AKL or CSR...which one????

[laura001]

OK...so here is my problem:

My DH and I are going to WDW next April, and are presently booked at Coronado Springs, which we have never been to. BUT, I have been jumping back and forth with maybe booking AKL. It is just over 600.00 more for a standard room, which we can afford if we wanted to.

I am looking for opinions on what we should do...stay at CSR or switch to AKL, and why would you make either choice????? We have never stayed at a deluxe at WDW, but with it just being the two of us, I thought it might be nice. Is there really that much of a difference??

 

[ADP]

Both resorts are fantastic. I think for $600 difference I would stick with CSR. We just returned from CSR and I really liked it. The pool area for a moderate is really very nicely done. It maybe one of the nicest themed pools on WDW property.

CSR is rather large and you will walk a lot unless you take your car, or the shuttle cart that drives around the resort transporting guests to El Centro or any of the other sections.

The bus transportation was very efficient to all of the parks and the Pepper Market food was very good.

I would stick with CSR for that much of a price difference.

 

[petrymom]

You could do what we are doing. We were originally booked at CSR. (don't get me wrong, I would have loved to stay there, BUT) a code came through on the Disney Visa card and I was able to upgrade for $250 for the entire 7 night stay.

So, now we are booked at the AKL. It is a chance in a lifetime to stay at a Deluxe (budget really doesn't allow).

Good luck with your decisions.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Stayed and played at both many times. AKL wins hands down. You cant beat the animals and the pool/food court area at AKL. It is a deluxe vs a mod. I really think it is comparing oranges and apples. You just cant do it. The pool view rooms are wonderful at AKL by the way.

 

[beth_cam]

We really liked AKL. We because of lack of code and seasons we payed just as much to stay at ASMO this year. I honestly liked it just as well if not better. And I'd save the money everytime, at full price I absolutely can't see paying for the more expensive hotel. However I fell in love with the reviews of CSR - except the walking but then we drive down so we usually use our own transportation and I'm the only one who spends much time at the Food Courts due to being up before anyone else in the AM so not a big deal. The pool sounds fantastic. The pool at AKL cant be much nicer and I think the slide will be just as good at CSR. I am strongly considering paying extra for CSR next time. But I dont think I'll pay extra for AKL again. It is a very nice hotel and I really like halls to the rooms instead of external entrances, being able to walk to the lobby etc, minimal out doors to get to anything in the resort. The other side of it is in two 8 day trips we have barely managed to enjoy our hotel. We had all kinds of plans for checking out every nook and cranny of AKL and we did very little of that. So for us yeah the more expensive hotels are great but a bit of a waste for our on the go trips where the hotel is where you sleep.

 

[laura001]

We really liked AKL. We because of lack of code and seasons we payed just as much to stay at ASMO this year. I honestly liked it just as well if not better. And I'd save the money everytime, at full price I absolutely can't see paying for the more expensive hotel. However I fell in love with the reviews of CSR - except the walking but then we drive down so we usually use our own transportation and I'm the only one who spends much time at the Food Courts due to being up before anyone else in the AM so not a big deal. The pool sounds fantastic. The pool at AKL cant be much nicer and I think the slide will be just as good at CSR. I am strongly considering paying extra for CSR next time. But I dont think I'll pay extra for AKL again. It is a very nice hotel and I really like halls to the rooms instead of external entrances, being able to walk to the lobby etc, minimal out doors to get to anything in the resort. The other side of it is in two 8 day trips we have barely managed to enjoy our hotel. We had all kinds of plans for checking out every nook and cranny of AKL and we did very little of that. So for us yeah the more expensive hotels are great but a bit of a waste for our on the go trips where the hotel is where you sleep.

Thank you everyone for trying to help me out, I am hoping for some more opinions today. I am thinking that whichever resort we stay at we will have some time to look around as it is only my DH and I . Even if we stay at CSR we plan on renting bikes etc. and looking around.

Even though we can afford the difference it is still nice to be able to save money. I can say that if I thought I was saving anything off the price at AKL I would book it. We are Canadian and don't qualify for the Disney Visa.

BTW.............what is up with the ketchup?????

 

[hezreck]

AKL is the only deluxe I have stayed at. Usually we stay at Mods. I can't honestly say there was much difference in the Mods and AKL. We are not at the resort much during any of our stays, it's usually just where we sleep. The only benefit I saw was the Deluxe busstops are closer to the park entrances so there isn't as long of a walk after you leave. Plus, AKL has kids activities during the day which my DD really liked, but if you aren't traveling with kids that doesn't apply. We don't spend much time at the pool, maybe a couple hours at most.

This trip Nov. 29th we are staying at CSR. I like to stay at a different resort each time and that's one we haven't been to yet. I could have gotten AKL again with a code, but I decided to try something new. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a great trip. Just see how much time you are actually going to spend at the resort and see if the cost justifies. That's my best advice.

One more thing, the Zebra Domes at AKL are GREAT!!!

 

[rie'smom]

If you can't get an animal view at AKL,then I would stay at CSR. $600.00 is a lot of fun at WDW!!! We love CSR and we're deluxe people.

 

[Julieh22]

The ketchup is from the WCC restaurant at the WL... It's supposed to be a fun restaurant (jokes, etc). I will get to eat their next month for the first time!

Anyways, I have stayed at both CSR and AKL and liked them both. The food court and pool are better at CSR in my opinon. It really depends on the "theme" that you are partial with. Transportation has never been a problem for us at either resort. That being said, you could stay at the CSR and go eat dinner at AKL and walk around the resort (see the animals). If I was going to stay at the AKL, a savannah view would be the only way to go! Good luck.

 

[mm6mm6]

Let me put another spin on this for you....

It's just the two of you right? I think CSR is much more romantic than AKL. I've stayed at both and AKL is cool, but the lure is the African theme, the animals and Boma. It's very dark with brown and black woods and bamboo. We liked it as did our DD8 but I don't think I'd want to stay there just as a couple. And that makes me think I'd rather spend the extra money on some fancier dinners.

CSR is very romantic. Check out Buzz2001's pics on this board under the CSR faq's post.

The bright colors of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, green, etc of the buildings and rooms are upbeat and gorgeous. The white sand beaches with hammocks and the green grass with lush bushes and shrubs and stone fountains everywhere are fantastic! The lake shimmers in the morning and glows in the nighttime. The subtle lighting around the resort at night during a walk is terrific.

Plus the pool is awesome with food and refillable mugs poolside. You have nice restaurant choices on site besides just burgers and salads.

My DW and I found the CSR to be just wonderful. I'd recommend to any couple to go there instead of AKL. Now if you were thinking about the Poly or the Beach Club or the Grand Floridian, they may be pretty romantic too, but way out of sight when it comes to cost!

CSR vs. AKL for a couple , CSR wins!

-Steve

 

[jsantini]

My fiance and I stayed at CSR in August. We actually got engaged while we were there. CSR was really romantic and the Casitas section was quiet, relaxing, and beautiful. We took time to visit Animal Kingdom, because I had thought of upgrading there for about $700 before we left. We were glad we picked CSR. We took time to watch the animals from the bridge at AK and ate at Boma. We walked around, but felt CSR was a more relaxing place to stay and I'd pick it again, especially for two adults travelling without children.

 

[laura001]

Let me put another spin on this for you....

It's just the two of you right? I think CSR is much more romantic than AKL. I've stayed at both and AKL is cool, but the lure is the African theme, the animals and Boma. It's very dark with brown and black woods and bamboo. We liked it as did our DD8 but I don't think I'd want to stay there just as a couple. And that makes me think I'd rather spend the extra money on some fancier dinners.

CSR is very romantic. Check out Buzz2001's pics on this board under the CSR faq's post.

The bright colors of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, green, etc of the buildings and rooms are upbeat and gorgeous. The white sand beaches with hammocks and the green grass with lush bushes and shrubs and stone fountains everywhere are fantastic! The lake shimmers in the morning and glows in the nighttime. The subtle lighting around the resort at night during a walk is terrific.

Plus the pool is awesome with food and refillable mugs poolside. You have nice restaurant choices on site besides just burgers and salads.

My DW and I found the CSR to be just wonderful. I'd recommend to any couple to go there instead of AKL. Now if you were thinking about the Poly or the Beach Club or the Grand Floridian, they may be pretty romantic too, but way out of sight when it comes to cost!

CSR vs. AKL for a couple , CSR wins!

-Steve

We will have the Dining Plan, so am sure we will be eating well. I want the trip to be special for my DH, as he is really not a huge fan of WDW, he goes because I want to go. I want the experience to show him that there are loads of things for us to enjoy without our kids (they are older now, so it is the two of us) there. That is why I thought about AKL, we both love animals. You are right, the 600 could be spent on some tours or something I guess.

 

[LoraJ]

Do you have a King room booked at CSR? That may be the difference for you. The Deluxe comes with 2 Queen size beds and you aren't guaranteed a King. You can request it though.

 

[laura001]

I have to say that I thought that AKL would be the top choice here with this question and to tell you the truth, I was leaning more that way....NOW... I am leaning back the other way!!! OH MY!

 

[Buzz2001]

I vote would be for CSR!! Just wish it had queen beds!!

 

[laura001]

I vote would be for CSR!! Just wish it had queen beds!!

I didn't request a King Bed room, perhaps I should. Would it be harder to get say building 9B if I did that type of request??

 

[marcomouse]

AKL is the best WDW Resort in my opinion. We cant wait until the DVC sales start. Boma is great !!! The Atmosphere is awsome. If you have the means stay at AKL!!!!

 

[Buzz2001]

I didn't request a King Bed room, perhaps I should. Would it be harder to get say building 9B if I did that type of request??

No, the king rooms are scatter throughout the resort.