AKL vs. CBR

[Iheoma]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a trip with DD (very active 2.5 year old) and DH for May 3-8, 2004. My question is this: Should we spend the extra money for AKL or stay at CBR. We really can't afford a savannah view room at AKL so it would be a standard room. I've read that AKL is not worth the money w/o the savannah room view BUT I've always wanted to stay at a deluxe resort. I'm not really interested in any other Deluxe other than the Poly - which DH will probably do on a child-free trip. On the other hand, I've read really good things about the CBR as well. The extra money we would save would probably go towards more Disney "stuff". In either case, we'll be doing the Silver Plan upgrade so as to not worry about one meal a day and some fun extras. So any advice would be great.

Thanks,

Iheoma

P.S. I should say that this will be our first on-site stay. We've alway stayed off-site in suite hotels.

 

[franw]

The best thing about the CBR is how kid-friendly it is. Lots of open space for the kids to run. Playgrounds and little beach cove areas. Bikes to rent and a fun big pool. My son and daughter-in-law went in November to the VWL and the BWI. While they loved the fancier resorts they ended their trip with three days at the CBR and the kids (2 & 4) had the best time ever there. The AKL is certainly beautiful but if you are looking for a tropical setting with lots of room for the kids to play, I'd save your money and take the CBR. Ask for a room closer to the Old Port Royale since you have little ones with you.

 

[Iheoma]

I really appreciate it Running around space will be something important for dd.

Iheoma

 

[epcotfan]

I would choose CBR just on the basis that the resort is more centrally located to other theme parks than AKL. The food court is much larger as well.

 

[safetymom]

The villages at CBR that are close to the pool and food court will be preferred in 2004. These would be Martinique and Trinidad North. CBR is a great resort for families.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

I have stayed at both.
I did not have a savannah view, but my mother did. We had a pool view, and I did not miss the savannah view even after my mother was gone.

I have to say that there is something about AKL that you can't beat. Yes, it is far from other parks, but on the other hand, the busses that leave from AKL are very frequent.

The pool is really cool as well it is a zero entry pool. I think it will be a quite time when you are there, and it would not hurt to ask if there is an upgrade available

The architecture is unbelieveable!! When you walk in you will also notice this wonderful smell of hickory that comes from the restaurant Bomas.



The CBR is cool too. Just like the other posters have said it is more of a family place. If you plan on spending a lot of time doing activities at the resort then it would be a good choice.

If you are a laid-back kinda family that does not get into many sporting activities why don't you give AKL a try. Maybe you could even split your stays since Disney would transfer your luggage for you.

 

[Iheoma]

Now I've really got a lot to think about. We probably will be spending most of our time at the theme parks but we would like to spend at least one day just hanging out at the resort. Lots of decisions to make

Thanks again,

Iheoma