AKL or SSR

[disneymore2]

Need help deciding. I have the option staying at Saratoga Springs Resort or Animal Kingdom Lodge. My wife and I are going for our 3 yr anniversary and she will be about 5 months pregnant. Our plans are to go to MNSSHP on Friday evening, on Saturday we hope to enjoy our hotel, and then a nice dinner (not necessarily at our Resort), maybe Cirque De Solei. We are staying using our Florida Resident Discount. The SSR includes a $100 Dining Certificate and will be $199 a night, AKL includes a $75 certificate and is $195 a night, so the difference is only about $15 over the 2 nights so $ is not a difference. What do you guys advice????

 

[diathoney]

AKL - no question. SSR is very nice - I'll be staying there in November for the Art Show, but for an anniversary celebration I'd stay at AKL. The AKL resort is amazing - very deluxe and being able to watch the animal is incredible. Where else in the US can you watch wild animals from your balcony??

SSR is very nice and new but the corridors are outside and there is no grand lobby or animal viewing stations. The pool is also nice, but not as spectacular as the AKL.

 

[stacy6552]

How are the cravings? SSR will have a fridge which could come in handy holding pickles and ice cream.

 

[disneymore2]

So far she hasn’t had any real cravings, unfortunately mainly continuous nausea. Hopefully that will go away soon. However, I think the AKL offers a fridge at no extra charge so that shouldn’t affect my decision.
I forgot to mention the AKL is a standard view and the SSR is a studio w/ standard view. I don’t know if that changes anything.

 

[shyjade]

AKL!

ALK has a (small) fridge too. And IMO, Standard views are fine because (1) you are somewhat close to the lobby/restaurants/main "hub", and (2) there are plenty of animal viewing opportunities around the resort. We actually had a Savannah view when we stayed there last year and I wouldn't pay for that again; we got stuck in an inactive area and didn't see many animals from our room. Next time we stay there I'd definately stick with a Standard or Pool room and save the extra money.

Congrats on your anniversary...and baby!!

 

[pilferk]

I was about to say AKL, no ifs ands or buts. Then I read this:

"So far she hasn’t had any real cravings, unfortunately mainly continuous nausea. "

Here's the thing: AKL has a very strong, spicey odor that pretty much permeates the entire lodge. It's strongest in the lobby, but you can smell it pretty much anywhere. I LOVE the smell, personally. Smells of cinamon, cardamon, and a bunch of other lovely things I can't identify.

The one thing that REALLY kicked off my wife's morning sickness, or a wave of nausea while she was preganant, was strong smells. Just based on that, I might be a bit leary of AKL. I hate to say that, because I love the place, and think it's one of the most romantic, spectacular resorts at WDW. But in your shoes, I'm not sure I'd want to take the CHANCE the smell would make her uncomfortable.

 

[disneymore2]

Thanks for the advice. I am leaning heavily towards the AKL since it is more of a hotel then a condo. My only concern now is the construction, they mentioned during the reservation, but I didn't realize the extent unitl reading the boards. We are going the 1st weekend in November, so hopefully the major construction is completed.

Does anyone know a thread with a complete description of the scheduling process?? I know the basics (they are adding DVC rooms), but I do not see a real description of the schedule.

 

[Michael623]

If you're going to have your car with you it might be worth considering the walk to the room. You can park pretty close to your door at SSR where the walk from the parking lot to the lobby at AKL is a hike, then you have to walk to your room which can be an even longer walk. If you don't think walking will be a factor then I'd go with AKL, if it is a factor I'd go SSR or even OKW if it is an option.

 

[pilferk]

Thanks for the advice. I am leaning heavily towards the AKL since it is more of a hotel then a condo. My only concern now is the construction, they mentioned during the reservation, but I didn't realize the extent unitl reading the boards. We are going the 1st weekend in November, so hopefully the major construction is completed.

Does anyone know a thread with a complete description of the scheduling process?? I know the basics (they are adding DVC rooms), but I do not see a real description of the schedule.

I don't know the exact construction time-line, but can give you the DVC opening dates. I'd think you could figure construction being complete at least a couple weeks before that.

Right now, Zebra trail is completely open (as of Sept 1).

The rooms around the lobby, Ostrich, and Giraffe trail are all scheduled to be open by Dec 2nd (mostly the concierge and value accommodations).

Kudo trail is scheduled to be complete by Jan 28, 2008.

Many reports coming in from people staying recently are saying they're not hearing much of anything in their rooms, and only occasional "thumps" and "buzzes" when roaming the resort ('cause there's LOTS to see around the hotel...the art exhbits, alone, are worth walking every floor). But it also seems most of those reports are from people staying a fair bit away from the lobby rooms, or the rooms on Zebra and Ostrich trail (which are the ones currently being worked on). Still, it seems things have gotten MUCH better since July/August .

Here's the rub: The standard view rooms are almost all parking lot views, I think, with a couple of "neither savannah nor pool" view rooms scattered throughout the hotel. Those parking lot views would be in the wings that are scheduled to open December 2nd. You COULD be cutting it close on being near construction....or they could be completely done with the "heavy lifting" and in full decorating/furnishing mode (I'd say that's more likely, especially given the time table on Kudo trail being so aggressive). It sounds like you're going to have to roll the dice on this one if you choose AKL....but I'd say the odds favor you, IMHO.

 

[SharonLowe]

I would go with AKL, no questions, even with the construction. There is a good chance you could get upgraded to Savanna view. I have stayed many times and never noticed any smells other than around the restaurants and that's all the yummy food they serve! There are so many great activities to do there and at 5 months, she will be fine with any walking.

 

[pilferk]

Just a quick addendum to my post:

I just noticed you said you're going the first WEEKEND in November.;

You should probably be OK, unless they're running WAY behind schedule (not likely...all reports are they're running ahead). The construction has typically been M - F.....no noise on the weekends.

 

[disneymore2]

You guys are really helpful. I have reservations at both places (I don’t know if that is one of those controversial topic~so please don’t flame), so I will likely wait until closer to Mid October to decide. However, AKL really does seem like the more romantic/interesting hotel. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[WDW Lover]

Just got back from AKL a couple of weeks ago and was there right smack in the middle of construction and you don't notice a thing. We actually bought DVC pts there and were staying in a DVC room right next to where they were doing construction and it wasn't even noticeable at all. We have stayed a few times at SSR and don't like it there at all. You never get a room near the main bldg. and really, to me, there isn't much "special" about it if you are "stuck" way out in the boonies - like being at a nice hotel, but not as much "magic" as if you were staying at AKL. AKL is a vacation in itself! There is so much to see and do there, it's relaxing and a great atmosphere. We have stayed there in a Standard room a couple of times before and it was nice. We were spoiled on 2 of our stays as we were upgraded from Standard to Savannah views - and were in fantastic rooms with a lot of animal viewing day and night. The buffet restaurant in AKL - Boma - is awesome. So many unique things to try (and some regular American stuff for those less inclined to try new things) - incredible Prime Rib!

Hands down AKL!!!!

 

[jel0511]

a note on AKL construction. I have a reservation for end of March in the villas, and there is a notation on my reservation that I might hear construction noise. So, even though most DVC units will be finished by your scheduled stay, there is still other construction going on, probably the new building going up.

 

[pilferk]

a note on AKL construction. I have a reservation for end of March in the villas, and there is a notation on my reservation that I might hear construction noise. So, even though most DVC units will be finished by your scheduled stay, there is still other construction going on, probably the new building going up.

Originally, the conversion was not due to be complete until May of '08. That time table has been either sped up significantly, or they're just way ahead of schedule (the new date of Jan 28th appeared on the DVC AKL FAQ about 2 or 3 weeks ago). That may explain why the notices continue to go on ressies.

In addition, you're right about the new building. The thing is, though, it is a fair bit away from the lodge, across the sunset savannah. I'm not sure you'd hear much. You might see some vertical construction and equipment, though. And it's currently in question whether the animals will remain on that savannah during construction (it will depend on how they acclimate).

From a standard view room, though, you'll probably not see or hear ANYTHING from the new building. Ditto on a pool view room, or any savannah view room on the "right" side of the building.

 

[shazen]

Although I personally prefer AKL, I think in your case SSR might be a good option. You can take the boat over to DTD for Cirque and you can treat your wife to a nice spa treatment at SSR... It could be a very romantic getaway.

I guess it really depends upon the type of stay you wish to have!

 

[DVC Grammy]

Another vote for AKL!

So far, in reading recent trip reports re: AKL, construction noises seem to be a non-issue, both in the hotel rooms and in the AKV villas.
The restaurants there are great, and if you're wanting a romantic anniversary meal, Jiko's is one of the most romantic, and delicious, places to dine love: ), assuming your wife's nausea is gone by then .

SSR is lovely, too; in fact, as DVCers, we've stayed there a number of times, but for a "special" celebratory vacation, AKL seems to be more of a complete resort destination, not just a lovely place to stay in WDW.

 

[Daydreamer64]

I was expecting on our trip three years ago- we went to the WL to have dinner at Whispering Canyons- and the BBQ/smoke smell hit me like a ton of bricks- I too am one of those who suffered through all three of my pregnancys with continuious nausea. So, from my perspective- I would stay at AKL.

One trick that workes for me to short cut the gag response ( sorry ) was to rub ( for example ) baby lotion, or scented hand cream - I really liked coconut lotion, on my hands. Then just before I entered a questionable "smell" area I would put my hands over my nose or just act like I was rubbing my nose- this gives your brains the -"Oh, I like that smell, I won't get sick" message.

This can also work for some people when they are sick or have issues that lead to nausea like motion sickness. My Dh laughs at me because anyone that can see me in the van driving long distances might wonder why I'm sniffing shampoo or what ever I can get my hands on fast when the nausea hits!~

My nausea came on so bad/fast when I was pregnant, well. This is so bad, I even sniffed one of my kid's canvas shoes one time as I thought I was going to loose it all over the place at Crystal Palace! - I had just washed it that morning, it was in the change of clothes bag for SM so it was still clean and the fabric softener left a very nice scent!!!
I bet the people who saw me were like, " Look, honey, why is that women sniffing a shoe at the dinner table?" or "Oh, Gross"- I can't make it sometimes so I try to short circuit the message to the brain while I'm making my way to the bathroom- I know too much information-- sorry. I'm sure that they would be happier to think I had some kind of sniffing shoes addiction then to witness, hear, and smell the other option!

Anyway, we have visited the ALK many times but finally have reservations to stay there the first week in January.

So. if anyone see me sniffing a shoe, please feel free to say Hi!- I saw your post on the Disboards.

 

[pilferk]

Anyway, we have visited the ALK many times but finally have reservations to stay there the first week in January.

So. if anyone see me sniffing a shoe, please feel free to say Hi!- I saw your post on the Disboards.

We'll be at AKL around the same time (Jan 5th,- 11th) so I'll be on the lookout for any shoe sniffing women and be sure to say hi!