The Wilderness Lodge and Villas FAQ (Part 7) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[GoofyTraci]

Hello peeps. Only a couple more sleeps tell we come home to AKV and then off to VWL. I have to say that I love DVC. And I dont feel we get bad customer service bc we r dvc. I have had one incident and I dont feel like it made me upset that I have dvc. The only down side of dvc to me is we dont get pixie dust with upgrades. But it is not really a big deal bc u should book what you want and not rely on being upgraded. If it does good, if not you are still happy.

Hope everyone is doing ok and getting ready for the upcoming trips. Happy Memorial day everyone!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hello peeps. Only a couple more sleeps tell we come home to AKV and then off to VWL. I have to say that I love DVC. And I dont feel we get bad customer service bc we r dvc. I have had one incident and I dont feel like it made me upset that I have dvc. The only down side of dvc to me is we dont get pixie dust with upgrades. But it is not really a big deal bc u should book what you want and not rely on being upgraded. If it does good, if not you are still happy.

Hope everyone is doing ok and getting ready for the upcoming trips. Happy Memorial day everyone!

Traci, that is good to know about customer service. Many of my friends are DVCers and complain about the CS often.

I hope one day you did get some upgrade dust! It has happened to a few friends (who own) from a studio to a one bedroom and the same to us from a studio to a one bedroom (on points traveling with the owner - she insisted it was MY luck lol).

Traci, do you have any recommendations when staying on points at AKV? Which is more difficult to reserve in Dec - value, std or Savannah? If we reserve Savannah can we make a request for Arusha? I read that requests are no longer allowed with a value. TIA!!

3 more sleeps for you!?!

Brian, do not think I'd want to do a split stay for a weekend...but we are considering it for a 5 ngt trip, doing 2/3. Just don't want to feel we lose a whole day waiting to get a room. Have you done a split stay on a trip less than a week?

 

[GoofyTraci]

this will be our 3rd dvc stay this year at AKL/AKV. Not sure which resort you prefer to stay at but we love AKV-kidani. It is so quiet over there and does feel like home . I am no expert on which areas are best and which one sell out the most but from what I hear the value's sell out fast bc they r the least amount of points and they dont have as many of those rooms. We usually dont request a certain area. I dont know why but we dont. I usually ask to close to an elevator or tranportation. We have had a one bedroom sv at kidani and while it was great. we saw lots of animals from our balcony but we walked and walked to get to our room at night. it was sooooo far. I will have to see if I can find my papers to see where we stayed to tell you. But it was far and super quiet. The bus system is really good there. If you have any questions feel free to stop over at the akv/akl thread or i can find out when we r there soon.

As for staying at Jambo. It was really loud with lots of people coming over to eat at the restaurants. And lots of kid activities that were loud beating on drums and stuff like that. I have a child so not anti-kid here. Just saying it was kinda loud. We requested to be close to an elevator and we sure was. It was right next to our room and was so loud all night we had to move. But both rooms and locations were very close and not a far walk like at kidani. But we have decided we will always try to stay at kidani if we can help it.

Also if you cant get what you want I would waitlist it. There is so much to do there. Our first day we r just going to hang out at the resort. We love to do the night vision and see the animals. The pool is great at both locations but quieter at kidani. I want to try and make the jewerly this visit each time I say I am going to and I dont. ALso the bar at the pool has some super cool drinks.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks, Traci!

We stayed at AKL when it was new in a SAV view, but not on points. I have MS and would hope not to walk too far, so we're planning on staying at Jambo. Special needs will block a room for us near the elevators.

I will definitely go over to the AKL/AKV board - why didn't I think of that!!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[GoofyTraci]

Thanks, Traci!

We stayed at AKL when it was new in a SAV view, but not on points. I have MS and would hope not to walk too far, so we're planning on staying at Jambo. Special needs will block a room for us near the elevators.

I will definitely go over to the AKL/AKV board - why didn't I think of that!!

Enjoy your trip!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1633854 here is the link hun. Hope you have a great time. I have some issue with my feet and legs and that is usually why I like to request a room close to the elevator. Jambo is great for the nice pool and mara the quick service stop and the gift shop is bigger. Enjoy your stay.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1633854 here is the link hun. Hope you have a great time. I have some issue with my feet and legs and that is usually why I like to request a room close to the elevator. Jambo is great for the nice pool and mara the quick service stop and the gift shop is bigger. Enjoy your stay.

Thanks!! Fortunately, my MS has been mild for 30 yrs so I am blessed! Our trip isn't until December 2012!! Early planners!!

 

[nathanyell]

I've only done one split stay and that was 7 days a CSR then 2 at WL. And you know I'd do anything to stay at WL, so that was worth it. I think a split for 5 days would not be bad. I just make sure that I'm busy the day of the change so I don't miss not having a room.

If we were not doing the late nites at the mk I probably would do akl this trip for the last night. I might still change and do it. Lol.

Traci, I'm glad you gave a short review of AKL. You guys seem a lot like us and I think I might buy DVC at AKL through resale. Are they considered one resort through DVC? Or do you buy at Jambo or Kidani?

 

[GoofyTraci]

I've only done one split stay and that was 7 days a CSR then 2 at WL. And you know I'd do anything to stay at WL, so that was worth it. I think a split for 5 days would not be bad. I just make sure that I'm busy the day of the change so I don't miss not having a room.

If we were not doing the late nites at the mk I probably would do akl this trip for the last night. I might still change and do it. Lol.

Traci, I'm glad you gave a short review of AKL. You guys seem a lot like us and I think I might buy DVC at AKL through resale. Are they considered one resort through DVC? Or do you buy at Jambo or Kidani?

No problem. We do love AKL/AKV we joke that we r resort snobs. You will love it there. So much to do. Anyway we bought dvc and can stay at both locations as both have dvc rooms but kidani is only dvc. it is one purchase. we like that we have the best of both worlds on this trip. I have always wanted to stay at WL and it just worked out this trip for us to and we must visit our home resort while we r at disney.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I just wanted to add that Jambo House in the main bldg has DVC rooms on the 5th floor and DVC CL there as well. There are several SAV view studios, one and two bedrooms in Jambo as well as 10 value view rooms (2 are parking lot views, some pool and some Sunset Savannah).

Jambo map with DVC room locations:
http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-akv/

 

[jkstewart1800]

Okay, so I have tried everything and channel 96 seems to be erased from the tv's here at the villas . I've tried scrolling , punching in the numbers (to no avail) I called everyone under the sun! I even had a maintenance guy come to the room .... I also went through the tv menu to see if there were any blocked channels .... Help!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Okay, so I have tried everything and channel 96 seems to be erased from the tv's here at the villas . I've tried scrolling , punching in the numbers (to no avail) I called everyone under the sun! I even had a maintenance guy come to the room .... I also went through the tv menu to see if there were any blocked channels .... Help!!!

I've never stayed in the VWL, but at the WL, some of the channels are duplicated. Could "96" actually be a different channel at the VWL? Is 96 listed in the TV channel line-up card in the room or on the TV? Hopefully, a VWL expert will come to the rescue for you.

Have a great day at the parks!

 

[jkstewart1800]

I've never stayed in the VWL, but at the WL, some of the channels are duplicated. Could "96" actually be a different channel at the VWL? Is 96 listed in the TV channel line-up card in the room or on the TV? Hopefully, a VWL expert will come to the rescue for you.

Have a great day at the parks!

No. It's not on the card :-(

 

[WDWKOOK]

No. It's not on the card :-(

Just because it's not listed doesn't necessarily mean it's not on a different channel in the VWL. Maybe they have a different channel lineup? Can you scroll through every channel and see if you find it? I know you're disappointed, but I hope the rest of your vacation is going well

 

[nathanyell]

Okay, so I have tried everything and channel 96 seems to be erased from the tv's here at the villas . I've tried scrolling , punching in the numbers (to no avail) I called everyone under the sun! I even had a maintenance guy come to the room .... I also went through the tv menu to see if there were any blocked channels .... Help!!!

Wish I could help. I hardly ever turn the tv on when I am at wl. Hope someone can help you out.

3 more sleeps to wl!

Brian

 

[MMrules]

I was looking into DVC but have not decided on it yet. I saw that the boardwalk was quite a bit cheaper and really don't understand why. Maybe it's the number of rooms or something. I do want to do AKL though it looks like our December plans changed and were only gonna be at WL.

I heard of the possibility of a new DVC at fw, I might do that if it ever happens. That was where my Dad started taking the family in 74. Holds bitter sweet memories of my Dad. So much I still have a hard time going over there. I go a little farther into the campground each visit.

I figure if I take my princess now, she will have a full life of Disney, just like I did. I can't think of a better way to start life.

Brian.

It took us 13 years to buy DVC....I wanted to on my Disneymoon in 1997, but DH wanted to wait til we could financially afford it. I will say between now and then we have paid enough $$ on Disneytrips that it would have paid for itself. We just bought at AKV. I love both lodges and still really want some points at VWL, but the year runs out faster than at AKV. We were able to get a savings per point when we signed up so if you are serious about getting it in the future I would suggest watching for deals.

There are definitely pros and cons to DVC. I do like knowing that I have a vacation option every year at WDW,DL or some great beaches. I know I want to go to Disney anyways. I am not crazy about paying dues as that could be seen as the same as a hotel depending on where you stay pricewise. However, I get discounts on AP which is a good savings and I can go a few times a year depending on points.

I also like knowing that my boys ages 4 and 6 will be able to go to Disney and share my love with them. They will both get a portion of the points to have with their families when I am too old to enjoy it anymroe.

If it is right for you, you will know! Have a fantastic vacation at the WL!!!

 

[MMrules]

Hello peeps. Only a couple more sleeps tell we come home to AKV and then off to VWL. I have to say that I love DVC. And I dont feel we get bad customer service bc we r dvc. I have had one incident and I dont feel like it made me upset that I have dvc. The only down side of dvc to me is we dont get pixie dust with upgrades. But it is not really a big deal bc u should book what you want and not rely on being upgraded. If it does good, if not you are still happy.

Hope everyone is doing ok and getting ready for the upcoming trips. Happy Memorial day everyone!

Thanks for the input!! I am new to DVC and am taking my first visit this summer! We bought at AKV too b/c I love it there. So peaceful and like being in another world! I can't comment on CS through DVC but I am usually not fussy about my room location. I just want it clean!!! I don't care about upgrades either....I am just so stinking happy to be at Disney, nothing can upset me!! Beats a day at home!

One reason why I chose AKV over the other resorts available was the value room options. You can save so much on points to allow for more than one vacation per year or a longer stay. I was able to book 3 value studios for next February vacation so that we could offer a room to my niece who is graduating from HS and my other SIL's family too. Even with the 3 rooms we still have points left over ...going to try to get a trip to VWL with the savings.

I am so looking forward to our first vacation and we were actually able to get in at BCV

 

[GoofyTraci]

Thanks for the input!! I am new to DVC and am taking my first visit this summer! We bought at AKV too b/c I love it there. So peaceful and like being in another world! I can't comment on CS through DVC but I am usually not fussy about my room location. I just want it clean!!! I don't care about upgrades either....I am just so stinking happy to be at Disney, nothing can upset me!! Beats a day at home!

One reason why I chose AKV over the other resorts available was the value room options. You can save so much on points to allow for more than one vacation per year or a longer stay. I was able to book 3 value studios for next February vacation so that we could offer a room to my niece who is graduating from HS and my other SIL's family too. Even with the 3 rooms we still have points left over ...going to try to get a trip to VWL with the savings.

I am so looking forward to our first vacation and we were actually able to get in at BCV

awesome!!! I know you will have a great time and will enjoy AKV. I am hoping I dont get kicked off this thread for talking about it so much . I do enjoy the point saving there as well. we will be there very soon and getting soooo excited. enjoy your stay.


Brian are you loosing sleep yet? I am.

 

[PamelaKay]

I posted a question once before and didn't see a response. Does anyone have a list of the appetizers that are served in the Old Faithful Club?

 

[nathanyell]

I posted a question once before and didn't see a response. Does anyone have a list of the appetizers that are served in the Old Faithful Club?

I have not seen a listing of certain apps, but I know on the club level thread there are pics. I know wdwkook has been up there and may have some answers.

 

[nathanyell]

Brian are you loosing sleep yet? I am.

What's sleep. In all honesty, the ac is out at home, so I think that is more to blame then the trip. This dc heatwave is too much. The princess stayed at grandmas so she would not have to be to hot. The ac was fixed today. Yeah!

Ready to go home and take a nap. Lol.

Overall I am very excited. Only 3 days left. ;-)

Brian