Which GV trip would you choose?

[mickeymom629]

Planning a trip for DH, myself, DS#1 (and wife and 1 yr old at time of trip), DS#2 (and wife and 1 year old at time of trip), and DS#3 (23 and single). DH and I have stayed at AKV and loved it (though it is "dark" and the hallways are forever!!)! DS#2 and wife stayed there with our points on their honeymoon. DS#1 (and family) and DS#2 have never stayed there.

I would like this trip to be 6 or 7 nights. We plan on getting 5 or 6 day tickets, so I don't know how much we will be at the resort, but I don't think we'll be in the parks all day every day. Also, I know my kids will want to use the basket ball court and pool when there's time (I know SSR and AKV have both). And I love the fire pits. Obviously the animals...

I have enough points to do 5 nights at Kidani gv savanna view, 5 nights SSR preferred gv, or 6 nights SSR standard gv.

If we stay for 5 nights using DVC, I am planning to pay cash for a one or 2 night stay elsewhere before checking in to the gv. If we stay for 6 nights, I may or may not add a cash night for the night before checking into our gv.

I'm leaning toward AKV because of the WOW factor but I also know that split stays can be a pain, especially with little ones.

I'd love some opinions!!

Thanks!!

(edited to add that money is a slight factor, too, and I would like to keep costs reasonable)

 

[disneynutz]

If you feel that AKV has a wow factor, stay there.

Bill

 

[T00dles]

Disney makes split stays pretty easy even with little ones. We planned a park day for our moving day with lunch and early dinner adds to get in good breaks.

I voted kidani, I've stayed in the gv there and its really nice. The space, extra full bathroom, pool, animals.....even Sanaa room service Great resort. And a more compact resort than SSR, even though its still large.

 

[MrInfinity]

AKV GV for sure! I would love to stay there. Even if it meant a split stay. Looks beautiful.

If you're considering a split stay, instead of 2 offsite and 5 onsite, do 3 in an AKV 2B Std and 4 in the AKV GV Sav. That'll cost about as many points as 5 nts in the GV, not cost you any offsite $$, and not require anything more than changing rooms w/in the same hotel.

 

[mickeymom629]

AKV GV for sure! I would love to stay there. Even if it meant a split stay. Looks beautiful.

If you're considering a split stay, instead of 2 offsite and 5 onsite, do 3 in an AKV 2B Std and 4 in the AKV GV Sav. That'll cost about as many points as 5 nts in the GV, not cost you any offsite $$, and not require anything more than changing rooms w/in the same hotel.

Good suggestion, thanks! I'll have to see if there's a likelihood of availability for Std 2B for when I am planning. I guess staying in the same resort makes things much easier than trying for a 2 bdrm in SSR to get the feel of that resort.

 

[mickeymom629]

AKV GV for sure! I would love to stay there. Even if it meant a split stay. Looks beautiful.

If you're considering a split stay, instead of 2 offsite and 5 onsite, do 3 in an AKV 2B Std and 4 in the AKV GV Sav. That'll cost about as many points as 5 nts in the GV, not cost you any offsite $$, and not require anything more than changing rooms w/in the same hotel.

I'm wondering if we would fit in a 2 bdrm. We'll have 2 pack and plays.

 

[DenLo]

I did a Kidani vote for me because of your young grandchildren. They are the age that starts to notice animals.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Normally I'd say AKV if all things are fairly even BUT that means 1 less night or more out of pocket so 6 nights wins IMO. Especially as the two resorts both have many of the amenities that you want and you expect to be in the parks all day. What time of the year are you going? Is it just going to be dark when you're at the resort? If so then AKV loses out more. Being at SSR for DTD might be nice where most of the adults switch around each night and can head over for a bit while a couple stay with the kids.

Costs are a consideration and your right - split stays can be a pain with a lot of people in your group, especially children.

 

[Donna M]

I noted that you want a grand villa. We have stayed at SSR and Jambo's grand villas. I felt the grand villa at SSR was on the small side. Jambo was incredible. The dining table in Jambo was made to seat 12, SSR, maybe 8. There is an extra room with a pool table at Jambo. There is a huge balcony at Jambo. SSR's balcony fits 2 people. The living room was on the small side at SSR too. But it looks like you want Kidani not Jambo anyway.

 

[mickeymom629]

I noted that you want a grand villa. We have stayed at SSR and Jambo's grand villas. I felt the grand villa at SSR was on the small side. Jambo was incredible. The dining table in Jambo was made to seat 12, SSR, maybe 8. There is an extra room with a pool table at Jambo. There is a huge balcony at Jambo. SSR's balcony fits 2 people. The living room was on the small side at SSR too. But it looks like you want Kidani not Jambo anyway.

Thanks for the comparison! I wasn't thrilled with SSR, looking at the floor plan at first. But then I thought that, if my youngest DS decides to sleep on the pull out in the living room and not sleep with one of the families with babies then, at least, people could get coffee in the a.m. and not disturb him too much. I also like how bright it looks, whereas AKV are very dark (I need to go on the balcony to put on my make-up ).

I think the split stay, as Mrinfinity suggested, will probably be the way I end up booking. I have different options with other resorts in case it doesn't work out, but I hope to get the 3 nights in 2 bdrm then 4 nights in gv all at AKV, so that we can check out/in with little hassle and save $, and get 7 nights together!

I love all the opinions and I appreciate it!