The DVC board official Animal Kingdom Villas discussion thread

[spiceycat]

I have read through this thread but am still confused about Disney's propsed timeline. Does anyone have a sense of when DVC will start selling? How long do you think they will make AKL available only to current members? What kind of members-only incentives would you expect, maybe based on what Disney did with SSR?

I got told March.

but if they have to wait until the DVC building is half finished - well it will be longer. but knowing Disney - they will probably have 2 contracts one on the current building and another one of the building yet to be build.

 

[jennz]

I got told March.

but if they have to wait until the DVC building is half finished - well it will be longer. but knowing Disney - they will probably have 2 contracts one on the current building and another one of the building yet to be build.

They do or something like that, the guy said that's why they sell in Phases. See how smart you are!!

 

[Stitch 03]

So when should I plan my trip to WDW? I want to take advantage of pre-sale period to DVC owners and take advantage of any incentives. However, since DVC cannot sell in my area. I need to plan to be down there so that I can purchase my add-on.

Opinion please: You want to add-on at AKL once points become available, but need to be in WDW to make the purchase. You also need to consider booking your trip within the next month or so. When would you go?

Maybe I should just scrap WDW next year. It is easier for me to get to Disneyland last minute and I can do an add-on there.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Once they announce sales, you should not need to be in Florida to purchase. There are only a few locations where DVC cannot sell to you (and I do not know what those are...I am sure someone here does), but once sales are going, you shouldn't have a problem.

Speculation around here is that sales will begin in Feb. of 2007 or around that time. Again, this is speculation.

 

[nevertez]

Once they announce sales, you should not need to be in Florida to purchase. There are only a few locations where DVC cannot sell to you (and I do not know what those are...I am sure someone here does), but once sales are going, you shouldn't have a problem.

Speculation around here is that sales will begin in Feb. of 2007 or around that time. Again, this is speculation.

Feb 2007 makes a lot of sense preping everyone to do something positive with their tax return, the DVC locations set up in the park have something exciting to talk about while families are on their spring/february breaks but a previous post did state that "70% of the first phase" has to be completed by state law.

Is this 70% thing really true?

If that is the case then 70% of the 10 month projection of phase 1 (7 months) would make it available for sell in May.

Whenever it will be I am very excited!!!!

 

[MrShiny]

What do you mean by "complete"? We bought SSR in February 2004, and it wasn't open to anyone until May.

 

[vascubaguy]

Feb 2007 makes a lot of sense preping everyone to do something positive with their tax return, the DVC locations set up in the park have something exciting to talk about while families are on their spring/february breaks but a previous post did state that "70% of the first phase" has to be completed by state law.

Is this 70% thing really true?

If that is the case then 70% of the 10 month projection of phase 1 (7 months) would make it available for sell in May.

Whenever it will be I am very excited!!!!

I believe the 70% thing is true, but it's of the "phase" which could be anything. Most likely the first "phase" will be the conversion of the floors at AKL. Now the second phase.. I'm not sure how they could break that up for 1 building unless the wings will be in phases...

 

[KristiKelly]

What do you mean by "complete"? We bought SSR in February 2004, and it wasn't open to anyone until May.

When we bought SSR in July 2004 we were offered "developer's points", a one time allotment. Seems like the phase we purhcased wasn't complete so we were given these to be used anywhere EXCEPT SSR. I wonder if they will offer these.

 

[KristiKelly]

Oops, double post.

 

[spiceycat]

When we bought SSR in July 2004 we were offered "developer's points", a one time allotment. Seems like the phase we purhcased wasn't complete so we were given these to be used anywhere EXCEPT SSR. I wonder if they will offer these.

no likely seem the first part of AKL will be almost complete.

I have heard March from several people. So I would plan the trip for April or may.

 

[MILLZ]

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

 

[salmoneous]

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

VAKL, like all resorts, won't be for everybody. Some people value granite countertops. Some people find animals magical - stinky or not.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

It's okay for someone to not like a DVC resort. That's why they have more than one. Each is themed a bit differently so the whole program appeals to the masses.

 

[Tigger031266]

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

Well lets see, it could be that most of the other DVC resorts are pretty much the same (not that they are all not great) and AKL is different in theming, food and has animals!! Sometimes a little variety is fun. I love animals, I think it will be awsome to wake up and watch them.

The pool will be great, the restaurants are new and different, the lobby is neat. Did you every watch the animals at night with night vision? I am just thrilled! I am so glad they diod not sellect eagle pines. CCR would have been very different and cool as well but I bet that happens too.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

So when should I plan my trip to WDW? I want to take advantage of pre-sale period to DVC owners and take advantage of any incentives. However, since DVC cannot sell in my area. I need to plan to be down there so that I can purchase my add-on.

DVC is registered to sell SSR in WA now, so maybe they will do the same thing for AKV...perhaps your next purchase could be done there.

 

[diznyfanatic]

We have small grandchildren in our family and we loved our stay at AKL so much with all the very unique, educational and fun children's activities offered, the incredible theming, and of course waking up each morning and watching the Savannah come to life from our balcony. Also, our favorite on site restaurant, Boma, is located there.

For us, the new AKV could be a destination all by itself with everything that appears to be in the works there making it unlike any other DVC so far, so even without small children, we would be hooked.

 

[Stitch 03]

I'm actually in Vancouver, BC and DVC has never been able to sell here. The only province in Canada that they can sell in is Ontario.

Oh, well. I'm just really anxious to be able to get my hands on some AKLV points. The AKL may very well be my favorite resort on property. Though I have to admit there are some questions:

1) Will the 11 month booking window be necessary? Considering that 80% of the rooms will be savannah view, and the overall size of the resort, getting a savannah room at 7 months may not be a problem.

2) How popular will this resort actually be. I know that there are some huge AKL fans (of which I am one), but there is also a large number of people who do not like it. I have always heard rumblings of how Disney has a hard time filling this resort. Though the AKLV will be popular, will it be to the point that is as difficult to get a room there as it is at say the BCV.

Huge plusses:

- Expanded savannah
- 80% savannah rooms
- Concierge
- New facilities (pool, check-in, restaurant)

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).

 

[Stitch 03]

BTW, I was in WDW in October and spoke to a guide who was very helpful.

I also spoke to some of the DVC reps at the kiosks. Some were talkative and some were not,

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.

 

[Chuck S]

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.

The CMs point about the number of points required and the initial sales price, of course, is all speculative at this time. But I think it is a safe bet that the point requirement will be on the high side, an there will be a sales price increase...though not as much as for a monorail resort like CRV would have been.

I imagine that some costs of animal care would be included in the dues as animal viewing is an "amenity" of AKL/AKV.

 

[erikthewise]

This will be interesting....
Those who want to buy will be hoping for lower points per night.
Those who want to get in at 7 months will be hoping for higher points per night, to keep the demand down!

Me? I just hope it brings down the price on BCV resales. Not holding my breath though.