With the recent 'changes' that DVC is doing to curb commercialization a bit, I have been watching contracts thinking that resale prices may take a slight dip. Originally, we have been looking at SSR mainly due to cost. However, with AKL set to get a refurb later this year, and the price already at 95'ish a point, I have been thinking that perhaps AKL would be better for us as we travel typically November/December. Things I am taking into account:
If we were to pounce very soon, we have no idea what the refurbed rooms will look like. The only assumption is that the sofas are out and murphy beds are in.
AKL is far away from almost everything. For park days, if we were to take midday breaks, we would need to take travel time into consideration.
AKL during Holidays is really pretty, and we would be very happy with the theming of the resort during that time of the year compared to SSR. Meaning, we would be happy booking here 11 months in advance.
While AKL is large'ish, all the walking appears to be indoors vs SSR there could potentially be a lot of 'outside' walking. Rain at the end of the year isn't too common, but something to take into account.
Is there anything else you would add to the above for consideration?
If we were to pounce very soon, we have no idea what the refurbed rooms will look like. The only assumption is that the sofas are out and murphy beds are in.
I am concerned about what the refurbished rooms will look like. If we lose the traditional African aspects for Lion King pictures it will be a disaster but I am hopeful the refurb is coming at a time when the DVC rooms have been increasingly IP sympathetic compared to some of the earlier Deluxe resort disasters like Incredibles and Moana at the Contemporary and Poly.
Just to comment on this, whilst it does depend on which parks you visit the most I think there is a misconception that Animal Kingdom Lodge is far away from all the parks. Yes Magic Kingdom is a trek I am not going to deny that Epcot and Hollywood Studio's are not that far away at all. It's like the consensus being that the MK resorts are far away from everything when actually it's just DAK that is a long way away.
Also - and this is just subjective - but I find the buses very reliable to and from AKL. In the morning Kidani gets its own buses to the parks and in the evening Kidani gets dropped off first.
A small consideration which I've found quite useful is you also have the ability to book rooms at Jambo House. Personally I prefer Kidani for longer trips as it is quieter and feels more 'homely' whilst Jambo feels like a hotel, I've done a few 1 or 2 night trips to Jambo and having the amenities (the Quick Service, a larger store, DCL shuttle pick up) were more convenient. Also I have been able to Wait List 1 or 2 nights in a Value Studio at Jambo on 3 occasions and so far they've always come through.
