Why is AKL less points to stay at?

[dianeschlicht]

Pricing is the same for cash rooms via CRO; the monorail resorts are generally more expensive than the other deluxe resorts.

AKV value rooms = best points bargain in the entire DVC system (but you generally need the 11 month window)

Nope, OKW GV any season....best point value in the DVC system!

 

[disneychic]

I think Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bargain!! The main lodge is gorgeous and relaxing, the pool is wonderful, the restaurant options are great, the animals outside the room are attention-getting . . . what's not to like about it? All of that for less points?!? I know it's farther away from everything, but it's a great choice for my vacations!!

I agree! We have completely fallen in LOVE with both Kidani and Jambo House!!!

 

[DenLo]

Except for OKW studio during Jan (Sun - Thurs) - both are 9 points a night.

Not next year. The AKV Values will be the value winners.

Being an AKV owner, it pains me to say this, but the rooms at OKW are much larger and during Premier Season even in 2011 the points are lower. So if a family is interested in a less expensive vacation during the holidays of Easter or Christmas and New Years, then OKW is a bargain. And if room size and two queen beds are a factor, then paying 1 more point per night for Adventure, Choice and Magic Season is still a great price. I'm not sure how Dream season for OKW got so pricey (three points higher than AKV value) though.

 

[rentayenta]

Great map!

 

[3girlsfun]

This is all very interesting. I am going down in October, and can't wait to see AKL. I know my daughter will love it. it is so very nice to hear the different opinions, it is also great to know that the value rooms have great views! (For the most part!)

 

[gkrykewy]

Being an AKV owner, it pains me to say this, but the rooms at OKW are much larger and during Premier Season even in 2011 the points are lower. So if a family is interested in a less expensive vacation during the holidays of Easter or Christmas and New Years, then OKW is a bargain. And if room size and two queen beds are a factor, then paying 1 more point per night for Adventure, Choice and Magic Season is still a great price. I'm not sure how Dream season for OKW got so pricey (three points higher than AKV value) though.

As I said above, I agree that OKW is a major points bargain!

It's also a very different kind of experience (condo-style, where doors open to the outside, versus hotel/lodge-style at AKV, where doors face inward). Both have their nice aspects, but may not be directly comparable aside from raw room floorspace. Depends what someone is looking for.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Being an AKV owner, it pains me to say this, but the rooms at OKW are much larger and during Premier Season even in 2011 the points are lower. So if a family is interested in a less expensive vacation during the holidays of Easter or Christmas and New Years, then OKW is a bargain. And if room size and two queen beds are a factor, then paying 1 more point per night for Adventure, Choice and Magic Season is still a great price. I'm not sure how Dream season for OKW got so pricey (three points higher than AKV value) though.

It would take a very special reason for me to pick an OKW stay over an AKV stay. AKV would win it for me nearly every time. One time, I was having DGF's come, and with the extra real bed, I tried to "talk" the group into OKW, I had BWV standard, so points were close to being the same. None of the friends picked OKW.

I do not consider OKW accomodations to be a "bargain" with the exception of a GV. When I consider the GV's then I "get" OKW's appeal.

Bobbi

 

[Deb & Bill]

It would take a very special reason for me to pick an OKW stay over an AKV stay. AKV would win it for me nearly every time. One time, I was having DGF's come, and with the extra real bed, I tried to "talk" the group into OKW, I had BWV standard, so points were close to being the same. None of the friends picked OKW.

I do not consider OKW accomodations to be a "bargain" with the exception of a GV. When I consider the GV's then I "get" OKW's appeal.

Bobbi

Again, that's what nice about DVC. You can't pay me to stay at the BWV. But I will stay at OKW any day of the week.

 

[lmshaggard]

I never thought we would be AKV lovers - we own at BLT and GC - and I thought it was a do it once place to stay. We just stayed their in June - and all I can say is WOW!! The rooms are beautiful, clean, and really well maintained compared to what we have seen everywhere else (and we have stayed at every DVC but VWL), and the service was amazing! I was very worried about transportation and how long it would take to get everywhere. I was so pleasantly surprised that it never seemed any longer than from anywhere else (except those properties you can walk to parks to as we are walkers). We have planned 2 more trips there - that is how much we loved it. I also see an addonitis in our future for AKV. Don't write it off until you stay there!

 

[dianeschlicht]

As I said above, I agree that OKW is a major points bargain!

It's also a very different kind of experience (condo-style, where doors open to the outside, versus hotel/lodge-style at AKV, where doors face inward). Both have their nice aspects, but may not be directly comparable aside from raw room floorspace. Depends what someone is looking for.

Yes, and that's why we own both. I love the embiance and the animals at AKV. It's a total vacation destination in my book. On the other hand, I call OKW "home" because it seems more of a home to me. It's comfortable, friendly, and I can settle in like I'm in my own special condo. Both are great experiences, and I like doing both even in the same trip sometimes. I still think of AKV as my vacation "hotel" though, and OKW as my vacation "home".

 

[BeesKnees]

It would take a very special reason for me to pick an OKW stay over an AKV stay. AKV would win it for me nearly every time. One time, I was having DGF's come, and with the extra real bed, I tried to "talk" the group into OKW, I had BWV standard, so points were close to being the same. None of the friends picked OKW.

I do not consider OKW accomodations to be a "bargain" with the exception of a GV. When I consider the GV's then I "get" OKW's appeal.

Bobbi

Now I have never tried SSR but OKW most closely matches what I consider the "home" experience. At home I don't take buses to and from dinner locations and I am not semi-restricted to restaurants with 5 entrees. At home if I want to eat at one of those restaurants I don't have to do double bus hops to get there and back. At home I don't let a specific vendor rob me blind because they are the most convenient option if I need some ibuprofen the nearest walgreens is a short drive away. At home if I want to hop in the car and drive somewhere I don't have to walk for 10 minutes and wait another 10 for the valet to bring my car around... I can just go.

OKW has the most community feel of all the places I have tried. The people are more relaxed. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the people there share common thoughts like a vacation should include some relaxation and the parks are not the center of our worlds. I bet OKW kitchens get used more than the other locations. OKW has a unique spirit to it that I have never found anywhere else and you either get it or you don't I suppose.

AKL is beautiful and we plan to go there to eat in November. We will hang out in the lobby, walk the grounds, and shop in the shops. We will spend several hours there soaking it all in. Then we will drive back home to OKW. We resort hop a little on every trip.

 

[ssawka]

At home if I want to eat at one of those restaurants I don't have to do double bus hops to get there and back.

That's why I love BLT! With the MK bus depot so close, you get direct access to all resorts.

At home if I want to hop in the car and drive somewhere I don't have to walk for 10 minutes and wait another 10 for the valet to bring my car around... I can just go.

Another reason why I love the "hotel" DVCs! I don't have to drive anywhere for our entire stay. If you had to deal with Washington, DC traffic like we do, you'd know what I mean.

 

[bmtta2003]

Stayed in AKL for the first time in NOV. '09, absolutely loved it. Savannah view 2br at Jambo. Was worried when everyone kept saying its not near anything.
Never felt isolated once. DIS transportation was never far away and spent most of time in parks. When in the room children (okay me too), loved watching the animals.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bargain!! The main lodge is gorgeous and relaxing, the pool is wonderful, the restaurant options are great, the animals outside the room are attention-getting . . . what's not to like about it? All of that for less points?!? I know it's farther away from everything, but it's a great choice for my vacations!!

I agree! I just keep booking those value studios (even though they're not "deluxe" studios, according to DVC) and count my blessings, and my extra points.

 

[tiggersgirl]

OK, now I'm intrigued!
Does the same go for value two-bedroom villas?
I booked a standard 2br because I heard that standard villas are are mostly pool view.
BUT if the value 2br might have pool or savannah views then heck, I might as well save some points and go value!

Is the square footage the same between a standard 2br and a value 2br?

 

[Deb & Bill]

OK, now I'm intrigued!
Does the same go for value two-bedroom villas?
I booked a standard 2br because I heard that standard villas are are mostly pool view.
BUT if the value 2br might have pool or savannah views then heck, I might as well save some points and go value!

Is the square footage the same between a standard 2br and a value 2br?

Yes, the same goes. But you might get the parking lot view, too.

The square footage is less in the value villas. They are about three feet shorter in length than the standard and savanna villas. And they are only located in Jambo House.

 

[gkrykewy]

I wouldn't be surprised if most of the people there share common thoughts

Kinda creepy

 

[Anal Annie]

As I am considering purchasing DVC, I love BLT, however, AKL is less points per stay. (We will have to have enough for a 1 bedroom within 2 years as our 2 babies get older.) So, I could stay at BLT in a studio for a while, but, we would want to stay in the 1 bedrooms later.

My main question is, why is AKL less points?

You could rephrase this question to be "Why is BLT so point intensive?" BLT is like the Central Park location of Manhattan - smaller units for more points!! I agree with others that AKV is a real bargain - esp. the Std. view units. GREAT deals. The Values are good deals too but we found the value studio too cramped with all those pillows & cushions AND us AND our luggage!! (One reason we're hesitant to try a studio at BLT - afraid it will be similarly sized & cramped.)

 

[ReneeMoss]

I have 2 Savannah View Studios @Jambo reserved for Feb. (3 kids are doing the Princess Half Marathon and Animal Kingdom Lodge is a HOST HOTEL)
I asked to be near an elevator for convenience.
After looking at the great Map and photo posted on this thread, - I am confused - Would it be wiser to request Arusha or other View?
I really would like the best opportunity to see animals. This will be our first stay at Jambo. and my girls first look/stay at AKL.
Last January, husband and I were at Kidani Studio, Savannah View - the accomodation and view was fantastic but very inconvenient for the Food Court & Restaurants.
(I wish there would be Food Court or other Restaurant options at Kidani - no place for Breakfast, or lite meal (snacks) etc. - You have to walk to Animal Kingdom Lodge or bus - quite a distance, not convenient at all!)
Please help with opinions for best request for Jambo Studio Savannah View!
Thank you.

 

[bobbiwoz]

...
Would it be wiser to request Arusha or other View?...
I really would like the best opportunity to see animals. This will be our first stay at Jambo. and my girls first look/stay at AKL.
...
Thank you.

I have always liked the Arusha savannah. That hall has an elevator that is convenient to the pool, and the Mara. If you want to get closer to the animals, right by the elevator on a lower floor there is an outside viewing area with a telescope and chairs. I've never requested it, because I'm willing to try other things, but it is what I've gotten when I've had savannah view in Jambo.

Bobbi