We just returned from our first DVC stay at AKV.

[Ron from Michigan]

We returned Saturday from our first DVC stay at AKV. We love the rooms at AKL so much and were trilled to finally make our first DVC stay. Rooms were very clean and housekeeping was excellent. Can't wait till April for our second DVC stay.

 

[eliza61]

Glad you had a great time. AKL is nexted up on our list of places to stay.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Great, what kind of room did you have?
Bobbi

 

[Rock'n Robin]

how was the bus service?
Robin M.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

 

[hakepb]

how was the bus service?
Robin M.

I just got back from AKV and never had any long bus waits. (JMy only negative was having to walk uphill, past the smoking area after a long day in the parks to get to the lobby...)

Even had a really nice bus driver CM, that pulled up to the DAK stop after DAK closed at 6pm (taking a few late guests?), We asked the best route to get to Boardwalk as we'd have to take a boat from DHS or EPCOT. He said "come here," Then talking softer, "I'm taking 2 people to the Dolphin, get in, I'll just drop you off"!!!

 

[irish dancer]

We just arrived home last night from our first AKV stay too. We stayed on the concierge level for the first 7 nights and then a regular savanah view the last night.

We loved the club level!! We had a savanah view and could see the new building in the distance. We had an eland right outside our balcony all the time, we named him Eddie. We also saw giraffe, ostrich, zebra, and various birds.

Our regular savanah view room was not the greatest at all but it was only for one night and we did see red river hogs, wildabeasts, ankole cattle and lots of different kinds of birds.

We had a car so we only used the buses twice. Once to go to and from DTD, those were OK. On our Epcot day we had gotten there early and had a front row seat. We wanted to go back to the hotel for a break and decided to leave the car and take the bus back since we were planning to come back for Illuminations. We waited 30min for a bus to leave Epcot and then 25min at AK for a return bus. Confirmed for us that we prefer having a car.

We really loved our stay there.

 

[mytwoboys]

Oh! I am sooo excited now - we have our first trip home booked for August... it feels so far away! Did either of you do the safari?

 

[Lynn5700]

We will be staying there in May!!! We went and checked it out last week and loved it!!!!!!!! I also saw the model of the rooms at SSR!!! I can't wait till May!

 

[irish dancer]

Oh! I am sooo excited now - we have our first trip home booked for August... it feels so far away! Did either of you do the safari?

We did not do the sunrise safari, we did the Wildlife Discovery Excursion instead. We are NOT morning people so the early meet time was not at all appealing to us. We very much enjoyed the WDE however in the description they advertise a climate controlled van (i.e. air conditioned). We did the 1p excursion and there was very, very little airconditioning and the sun was beating in the windows so it was quite warm. It took away from the experience a bit but we had lots of up close animal interactions and the guide was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[mytwoboys]

Aw... thanks! I will keep the WDE in mind too.

 

[SunnieRN]

Aw... thanks! I will keep the WDE in mind too.

Since the boys get us up at the crack of dawn, we'll be able to do the sunrise safari!!

 

[kimberh]

I am not a morning person, but the Sunrise Safari is well worth it! It is by far our favorite thing that we have ever done. We are doing it again, next May.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We never waited over 20 minutes for a bus so that was very good. We stayed in room 5230 and it was great. We had 2 Giraffes outside our rooms for a portion of every day. We ate at Jiko twice and it was excellent. We have ate here many times and always enjoy it. It is so nice to just stroll down to the restaurant for a wonderful dinner after being in the parks.

 

[BelleOfAlaska]

This all sounds wonderful...I can't wait until my first DVC stay at AKV.

 

[Laneychris]

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[jblrn2b]

We did not do the sunrise safari, we did the Wildlife Discovery Excursion instead. We are NOT morning people so the early meet time was not at all appealing to us. We very much enjoyed the WDE however in the description they advertise a climate controlled van (i.e. air conditioned). We did the 1p excursion and there was very, very little airconditioning and the sun was beating in the windows so it was quite warm. It took away from the experience a bit but we had lots of up close animal interactions and the guide was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to.

Hope you have a great trip!

What is Wildlife Discovery Excursion and is it limited to concierge? I can't wait for our first trip home in June and then in December?

 

[irish dancer]

What is Wildlife Discovery Excursion and is it limited to concierge? I can't wait for our first trip home in June and then in December?

I'm pretty sure the WDE is limited to concierge level guests from any of the WDW resorts. Here is a description that was given to me:

The Wildlife Discovery Excursion takes the Kilimanjaro safari experience to the next level. Disney's Animal Kingdom invites you to venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve for a unique animal observation and photo excursion. Led by a seasoned Safari Guide and an Animal expert, this adventure takes you off the Safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The tour takes place Tuesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Guest meet at Mombassa Marketplace 15 minutes prior to the tour. It can accommodate up to 14 guests who must be age 3 and older. Payment is taken at time of booking. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cost is $45.00 per person. You spend about an hour our on the trail slipping between ride vehicles of the Kilimanjaro Safari and stopping to view and photograph the animals. The vehicle is climate controlled. Guest may stand up in the vehicle (there are hand holds all over the vehicle). It is a great chance to get a different perspective on the Kilimanjaro Safari. You may take non concierge guests with you on this experience. Not included with any package.