AKL or a moderate resort??

[Cheryl N. WI]

We (DH, DD8 and I) were planning on staying at the YC for 1 night Jan.3 before our cruise so that we could finally swim in Stormalong Bay and then tonight I read a post about the pool closing for rehab Jan.-March so I called CRO and they told me the pool would be open in sections but the slide would be closed . DD was in tears when I told her this. We had just booked at the great code rate but we really don't want to stay at YC if parts of the pool and the slide will be closed.

Now I am wondering if it is worth the extra $$ to stay at AKL vs. staying at one of the moderates. (AKL $164.00, moderate $85.00 with codes). I am so confused and disappointed right now. We have stayed at POR, CSR, and CBR in the past and liked them but I've thought it might be nice to try AKL. DH says we should just find someplace off site, we aren't going to the parks, it's only 1 night and we'll be heading to Port Canaverl by mid-morning but I love the Disney resort atmosphere and would really like to be on site.

Help me make up my mind on what to do!

Cheryl

 

[SeaSpray]

From everything you've said, I think you would most enjoy that one night at the AKL. You won't be going to any parks so you don't have to worry about transportation issues. You said you've been to most of the moderates and liked them, but you don't sound too excited at the thought of staying there for this particular trip. Personally, from all you've said in your post, it seems to me that you'd really enjoy the AKL, because of how exciting the theming is, and you'd have the animals to view while you're relaxing at the resort before your cruise.

 

[JennSaint]

Definately stay at AKL! Since you're not going to the parks you'll have time to explore the resort. There's so much to see there. And that price is excellent for a Savannah View room! That's what we're paying when we go in February. Last February with a code we paid $210.00 a night. So take advantage of it.

 

[Fridye]

I thorougly enjoyed AKL. Plus, the pool is beautiful. This might perk up your DD -- at 10am, the pool is opened with a ceremony where the kids get to participate with African instruments. Then the kids can slide down the slide. At night, check out the night vision glasses that the CM passes around at the Arusha rock viewing area.

You'll definitely have a memorable experience at AKL.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Cheryl N. WI
We (DH, DD8 and I) were planning on staying at the YC for 1 night Jan.3 before our cruise so that we could finally swim in Stormalong Bay and then tonight I read a post about the pool closing for rehab Jan.-March so I called CRO and they told me the pool would be open in sections but the slide would be closed . DD was in tears when I told her this. We had just booked at the great code rate but we really don't want to stay at YC if parts of the pool and the slide will be closed.

Now I am wondering if it is worth the extra $$ to stay at AKL vs. staying at one of the moderates. (AKL $164.00, moderate $85.00 with codes). I am so confused and disappointed right now. We have stayed at POR, CSR, and CBR in the past and liked them but I've thought it might be nice to try AKL. DH says we should just find someplace off site, we aren't going to the parks, it's only 1 night and we'll be heading to Port Canaverl by mid-morning but I love the Disney resort atmosphere and would really like to be on site.

Help me make up my mind on what to do!

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

While I can understand your disapointment with Storm-A-Long Bay being closed in sections it is one of the known drawbacks of going during value season especially winter value season that pools and attractions are rehabed during value season.

That being said. Go with AKL for your one night. The pool at AKL is big and does have a slide. It very well might be to cold to swim as the avg. historical high temp in Jan is 71.

The AKL is great. You can spend the day walking all of the different trails of the resort tring to find the hidden animal viewing areas(also all of the Hidden Mickey's). There are also outside viewing areas with guides from the different African countries and they are great to talk to about the culture and animals. There is also African art all throughout the resort. There is storytelling by the firepit and others have mentioned cookie making.

The AKL is a great resort to spend the day and not go to the parks. $164 plus tax for a savanna view room is a great rate. I hope you have a great trip.

 

[hercamore]

Yes, go for AKL.

Your dd will love the resort and probably want to stay there again! Pool is awesome and warm.

You know, you can also probably get a standard room at AKL for the $119. rate. Not too much difference from a moderate.

They have Krisp Kremes, too.

Herc.

 

[DW mouser]

Just got back from AKL. Definitely stay there if you can!!! It is beautiful!! We were there 5 days and wish we could of stayed longer. Stay awake all night and just explore the lodge!! Just kidding, but with just one day, you will definitely want to go back again!!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi everyone, thanks for all the great replies about AKL! I called yesterday and switched our reservation to a Savanna view at AKL! I requested a bunk bed room, non-smoking, on Zebra Trail. I have been slowly reading the big thread about it and was really excited. However now this morning DD and DH both said maybe we should just save the money and stay at 1 of the All Stars with the code rate of $55.00 and go to Disney Quest or Downtown Disney. I just can't figure them out sometimes ! First DD is begging to switch to AKL and request a bunk bed room and now she's saying she might rather stay at an All Star resort - from 1 extreme to another. I might make the reservation at All Star Sports and keep the AKL reservation and decide at about 6 days before we leave which to keep so that we can get the refund for whatever 1 I cancel. Whoever thought it would be so hard to decide where to sleep for 1 night LOL.

Cheryl