VWL OR AKV ??? please help

[grumpynprincess]

We will be heading to the world early december and was able to obtain a 2 bedroom villa at wilderness lodge. we will be traveling with my DW, DS (2), DD (3) and my parents. we have a wait list for a 2 bedroom savannah view at AKV (kidani) but was wondering which would be better and more enjoyable for us and the kids.
my daughter loves animals but i think the proximity to the magic kingdom is great. ive heard the kid area at kidani is great but dont know anything about VWL

please let me know what u think. we have never stayed at either place.
thanks

 

[CarolMN]

AKV is lovely, but there's nothing like VWL during the Holiday season! I'd pick VWL in a heartbeat. It''s very popular during December and for good reason. IMO - you were lucky to secure a reservation there.

It's a perk to be near the MK during that time, especially if you will be taking in one of the MVMCP events. There are hayrides at Fort Wilderness and the lodge is so beautifully decorated. Be sure to check out the gigantic fireplace in the lobby.

You can still travel to the AKV for a meal or to check it out for future stays. - there are lots of public viewing areas.

 

[grumpynprincess]

thanks for the reply. ive heard VWL is real nice during the holidays and i was real surprised when i called today and was told they had availability.
anyone else with any suggestions!!!

 

[disneynutz]

Tough call, AKV for the kids or VWL for the adults and MK.

I vote, VWL this year, and AKV next year.

Bill

 

[katmittens]

Have stayed at VWL a few times, last time Jan of 2010 and just returned from AKV at Jambo in May. Loved both in different ways. For December I would go with VWL. The warm feeling, the decorations, the closeness to MK are a plus. We loved seeing the animals at AKV, and loved the pool, but I would go with VWL, especially at Christmas time.

 

[Granny]

AKV is lovely, but there's nothing like VWL during the Holiday season! I'd pick VWL in a heartbeat. It''s very popular during December and for good reason. IMO - you were lucky to secure a reservation there.

I agree with all of Carol's comments. That was a fortunate reservation to be able to snag!

 

[Disney Spaz]

I would stick with VWL for the holidays. The decorations can't be beat compared to AKV. Don't get me wrong I love AKV, it is one of my home resorts but this past Christmas we were there and I was disappointed with the lack of Christmas feel. This may just have been at Kidani but I missed the Christmas feel I normally get at the resort.

 

[wildernessDad]

I'd go with VWL for the holidays.

 

[disneynutz]

I would stick with VWL for the holidays. The decorations can't be beat compared to AKV. Don't get me wrong I love AKV, it is one of my home resorts but this past Christmas we were there and I was disappointed with the lack of Christmas feel. This may just have been at Kidani but I missed the Christmas feel I normally get at the resort.

DVC resorts don't spend much to decorate, never have. The co-located resorts, BWV, BCV, VWL, and Jambo have better decorations because of BWI, BC, WL, and AKL.

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

We alternate our December visits with BWV and VWL, and since you have VWL, we would stay there.

We just got back from a BCV stay and DH and I did bring the DGC, 5, 6 and 7 over to Jambo house one evening just for them to see the animals. It was a nice thing to do on a non-park day when we were babysitting. We did have a car.

Bobbi

PS. We really enjoy the trees and holiday decorations at BWV, BCV, BLT, VWL, Kidani, SSR. Those are the ones we've seen and we think they are well done and beautiful.

 

[DenLo]

I would stick with VWL for this Christmas. Although it would be nice for your child to see the animals at AKV, you might regret the bus ride to MK, especially when you give up a VWL villa for an AKV villa. During December the MVMCP is going on and if you and your family choose to go you'll be just across the lake from the MK park.

Of course, if an AKV waitlist comes through, you will make someone else happy because their VWL waitlist will come through when your current reservation is cancelled.

Here's some photos of VWL at Christmas. http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34745351&postcount=1630
Another photographer DizneyNuts has some wonderful shots of WL on this same thread: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33185880&postcount=1447

 

[grumpynprincess]

just wanted to say thanks again. after reading all these replies, i called MS and cancelled my waitlist for AKV. we r very excited about the decorations. it is one of our favorite things about going during this time period.