AKL or Coronado?

[firstwdw]

Our options are narrowed down to AKL standard or CSR standard. Pros/Cons to these two resorts? If you've stayed at both which one did you enjoy most and why?

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

What I don't like about Coronado--it's so spread out. You could be a really long, outdoor walk to anything.

I love the property at AKL. Great lobby, great pool, it "has a freakin' savannah." We had a pool view, and did not mind not having the savannah view--there are so many places at the resort to enjoy it, we didn't need it in our room. What I don't like about AKL--the rooms seemed dark to me, but the recent refurbishment looks like they might be a little brighter now.

Of these two, I'd definitely pick AKL.

 

[firstwdw]

What I don't like about Coronado--it's so spread out. You could be a really long, outdoor walk to anything.

I love the property at AKL. Great lobby, great pool, it "has a freakin' savannah." We had a pool view, and did not mind not having the savannah view--there are so many places at the resort to enjoy it, we didn't need it in our room. What I don't like about AKL--the rooms seemed dark to me, but the recent refurbishment looks like they might be a little brighter now.

Of these two, I'd definitely pick AKL.

THANK YOU! It's a busy time we are hoping to go and these are pretty much the only options. Pop is an option too but I'm just feeling like I want something extra special We've visited AKL and liked it but it was quite a few years ago. CSR looks nice but I think if I got a room in the boonies I wouldn't be too happy!

 

[tiana1989]

I’ve stayed at both and absolutely love both of them. In terms of CSR being in the “boonies”, you’re kind of in the same boat at both. AKL is far from all the parks except Animal Kingdom, and both rely on the buses. I wouldn’t underestimate that AKL bus ride, although AKL has fewer stops than CSR. Obviously AKL has better theming, but even though CSR is moderate, I actually think it wins in terms of the grandiosity of the room (especially if you’re staying in the tower). They’re made for the convention crowd, so they feel more upscale than the other moderates. But I would take into account what theme you’re looking for and price. Also, don’t forget about extended evening hours for deluxe guests if you’re there on the right nights. Especially since you say you’re going during a busy time, if it fits within your budget that would be the tiebreaker for me. But they’re both great resorts, and in my opinion CSR is gorgeous and underrated. You really can’t go wrong.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I would definitely choose AKL unless you are staying in Gran Destino Tower. AKL has such a relaxed feel, great theming, and the animals. Standard CSR rooms are pretty small IMO (my sister and mom stay in one while we stayed in GDT). CSR is a pretty resort and I like their QS a lot, but like others have said, very very spread out.

 

[RanDIZ]

Definitely AK. Pros - everything!

 

[Nabas]

THANK YOU! It's a busy time we are hoping to go and these are pretty much the only options. Pop is an option too but I'm just feeling like I want something extra special We've visited AKL and liked it but it was quite a few years ago. CSR looks nice but I think if I got a room in the boonies I wouldn't be too happy!

We have stayed at both AKL and CSR several times.

If price is not a concern, AKL is leagues over CSR. In fact, as a stand-alone resort (i.e. ignoring location), we consider AKL (Jambo House) to be best WDW hotel.

1. Jambo House has a fantastic lobby.
2. Jambo House has a large pool with lots of deck space. (It's tough to get a seat at some pools.) There's plenty of greenery surrounding the pool, making the views pleasant.
3. Jambo House has one of the best hotel stores.
4. Jambo House has a very good food court.
5. Boma is, imo, the best buffet at WDW.
6. In non-COVID times, Jambo House has wonderful ambassadors.
7. Jambo House has giraffes!

 

[loves to dive]

I think it would probably come down to price for me. I love them both, have stayed at both and they both have pluses and minuses. I actually have an upcoming trip to CSR in a week and am staying a standard room, I know there is a good possibility I'll be in the Ranchos section, which is the furthest away. I'm o.k. with that since this trip I picked my resort based totally on cost. I've already been twice this year and plan on going back in Feb. next year.

AKL is a beautiful resort, no question about it, it's just plain beautiful. We have stayed in Jambo House, I'm not sure I'd like to stay in the other section simply because most of the food is at Jambo House.

CSR is a beautiful resort, spread out yes, but really is pretty. I've not stayed in the Tower yet, frankly if I'm paying for the Tower I'm going to stay at Swan/Dolphin and be able to walk to two parks. I have stayed in both Casitas and Cabanas and like both.

You will have to use buses exclusively at both resorts so that is not an issue. The bus service is the bus service, it's neither better or worse at any resort. CSR does have more bus stops then AKL but that can be handled by just walking to a stop that has earlier/later pickup. I really don't think the distance to walk at CSR is all that bad and if you take in account the hallways at AKL, it might not be less walking, just outside instead of inside.

Food is good at both but I'll be honest, I'm one of the few people who really wasn't that impressed with Jiko or Sanaa (a sin on these boards but it is what it is). I'm not a fan of buffets so haven't tried Boma. The QS at AKL is excellent though. I think I prefer the food options at CSR and I haven't even tried the new locations yet. Having said that, we rarely eat anything other breakfast at the resort as we prefer to either eat in the parks or try other resorts that we haven't eaten at yet.

I actually like the pools at CSR better than AKL. There is a "quiet" pool in each village at CSR which means there are 3 and the main pool is fun and has the biggest hot tub on site. There is only the main pool at Jambo House, if you want a quiet pool you have walk or bus over to the other section and I'm not sure that is a quiet pool. We like the quiet pools, my kid is grown and sometimes I just want a quiet pool to relax at without all the kids and the crowd.

 

[stinkpickle]

I enjoyed them both, but CSR will save you some money. Maybe try a split stay.

 

[gottalovepluto]

The tower at CSR is a nice way to be central to the amenities, maybe consider that?

I stayed AKL once and while the hotel is beautiful the bus rides got to me. If felt like it took forever to get anywhere and to come back. And I felt very constrained food wise because it was limited hotel options (and this was pre-Covid) or long bus ride. Out room at AKL felt like it was forever to walk to- those hallways are LONG. Indoors at least but long. That said CSR can be a maze to find your room if you aren’t in the tower.

 

[firstwdw]

The tower at CSR is a nice way to be central to the amenities, maybe consider that?

I stayed AKL once and while the hotel is beautiful the bus rides got to me. If felt like it took forever to get anywhere and to come back. And I felt very constrained food wise because it was limited hotel options (and this was pre-Covid) or long bus ride. Out room at AKL felt like it was forever to walk to- those hallways are LONG. Indoors at least but long. That said CSR can be a maze to find your room if you aren’t in the tower.

Those long bus rides and winding hallways have us leaning towards CSR. We go back and forth by the hour on this-lol. But we really like Riverside and Caribbean Beach with multiple pools, and open space for walking/exploring/hammocks etc. We also have water park tickets and I like that Blizzard Beach is so close to CSR with direct bus service and no transfer. Plus AKL is A LOT MORE MONEY!

 

[Judique]

Our options are narrowed down to AKL standard or CSR standard. Pros/Cons to these two resorts? If you've stayed at both which one did you enjoy most and why?

Will you have a car?

What time of year are you going?

I love Jambo House at AKL, and have stayed there many times. I've also stayed at AK's Kidani and enjoyed it.

I've also stayed at CSR in both Casitas and Ranchos and enjoyed both but the room is small to me. I have not stayed in the Gran Destino Tower so can't comment on that.

If it's hot summer, I would definitely be at AKL. Indoor corridors and air conditioning. Staying at CSR in July with outside doors to the room was way too hot for me, in that it took a while to cool down.

AKL will have a balcony for your room. Makes it nice for coffee in the morning or relaxing after the parks.

AKL is also very close to 192 via Sherbeth Road, the intersection you cross just before getting to the resort, so it's very easy to shop or eat offsite if you have a car or choose to use Lyft or Uber, except at 4pm-ish quitting time, then it's backed up. Lots of ordinary places to stretch your budget in a short distance there. And also, food delivery should be quick from there, if so desired. I've been there done that with most Disney food, and would certainly enjoy a trip to Boma or Jiko and or the quick service, but there comes a time where I might just want a pizza delivered.

 

[B-Ride]

We stayed at Coronado our first 3 trips and liked it. Especially the pools where our kids were at an age they wanted to spend time swimming. But if you aren't concerned about the extra cost there is no contest - AKL all the way.

 

[The WDW 3]

Too far away from everything unless you’re taking a ride service.

 

[glocon]

We’ve stayed at AKL Jambo and at CSR-GDT.
We really liked both resorts. The bus situation was definitely worse for us at CSR.
I feel like CSR has so many food options and you can go to the top of the Tower and see the fireworks from EP, HS and I think even MK on the other side.
Agree with maybe a split stay just to try them both out?

 

[firstwdw]

Will you have a car?

What time of year are you going?

I love Jambo House at AKL, and have stayed there many times. I've also stayed at AK's Kidani and enjoyed it.

I've also stayed at CSR in both Casitas and Ranchos and enjoyed both but the room is small to me. I have not stayed in the Gran Destino Tower so can't comment on that.

If it's hot summer, I would definitely be at AKL. Indoor corridors and air conditioning. Staying at CSR in July with outside doors to the room was way too hot for me, in that it took a while to cool down.

AKL will have a balcony for your room. Makes it nice for coffee in the morning or relaxing after the parks.

AKL is also very close to 192 via Sherbeth Road, the intersection you cross just before getting to the resort, so it's very easy to shop or eat offsite if you have a car or choose to use Lyft or Uber, except at 4pm-ish quitting time, then it's backed up. Lots of ordinary places to stretch your budget in a short distance there. And also, food delivery should be quick from there, if so desired. I've been there done that with most Disney food, and would certainly enjoy a trip to Boma or Jiko and or the quick service, but there comes a time where I might just want a pizza delivered.

april and no car but just discovered that cheer and dance groups are staying at CSR. I was sold on saving the $1000 to stay at CSR instead of AKL but now I'm not so sure I want to be with packs of kids all over the resort! so now we are back to possible doing Riverside instead!

 

[Scubadaddy32]

We decided a few years back that we would only stay at GDT at CSR and AKL... The length of the bus rides are completely overblown IOO. You are literally less than 5 minutes away from AK, HS and EPCOT when staying at CSR and next door to AK when staying at AKL. The only long bus ride is to MK from either and that's about 15 to 17 minutes. All the rest of the parks are less than 8 minutes from AKL. We love both and we flip and flop between the two. AKL is our splurge hotel and GDT is our value hotel. You honestly can't go wrong with either, but I'd highly recommend the Tower at CSR over a standard resort room.
We stay in a water-view room at GDT, but the standard view at the Tower will give you views of HS fireworks and Epcot's fireworks.
The rooms in both GDT and AKL are almost the same as GDT was the beta for the remodels site wide. We always say, that GDT is lux for mod prices. One thing that may sway the needle a bit is if you are going to take advantage of the Deluxe Resort Extended hours, which is a nice little perk.
AKL has some of the best restaurants on property, but CSR with 3 Bridges and Toledo are not to be slept on either. Ha