AKL Water View or CSR Water View

[Merriwind]

Hi all-

Finally in February, it will be my turn to celebrate a birthday at WDW. Actually, we'll arrive the day after, but close enough!

DH has to be in Orlando for the week anyway for a show. He'll be there with or without us, so we figured let's go! He can spend up to about $200 per night on a room. Checking the Best Rates for our dates, we can stay at AKL (water/pool view, savannah is too much) or CSR or any moderate or value. We were at AKL for a couple of days a few years ago and really liked it. CSR looks appealing to me, so I've sort of narrowed it to those two. WL doesn't show availability for those dates, plus we'll be there for a week next month.

Anyone stay at both or either and have opinions to share. Anyone with a better thought? Any comments/help appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Pooh1219]

I've never stayed at CSR, but I've been to AKL three times, all pool view rooms, and I just love it there. No, you can't walk out onto your balcony to view the animals, but there are so many other places to see them, that I didn't find that to be a problem. We would go out onto the balcony each morning before leaving for the day, have a cup of coffee, and watch the early swimmers and just enjoy the sun coming up over the hotel. A lot of people worry about the noise with a pool view room, but we only experienced a bit of noise one night, and that wasn't even all that bad. When you close the door, virtually all outside noise is kept outside. Some people say they wouldn't go to AKL if they couldn't stay Savannah, but I'm not one of them. If I can't afford the Savannah view, then pool is just fine for me. At least I'm at the best resort in WDW.

By the way, I'll be there myself from 2/11 through 2/18 so maybe I'll see you there!

 

[Merriwind]

Thanks Pooh. I thinking I'm leaning toward AKL, but CSR is somewhere I've never been. Decisions, decisions...

 

[mm6mm6]

I've been to both Merriwind and since you've already been to AKL, I say give CSR a try!

We've been to all three moderates and just love them!

The CSR pool/dig site is really great. The Jaguar slide that shoots water at you is really fun and an rather long slide to go down. Mugs are re-filled poolside which is unlike the other two moderates, so if you get mugs, you'll get plenty of value out of them.

The lakes at the CSR have gorgeous white sand beaches with hammocks. If you get a water view room and it's of the lake and not a pool, you will just love the view. I would get up in the morning and step outside to the second floor railing with my morning o.j. and just gaze at the shimmering lake and the dew on the grass reflecting the morning Florida sun.

The theming is wonderful at the CSR. The Pepper Market is a very unique place to eat and the food is excellent.

For the sake of change, I'd say give it a try!!!!! You'll love it!

-Steve

 

[jimmiej]

I've done both. Pool view at AKL & Cabanas 8B 2nd floor corner room water view.

Wow! I would have a difficult time making that choice. Of all the Disney resorts we've stayed at (see below), these two are my faves.

I think you'd be happy with either. Since you've been to AKL, try CSR. I know I like to try a different resort each trip. However, if restaurants are important to you, stay at AKL. It's hard to beat Boma!