Trip Report: AKV & BWV Pros & Cons

[evsmama]

We just returned from a 10 night stay: 3 @ AKV & 7 @ BWV. Just thought I'd share a few tidbits--pics to come later.

AKV: It was our first time staying here. We had an economy studio in the Lodge portion. The hotel was beautiful, but I don't think I'd stay there again, at least until the villas are complete. The pool was standard for Disney, there were 2 spas, which was nice, & a kiddie pool. Excellent dining options too. 2 peeves: the bathroom door in the studio opened IN & left only about a 3 inch clearance between the toilet & the door. It was awkward to get in at best, & if you have any sort of disability issues, or have to assist a child in the bathroom, forget it. We found the resort itself to be terribly isolated. No other transport options other than the bus, & you can only stare at the 5 animals on the savannah for so long, particularly in the heat, when even fewer come out to be watched.

BWV: First time here too. It was wonderful! Great pool, of course too many options to name within walking distance. We had a spectacular view of the pool w/ the Swan, the river, and the Tower of Terror in the near distance. Would take this view again over a boardwalk view, as we agreed that the boardwalk would be too noisy, particularly if you were unlucky enough to wind up next to JellyRolls.

Just a word of advice: if you're changing resorts mid way & don't want to do the parks during the transition, TAKE a CAB! We wanted to check in at BWV early to make use of the dining plan for the whole day. The process of traveling from AKV & checking in took 2 hours!

Overall, a fantastic trip!! I used to think 10 days would be too long---hah!! I'm already planning for next year!

 

[disneynutz]

Planning another trip? Looks like to pros outweighed the cons.

Glad you had a good time.

 

[moredisneyplease]

I was just at the BWV and went over to AK to check it out. It is rather isolated but I still hope to stay there once just to experience it.

 

[MikeyNS]

Sounds like you liked the BWV pool better than the AKV pool? I think I'm the opposite!

 

[Chic]

We also stayed at the Animal Kingdom resort sometime ago before they built the Villas. We found it isolated and disliked being trapped into "bus only" transportation. I am a location type person so only the Park Resorts really appeal to me. I am of the mind that you may as well stay at the Value resorts if you're stuck depending on the buses for transportation. We were really surprised that DVC built Villas at Animal Kingdom and so many people were scooping up the points. I think a lot of those people will be disappointed with their decision of purchasing into AKL when the Contemporary BLT opens. What would you rather see from your balcony? A few animals roaming around in the grass or the magic of Cinderella's Castle? As far as transportation, imagine waiting less than 6 minutes for a monorail in the air conditioning as opposed to sweating for about 30 minutes outside waiting for a jam packed bus. Chances are you will have to stand on the bus and your trip to the park will require another 30 minutes. Just my opinion.

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm the opposite - I would much rather stare at the animals because I might see something different wander by, but after 5 minutes Cinderella's Castle is just a theme park building to me.

I agree about the transportation, though. I bought DVC points at AKV and hope to stay there many times, but I always have a car with me. I hate the buses wherever I stay. Having your own car delivered to the front door with the AC already on is what I really prefer!!!

 

[alldiz]

thanks for the report

I too loved BWV.....although I can't wait to try AKV also.....have to try them all
Kerri

 

[KennySC]

One question... Why did it take 2 hours to get from one resort to the other? Did you take the first bus leaving AKL going to any park then jump on the next bus going to your BWV?

Also, the pool at BWV is my least favorite because of the lack of chairs anywhere near the pool. Also, the pool bar is not the best either for some reason. I love the pool at AKL with the nice sand bottom.

Funny how many people dislike the buses... I have always enjoyed sitting back and letting someone else drive me around. But you're right the ride from AKL is going to be longer to any park.

As for the animals it was cool enjoying my morning coffee with animals grazing nearby... you don't get that view anywhere else.

 

[joech]

We also stayed at the Animal Kingdom resort sometime ago before they built the Villas. We found it isolated and disliked being trapped into "bus only" transportation. I am a location type person so only the Park Resorts really appeal to me. I am of the mind that you may as well stay at the Value resorts if you're stuck depending on the buses for transportation. We were really surprised that DVC built Villas at Animal Kingdom and so many people were scooping up the points. I think a lot of those people will be disappointed with their decision of purchasing into AKL when the Contemporary BLT opens. What would you rather see from your balcony? A few animals roaming around in the grass or the magic of Cinderella's Castle? As far as transportation, imagine waiting less than 6 minutes for a monorail in the air conditioning as opposed to sweating for about 30 minutes outside waiting for a jam packed bus. Chances are you will have to stand on the bus and your trip to the park will require another 30 minutes. Just my opinion.

One of the reason I bought at AKV is the location. We never use the bus system since we always rent a SUV/Van during our WDW trips. We did a split stay at the contemporary and AKL in March of last year and we didn't like Contemporary at all. Our DD loves princess and did not once check out the Cinderella's castle from our Contemporary stay. And our 2nd trip to AKL last christmas confirm that AKV is the reosrt we want to stay the most. It is priceless to see our DD (4) and DS (2) wake up every morning and go out to the balcony to look at animals.

 

[pyrxtc]

I'm sorry you felt isolated at AKV. I bought into having stayed there before. I love it and wouldn't change it for anything. I don't think the buses are that bad, I've been left waiting for a boat longer than I've waited for a bus at AKV. The view is spectacular and I'd rather see live animals than buildings, no matter what they look like.

 

[Ratpack]

Funny how many people dislike the buses... I have always enjoyed sitting back and letting someone else drive me around. But you're right the ride from AKL is going to be longer to any park.

Howdy neighbor!!

I agree with you on this one. Once we park at AKV, we never move our car until we head back up home. I have never had any issues with the buses.