The DVC board official Animal Kingdom Villas discussion thread

[PrincessJasmine08]

Thanks for taking time to do some research while on vacation. It's exciting to hear all the possible details. The pool sounds like it is going to be fantastic.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Thanks again for this info! It is all so exciting and I cannot wait to book!

Just a note to all...remember that "rivaling" SAB does not mean it will be at all similar to SAB...just that they intend this pool to be part of the reason people book here (like many choose BCV in order to have access to SAB). As many have stated, Disney has said that they will not do another SAB-type pool due to cost...but they could certainly to a very exciting pool that would entice people to that resort...and the pool might as popular as SAB without being anything like it. Hope this makes sense.

FWIW, as I posted a few pages back...yes, the DVC CM that I spoke with also said the same info...larger villas, 1 BRs sleeping 5, and so on. (Though this is the first I have heard of Studios sleeping 5). I was also told that current members would have advance purchase priority and that there would be a pre-sale incentive.

As far as having access to Concierge lounge....sign me up!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hello all,
Just returned and did as much investigating as I could about AKL DVC. I was told a few interesting facts about the new resort. The person I spoke with was a very credible source working at the Animal Kingdom. He's seen some concept art that he assured me no one esle other than DVC Cast Members have seen. Here were the facts he shared with me.

1. The rooms being renovated on the concierge floors for DVC will get entitlement to the concierge ammenities. These rooms will have access to the lounge, sunrise safari, etc. The point values will be the same as in the new building. The trade-off will be that the rooms being renovated will be smaller than the ones in the new building.

For someone traveling solo, it sounds like these rooms on the concierge floors would be perfect for treating this as a destination resort (or spending a little time in AK also). Take the sunrise safari, lounge in the concierge lounge, do some resort activities, watch animals. Ah, yes-the wheels are turning now!

 

[lenshanem]

3. The pool at the new building will be a large interactive pool area. It will feature about 3 slides, water play areas, etc. He said the new pool area will rival Storm-A-Long Bay and will, of course, be African Themed.

I'm there!

 

[thirtycats]

Yes...
As for per point cost the current promotion for SSR is $101 per point minus a $15 doller per point off incentive, $86 per point. His speculation was that the points will go up for the new AKL DVC with some kind of incentive for current DVC members. His guess was $92 or $93 per point plus some sort of tangible incentive. He mentioned 1 free adult AP or a nice gift like the beach bags.

I .

Maybe it's just me, but I think there's a big difference between a free AP and some beach bags. So, I'm hoping it is the AP.

Unless the beach bags perhaps are magical? Like Mary Poppins little handbag???

Seriously, I am so excited about this. I hope the points come on sale soon!

We want to go to WDW fall 2007 and have only 20 more points available. : (

I guess we might be paying cash for that trip.

 

[diznyfanatic]

Yes...
One item of importance about the information of the new resort. DVC is currently not allowed by law to discuss the new resort over the phone except for residence in Florida and California or people visiting those states. DVC is working on clearing this up so they can discuss it, but have a few more legal barriers to clear before they can start discussing the details. If you call them from another state they will tell you they are not sure of anything and leave it at that, or tell you they are not allowed to discuss the new resort details, pts, cost, availability etc.

Most of what he told me about pts and cost were speculative. He said that his best guess on being able to purchase pts would be 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2007 the way things are moving along currently.

He did mention one fact for sure. Current DVC members would have the first chance to purchase points before they are released to the public.

As for per point cost the current promotion for SSR is $101 per point minus a $15 doller per point off incentive, $86 per point. His speculation was that the points will go up for the new AKL DVC with some kind of incentive for current DVC members. His guess was $92 or $93 per point plus some sort of tangible incentive. He mentioned 1 free adult AP or a nice gift like the beach bags.

I also asked him about the pool situation for DVC members and the general hotel guest staying at AKL. Will the regular hotel guests get to use the new DVC pool at the new building. He said he was not sure; however, he thought that DVC members would be able to use both pools (new pool area plus the Azuma pool at AKL). Regular AKL guests would only be able to use the Azuma pool and not the new pool area at the new building. I asked him about pool hopping to the Azuma pool from other DVC resorts, if that would open up and he said he was not sure, but did not think so.

Hope this helps. I'm trying to differentiate the facts versus his speculation. You know how speculation goes. He seemed very sure about his facts and told me more than once that he was certain.

We also just returned and met with our Guide to discuss AKV. Most of what they said coincides with this information with one major difference. They did not think the pool area would be anything like another SAB due to the cost and they didn't mention underground parking, but then we never thought to ask that question either.

I still remain somewhat confused about the occupancy and size questions, although our Guide was certain that at least the 1 bedrooms would now accomodate five and would be larger because of the addition of a second bathroom.

They felt strongly the 2 bedrooms would accomodate nine but wasn't sure about the Grand Villas occupancy.

They guessed points might be availabe for purchase possibly as soon as Jan-Feb, and felt strongly it would be within the first quarter and that members would be notified first.

They also guessed there would be a slight increase per point and their best guess would be $1.00 -$2.00 more per point than SSR. They felt it wouldn't be much higher than that as DVC knew they would have to take into consideration that AKV was more remote than the other on site DVC locations.

They guessed that the points would be structured similiar to BWV offering different categories. Possibly Standard, Savannah and Concierge point levels, but that the vast majority of the DVC rooms would have a Savannah view.

They weren't sure when any models would be ready to tour but did confirm that the Theater at SSR would have models. I peeked into the windows that were'nt blacked out on the side and it sure doesn't look like much as been done yet, although obviously I couldn't see much.

They said that AKV would be unlike any existing DVC and confirmed that the new addition would have it's own check in, facilities and dining and that the artist rendering which was posted here, is in fact what was presented to them.

The Savannah is being expanded to accomdate DVC.

They also hinted that this was the new wave of DVC based on research conducted and there are lots more exciting plans ahead for DVC.

We also had an interesting conversation with an AKL Concierge CM while we were at the AKL DVC desk. She confirmed that the current 5th & 6th Concierge floors are being converted to DVC but was unsure if DVC was acquiring ALL of the Concierge rooms or just most of them.

Our Guide definitely had the most information and despite dozens of attempts to try to find out more from other various DVC Guides and CMs we encountered, most knew less than what has already been posted here.

 

[erikthewise]

It would be great if the suites in the new building were somewhat larger than recent construction (BCV, SSR). On the other hand it seems likely that the remodeled suites will be somewhat smaller than recent construction. The current non-deluxe rooms are listed at 344 sq ft, which I believe is smaller than any existing DVC studio, and two of them would be smaller than any existing 1BR.

The good news is that they may consider concierge as compensation for the smaller rooms and not charge (much) extra for it!

 

[vascubaguy]

ADP, Thanks for the new info!

I love the undergound parking idea
... snip ...

Is underground parking in that area of Florida even feasible? I know FL has quite a few underwater cave systems that supply much of the states water... if it's in that area, that would be a lot of limestone to blast thru... I'd imagine with available land in that area there will simply be black top parking... But who knows, most everything in this thread is speculation at this point.

 

[OneMoreTry]

If VAKL are bigger (or offer access to concierge services) with a great pool and savannah view they're going to HAVE to require more points per night or it'll be tough to get a reservation at 7 months.

 

[diznyfanatic]

Oh and I forgot to add that they speculated that AKV might possibly have a different expiration date than SSR which might be 2057 to provide an entire 50 year contract from when the first phase is opened.

I thought this made sense when you consider it with their other comment, that if indeed AKV is the "first" of a new type of DVC that are being planned, it would start a new set of expiration dates.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

 

[vascubaguy]

Oh and I forgot to add that they speculated that AKV might possibly have a different expiration date than SSR which might be 2057 to provide an entire 50 year contract from when the first phase is opened.

I thought this made sense when you consider it with their other comment, that if indeed AKV is the "first" of a new type of DVC that are being planned, it would start a new set of expiration dates.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Ooo... i wonder if the "new type" of DVC are ones that members want!!! If so... here comes CV, CA DVC, HI DVC... lets start the request for DVCs at ALL the Disney parks around the world!

 

[Dis-best]

Oh and I forgot to add that they speculated that AKV might possibly have a different expiration date than SSR which might be 2057 to provide an entire 50 year contract from when the first phase is opened.

I thought this made sense when you consider it with their other comment, that if indeed AKV is the "first" of a new type of DVC that are being planned, it would start a new set of expiration dates.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

The more I hear about AKV the more I like it. It sounds like DVC got this one right.

I was wondering if anyone was planning on selling their current DVC to purchase an interest in AKV?

We are considering selling SSR and moving up to AKV.

 

[lisareniff]

It would be great if the suites in the new building were somewhat larger than recent construction (BCV, SSR). On the other hand it seems likely that the remodeled suites will be somewhat smaller than recent construction. The current non-deluxe rooms are listed at 344 sq ft, which I believe is smaller than any existing DVC studio, and two of them would be smaller than any existing 1BR.

The good news is that they may consider concierge as compensation for the smaller rooms and not charge (much) extra for it!

Most of the rooms on the 5th and 6th floors are deluxe room that are 381 sq ft (source: allears). They actually are larger then the SSR and OKW studios, if you trust the numbers.


AKL Deluxe 381 (Std. 344) sq.ft.
SSR Studio 355
OKW Studio 376

If they take two AKL deluxe rooms to make a one bedroom it is still larger then a SSR one bedroom but smaller then OKW.

Two AKL DLX 762 sq.ft.
SSR 1 bdrm 714
OKW 1 bdrm 1016

Not sure how (or if) they would convert them to 1 and 2 bedrooms villas but the square footage is there.

 

[Slakk]

The more I hear about AKV the more I like it. It sounds like DVC got this one right.

I was wondering if anyone was planning on selling their current DVC to purchase an interest in AKV?

We are considering selling SSR and moving up to AKV.

I just faxed the paperwork to sell 160 points to get ready to buy AKV. I have always loved AKV, in fact my hesitation in buying into DVC was losing AKL.

Now I get both.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Ooo... i wonder if the "new type" of DVC are ones that members want!!! If so... here comes CV, CA DVC, HI DVC... lets start the request for DVCs at ALL the Disney parks around the world!

This thread has turned into a DVC love-fest.

I can't imagine my 300 points will go far at this nirvana. I'll just have to wait until I die and go to heaven, which will be before 2057 I'm sure.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

For someone traveling solo, it sounds like these rooms on the concierge floors would be perfect for treating this as a destination resort (or spending a little time in AK also). Take the sunrise safari, lounge in the concierge lounge, do some resort activities, watch animals. Ah, yes-the wheels are turning now!

Don't forget about the sunset safari. We did that one while staying at AKL concierge in 2004 and it was just wonderful. It was the best money I have ever spent on a vacation! Well, unless you count buying DVC!

 

[senecabeach]

The more I hear about AKV the more I like it. It sounds like DVC got this one right.
I was wondering if anyone was planning on selling their current DVC to purchase an interest in AKV?

I do love the AK and the resort is just beautiful
BUT.... No AK for me. I'm looking forward to having SAB all to myself

 

[Simba's Mom]

Don't forget about the sunset safari. We did that one while staying at AKL concierge in 2004 and it was just wonderful. It was the best money I have ever spent on a vacation! Well, unless you count buying DVC!

Thanks, I didn't know about the sunset safari. Is it possible to do both the sunrise and sunset safaris? AK is my favorite park, so I couldn't get too much. However, if there's an additional cost, that might make it all too much for me!

 

[jennz]

Is underground parking in that area of Florida even feasible? I know FL has quite a few underwater cave systems that supply much of the states water... if it's in that area, that would be a lot of limestone to blast thru... I'd imagine with available land in that area there will simply be black top parking... But who knows, most everything in this thread is speculation at this point.

I would guess that "underground" means "Disney underground"...ie really the 1st floor. That's the way the sav rooms are now, the first floor doesn't have rooms on it; they told us that at check-in, said it would be too hard to see the animals. FWIW

 

[vascubaguy]

The more I hear about AKV the more I like it. It sounds like DVC got this one right.

I was wondering if anyone was planning on selling their current DVC to purchase an interest in AKV?

We are considering selling SSR and moving up to AKV.

Don't worry, by the time it comes to be folks will find a million things wrong with it and bash it left and right... all the "haters" will have a new target!

I am actually selling my OKW contract now (seller just passed ROFR) to free up some $$$ that will be used toward an AKV add-on. If I really like AKV and the price/points aren't too bad, I might do 2 small add-ons at AKV and then sell my SSR contract too... but we'll see.