AKL or Dolphin

[kmdis]

I need some advice. We are staying two nights at WDW Dec.8&9, with two small children 4 & 2, would you suggest AKL or the Dolphin??? Thanks.

 

[Marimar]

I would go for AKL, but take that w/a grain of salt. We are going on our first visit and will be staying at AKL. Figure it out this way...you probably can't go wrong w/either choice

Have fun!

 

[LukenDC]

I have stayed at AKL and visited Dolphin. My thoughts are as follows:

AKL has a magnificent theme and the animals are interesting to watch. AKL is also home to Boma, one of the best buffets at WDW. The rooms are colorful and comfortable. One downside, and it was a major one for me, is the remote location of the resort. Unless you have a car, you will have to depend on bus transport for all of your transportation around WDW.

Dolphin is a whimsical structure, but not really themed. It has a couple of restaurants and a nice pool complex. A major plus is that it is centrally located and within walking distance of Epcot, MGM Studios, and the Disney Boardwalk entertainment district. On the downside, it is a convention hotel and the corporate advertising for the conventions detracts from the Disney Magic.

If I had to choose, I would choose AKL simply because it is more "magical" and family-oriented.

 

[robinb]

Only 2 nights? I would choose the Dolphin. AKL is too far away from everything.

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

I would have to compare the rate, and think of what you want to do. If you want to spend lots of time st the resort AKL is nice and has a lot of activities,The Dolphin has a great location and 139 per night special that can't be beat.

 

[CarolA]

I have stayed at both.

My first choice any time is a Savannah view at AKL. The Dolphin is just a hotel. AKL has the greatest animals. That said if you are going standard view... either one will do.


I also think AKL has a better pool for little kids. It has the zero entry pool which is nice for them.

 

[minijeanie]

tough choice.

AKL is themed beautifully
but Dolphin is situated on the water & I think your children will love the boat ride to MGM or Epcot.

You can also readily get them back to the room if one is fussing and you want to relax. I loved the pool at Dolphin and find that whole area beautiful.

If you think your children would love viewing the animals more, go for AKL, if you think it won't matter, do the dolphin

 

[cjsmom5]

We always depend strictly on Disney transportation and love the AKL. The children activities there can't be beat! They are wonderful. Kids collect beads for each activity and get a special bead at the last activity they attend. The animals are spectacular and we didn't find the transportation to be that long since the AKL is the only stop. The food court is also great when one has young kids. And, the pool is wonderful since it has a zero entry.

The dolphin, to me, isn't as Disney as most. The "convention" atmosphere, for me detracts from the overall experience. The pool is not anything spectacular. But, the location is very nice. Our experience wasn't very pleasant at the Dolphin but that was before DS7 ... so it has been awhile. Others, though, rave about the Dolphin. I think it depends on what you are looking for during your stay.

If you are going to spend most of your time at the MK you might want to take a look at a monorail hotel. They are sure convenient and all three are very nice.

 

[bwv4me]

I would agree with most of the thoughts above. In a nutshell, AKL has MUCH better theming, but you can't beat the location of the Dolphin. If you only have two days and need to make the most of your trip, go with the Dolphin (out of the two choices you gave us.) Otherwise I would go with the Contemporary. With little kids, you can't beat having the monorail go right into your hotel so that you can simply roll those strollers on!

 

[robinb]

I just wanted to come back to this thread to point out something that I think people missed: The OP Will only be in WDW for TWO nights.

I too have stayed at both resorts and I prefer Animal Kingdom Lodge. In fact it is my DH's favorite resort. But I think that amenities such as animal viewing, zero depth pool and children's activities do not play a role in such a short trip. Unless, of course, it's a non-parks trip. I love, love, love ALK ... but when time is short I recommend location, location, location.

 

[CarolA]

I will be at Disney FOR TWO NIGHTS only next June. I am staying at AKL!!!

I don't get the TWO NIGHTS deal. So????

If OP is using Disney transport and going to MK... AKL might even be a better idea, AKL does not share it's buses so the OP and thier kids have a chance of a seat. NOT always true on the Epcot resort buses that service several resorts.

With two small children I actually think the pool is imporatant. They need a break. they don't need the OPEN and close the parks plan.

 

[bwv4me]

I will be at Disney FOR TWO NIGHTS only next June. I am staying at AKL!!!

I don't get the TWO NIGHTS deal. So????

If OP is using Disney transport and going to MK... AKL might even be a better idea, AKL does not share it's buses so the OP and thier kids have a chance of a seat. NOT always true on the Epcot resort buses that service several resorts.

With two small children I actually think the pool is imporatant. They need a break. they don't need the OPEN and close the parks plan.

They are going in December so the pool MAY or MAY not be so important. It can be too cold for a pool at times in December. You can't be sure with Orlando weather! At the Dolphin, the OP has the option to WALK to two parks - MGM and EPCOT. The bus is not bad but if you have the option of not having to use it, then why not? The OP also has 2 children that appear to be of stroller age. A stroller and the bus can be a hassle . . .

 

[bwv4me]

I just wanted to come back to this thread to point out something that I think people missed: The OP Will only be in WDW for TWO nights.

I too have stayed at both resorts and I prefer Animal Kingdom Lodge. In fact it is my DH's favorite resort. But I think that amenities such as animal viewing, zero depth pool and children's activities do not play a role in such a short trip. Unless, of course, it's a non-parks trip. I love, love, love ALK ... but when time is short I recommend location, location, location.

I don't think people missed that the OP will only be in WDW for TWO nights. A few people referenced the point. But I do agree with your recommendation of location, location, location.

 

[kmdis]

I appreciate everyone's ideas and suggestions. I am still weighing the choices with your input, so I will let you know when I make a decision. Thanks again.

 

[swilphil]

I also have two small children and we have stayed at Swan/Dolphin twice. I would recommend it for the following reasons:

1. Location
2. Location
3. Location

Seriously, with young ones, you want to go back to the room easily for a mid-day nap. Even if you're at MK, the Dolphin has great bus service. We never waited for more than 5 minutes for a bus. The best is being able to walk or boat to Epcot and MGM. No need to worry about folding up the stroller, and your transportation time to and/from the parks will be considerably less at the Dolphin. That makes a big difference when you are only going to be there for two days with little ones. We were able to do early entry without getting up at the crack of dawn. I also loved being able to go over to World Showcase or MGM for just a few hours at a time during the day.

The Dolphin also has the Boardwalk for evening entertainment, and you can walk to the miniature golf course easily. Plus the Dolphin is a great deluxe resort. They have heavenly beds and great service. I also like the Starbucks coffee at Tubbi's. It beats the Nescafe stuff you have to put in your refillable mugs at the Disney resorts.

As far as being a convention hotel, so are many of the Disney resorts. I've never understood how seeing someone in a business suit would affect my vacation.

 

[4greatboys]

I would stay at AKL and Im a big fan of the Epcot resort area but still the AKL wins hands down for me whether it be 1 night, 2 nights or whatever.