Just booked AKL club level for one night of our stay...Good or bad idea?
 

We are already doing a split stay. BWV 7/2-7/3, Dolphin 7/3-7/5, and then BWV 7/5-7/7

However, it is DD's birthday and I wanted to do something different so I researched about the Sunrise Safari tour and thought that was really amazing. My 2 children are young, DD is turning 6 and DS will be 2. And they will really get a kick out of the animal view from our room. DH and I will love the lounge. However, DH hates AKL. He thinks it is too far and hates the buses. I have not told him that I booked this as I am not sure I will keep the reservation. I got a AAA rate but would love a passholder discounted rate. DH hates the heat so I figured with lounge access, the safari tour, AK close by, and just hanging out at the resort for 1.5 days, he might like it. We could leave mid-day on July 4 and check into the Dolphin, eat dinner and see the fireworks at Epcot.

We are frugal and this is a splurge. We are renting points at the BWV and have a very nice discounted rate at the Dolphin. The AKL club level with AAA discount for one night costs more than my 2 night stay at the Dolphin.

So my question is, is it worth it for one night?

You'll pay another $50-60 per person for the Sunrise Safari, too, so add that cost. I know when we stayed at the AKL Concierge level, the Sunrise Safari was only offered twice a week. Is it offered when you need it to be available?

Yes, that is why I booked the room for that date. And I am aware of the cost.

What night are you doing AKV? You will be 1 night at BWV, 2 nights at The Dolphin, then 2 nights at BWV again. There's no way I would do that with 2 small children and I love split stays, do them every trip.

Way too much moving around for my taste. Throw into the mix 2 small children, and there is no way I would stay in 4 resorts in such a small amount of time. There is an excellent chance that you will be homeless most of the day on moving days - which will be hard with the dynamics of your family. Add to that all the packing and unpacking - it doesn't sound like much of a vacation to me - way too stressful. Save AK for a different trip.

Will your 6 year old appreciate the significance and perks of staying club level? It's nice treat, but one that I would be more appropriate for an adult. I think a 6 year old might prefer BBB or dinner at CRT with a slipper dessert over turndown service and free appetizers for a special birthday gift.

The sunrise safari is for her birthday, not club level. But you can only book the safari if you are a club level guest. We have done BBB twice already and she does not like it during the heat as she has very bad eczema. And we are doing the slipper dessert at 1900 Park Fare as well as the Pirate Pal fireworks cruise. As much as it is her birthday, I want to include my son in the festivities as we aren't able to take him for his birthday in April. So I thought the safari would be fun for the both of them. We were just at Disney for Christmas and New Years. Our plane had been delayed and so she missed her BBB appointment. I had to call a bunch of times until I was able to get another one but it wasn't at the castle, it was at Downtown Disney. Christmas Eve, she woke up with a 103 fever! We were supposed to eat at CRT for DH's birthday. DD was going to wear her Cinderella bride costume and I had a Prince Charming costume altered to fit DS. But DD got sick and we had to take her to the doctor. DS was supposed to get his haircut at the Harmony barbershop but that had to be cancelled too. And the Fireworks dessert party as well. On Christmas we had the Candlelight Procession package in which DD pushed herself to go to dinner but by the time the show started, she just wanted to go back to sleep. There were no more CRT reservations available and we never wound up making another procession show because DS and I got sick. We missed alot during that trip so I am trying to make this one special. The whole trip is a surprise. We aren't telling DD and DS until the night before we leave.

I think it sounds AWESOME! The only thing I'm concerned about is moving around so much, but if you think your family is ok with it, go for it! I have always wanted to do the safari as well, but don't think I would book less than 2 nights AKL CL - I would just want to be able to enjoy it a little longer.

Last year, I got three nights at the Dolphin for the price of one at BWI, so I am with you on the frugal side!

Sounds like a really fun birthday idea!