AKL v. CSR?

[jodi16s]

We are going to WDW in May (we have already booked CSR) but are considering switching to AKL - woods view. The difference is about $400. Money isn't the issue, but I don't want to spend an extra $400 if the difference in quality/fun isn't that great. It will be Dh, me, Dd (2) & Ds (5). Thanks!

 

[Lilolvr]

AKL has a different experience and astmosphere, has queen beds vs doubles and interior hallways. That said, CSR is more centrally located and has a better pool and slide. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[lilyv]

We stayed at CSR this year. It is a nice, convention resort.

We are currently booked for next year at AKL. One visit to AKL and we fell in love with it. Great theming, family atmosphere, and they have lots of programs available for all ages. Beautiful pool, great restaurants, and, of course, the animals!

 

[Lilolvr]

It is a nice, convention resort.

As are Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin.

 

[lilyv]

As are Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin.

I stand corrected. Coronado Springs resort has 1,967 guest rooms, and 220,000 sq feet of meeting space. The other individual resorts listed aren't remotely close in size.

Choosing a resort is an very individual decision. Lots of options at Disney.

 

[Mayl]

If money is not the issue, AKL all the way.

CSR is a convention resort and has too many folks in suits and a very un-disney like feel to it. While there are folks that like it, many of us feel the resort is the worse of the mods out there

As you have a chance to do deluxe, AKL would be a wonderful resort to try. We only had a short stay there a few years back, but we really enjoyed it. Of the deluxes we did WL, Boardwalk and Cabins (not sure where you rank them). AKL was right up there for us.

Don't even think twice about it.. AKL all the way over CSR

 

[raven69david]

Another vote for AKL. You can't compare CSR to AKL. The themeing alone inside the resort will beat it hands down IMO. Sure CSR has a better pool, but that doesn't make up for the miriad of other things that AKL offers that CSR can't (story telling around the campfire, childrens activities, night vision viewing of the animals at night, etc). After our first stay at AKL we were hooked. Our next 2 trips, which have already been purchased, will be at AKL on 12/9/07 and 12/13/08 for MVMCP.

 

[rlduvall]

We are going to WDW in May (we have already booked CSR) but are considering switching to AKL - woods view.

AKL does not have a woods view. Do you mean AKL - standard view or Wilderness Lodge - woods view? I have stayed at AKL and will be staying at CSR this December. While I am very excited about staying at a new resort, it's really impossible to compare the two. AKL is a Deluxe with a balcony and interior hallways - both things I love. Since I go to Disney alot without my family, I try to save money when I can which is really the only reason I am doing CSR. BUT it looks like a lovely resort.

No offense to anyone, but there are two very distinct groups of posters on the boards right now about CSR. Some who put it down anytime and everytime they can . . . and some who won't accept it has any negatives.

 

[lilyv]

AKL does not have a woods view. Do you mean AKL - standard view or Wilderness Lodge - woods view? I have stayed at AKL and will be staying at CSR this December. While I am very excited about staying at a new resort, it's really impossible to compare the two. AKL is a Deluxe with a balcony and interior hallways - both things I love. Since I go to Disney alot without my family, I try to save money when I can which is really the only reason I am doing CSR. BUT it looks like a lovely resort.

No offense to anyone, but there are two very distinct groups of posters on the boards right now about CSR. Some who put it down anytime and everytime they can . . . and some who won't accept it has any negatives.

Also possible OP meant pool view. I found it's really not much more money to opt for the pool view at AKL....so we did!

 

[rlduvall]

Also possible OP meant pool view. I found it's really not much more money to opt for the pool view at AKL....so we did!

I actually prefer the pool view over the savannah view because it's usually significantly cheaper and I don't have to worry about getting a lousy savannah view. I'm all about the view (and saving a dollar).

 

[Buzz2001]

I stand corrected. Coronado Springs resort has 1,967 guest rooms, and 220,000 sq feet of meeting space. The other individual resorts listed aren't remotely close in size.

Choosing a resort is an very individual decision. Lots of options at Disney.

CSR only has 1,921 rooms.

 

[Buzz2001]

While there are folks that like it, many of us feel the resort is the worse of the mods out there.

Mayl/lilyv I disagree, I think there are many more that love it than those that do not.

Check for yourself.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1593841

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1448838

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379456

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1390589

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1398185

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1545004

 

[Flossbolna]

I agree with the posters who said it is really a question of what you want. I think CSR is very beautiful and I was very temted to stay there (had it been available for my next trip), but I really love the indoor walkways to your room, the private balcony, the fact that there is only one bus stop to and from the parks and the relative proximity of everything, so AKL would be my option.

Pool view is a good option in my view, all rooms are still fairly close to the restaurants (they overlook the pool), pool (obviously) lobby and busses. There are many public viewing areas and the pool itself looks great, so offers a great view.

 

[lilyv]

Mayl/lilyv I disagree, I think there are many more that love it than those that do not.

Check for yourself.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1593841

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1448838

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379456

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1390589

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1398185

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1545004

Respectfully, I didn't post the quote mentioned.(#12) I always take the position there are lots of options at Disney, and each person decides for themselves what is the best fit for their family. The best thing about the DIS boards are that they allow lots of views and opinions. lilyv

 

[pouncingpluto]

I really like both of these resorts. I would pick AKL, but if money is tight, or if there's simply something else you'd like to do with that $400, I think you'd be very happy at CSR.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Well we have stayed at both resorts. CSR with a standard room and a preferred room, AKL with a pool view and a savannah view and CL. For me personally AKL wins hands down. We liked CSR but LOVED AKL. Maybe that is a better way to put it. I found the pool view to be nice but DS is into animals so he liked that view better. The zero entry pool is a plus with little ones and the hottub playground area is set up nice. The food choices at AKL are much better IMO. We usually eat at Boma at least once per trip. I hope you like whichever resort you choose. Just remember you are comparing a duluxe vs a moderate. Deluxe = interior halls and private balconys.