Trying out a different resort -- AKV or OKW?

[epicureangirl]

I've got my next trip booking underway, but will have only enough points to stay in a 2 bedroom in a resort other than my home resort (beach club). I'm only looking for one night, post-cruise. I have stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (not Villas) and had a Savannah view.

If I try to book a 2 bedroom, would you pick AKV (has to be Standard category due to lack of points, so no view) or OKW? We have a vehicle, will not be going to the parks that night but will be bringing our in-laws who have never been to any of the Disney Resorts. We also have 2 girls, 3 and 11 who will want some pool-time.

Which would be great for a quick visit? Any lack of meal-options with one or the other? I'm not too sure about the proximity to Downtown Disney from either resort.

Thanks!

 

[DVC Mike]

AKV has Jiko and Boma onsite, while OKW is much closer to DTD.

I would pick AKV, but that's just my opinion...

 

[Inkmahm]

I LOVE Jikos and the pool at AKV. I'd also pick AKV hands down. But then, I love the place so I'm biased. Not having a guaranteed savanna view isn't the end of the world, either. You can see the animals on the savannas from many viewing points at the lodge.

 

[epicureangirl]

I did have fantastic meals at Jiko, and of course you could see the animals from the viewing area and near the pool. But when I stayed at the Lodge, there were no Villas. Are the Villas far away and have their own set of pools, or do they share the amenities of the Lodge?

Also, if I can only get a Standard or a Value, which would you pick? Standard will be larger, but with the Value I understand you may be able to luck-out and still get a Savannah view.

Thanks!

 

[Saratoga Souris]

I've got my next trip booking underway, but will have only enough points to stay in a 2 bedroom in a resort other than my home resort (beach club). I'm only looking for one night, post-cruise. I have stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (not Villas) and had a Savannah view.

If I try to book a 2 bedroom, would you pick AKV (has to be Standard category due to lack of points, so no view) or OKW? We have a vehicle, will not be going to the parks that night but will be bringing our in-laws who have never been to any of the Disney Resorts. We also have 2 girls, 3 and 11 who will want some pool-time.

Which would be great for a quick visit? Any lack of meal-options with one or the other? I'm not too sure about the proximity to Downtown Disney from either resort.

I vote for OKW.....

For starters.... I doubt that you'll be able to get a Standard View Room at AK You'll be in the 7 month "window" instead of the 11 month. There are very few standard rooms!

OKW has a good restaurant (Olivia's) and a take-out snack bar or 2 . There is 1 near the main pool (Goods) and one at the Turtle Pond pool (The Turtle Shack). The Main pool is very nice and has a great slide! In addition, there are a number of quiet pools so you are never far from a pool (or a hot tub).

Other ++'s

You can take a boat to DTD. We usually get a drink and take it with us for the ride!

You get a lot more space at OKW. A 2 bedroom will give you two queen beds instead of a queen and a "pull-out".

OKW is quiet and lovely...

 

[DVC Mike]

I did have fantastic meals at Jiko, and of course you could see the animals from the viewing area and near the pool. But when I stayed at the Lodge, there were no Villas. Are the Villas far away and have their own set of pools, or do they share the amenities of the Lodge?

Today, the only DVC villas are located inside the AKL on the 5th floor (except the Concierge villas on the 6th floor). You have access to the same ameneties you have when you stay in a hotel room at AKL.

Also, if I can only get a Standard or a Value, which would you pick? Standard will be larger, but with the Value I understand you may be able to luck-out and still get a Savannah view.

It depends how important a savanna view room is to you. I would pick the Value room over a Standard View myself...

 

[epicureangirl]

It depends how important a savanna view room is to you. I would pick the Value room over a Standard View myself...

Why would you pick the Value, Mike? If it's smaller, then is there an advantage to that room type that I'm missing?

Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Why would you pick the Value, Mike? If it's smaller, then is there an advantage to that room type that I'm missing?

Thanks!

The advantage is that value rooms can be savanna view, and standard rooms can not.