Thoughts- AKL or another?

[Kari2684]

I’m working out a short notice solo trip for mid/late May. I’m sifting through renting points or an existing reservation and debating on which DVC. My thoughts being this would be the perfect time for me to experience AKL given parks close earlier/no shows- and I can be back at the resort relaxing on a balcony for some good early evening animal viewing. I know most of the resort is still closed...so I’m weighing the worth and options. I’m now tossing up whether staying at SSR or OKW would be a better idea given proximity to Disney Springs and that area open later. I normally stay in the EPCOT area or French Quarter.
I’m the type of park goer that typically stays late and previously took full advantage of the after hours. I’ve never been a rope drop person and tend to slide out to the parks around 9ish.

 

[GBRforWDW]

We really enjoyed AKL balcony as a family. However the sun set way too early in January to really enjoy it. However late may you're looking at 8pm sunset, so will be a lot nicer. It's really a beautiful resort, just wish we could have enjoyed it more.

If you think you'll need to spend your evenings in DS rather than on the balcony, I'd definitely do a DS area resort, but if you're more interested in stocking up your own food and drinks and enjoying the balcony that way, it's totally worth checking out AKL.

 

[Kari2684]

We really enjoyed AKL balcony as a family. However the sun set way too early in January to really enjoy it. However late may you're looking at 8pm sunset, so will be a lot nicer. It's really a beautiful resort, just wish we could have enjoyed it more.

If you think you'll need to spend your evenings in DS rather than on the balcony, I'd definitely do a DS area resort, but if you're more interested in stocking up your own food and drinks and enjoying the balcony that way, it's totally worth checking out AKL.

Thank you for your response! I didn’t even think about timing of when the sunset. If I can’t make AKL work in May, I’ll keep that in mind for when I’m eventually able to stay there!

 

[GBRforWDW]

Thank you for your response! I didn’t even think about timing of when the sunset. If I can’t make AKL work in May, I’ll keep that in mind for when I’m eventually able to stay there!

Hehe yeah, it's the sunshine state, the sun should be out all the time! Lol.

If you're an early riser, it's fun to watch the animals begin their morning strolls, the animal keepers deliver food around to different places so you can watch them eat as well. You mentioned not being a rope drop person, which means you can sit around a little longer and enjoy the nicer weather on your balcony.

 

[mousehouse23]

If you decide you want to spend more time at DS, I'd definitely get a "preferred" studio at SSR so you have the shorter, 10-minute walk to DS. It's a little more points-wise, but your legs will thank you!

I don't think the OKW boats are running right now, because of COVID. It would be helpful to have a rental car at SSR because of the number of internal bus stops. Or use Uber/Lyft.

 

[Marthasor]

If you aren't averse to using uber/lyft, I would stay at AKV. I just find that resort has more charm than SSR and OKW. If you would rather be able to walk to DS, I would switch to SSR.

 

[nkereina]

I haven't been keeping up with AKV updates, but has there been any talks of Jambo House opening any time soon? I can't speak to how animal viewing is from the rooms in Kidani, but consider what the likelihood of getting a good savannah view room would be. It would be a bummer to stay there banking on relaxing evenings on the balcony watching the animals, only to be assigned a room with a sub-par view.

We were at WDW in October and with the lack of evening park hours and entertainment, we spent more time than ever at Disney Springs. I think we went 3 or 4 times during our 6 day stay, when normally we'd only go once or twice. We even booked a last minute TS ADR in DS from the available options because we were lacking for things to do. If we were to go again in the near future and things still weren't back to "normal", I would probably book SSR so we could be within walking distance of DS.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I haven't been keeping up with AKV updates, but has there been any talks of Jambo House opening any time soon?

Absolutely none. They have other deluxe resorts with open dates upcoming, so Jambo is not even being discussed. They are not ready to add so many units to the system, and both BC and Poly are upcoming to open.

 

[piperg14]

If you want to get to the parks near opening time, you have to be willing to wake up earlier because of the distance, but the food is amazing and the theming is better at AKL than OKW or SSR

 

[Kari2684]

Thank you everyone! I just confirmed at AKV- Jambo through DVC. I know so much is not open in Jambo and I’ll be ok with that. I’m a party of one and have the fortunate ability to be flexible in plans. Honestly, just happy this trip is happening when I was originally thinking I would have to wait until October/November. Now to work on my Universal part of the trip....
I swear every time I say “short trip”, I extend a few days because of *insert all of the justifications*