... Apparently intelligent conversations arent allowed on here excuse me

Sure they are. When you want to have one, let us know.

Many DVC owners are looking forward to VAKL because they enjoy the resort and the theming. The fact that it isn't your cup of tea doesn't mean that there aren't hundeds of other owners who will find that it becomes their family's favorite. Personally, I wouldn't be happy at SSR unless all of the other DVC resorts were booked, but that's because it doesn't appeal to me.

In all my stays at AKL, I've never had any experience with any "stinky" odor. What I HAVE had are many wonderful experiences of watching animals in person that I'd never otherwise get to see. I've had many opportunities to see native African art that, outside of a museum, I would never get to view. I've been able to experience many culturally different but delicious foods that, unless I get to travel to Africa someday, I wouldn't have ever tasted. Those are just some of the reasons why I enjoy the AKL, and why a DVC there is something I'm very much looking forward to.

 

[Mary Ellen]

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

That's Ok. For the life of me, I can't understand anyone wanting to stay/buy SSR - and I don't have to. What someone does is THEIR business and doesn't have to explained to ANYONE. You don't have to GET it anymore than I have to get SSR. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[KandiB47]

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

 

[mikayla73]

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

 

[CarolA]

Apparently this site isnt for me people have a tendency to cry alot cant discuss an issue without bashing me answer the question i was just wondering

No one is bashing you.... you bashed with the "stinky animals" and "half day park" statements. (And why you said the animals were stinky is beyond me)Perhaps if you had started with a more open viewpoint your responses would have been better.

It appears to me that you have decided this is not the resort for you, that's fine. Others find that your favorite SSR is not the resort for them.

(And thank you for reducing the capital letters!)

 

[MILLZ]

So just so I understand this i cant ask a question or share my view unless you all agree with it and if i do share people are going to jump all over me...I simply asked why it was appealing to them cause i didnt get it and yes animals do stink they just do...Some humans even stink so ok you dont agree with me doesnt mean i need ridiculed...i said i dont like it and dont get it why do you... im looking for responses to understand why people like it or dont like it...on the same note no i dont like it but that doesnt make my opinion less than yours im not bashing the resort...i dont think ur an idiot for liking it so i dont think i need attacked for asking why

 

[DVCLiz]

So just so I understand this i cant ask a question or share my view unless you all agree with it and if i do share people are going to jump all over me...I simply asked why it was appealing to them cause i didnt get it and yes animals do stink they just do...Some humans even stink so ok you dont agree with me doesnt mean i need ridiculed...i said i dont like it and dont get it why do you... im looking for responses to understand why people like it or dont like it...on the same note no i dont like it but that doesnt make my opinion less than yours im not bashing the resort...i dont think ur an idiot for liking it so i dont think i need attacked for asking why

I don't consider Animal Kingdom to be a half day park with only a couple of attractions, either, so I'm afraid we disagree on just about all of your points. I can easily spend a full day at AK, and still not see everything I want to see. I like to look at all the different areas of the Oasis, instead of racing by to get in line for Expedition Everest. I like to linger around the bridge between Africa and Asia, so I can spend time not only watching Devine, but also watching other people watch her, too. I like to go on both trail walks - I don't get to see live tigers or fruit bats very often, so those are fun for me. I love the safari, and I'm happy to go on it twice in one day - I get to see different animals each time. I'm not after a thrill experience.

I love the AK shows - Flights of Wonder is always fun, and I don't get to see large raptors or owls very often either. The Festival of the Lion King is a must-see for my family, and we like the Pocahantas show, too, even though we sometimes poke a little fun at Pocahontas for her very dramatic gestures. We're looking forward to Nemo, as we thought Tarzan was a little over-rated. We like to play in the Boneyard and try our luck at the games in Dinoland USA.

We like to eat at the Rainforest Cafe, we like to shop in all the fun shops, and we like to watch the Jammin' Jungle Parade. Those are just soem of the reasons we like the Animal Kingdom, and are looking forward to a DVC that is associated with it.

I'm all for differing opinions. I'm glad you like SSR, but some people see more to the proposed VAKL than stinky animals near a half day park with only a couple of attractions. I'm one of them.

 

[BeccaG]

said i dont like it and dont get it why do you... im looking for responses to understand why people like it or dont like it.

I am sorry you felt so attacked MILLZ but I think most people here were genuinely trying to tell you why they are so excited about AKV. I can tell you why I am excited.
1. I like animals. I have two dogs, and yes sometimes they stink. But I also really love being close to amazing creatures like giraffs and wildabeasts and all sorts of other amazing creatures that God has made!
2. Although I have never staid at AKL, I have always wanted to. And a DVC AKL (or the AKVs ) will make it easier for me to do so!
3. I love the AK resort. I echo what other folks said about the shows. I am guessing from what you wrote, and I don't me to assume here just guessing, that you are a ride person and not so much a show or zoo person. Hey that's cool. I know some folks who love Epcot (me) and others who think its a 1/2 day park! I live near DL and I adore DCA. It's my husband's favorite disney park, but there are others who find it extremely disappointing.

im not bashing the resort...i dont think ur an idiot for liking it so i dont think i need attacked for asking why

Why I can understand your perspective, the bolded part below, kinda sounds like bashing to me.

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

Everyone likes different things and if you wanted a kinder, gentler response maybe next time, if I may be so bold to make a suggestion, you shouldn't use words like "stnky" and "halfday park" which seem like intentional putdowns. Yes animals can smell, but stinky has sooooooooo many conotations that it probably wasn't the best choice of words. I do think SSR is elegant, but I think AKV will be peaceful and beautiful in its own way.

Hope that helps and best of vacationing to you!

 

[3DisneyKids]

So just so I understand this i cant ask a question or share my view unless you all agree with it and if i do share people are going to jump all over me...I simply asked why it was appealing to them cause i didnt get it and yes animals do stink they just do...Some humans even stink so ok you dont agree with me doesnt mean i need ridiculed...i said i dont like it and dont get it why do you... im looking for responses to understand why people like it or dont like it...on the same note no i dont like it but that doesnt make my opinion less than yours im not bashing the resort...i dont think ur an idiot for liking it so i dont think i need attacked for asking why

The problem is, though, that you did not just "ask a simple question"--you asked in what appeared to be a hostile and negative way. Moreover, if you read through the thread instead of jumping in at the end, you will note that many, many, many people have discussed why they love this resort.

You are more than welcome to express your opinion here, though resort-bashing will never be welcome, no matter which resort it is. We all have favorites and there are definitly people who flat out don't like certain resorts. And that is fine...that is one of things that makes DVC so wonderful...there is something for every taste.

There have been many people who have posted "I don't like such-and-such resort because..." and then post a well-written explanation. This way, they are expressing their opinion, yet at the same time not bashing something that others dearly love (or in the case of AKV...something that others are really excited about). So, yes....absolutely express your opinions and ask your questions....just please do so in a polite manner.

And FWIW--after over a year here, yes, I still consider myself a newbie and bow to the folks like Diane and Doc and Becca and CaskBill and Chuck and Sammie and JimMIA and Dean...and I could go on and on...

 

[castleri]

Just going through some papers this morning and found my SSR documents. The presale for that ended the last day of October 2003 and the resort opened in May 2004. They started taking reservations in December for those opening dates. My contract says I own part of 1H and building 1 opened in May and building 2 in June. It looks like a 6 month prior to opening for regular sales with a 6-8 week presale for current members prior to that. I don't have the dates for my BCV contract but think it was something similar. Of course with AKV as renovation construction rather than from the ground up type for the first units maybe they can do a shorter sale to reservation time for this one. Sorry if this has been posted before but remembered someone asking about sales dates etc so thought I would post this historical info.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Sure they are. When you want to have one, let us know.

Many DVC owners are looking forward to VAKL because they enjoy the resort and the theming. The fact that it isn't your cup of tea doesn't mean that there aren't hundeds of other owners who will find that it becomes their family's favorite. Personally, I wouldn't be happy at SSR unless all of the other DVC resorts were booked, but that's because it doesn't appeal to me.

In all my stays at AKL, I've never had any experience with any "stinky" odor. What I HAVE had are many wonderful experiences of watching animals in person that I'd never otherwise get to see. I've had many opportunities to see native African art that, outside of a museum, I would never get to view. I've been able to experience many culturally different but delicious foods that, unless I get to travel to Africa someday, I wouldn't have ever tasted. Those are just some of the reasons why I enjoy the AKL, and why a DVC there is something I'm very much looking forward to.

Very well said, Liz! I KNOW I will love AKV for many of the same reasons. Also, I am a animal lover, and when we stayed at AKL, the real draw was going out to the balcony at ANY hour and being able to see the animals. Watching them interact, eat, play and even sleep. We once had a few of those big cattle with the huge horns sleeping right outside our door. Every time I got up during the night, I had to go out and check to see what was sleeping out there. Such fun!

To those of you who want to "bash" this resort before it's even available...get a life. There are 5 other DVC resorts to stay in....Maybe one of THOSE is better suited for you. I just don't think you get very far into a conversation if you come out swinging harsh comments right out of the gate. It makes the rest of the people defensive.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Just going through some papers this morning and found my SSR documents. The presale for that ended the last day of October 2003 and the resort opened in May 2004. They started taking reservations in December for those opening dates. My contract says I own part of 1H and building 1 opened in May and building 2 in June. It looks like a 6 month prior to opening for regular sales with a 6-8 week presale for current members prior to that. I don't have the dates for my BCV contract but think it was something similar. Of course with renovation construction rather than from the ground up type for the first units maybe they can do a shorter sale to reservation time for this one. Sorry if this has been posted before but remembered someone asking about sales dates etc so thought I would post this historical info.

Do you happen to remember whether the reservations were offered only to SSR owners, or were they also open to non-SSR DVCers?
(P.S. I'm hoping we continue on your positive "helpful information" track............thanks for this new path!).

 

[wintergreen]

We stayed at SSR for Thanksgiving 2004 (we don't own there). I can't really remember when I made the reservations, but we stayed there only 6 months after the resort opened. I did not have any problem getting the dates or type of unit that I wanted. I, too, am interested in when DVC will be taking reservations so that I can plan for next year's trip. AKL is our favorite resort after the VWL. We have stayed there several times on points. While I don't think that we will buy points there, I definitely want to make some ressies!!!

 

[Tigger031266]

So just so I understand this i cant ask a question or share my view unless you all agree with it and if i do share people are going to jump all over me...I simply asked why it was appealing to them cause i didnt get it and yes animals do stink they just do...Some humans even stink so ok you dont agree with me doesnt mean i need ridiculed...i said i dont like it and dont get it why do you... im looking for responses to understand why people like it or dont like it...on the same note no i dont like it but that doesnt make my opinion less than yours im not bashing the resort...i dont think ur an idiot for liking it so i dont think i need attacked for asking why

Whatever you Animal Hater!!!

 

[dvc_john]

Do you happen to remember whether the reservations were offered only to SSR owners, or were they also open to non-SSR DVCers?
(P.S. I'm hoping we continue on your positive "helpful information" track............thanks for this new path!).

I don't have the dates, but there definitely was a pre-booking window for SSR owners. I don't recall how long that window was though.

 

[castleri]

I don't have the dates, but there definitely was a pre-booking window for SSR owners. I don't recall how long that window was though.

It doesn't state what that window was in my letter dated Nov 19, 2003, that I found today - the statement was "We are pleased to make a correction and inform you that Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Members can begin requesting reservations for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa on December 1, 2003 at 9:00 am eastern time." I could not find any other info about when reservations opened to everyone else. The opening dates listed were May 17, 2004 for 1A-1Q and June 7, 2004 for 2A-9A. I also don't remember for sure but think maybe you couldn't make reservations for anywhere else using your SSR points until your unit was declared into inventory.

 

[pilferk]

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.

There are certainly construction techniques and building shapes that COULD result in an 80% savannah view layout. That "C" shaped building from the CRV drawings would actually work quite well, with only the interior of the C not being Savanah view...with much of the lower part of that space being used for the lobby, food places, gift shops, etc.

It would all depend on what Disney would term "savanah view".

 

[salmoneous]

There are certainly construction techniques and building shapes that COULD result in an 80% savannah view layout.

Or you could just do what they did with AKL and put savannahs on both sides of the building.