Walkway from AKV to AK Park

[Pennyguy23]

I think I missed something. When was this discussed? I read on another recent thread here that is was talk about. Can someone point me in the direction of that thread. Thanks Or lets start a new one. Could this actually happen. I thought there were wetlands plus it would be a couple mile walk wouldn't it?

 

[Deb & Bill]

It doesn't exist right now. I thought I read that it might become a reality with the addition of Kidani Village.

 

[Pennyguy23]

I know it doesn't exist but when did We(Disers) talk about it? Do you know where I could find that thread, I'm just curious.

 

[tjkraz]

This was the thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1582877

Looooooong discussion. Have fun!

In all fairness, the original poster was correct about 2 of the 3 resort announcements (and #3 could still be in the works.) But unless Disney has grander plans for developing the area between AKL and the DAK theme park, I don't see the logic in a path. It would be a sizable expense to create a 30+ minute walk through relatively undeveloped wilderness. I think many people would refuse to use it out of security concerns alone.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

ohh boy I wasnt gonna comment

but security reasons now? please do tell

I personally think its a great idea to help tie in the AKV/AKL to the AK park, not quite the same tie in as say the monorail, but I think it will have an appeal, not everyone likes the busses nor brings a car to WDW. When you are at AKl/AKV you need to take a bus EVERYWHERE! there is no other deluxe resort at WDW that has that problem. heck theres barely a few resorts at all where that is an issue.


I dont buy any of the reasons that were given in the old thread; theres plenty of room and the walk is very managable.

In addition the walkway could provide other uses than simply getting back and forth to the park

it certainly would not be this jam packed walkway that is constantly bustling like the BW, but I would not expect it to be given the nature of the AK themeing, nor would it need to be to be effective and useful

not every little feature within WDW is built to maximize use and minimize cost, there are such things as themeing, amenities(bike/jogging trail), alternatives(to busses)

I also personally cant take the "well its not there already, so obvioulsy its not needed or wanted" arguement.

 

[Pennyguy23]

This was the thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1582877

Looooooong discussion. Have fun!

In all fairness, the original poster was correct about 2 of the 3 resort announcements (and #3 could still be in the works.) But unless Disney has grander plans for developing the area between AKL and the DAK theme park, I don't see the logic in a path. It would be a sizable expense to create a 30+ minute walk through relatively undeveloped wilderness. I think many people would refuse to use it out of security concerns alone.

Thanks very much

 

[dwelty]

Oh, man, here we go again!

 

[Pennyguy23]

 

[spiceycat]

theres plenty of room and the walk is very managable.

In addition the walkway could provide other uses than simply getting back and forth to the park

have you ever been to AK park in the summer time. even walking in the park is barely managable - that place gets HOT and i mean HOT.

what other uses for walkway is there except to walk on it?

the same reasons were given for not having one when it was AKL - it would upset the animals.

that was the same reason then and now. besides to much man power. It would have to be closed when the AK park is closed. and we are know members who just love to go in places when they are closed. (cameras would spot you - but a real security guard is need to get you out)

this is like the BCV member wanting a bus to Epcot - not happened.

the AKL is much bigger than Kidani - if they didn't do it for them why do you even think they would now?

 

[salmoneous]

DAK is surrounded by Savannahs. As such, a "nice" walkway is pretty much impossible. The best you could hope for is a sidewalk along the roads.

WDW is one of the least pedestrian friendly places I've ever seen. Yes, there are parts of the world that are very pedestrian friendly. The paths around Crescent Lake for instance. But, for the most part, Disney does not want people walking between the various resorts and attractions inside the World. What's frustrating is that Disney has been willing to build some sidewalks - but they tend to go the most useless places (i.e. the one that goes to the "lego firehouse" or between CSR and All-Stars.

DAK in particular is the most pedestrian-unfriendly place I've ever seen. You can't walk anywhere.

Personally, I think Disney needs a major change in attitude. Link up the whole World with sidewalks. Let - and even encourage - folks to walk. Yeah, I know it's hot in July. And people walk lots in the theme parks. But, still, walking is a very good thing. Good for people, good for the planet, etc. Give people who want to walk the opportunity.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

have you ever been to AK park in the summer time. even walking in the park is barely managable - that place gets HOT and i mean HOT.

what other uses for walkway is there except to walk on it?

the same reasons were given for not having one when it was AKL - it would upset the animals.

that was the same reason then and now. besides to much man power. It would have to be closed when the AK park is closed. and we are know members who just love to go in places when they are closed. (cameras would spot you - but a real security guard is need to get you out)

this is like the BCV member wanting a bus to Epcot - not happened.

the AKL is much bigger than Kidani - if they didn't do it for them why do you even think they would now?

I realize its hot in the summer, but you dont build or in this case not build a walkway just because it might be hot in the summer. There is no reason it could not be shade covered

other uses than a simple path to/from the park: jogging path, bike path for recreational activity---not for everyone of course but certainly could be considered a benefit overall

I think now it might be option because of the additional development
more people, more money, more revenue should = more amenities

 

[spiceycat]

other uses than a simple path to/from the park: jogging path, bike path for recreational activity---not for everyone of course but certainly could be considered a benefit overall

I think now it might be option because of the additional development
more people, more money, more revenue should = more amenities

most of the people that I know like to jog want to do it early - before the sun rises to high and gets everything hot.

if this path was to happen - remember it closes when AK closes - so even the path itself - especially if it went through the savannah could not be used until the animals (at least) were up and moving. So you are talking 7am or later most days.

then of course you would have guest who are on the path to look at the animals - blocking the path for others.

bikes on a walking path - sorry but no. Okw has a problem with that now. kids can't always stop a bike when they think they can. So sometimes they hit people.

the resort was build without any intention of walking path to AK, or a walking path period.

if you don't like it - then buy some place else.
even the bikes on the bw are only to be on the bw not near Epcot or studios.

okw and SSR can't go to DTD.

 

[tjkraz]

but security reasons now? please do tell

Look around and you'll already see people expressing a fear over the likes of walking from SSR to Downtown Disney via the lightly-traveled path. The same would be true of an AKV path.

Note that I never said the fears were real--just that its use would be limited by those who afraid of what may happen. At the same time, Disney will have very real expenses associated with keeping the path safe. It wouldn't be like the Epcot or Magic Kingdom resort areas where you have thousands of guests staying at multiple resorts. In these locations, "safety in numbers" happens organically--the same would not be true of a path between DAK and AKV.

not every little feature within WDW is built to maximize use and minimize cost, there are such things as themeing, amenities(bike/jogging trail), alternatives(to busses)

But can you think of any examples of such amenities that were added after-the-fact? It's one thing for such an amenity to be part-and-parcel of a new resort development. However, Disney doesn't often throw money around years later just to add a feature to give guests warm fuzzies.

I also personally cant take the "well its not there already, so obvioulsy its not needed or wanted" arguement.

You seem to be taking this far too personally while I'm speaking strictly from an analytical standpoint. As for it being a "need", based upon the textbook definition it's clearly NOT a need.

As for it being a "want", I'm quite sure there are people who would enjoy such a path. And I don't believe I ever said anything to the contrary on either the other thread or this one.

Analytically, I just don't see it being within Disney's modus operandi to simply up and build a path 6 years after AKL opened. Among all of the discussions of Disney nickle-and-diming the Dining Plan, cutting back on maintenance and paying terrible wages to union laborers, I can't envision a project like this making it past the budget checkpoints.

Again to recap the other thread, if they have broader plans for developing that area, the path may be a natural fit to help link the areas together. But in lieu of such plans, just up and building a path seems very un-Disney (or at least un-Jay Rasulo) in this day and age.

 

[Doctor P]

Though it is not talked about a lot, my understanding is that there are actually quite a few wild animals in the undeveloped areas even amid the resorts. We were warned about this in golfing at the Lake Buena Vista golf course. I was thinking snakes, etc., but was quickly corrected that they were talking about a little larger and more menacing beasts than that that were living in the forested areas in between OKW and SSR. This, supposedly, is part of the reason why those walkways close at dusk. Have no independent corroboration, but that is what we were told.

 

[spiceycat]

gators

there also has to be something in the woods that is going after the deer. or disney would be over run by them by now.

i have seem a fox or two - but much, much bigger for the deer. the only thing I can even think of is a florida panter. I have NEVER seem one. doesn't mean they aren't there.

 

[dis-happy]

Bobcats...they kill deer, so one could easily take down a small child. After seeing one walking around my parents' house near Charleston I won't let my 7 year old out alone---that thing was pretty big. And it was stalking a fawn that had wandered into the back yard---with little fear of people. (thankfully the fawn escaped that time).

Wild boar are mean and nasty too, and all over the place in Florida.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

if you don't like it - then buy some place else.
even the bikes on the bw are only to be on the bw not near Epcot or studios.

okw and SSR can't go to DTD.

whoa easy there!

I never said I dont like it, I already own there, with or without a path

actually if you read the other thread, I dont even necessarily WANT a path, Im just saying it isnt as far fetched as some may think

Im not even the originator of the rumo, so what do I care

I just think given the situation it certainly is a possibility

 

[sjdisneywedding]

lol you guys are really cracking me up, any walkway will undoubtedly be blocked off from the "wild" animals that are roaming the huge expanse between the resort and park

im not saying they are not there, but they simply are not a factor, its not a path through the wild

that area is less than a half mile in each direction to the resort and park, if those animals want to get at someone they would have already

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Look around and you'll already see people expressing a fear over the likes of walking from SSR to Downtown Disney via the lightly-traveled path. The same would be true of an AKV path.

Note that I never said the fears were real--just that its use would be limited by those who afraid of what may happen. At the same time, Disney will have very real expenses associated with keeping the path safe. It wouldn't be like the Epcot or Magic Kingdom resort areas where you have thousands of guests staying at multiple resorts. In these locations, "safety in numbers" happens organically--the same would not be true of a path between DAK and AKV. .

I dont know, what exactly are you referring to when you speak of needing safety in numbers?

animals, assault from other people? I mean these still would be WDW guests and yes there are bad apples everywhere, but I just dont connect safety with being an issue here on a path. realistically you maybe at most have one CM patroling the entire area, if that. its less than mile and the edges on either side probably wouldnt be an issue whatsoever

But can you think of any examples of such amenities that were added after-the-fact? It's one thing for such an amenity to be part-and-parcel of a new resort development. However, Disney doesn't often throw money around years later just to add a feature to give guests warm fuzzies..

but there is new construction going in here, so its not like they are revisiting AKL just to put in a path, there are other circumstances at play. Im not saying DVC and a path go hand in hand, but again AKl/AKV will be the only deluxe resort without some type of a more direct access to a park

a path, if built in conjuction with the second entrance, could give this resort quite a perk that has been missing to date

Again to recap the other thread, if they have broader plans for developing that area, the path may be a natural fit to help link the areas together. But in lieu of such plans, just up and building a path seems very un-Disney (or at least un-Jay Rasulo) in this day and age.

maybe you are right on that point, but maybe the path goes in first, or partially at first, even if it is not open with the notion more development will be coming

 

[crisi]

I don't think its likely.

Upkeep costs for the lodge are already very high because of the animals with high dues and high operational costs on the hotel side. Maintaining a half mile or mile long path doesn't sound like much, but maintaining one with security (can't let sickos or stupid people jump the fence and get close to the animals - with AK/AKL/VAK they are worried to the level of drinking straws and balloons) will be more expensive than just sticking in a path. And fencing it adds both to the initial costs and the maintenance costs.

Similar paths (the path to MGM) are frankly underutilized and aren't adding much the the resorts they serve as most people take the boat. Even with shade its a long walk in the heat.

In order to get a short (half mile) walk a new entrace has to be built into the AK - which means an entire area needs to be rebuilt and made "on stage" pretty for less than two thousand rooms over at AKL/VAK. Not creating a new entrance means a much longer walk. (The International Gateway serves approximately 4,500 guest rooms - more than twice as many rooms - and provides interpark access as well between Epcot and MGM). A new entrance would add to the costs and require additional staffing year round - adding to ongoing operational costs. The International Gateway seems to take about four to six CMs to staff - more for opening and right before Illuminations. You'll have less guests, but you'll still need at least a security guard and a ticketing CM - and probably two since you'll need someone who can deal with issues with tickets. I'd say a minimum staff would be three people.

I can't see it being justified.