I just upgraded to AKL!

[GillianP1301]

I've decided to splurge a bit and instead of AS Movies next August, to go with AKL. I originally chose AS Movies because I know my DS4 would get a real kick out of the theming and that was really the only reason I chose it. When I was booking last year, AKL was my first impression favourite (from reading about it), but my budget allowed only for moderate, so I did CBR Pirate Room and we enjoyed that. This coming trip, I'm doing a split stay with offsite and only doing 4 nights onsite and had a PIN code for 35% off AKL and figured if I'm ever going to get the chance, a shorter trip with a discount is probably the time to do it.

I decided on the pool view (I couldn't quite swing the extra $ for a savannah view) and looking for any info anybody has on these rooms in relation to resort ammeneties, etc... I was looking for the info thread on this board for AKL but unable to find it in a search.

ETA... I just found the info thread. Obviously a bit blind here. :-) Would still love any first hand input you have though.

[jennyjinx3]

Yay for upgrading!! Here is the thread you are looking for...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2961001

[buzznina]

Another place to look aklresort, just google it.

[GillianP1301]

Thank you!

Of course, now I'm doubting myself and looking at Wilderness Lodge. Somehow, I think my ressie may change a few times between now and next August.

[GrandCalifornian]

Congratulations on your upcoming trip. I came on to post about how impressed we were with AKL when we visited there last September. Our almost 3 year old daughter loved the playground, and it is right next to the savannah. The whole pool / courtyard area seemed well designed, and gave a lot of space while everything was still close and easy to get to. The zero entry pool is a plus, and having to take busses everywhere isn't bad when they come frequently and the ride isn't too long.

We were seriously considering AKL for our planned return visit in September 2013, but in the end we stuck with WL which we absolutely love. People will offer their opinions either way on that comparison, but they are both wonderful resorts. We enjoy having the boat option to get to MK and the Contemporary from WL, even though the busses are faster.

Enjoy your trip, and the decision making process!

[DPCummerbund]

If you like the Deluxe resorts but are on a Moderate budget, have you considered renting DVC points? Many people (myself included) have found this to be a great way to save money on the best resorts, & you'll probably save more than 35%. Fortunately the DIS is a great place to get info on point renting - there's a whole set of forums on here about it. Plus, the two resorts you're looking at - AKL and the Wilderness Lodge - both have DVC resorts attached to them.

[mickeynut1]

You will love AKL . We've stayed in a savanah view as well as pool view and we loved our pool view just as much as the savanah view. There are so many animal viewing areas around the resort that we didn't feel like we were missing out on anything when we had the pool view. We've also stayed at (and love) the WL. If you want to be close to MK and have alternate transportation options, WL is a great choice. But with that said, we didn't think the buses were bad at all from AKL as they only service AKL and Kidani, with no sharing with any other resort. You really can't go wrong with either resort, but I would probably stick with AKL with the age of your DS......I'm sure he would love seeing the animals .