Akl Or Gf????

[stellaxluna]

I was all set to reserve 2 rooms at GF, when i came across AKL and fell in love w/ that resort as well...now I'm confused...I was hoping some disney experts could help out on this one. Which resort does everyone prefer out of the 2 and why...I will be traveling w/ parents, and 2 sons (19 and 6)...Thank you in advance for any help it is very much apreciated

 

[daannzzz]

I personally prefer the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I like the decor of the rooms and publiuc areas very much. Sitting on the balconey first thing in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee and watching the animals wake up was great. We even came back early form the parks to spend more time on the balcony.
The Grand Floridian is very nice too. The rooms are bigger than at the AKL. The location is very nice as far as the Magic Kingdom goes. Using the monorail and boats to commute was fun. But I was a little underwhelmed for the price we paid.
I think it al depends on what theme is of most interest to you. If you are going for a long enough trip you could split your time between the two resorts. This would be a good duo to try.

 

[Janet2k]

Stellaxluna, welcome to the Dis!

The AKL gets my vote. It is my favorite resort with my favorite staff. The GF is my husband's favorite resort, however, his favorite staff is found at the AKL, so I think that resort would get his vote, too, out of the two of them. Of course if we planned on spending every day at the Magic Kingdom, we would probably go with the GF. But we usually spread ourselves around, and thus love to resort hop. Would you consider splitting your stay between the GF and AKL? That would give you the best of both worlds.

 

[kdibattista]

Definitely AKL.... although I must say that I have never stayed at GF (never will either). AKL is fabulous and I can't imagine staying anywhere else!!!!

 

[miko]

The AKL is different than all other WDW resorts and well worth the extra cost for a savannah view room. GF is just a little too stuffy for me (great dining though).

 

[gonga]

OK I have to put my 2 cents in here to even things out

we love the Grand Floridian. its convenient, beautiful, it's luxury - Disney style and never found it to be styffy. I have never stayed at the AKL as it has never appealed to me for the following reason - you have to take a bus to everything! I understand being isolated it part of it's charm and beauty and gives you the feeling of Africa. For us it would be very inconvenient as far as the parks, dining and evening entertainment. I dread the thought of waiting and getting on a bus, I know its not a big deal for people who love the AKL. For us theres nothing like walking out onto the monorail and going directly to the park. At night the GF is great for us - just walk out of your room and pick any of the great restaurants on property, or hop on the monorail and have easy access to the other wonderful restaurants of the monorail resorts . There are wonderful views of the Castle, fireworks and very easy when you stay late in the MK at night.

I have never had a problem with staff, as they have always been very helpful and plesant. Always a great stay.

 

[stellaxluna]

I love all the opinions thank you!! I had started to think about splitting it up, 7 nights at GF, 3 at AKL, but the switch makes me wonder how much of a hassle it would be. The transportation at AKL has me wondering too

nothing like being confused.......

 

[DisOrBust]

We split our stay this Jan b/w GF and AKL and we were completely underwhelmed by the GF. AKL is just a perfect resort! Don't waste you days at GF IMHO. Yes the monorail to MK is nice but the monorail to Epcot is no faster then a bus. AKL bus service is excellent. The restaurants are wonderful from Mara to Jiko. When ever will you be able to stay on the African Safari again? My Moms only reason for going to WDW with us is for AKL she could care less about the parks. Besides...you get a coffee maker at AKL,lol!


Switching did eat up half a day but that was more a result of the staff at the GF then actual "moving" part.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

MY vote is for AKL all the way!!! We have stayed 3 or 4 times and loved every stay. My dream is always to stay GF for a few nights, which we probably will. My I go to say you will love AKL. I here people saying how transportation is long and hard, but its great. We never waited then long for a bus and the buses dont stop at any other resorts. Its also funny that the major amount of people who are saying the transportation stink havent even stayed there. I would be happy with either one. My vote might be splitting your stay 50/50 at each.
Enjoy Your Trip
Matt

 

[sjw4870]

I think your suggestion of splitting resorts will solve your dilema. I have done this in the past myself. I was at WL, I checked out in the morning; drove to Poly and checked in there. I did this all before 9am. Now, I might have been lucky that there was a room available at this time (I didn't have a preference to which Poly building I was in). I believe this can be accomplished without a car too (the front desk can arrange it I think). Even if your room at the new resort isn't ready, you can always have your luggage stored and go to a park until it is. I guess the ease of this plan depends on occupancy levels and your willingness to not have a room for a few hours while waiting to check into the new resort.

Good luck with your decision.