AKL: Way out there?

[Peter Pirate]

I was just looking at an ariel of Disney property and noticed the relative close proximity of AK, Epcot, MGM & DD to each other. It would seem to me that it is the MK that is far removed. Does anyone else feel the knock on AK and AKL as being remote is just a silly perception?

 

[CaipiraBob]

For a Deluxe I'd say it's remote. It's fairly separated from the rest of Disney. Deluxe hotel areas such as those on or near the monorail and those on the boardwalk have a sense of continuity and connection with the parks. AKL is remote by comparison, again, for a deluxe.

On the other hand, AKL is simply exceptional. It's a destination unto itself. If it had a monorail running through it, you'd never be able to book a room. Just as well for AKL fans.

 

[crusader]

It is a misperception. The reason probably has to do with the transportation system. Only accessible by bus or car gives the impression of being out of the way compared to the other parks. Add to it the fact that you aren't able to see the AK from any vantage point on the open road or the parking lot, and it appears very remote despite the actual location. The mountain may change all this.

But I agree with you. The MK is the farthest away. The more I stay onsite in the Epcot area, the more distant the original park is.

.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I can't speak for AKL because I haven't stayed there, but I found the Polynesian to be too remote. Yes, it's on the monorail, and near the Magic Kingdom, but that's it. It was quite a haul to get to anything else.

The Epcot area is so much more centrally located.

At least Animal Kingdom, and the Lodge are near Sherberth Rd, right off of 192.

 

[sbelyo]

I've stayed there before and plan to again in Jan. It does take some time to make it to the MK so in that respect it is a little remote. However it is my favorite deluxe resort. Since it's less then 5 yrs. old everything is well maintain and clean. And you definitely don't feel like you're in Fla. That alone is worth the slight distance from the MK.

 

[Beachangel]

I never considered AKL "out there", but I'm happy others do!

 

[All Aboard]

As much as I love AKL, I get the "remote" feeling when I stay there. But, that's not a bad thing. More than it's location, it's the surroundings. When you are there you are not aware of anything around you (for the most part.) When you are at an MK resort, you see the park, the boats, the other resorts (same for Epcot area.) So it does seem isolated, which could contribute to defining it as "remote."

 

[CrazyaboutMickey]

I agree with the others that it is only perception that makes it seem remote. It was, for us, a departure from the ordinary and once you've stayed there, it is hard to stay anywhere else. We always have a car however, so transportation isn't an issue. From the first time we walked in the doors, we felt transported to a very special destination. It even smells delicious! We really fell in love with it and loved going "home" there every night when we left the parks. I know everyone has different tastes and styles (and budgets), but I wish Disney would focus more on building hotels that truly transport you to another time and/or place. I don't think they have accomplished that often enough. If we couldn't stay AKL, Wilderness Lodge or Polynesian, we would probably stay somewhere off site.

 

[pooh6890]

One of the nicest things about AKL is the feeling you are still in Disney but away from it all. We love walking into that beautiful lobby and the smells and overall feeling of home. The warmth and beauty of that hotel makes it my number 2 next the YC. Where else can you sit on a balcony and have 6 giraffes under your feet? I have suggested this hotel to many of my friends and they have nothing but raves about it. Can't wait to return.

 

[Planogirl]

We spent little time in the parks during our last trip but lots of time at AKL. I love the place, it's like a destination itself and I wish that it was even more remote.

 

[Bill3]

It should be remote. I doubt if the Zebras would feel real comfortable grazing close to Big Thunder MT or ToT. I am glad WDW puts up a few roadblocks to the public for getting to AKL. It will also let that most crowded of all the parks,AK expand someday.

 

[Lebjwb]

We've never stayed at AKL but have a reservation in March (Yipee!!). We have stayed elsewhere on property... one of the places being OKW. I loved it! It was quiet and calm. After a long day at the parks with beaucoup sensory overload a quiet balcony and a cold adult beverage is just the ticket. I think AKL will be just fine. What's the travel time to MK? 30 minutes?

 

[Bstanley]

Depends on how quickly the Bus gets there - I'm one of those people that believes the bus to where I want to go has ALWAYS just left as I walk up

Actual Bus time to MK from AKL is 20-25 minutes.

We've stayed there a couple of times now and it's my second favorite WDW resort (The Poly will always be #1). At the AKL I really enjoy the 'playfulness' of the CMs. I have a very 'bush-like' vest and cargo shorts that I wear at WDW to tote everything and when I walk out to Arusha Rock to talk with the CMs they always 'play around' about where I've been or where I'm going that day, "Going on the hunt today are we sir?" - The CMs are really the best part of the 'Theme' at AKL.

 

[airlarry!]

Who hijacked Scoop's id?

Just kidding, Scoop.

Anyone who has stayed at the MK resort area knows that the entire area feels like one cohesive "park," with the actual MK itself just an extension of your vacation.

One wonders whether or not AK would be doing better in the recently released numbers had Disney masterplanned an AK resort area with transportation connections, instead of the 'remote' park that it is now.

 

[All Aboard]

The Wildlife Express would have been much cooler as transportation from AKL to AK than its current application.

 

[vjc715]

We had a rental car, and didn't find it a hassle or a pain to get to the other parks. It wasn't as centrally located as the other resorts, but just as easy to get around.

 

[Peter Pirate]

My main point was that in looking at the actual location, AKL isn't really the Resort or Park area that is away fromit all. It is really quite close to DD, Epcot, & MGM...It's MK & those Resorts that are far removed.

Of course the lack of 'deluxe' transportation' at AKL is legitimate. Not a deal breaker, IMO, but a cool individualized mode to AK would be exceptional.

 

[Lebjwb]

My main point was that in looking at the actual location, AKL isn't really the Resort or Park area that is away fromit all. It is really quite close to DD, Epcot, & MGM...It's MK & those Resorts that are far removed.

Of course the lack of 'deluxe' transportation' at AKL is legitimate. Not a deal breaker, IMO, but a cool individualized mode to AK would be exceptional.

You're 100% correct my friend. Personally a 20-25 min. bus trip is no biggie IMHO. I always like the alternate transportation idea. For me, although slower then All the other types of transportation available and completely unfeasable, I think the whole place should be water accessable.


DD wanted this band guy posted.

 

[rcyannacci]

I just returned from a trip and visted the AKL for dinner and a look at x-mas decorations. I would stay here in a heartbeat, and it didn't seem that removed to me. I also like the bus transportation (the only problem I've had at any resort is trying to get to Downtown Disney), but agree that a water transport would be wonderful...and most likely more environmentally friendly to the animals.

Even if WDW could afford to extend the monorail to other parks/resorts, I don't think it is a mode of transport that could handle the crowds at peak periods. With busses, they have the flexibility to add new routes and handle larger volume between each season.