AKL vs. CBR

[bmdq89]

We are a family of five (three kids: 9, 6, 1) going to Disney in February. We originally booked CBR (hoping for Jamaica), thinking the Skyliner would help with transportation to HS. But we just saw openings at AKL that fit our budget. So we are really torn. Our big concern is that one adult will be taking the toddler back and forth between the parks and resorts for a nap each day. And (and I know this sounds silly) we want to avoid too much waiting and walking.

What are the bus times like at AKL compared to CBR? We plan to do two days at MK, two days at HS, one day at AK and, one day at Epcot.

Thank you for helping out novices!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

It's an interesting choice, and both have pros and cons. Some folks think AKL is so remote they don't like it. In reality, in our opinion, the only long bus ride is AKL to MK. Rides to EPCOT and HS aren't bad - and the trip to AK is a snap, of course! But with 3 of your days at either EPCOT or HS, the Skyliner could be really convenient - as long as the weather is ok (which is likely to be the case in February). It is a very simple ride between those parks and CBR.

The big plus with AKL, and something our kids loved, would be the animals. It's a very unique experience and your kids would likely have fun with that. It's an interesting choice. Something you might consider, and I have no idea if it would appeal. Maybe do 3 days at CBR, then 3 days at AKL - have multiple experiences! One change of resort is pretty simple to do at WDW. Drop your bags off at checkout, ask Bell Services to deliver them to your new resort, go enjoy the park for the day, and then head to your new resort. The one problem with that plan is you could be without a room for an afternoon, which might not be a good thing with young ones seeking a nap - but just something to consider. Enjoy your trip! February is a great time to visit.

 

[Belle83]

Are you totally positive about going back to the room for naps? We have taken trips with 1yos, 2yos, etc. and they always end up falling asleep in the stroller. We have stayed at Grand Californian twice (right by Disneyland) to help with naps but both trips, we only took advantage of the location/closeness once. If you really think you'll go back for naps, the benefit to CBR is that with the Skyliner, you wouldn't have to fold up the stroller to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If one person is taking a toddler back on their own to a hotel, having to deal with folding up the stroller to get on the bus can be a pain.

AKL isn't really as far away as it seems or people think. I would much rather stay in a room at AKL than CBR if you are all in one room. Plus there are more places for your family to go outside of the room if someone needs to stay in the room and have it quiet (for a nap). Your room will be slightly bigger at AKL. The bus situation at AKL is easier than CBR because there are multiple stops within CBR.

I think for me, I would go for AKL because it's such an awesome resort.

We are also a family of 5 (kids will be 6, 4, and almost 2) and are staying at AKL for our next trip. I have zero concerns about the location. I was a little sad about not having the Skyliner (we were originally planning on Pop Century) but I know we made the right choice for us.