Too "easy" to switch?

[bicker]

I called in yesterday, only to find out that I was calling in six days too late to catch the seven-month point (due to how they've changed the reservations rules, i.e., it is now seven months from check-in date, not check-out date). Very disappointed, I started thinking about perhaps pushing our trip out a week (still during the Food & Wine Festival), so we could catch the seven-month point for that week. However, much to my surprise, we had no problem switching into a savanna view room at AKL, even though our points were mostly VWL points, with a few BWV points. How did that happen? And it sounded like there was a good bit of availability.

Am I missing something? Is AKL really "bad" for some reason now? We stayed there before DVC, and loved it, of course. We've always thought about doing an add-in at AKL, just so we would have priority there, and be able to take advantage of that priority to get a reservation there. Evidently, that's not necessary?

 

[jamie&Greg]

I don't think it is 'bad' at all!! IMO still a very hot resort! Keep in mind that a lot of people stay at BWV or BCV for F&W. Also, there are a lot more rooms avail now between AKL and BLT.

Congrats!

 

[wilma-bride]

Much to my surprise, we had no problem getting into AKV last week either and were even able to secure a dedicated 2-bedroom which I thought would have been nigh on possible at the 7-month mark.

I put it down to the opening of Kidani combined with BLT and THV being open by then so there is more choice of where to stay.

 

[gkrykewy]

There are a LOT of Savanna View rooms, and most people should have no problem at 7 months or shortly after. The tricky rooms (which will often require the booking advantage) are Values and Concierge.

 

[spiceycat]

I don't think it is 'bad' at all!! IMO still a very hot resort! Keep in mind that a lot of people stay at BWV or BCV for F&W. Also, there are a lot more rooms avail now between AKL and BLT.

Congrats!

definitely agree

after BCV and BWV are full - then it would be BLT - monrail to Epcot.

plus some DVCers are not going this year because of the economy.

 

[bicker]

Yeah, didn't even think about trying to get into BLT... but it wouldn't matter. We really are so attracted to AKL. The more that DVC offers other properties that are more attractive to members to switch into, the better off I feel we are.

Heck, I wonder if we shouldn't look to trade our 50 VWL points for 50 AKL points. We love VWL too, but given a choice between the two, until the grand-nieces and grand-nephews start rolling in, I cannot imagine us ever again choosing to stay in VWL when comparable rooms are available at AKL. I dunno.. maybe after a few successful switches, we'll grow tired of AKL...

 

[gkrykewy]

Yeah, didn't even think about trying to get into BLT... but it wouldn't matter. We really are so attracted to AKL. The more that DVC offers other properties that are more attractive to members to switch into, the better off I feel we are.

Heck, I wonder if we shouldn't look to trade our 50 VWL points for 50 AKL points. We love VWL too, but given a choice between the two, until the grand-nieces and grand-nephews start rolling in, I cannot imagine us ever again choosing to stay in VWL when comparable rooms are available at AKL. I dunno.. maybe after a few successful switches, we'll grow tired of AKL...

I'm with you. We bought DVC because of AKL, not the other way around

 

[wildernessDad]

Heck, I wonder if we shouldn't look to trade our 50 VWL points for 50 AKL points. We love VWL too, but given a choice between the two, until the grand-nieces and grand-nephews start rolling in, I cannot imagine us ever again choosing to stay in VWL when comparable rooms are available at AKL. I dunno.. maybe after a few successful switches, we'll grow tired of AKL...

Gasp!

 

[bookwormde]

DVC had a relatively small number of rooms at Jambo, by this fall when all of Kidani is open the number of available rooms will have gone up on a multiple basis.

boowkoormde

 

[Simba's Mom]

There are a LOT of Savanna View rooms, and most people should have no problem at 7 months or shortly after. The tricky rooms (which will often require the booking advantage) are Values and Concierge.

I was lucky enough to get a value studio yesterday for October, 10 days after the 7 month window began. It's kind of ironic-I called at exactly 7 months to the day, and at that time a value studio wasn't available so I didn't even waitlist. But I called back yesterday, thinking I'd go on the waitlist and Voila!

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Not AKL but I called at the 7 month window and got BCV for F&W. It was easy and the MS lady laughed that I called first thing in the morning on the exact day.

 

[dairyqueenmom]

I was lucky enough to get a value studio yesterday for October, 10 days after the 7 month window began. It's kind of ironic-I called at exactly 7 months to the day, and at that time a value studio wasn't available so I didn't even waitlist. But I called back yesterday, thinking I'd go on the waitlist and Voila!

You probably got my studio, I switched to BWV at the 7 month window. Enjoy!!!

 

[starbox]

FWIW, I called at 7 month to get the second week in June @ AKV (wanted a savanna-view) and got Jambo but had to waitlist for Kidani. The waitlist still has not come through.

(We own AKV points and use them to book values during Easter Week when points are high)

I think F&W is only crowded @ the Epcot DVC resorts - we got the birthday promo @ the Dolphin for F&W - 3 weekend nights in an upgraded room w/balcony for 500$ total.

 

[bicker]

Why would you feel Kidani preferable to Jambo?

 

[Dean]

Availability at a resort in active sales is always artificially high due to declared and unsold or recently sold points. Still there are a lot of SV rooms so getting one at 7 months shouldn't be too difficult much of the year but you might need the WL at times. Value and concierge are likely to be the hardest.

 

[ead79]

Why would you feel Kidani preferable to Jambo?

It's mostly a matter of personal preference.

The rooms at Kidani are larger, and the extra square footage allows for some things you don't get in Jambo House. For example, at Kidani the jacuzzi tub is separate from the walk-in glassed shower. At Jambo House, it's a combined jacuzzi tub/shower combo. Also, at Kidani there will be bar stools in the kitchen, but at Jambo House there is a small butchers block with no stools due to space.

Of course, if you prefer to eat at Boma or Jiko frequently, Jambo House might be more appealing. Plus, only Jambo House has value and concierge villas.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's mostly a matter of personal preference.

The rooms at Kidani are larger, and the extra square footage allows for some things you don't get in Jambo House. For example, at Kidani the jacuzzi tub is separate from the walk-in glassed shower. At Jambo House, it's a combined jacuzzi tub/shower combo. Also, at Kidani there will be bar stools in the kitchen, but at Jambo House there is a small butchers block with no stools due to space.

Of course, if you prefer to eat at Boma or Jiko frequently, Jambo House might be more appealing. Plus, only Jambo House has value and concierge villas.

I was wondering why the preference, also. But your answers make perfect sense. I'm going in October, and I asked for Jambo House. It's a solo trip, so I don't need the extra square footage, but I can certainly understand how a family might. Also, I love the CS, Mara. And maybe I'm a worry-wart, but when I travel solo, I want a way-up-high room, and I can guarantee one at Jambo House since all their rooms are up on the fifth floor. I hear Kidani has a much nicer pool area, is that another reason some people might prefer Kidani?

 

[spiceycat]

Kidani also has the extra bathroom for the 1-bedroom and 2.

since I stay in studio mostly - doesn't matter to me - which.

Kidiani is also surpose to get animals that AKL does not have.

 

[starbox]

Why would you feel Kidani preferable to Jambo?

Honestly, it does not matter that much to me since we stay savanna-view or value (Jambo) studios. Kidani 1 bedrooms have the extra bathroom, and there's the better pool right there - plus I already have Sanaa reservations. I just want to try it.

One negative to Kidani is a good chance of parking-lot views for standard rooms.