AKV - Grand Villa - Trip report

[Steamboat Bill]

I am packing my bags to go to DVC Animal Kingdom Villas and stay in a HUGE 3 bedroom Grand Villa tomorrow.

Plans:

April 15 - Tuesday
Dinner at Boma

April 16 – Wednesday
Magic Kingdom 9am-7pm
Lunch at The Plaza
Dinner at Downtown Disney Raglan Road Irish Pub

April 17 – Thursday
Disney Hollywood Studios 9am-8:30pm
Lunch at 50’s Prime time café
Dinner at Hollywood & Vine

April 18 – Friday
Animal Kingdom 9am-8pm
Lunch at Yak and Yeti
Dinner at AKL Rainforest Café

April 19 – Saturday
Sleep in, visit pool area, request late check-out

[2nd Star]

Have a great time :jumpingbe

[DVC Mike]

I am packing my bags to go to DVC Animal Kingdom Villas and stay in a HUGE 3 bedroom Grand Villa tomorrow.


Wow, lucky you... Enjoy!

[gemdisney]

I'm jealous having to wait until Decembe isn't so much fun! But I really want to see WDW during the holidays. We'll need a trip report for sure! Have a wonderful vacation!:dancingba

[nono]

Good luck with that late check out thing. It was my understanding that NO is the standard answer, as DVC overall occupancy runs higher than standard hotels. (Who knows if this is true -- I sure don't). But, even if you can't get late check out, aren't there good changing/showering facilities associated with the gym if not the pool area too? :sailing: Have fun!

[tomandrobin]

Good luck with that late check out thing. It was my understanding that NO is the standard answer, as DVC overall occupancy runs higher than standard hotels. (Who knows if this is true -- I sure don't). But, even if you can't get late check out, aren't there good changing/showering facilities associated with the gym if not the pool area too? :sailing: Have fun!

The gym does have nice changing area and showers at AKV. I went down to the gym twice during our trip. Both times it was mid afternoon and both times I had the gym to my self. AKV actually has a very nice gym, with a good sampling of equipment.

[Steamboat Bill]

Out the door now to drive to AKL.

I just added a Friday night adults only dinner at Jiko and the kids will have a pizza party in the Grand Villa. I guess I need to see about a sitter or just "trust" the kids.

Late check-out is a wish.

I am also going to check into getting concierge access, if possible.

[JRandAJsMom]

Commence jealousy mode :-) Have a great trip and can't wait to hear about the GV!

[Steamboat Bill]

I am typing this from the GV in AKL and it is awesome. This place is equivalent to 8-10 standard hotel rooms and the three balconies are half moon shape and can fit 30 people. The billards room is very cool. There are 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms adn 6 shower/tub combos. I will psot more, but I am tired after a long day at MK. The weather was nice and cool 68' and blue sky and no lines. I never used the fastpass or waited more than 5 mins.

My only complaint is the $10/day internet use and the animals sounds in the morning...the flamingos must be in mating season.

[glypnirsgirl]

I hope you remembered your camera! Can't wait to see pictures!

Elaine

[tomandrobin]

What trail is your room located?

[paulrae]

Have a greta time and bring back laods of pictures

[gemdisney]

WOW! Is that $10 a day for the internet for only the days you use it or for the entire stay? Maybe I'll be leaving my laptop behind. Best to spend the time with the kids anyway
I can't wait to stay in a GV, it sounds wonderful!

[Steamboat Bill]

I will post my room nuber and location after I check out...if you know what I mean.

The entire AKV Internet was shut down last night and is working today. So far only $10 paid, but that was supposed to be for 24 hours and I am over that limit now. perhaps they reset the clock when the system went down.

There is no wireless here and the Internet connection seems pretty slow as compared to what I am used to.

I think we get mousekeeping today...hooray as I have had to get the kids to do a few garbage runs to the bins and my wife had to wash some towels.

We had dinner in the room with takeout from Outback Steakhouse. it was awesome using the table that can easily fit 12 people and we saved a TON of money vs room service from Jiko. The drive was about 10 minutes each way.

[RweTHEREyet]

Can't wait to hear more, especially about the room. Hope you have some pictures of the view, etc.

Were you able to get concierge access?

[Steamboat Bill]

Were you able to get concierge access?

no and yes.

There are no Grand villa homes on the concierge floor (6th floor) but I was easily able to go up there just by waiting for an elevator to go up from the 5th floor. I love those Africian smoothies as they don't sell them downstairs.

I did not take the kids up there as I was only there as a "journalist" so I could post about my experiences. I am sure someone will be upset about this, but I only visited for a quick drink. I have stayed on Concierge level at AKL several times as a non-DVC owner.

[Tammy]

I agree that we would all love to see some pics! I think waking up to the animals is better than just about anything provided they let you sleep till atleast 7! I can't believe the lines are so short. May have to remember this time of year for our 09 trip!

[Steamboat Bill]

we check out today...boo.

I took a few photos, but not a documentary of the rom as we got in late on tuesday and the kids immediately put our tons of bags around the room, etc.

The one thing about DVC is that you don;t get full housekeeping every day and we generally don;t make up the beds.

I think we are going pin trading today, Port Orleans for beneigs and then DTD for some shopping, then back home.

Everyone loved this room.