AKL or PORS

[astag05]

I'm currently booked at PORS in a royal room but with the fall savings I can book AKL pool view for just $300 more for 8 nights. Would you stay at RS or change to AKL? First time visit but not sure if I should make the change? Thanks for any advice

 

[Fizban]

I like them both for different reasons. IMO POR beats even some deluxe resorts for the wonderful feeling of the resort. AKL is a fantastic resort in its own right. Do you want to have animal theme or a gentile theme? For your first visit I would honestly say go with the mod and then shoot for a deluxe on your next visit.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm currently booked at PORS in a royal room but with the fall savings I can book AKL pool view for just $300 more. Would you stay at RS or change to AKL? First time visit but not sure if I should make the change? Thanks for any advice

We've never stayed at POR, but we love AKL! Everyone is different, but for us, the extra $300 for AKL would be worth it. The resort is beautiful, the pool is great, and there are a few areas to view the animals. For dining, we love Mara for quick CS meals/snacks and Boma is one of our favorites for TS. Good luck .

 

[erinkristen04]

I'm currently booked at PORS in a royal room but with the fall savings I can book AKL pool view for just $300 more for 8 nights. Would you stay at RS or change to AKL? First time visit but not sure if I should make the change? Thanks for any advice

We've never stayed at AKL but I can tell you that we LOVE LOVE LOVE POR. PP is right, there is just something about the feeling that resort gives us... I remember visiting POR as a child (when it was Dixie Landings) and it feeling so magical. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful, the theming is subtle but noticeable. DH and I are staying at our first deluxe this upcoming trip and honestly, I'm a little nervous that we won't achieve that same "feeling" that we get at POR and will regret not having stayed there instead haha!

That being said, I have always thought AKL is beautiful, and have heard great things about the pool. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Good luck with your decision!

 

[astag05]

We've never stayed at AKL but I can tell you that we LOVE LOVE LOVE POR. PP is right, there is just something about the feeling that resort gives us... I remember visiting POR as a child (when it was Dixie Landings) and it feeling so magical. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful, the theming is subtle but noticeable. DH and I are staying at our first deluxe this upcoming trip and honestly, I'm a little nervous that we won't achieve that same "feeling" that we get at POR and will regret not having stayed there instead haha!

That being said, I have always thought AKL is beautiful, and have heard great things about the pool. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Good luck with your decision!

I read a post a while back that said stay at PORS last bc you will be disappointed with other resorts after staying at PORS!! I think for $300 more we are going to just go ahead and stay at AKL but I'm also torn we are going to be returning in Dec to POFQ so that helps knowing I will get to stay there pretty soon thanks for the reply!! Which deluxe are y'all trying?

 

[BobC]

I never stayed at AKL but visit it every trip and think it's beautiful. Very similar to WL to a degree with it's layout.

PORS I stayed at quite a few times and I love. However, for only $300 more to upgrade to a Deluxe I would do it!

 

[Fizban]

I read a post a while back that said stay at PORS last bc you will be disappointed with other resorts after staying at PORS!! I think for $300 more we are going to just go ahead and stay at AKL but I'm also torn we are going to be returning in Dec to POFQ so that helps knowing I will get to stay there pretty soon thanks for the reply!! Which deluxe are y'all trying?

That was me you are quoting .

 

[MrPTato]

I have been to both, pool view and PORS. I love the feel of Port Orleans. The river, the scenery, the paths, and even the pools. I would not pay more at this point to stay at AKL. We loved taking the boat to DTD at night and having a drink and the wonderful ride back. AKL seems to open for my liking. I also liked the QS dining at PORS much more than AKL.

 

[robndani]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is like nothing else at Disney (except maybe Animal Kingdom - lol)! Just walking around and seeing all of the animals is an experience in and of itself. There are some great restaurants and even a kid's club if you have little ones!

Have fun!

 

[astag05]

Thanks everyone!! I think I'm even more torn now since my post!! Everyone seems to LOVE PORS!!

 

[astag05]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is like nothing else at Disney (except maybe Animal Kingdom - lol)! Just walking around and seeing all of the animals is an experience in and of itself. There are some great restaurants and even a kid's club if you have little ones!

Have fun!

How are the buses at AKL?

 

[BobC]

IMO, request Alligator Bayou... one of the more desirable locations and closer to busses.

I stayed in Magnolia Bend or whatever it's called and definitely preferred the Gator Bayou better

 

[robndani]

How are the buses at AKL?

We didn't have a problem with the buses when we were there. Even though both Kidani Village and Jambo House share the bus, it doesn't stop at any other hotel. We never waited very long at all. We went in the Fall so it wasn't busy season.

 

[britterbell]

We have stayed at both POR and AKL and in my opinion, AKL blows it right out of the water. SUCH a beautiful and relaxing resort. We absolutely adore it!

 

[Woth2982]

I love both hotels a lot. AKL is just stunning. Only thing I don't like about it is how far away from everything it is. I prefer POR for its location. So if location is important go with POR, if not, splurge and go with AKL. You wont hate either hotel.

 

[sug78]

We usually stay at AKL and we love it we will be staying at PORS for our first time in Oct. I would say pick the resort that appeals to you more- but with such a slight difference in cost I would definitely choose AKL.

 

[dizzyinwdw]

Having stayed at both--AKL! So relaxing, more resort feel, and totally unique! Great food as well . Bus service much better than PORS. We didn't have good luck with bussing at PORS. Have stayed AKL 3x and PORS 1x (may go back to PORS if there are 5 of us though...). Whichever you decide have a terrific time!

PS we have stayed AKL pool view and IMHO this is a great value vs the Savanna view! We loved the pool view room and our location was terrific---ground floor walk out to pool, Mara, arcade, animal viewing area, and the laundry!

 

[robinb]

I would change from POR to AKL in heartbeat for $38 per night. We love AKL and POR is our least favorite moderate.

 

[ELSA711]

Thanks everyone!! I think I'm even more torn now since my post!! Everyone seems to LOVE PORS!!

I love love love POR but given the chance for just $300 difference, I would always go to AKL and never been before.
But we are an 'animals first' family, I am dying to tour it on our next trip.

 

[jskacoc]

Our 1st onsite stay was at POR. We were pretty disappointed. It felt like a regular hotel room. Pool was decent. Taking boat to DTD was cool. We didn't like walking outside to get to everything.
This month will be our 4th stay at AKL.
It has an amazing atmosphere. Nice pool and we like that you don't have to go outside to get to everything. I've always booked standard room and (knock on wood) have been upgraded to savannah view each time.
For that price difference for 8 nights I would definitely book AKL.