I'm obsessing about resort choice-help!

[lulukiddle]

My family of four(son age 9-dtr 5) is going to WDW for the first time in 6 years. I want the trip to be really special. With that being said, I originally booked CSR(my son's choice-thinks the pool looks cool) for 4/30 to 5/6 under the AXB code. Then I received an email for "select" deluxes at $124 so we decided to spend last 3 days of trip at AKL. Now I have email for "select" moderates for $74 and feeling like maybe CBR might be the way to go(it would probably still be fun and I'd be saving money). Another option would just be to stay all 6 nights at AKL and live it up!

I'm so confused......Does anyone else obsess about their hotel choice? I'm usually not like this. Any advice? I'm telling myself I need to decide soon and just stop worrying........

Thanks in advance for your input!!!!!:D

[jaysue]

AKL view at $124 rate is a standard view - parking lot/trees maybe an oblong view of pool for example

I would stay with CSR at $74 and spend the money you are going to save elsewhere on the grounds or bank it - the pool is for sure way cool

With that crew how much time are you going to be in the room at $74 for a moderate is a great rate!!!

Wish I could get a postcard or e-mail special rate

:(

Have a great vacation

Thanks
Jason

[lulukiddle]

Jason,
Thanks for your reply! Unfortunately, CSR is not offering the $74 rate. I'm paying $94 there, but could get POR or CBR for $74. If I could get CSR for $74, it would probably be a no-brainer.:D

[welovedis]

I guess it would depend on a number of factors. Have you ever stayed in a deluxe before or would this be the first time? Do you think you'll be able to go back and afford a deluxe at a later date? How do you think the kids would like the animals and atmosphere at AKL? Same questions for the moderates....it sounds like your DS likes CSR--can you get that resort for at least the first part of your trip for the postcard rate? The pool at CBR is nice but nothing like the pool at CSR--we checked out that resort on our first trip and thought it looked pretty cool.

I guess if it were me, I would go for the deluxe for the whole trip but would ask about using the postcard rate for a better room view-like a savannah view. If that wasn't available I would probably split the stay and start out at the mod and then go to AKL.

Just my .02! I certainly do agonize over every trip--it took me 2 months of reading and searching to make up my mind about my 1/04 trip! Good Luck! :)

[MinnieGi]

I too have obsessed about resort choice and even after making reservations have changed them. I've come to the conclusion they are all really fun to try and check out. No matter where we have stayed we have had a great time at them all. :)

You have some great rates at your disposal. AKL is a wonderful resort even if you do have a parking lot view. We booked a standard rate there in Feb. and were complimentary upgraded to a pool view room. We loved it and the whole resort even though we did not face the animals. I like that everything is under one roof at AKL and they only have one bus stop. There are many animal outlook areas around the resort and it was fun checking them all out. Even people with a savannah view may wish to check the different observation areas out b/c not all the animals are on the same savannah at one time.

Now that being said, $74.00 for CBR or POR is a great rate! We've stayed at POR years ago when it was Dixie Landings and really enjoyed our stay. CBR looks like alot of fun too with the sandy beach areas.

Like I said you can't go wrong - make a choice and don't look back - start concentrating on other parts of your trip or you'll go crazy!!! :)

[Demosthenes]

If it were me, I'd book the CBR or POR for the first few nights, but keep your AKL reservation. You really can't go wrong with the moderates, and at the rate you are paying, you won't regret your stay at the wonderful AKL.

[Kallison]

For us location is a factor, the reason my family would not be happy at AKL. Also DH would hate to switch resorts halfway through the trip. I would probably go with POR, have stayed there before and the theming appeals to me personally, plus the pool is pretty cool.

[susy]

Hi! weve stayed at ASSp , ASMo, CBR, AKL, and CSR. CSR is our favorite! We had a $109 rate there and felt is was very worth it. More so than the $84 rate we had at CBR. The slide at CBR is a little bit babyish and if your son really liked the one in the pictures from CSR, he will be disappointed. The pool at AKL is great and you can see animals from all over the resort. I would keep CSR at $94 and keep your AKL ressies. These two properties are outstanding in theming!!! They also have the best transportation times on the property!

[jaysue]

I would go with the $74 at POR or CBR with no doubt - just keep in mind that POFQ is closed - CBR has renovated rooms and nice beaches - POR has a great pool and a special feeling to it. For me I would go POR first and CBR second and bank the difference versus AKL

thanks
Jason

[gumdrop]

Hi there!

I'm going through the exact same dilemma--AKL or CBR? I switch my resorts at least three times (after I've originally booked!) so you're definetly not alone--there are so many resort possibilities and so many different factors. Personally, we decided on CBR. I stayed there when I was younger with my parents and had a total blast. Now I'm going back there on my honeymoon. I know it's cool to see the animals throughout the resort, but I like the fact that CBR has more to offer (in my opinion) as far as recreation goes. I love the beach, the pools, the water activities, biking, location, and the colors and vibrancy of the resort. AKL just isn't calling me this trip. And 74.00 per night is a super rate! That's incentive right there. Well, good luck with your decision--let us know what you decide!

[lulukiddle]

All great advice! Too bad not everyone has the same opinion-then my decision would be easy!!!! lol.

I'm going to let the hubby read through this thread tonight and see what he says(ooooh, that could be dangerous).

[MermaidsMom]

I change my mind not only for months ahead of time, but even on the trip down (if you call they will switch your deposit if they have room to another resort even on the same day)! My son who was 12 when we were there loved the AKL pool. I think the animal view can be overrated because there are SO many areas to go and view the animals. If you can get a standard room there, you can wander the lovely resort and see the animals in many spots. The AKL is beautiful and if you can, you will probably enjoy it more than a moderate because it is all under one roof.

[MermaidsMom]

AKL also has a "food court" where you can get breakfast, chicken fingers, fries, pizza, etc. for probably the same price as a moderate food court, which is something to consider.

[elbo450]

I'm glad i'm not the only one who can't make up his mind. This is going to be my first trip with the family and I was thinking about staying at the CR. I love the convenience factor and it does have a lot to offer.

I'm just trying to justify the price over a moderate. We're not going until the week after Labor Day, so i'm trying to hold out for the new rate codes.

Any thoughts on the CR?

btw: 1st post, nice to be here! :D

[palmtreegirl]

We stayed at AKL and LOVED it!!!! So I would definitely pick that one and live it up! I'm a bad influence-lol.

[Mad4Mickey]

I also cant even seem to make up my mind . We are booked into the WL in Oct. but I keep thinking about changing it to AKL. I will be checking in on you to see what you choose though :D By the way have any of you seen the Tag Fairy ??LOL

[DNSDisney]

I too obsess about our disney vacations. I do it because I am trying to make everyone in the family happy. It drives me crazy at times LOL. But I just want everyone to have a great time. I have changed our plans this yr more than ever (mainly because we are on more of a budget this yr) . Right now I am trying to convince myself that concierge will save me money so upgrading my ressies will be justified.:rolleyes:
My DH is of no help he just says "Do whatever you want". But with the economy the way it is , braces coming up for DD, dental work for myself as well, I can't do whatever I want LOL.
Is there ever really a PERFECT vacation? Vacation planning shouldn't be this stressful!!!:p

[MermaidsMom]

Planning is half of the fun! With this economy it makes more sense than ever to work for the best rate and get the most for your money.

Waiting for the tag fairy!

[lulukiddle]

I love reading all your responses. Makes me think maybe I am "normal" after all.:D

So, I let my DH read these responses last night and he decides he would like to stick with CSR and AKL(we've only stayed at POFQ before). But this is what he says to me "do you think 3 days at each or maybe 2 days at CSR and 4 at AKL?" AGGGGHHHH-just mess with my mind some more why don't ya!!!!!!



Hey, welcome to the boards Elbo 450. Looks like you are from my neck of the woods. Can you believe this snow stuff???? Can't wait to get to sunny Disney!!!!!!!

[TINKTWINS]

Id go with AKL. I bet youd really like staying delux. Besides, you and DH have probably worked very hard in order to get this trip, go for it. Besides, if DH is contemplating more days at AKL, thats a green light in my eyes!! Im a huge bargain shopper, hate to pay full price for anything, but if DH says do it, I DO IT!!!

When DH saw what we were going to pay for GV Concierge at the Poly in Dec. he winced a bit, but when we checked in and saw what it was like, HE wanted to upgrade to Lagoon View!! We didnt, I just wasnt ready to spend that much!

Enjoy your vacation:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc Your going to Disney and youll have a blast!!!

[TigrLvsPooh]

I'd stay at AKL the whole time. I never switch resorts unless it's a long trip.... I can't stand all the moving, repacking, unpacking, etc. I've got to have at least 4 nights to feel settled in and stress free. ;)

Remember this... lots of people complain because you have to take a bus everywhere from AKL... BUT you're going to be taking a bus from CSR and CBR too. So I don't think it really makes a difference.

[MermaidsMom]

When we were at AKL the bus was very quick and there were alot of them. Maybe that was when they first opened and were trying to make people happy, but like TigrLuvsPooh points out, you have to take a bus from any of the resorts.

[NHBelle]

I totally freak out about where to stay everytime we go so this year i amde a great effort to at least visit some of the resorts I had in mind for next time. I highly reccomend it, BUT for now all I can say is it is all a matter of taste. We booked the CBR and Poly for our last stay and when we arrived at the CBR, we hated it. We didnt like anything about it. We were so bummed out we went to eat at the AKL and just check it out and ended up checking in. Then we stayed at the POLY and were dissapointed there as well. We'd wished we would have just stayed at AKL. After visiting all the resorts we found that the AKL and the Dolphin are our two favorites and I wont chance staying anywhere else. Agagin, its a matter of taste and also what you are looking for. The Dolphin is an awsome location and the AKl is so peaceful after a long day in the parks. Good Luck, just keep reading up and asking questions. In the worst case senerio you'll hate your choice and you can just switch like we did.

[elbo450]

It's snowy 20 degree days in April that makes me want to move to sunny Florida to be closer to WDW.

I'm still toying with the idea of staying at CBR. It seems the reasonable thing to do, but having stayed in the tower rooms in the CR several times on business has spoiled me.:rolleyes:

Oh, the sleepless nights. Unfortunately my DW is little help. As long as we have our plane tickets, she really doesnt care where we stay.

elbo

[Sammie]

Just be glad your favorite is not the Grand Floridian, LOL.

Then you would be miserable all the time like me, :)

[Luvinit]

I dare to ask...how anyone feels between CSR and WL??? I am in a diliema (sp, sorry)...I would love your .02.

Thanks
Tracy

[cart-mom]

I'm with you. I think I've changed my mind over a dozen times since we picked a date to come back. My DH wants to 'save money' because we will be paying for 2 rooms and stay at AS. We will be 4 adults & 4 kids with CM discounts. I just found out we can get a fantastic rate for AKL so I'm going to give it another shot to see if I can get DH to let some moths out of the wallet and splurge this trip. I figure we deserve it - we'll be celebrating our 13th anniv., my DS 1st BD, my DS 8th BD and my DSIL 1st anniv. while we're there.

Everyone's posts about AKL have me wanting to stay there more & more.

CSR pool is really fun. My DS (6 at the time) loved the slide!
I hope you have a great time wherever you stay.

[jaysue]

At the end of the day what matters is that you get to vacation where you want to vacation. Whether it is the All Stars or YC/BC or CR or Poly etc. you are at one of the magical places - WDW.

I think worrying too much about which resort to stay at distracts from the purpose of going to WDW to have fun. Go with what makes the most sense given party size, financial constraints and purpose of trip.

We are lucky to be able to go to WDW and at the end of the day which resort we get to stay at is nowhere near as important as the fact that we are actually at WDW :bounce:

Thanks
Jason