AKL or SSR

[Remyle25]

Hey all! So im taking my mother and sister to Disney for the first time in a few months. I want them to have a full first experience (within COVID limitations) so I was thinking of renting DVC. The only resorts that are available for our dates are AKL or SSR. AKL has a one bedroom and SSR a two bedroom that are pretty much the same price. There will be 4 of us. My son, my mother, my sister and myself. I’ve never stayed at either resort but I’ve heard negatives about both in regards to them being out of the way. The resort at AKL is incredible but the 2 bedroom at Saratoga will give us more space.

I suppose I’m asking, if the distance from Saratoga has honestly been an issue for people or just your opinion on the two resorts in general?

Thanks in advance

 

[Marionnette]

Hey all! So im taking my mother and sister to Disney for the first time in a few months. I want them to have a full first experience (within COVID limitations) so I was thinking of renting DVC. The only resorts that are available for our dates are AKL or SSR. AKL has a one bedroom and SSR a two bedroom that are pretty much the same price. There will be 4 of us. My son, my mother, my sister and myself. I’ve never stayed at either resort but I’ve heard negatives about both in regards to them being out of the way. The resort at AKL is incredible but the 2 bedroom at Saratoga will give us more space.

I suppose I’m asking, if the distance from Saratoga has honestly been an issue for people or just your opinion on the two resorts in general?

Thanks in advance

IMO, the distance thing is just a matter of personal preference. Both resorts are large. AKV has long hallways, especially Kidani. SSR has outside entrances to their villas. SSR has more pools and more dining options. Disney Springs is a leisurely walk away. For the same price, I would choose a dedicated 2BR over a 1BR any time just so all adults get a real bed to sleep in.

 

[Remyle25]

IMO, the distance thing is just a matter of personal preference. Both resorts are large. AKV has long hallways, especially Kidani. SSR has outside entrances to their villas. SSR has more pools and more dining options. Disney Springs is a leisurely walk away. For the same price, I would choose a dedicated 2BR over a 1BR any time just so all adults get a real bed to sleep in.

You make a good point as far as the personal preference thing. I have noticed with some other resorts that I stayed in, that distance and bus reliance wasn’t as bad as I’d seen it stated in my opinion.

 

[DeeBee3]

There are multiple bus stops within SSR so that also should be considered. There is a short shuttle between Kidani and Jambo House at AKL but it is also walkable. If your son is young, he would probably love the animals.

 

[NoTime42]

With the newly renovated rooms (reports this week indicate all open SSR buildings have been renovated) plus the ability to walk to Disney Springs during this post-Covid time when parks close so early, SSR is a pretty great choice.
Plus your choice has the added benefit of 2BR.

If AKL, I hope you are talking Kidani. The Jambo 1BR are smaller and only has 1 bathroom where the shower is a large step into the Jacuzzi tub.

The savanna at AKL is a truly unique experience in the states, especially for an animal lover. But animals aren’t always outside the balcony, so you have to plan to watch at multiple times of the day.

Overall both resorts can be great when you plan to take advantage of their unique amenities, and I think most frustrations are when guests only use them as a place to crash.

 

[Shellyred8]

I would go with SSR since your trip is in a few months. There aren't many options for eating at AKL right now and that probably won't change between now and your trip. Also, SSR gives you access to all of the pools at SSR, so you would have lots of different pool options, if you so choose. As others have mentioned, being so close to DS right now is a big plus with parks closing down so early in the evenings.

 

[Leight19]

I own at akv and love the resort but with so much closed at akv I would choose SSR myself. It’s even easier to make this recommendation since you said SSR would be 2 BR vs AKV 1BR with similar price.

 

[PetePanMan]

I love AKL but I would go with SSR given room in 2 bedroom, recently renovated and proximity to Disney Springs

 

[Sandisw]

I’d go with SSR and if the bus waits in the morning seem bad, there is always Uber! We did that when we stayed there a few years back. It was worth the $10 we paid each money to save that time.

Coming home was not an issue so we took the bus.

The resort has several pools, and easy access to Disney Springs which is nice if you want other things to do.

Not to mention the space. I love a 2 bedroom and having to not have people in the living room is a nice plus!

 

[Remyle25]

Thank you all so much for your responses!