AKL will we regret it?

[shelly3girls]

We have planned a long weekend at the AKL in December with a Savannah view. The only reason we are going is b/c I have always wanted to see WDW with holiday decorations and we got a great rate. The idea is to relax, spend some time in the parks, relax, see the lights, and relax. We have been to the parks numerous times in the past year and will be returning in May. We definitely want to see some of our favorites, but not spend all our time in the parks. DD3 and DD1 will be with us. Am I going to regret staying so far from the parks? Is it going to be too inconvenient? Are we making a mistake. Also my grandmother may be coming with us (but pretty unlikely). She is 88 and will require a wheelchair in the parks. Will she have difficultly at the resort? Any help or advice will be welcome. Thanks!!

 

[KJal1]

Hi,
Personally I think you made a great choice especially if you want to relax. We stayed at AKL in March and it was great. The buses were very good (unless we just have great timing). As for the kids--AKL always seemed to have something going on wether it was crafts by the pool or a nature quiz in the lobby where the kids could "win" beads, to storytelling at night. You'll get a daily (?) calendar of events going on when you check-in. The pool (zero depth entry & a kiddie pool right next to the outdoor seating area for Mara) and jacuzzis are great. We didn't eat at Jiko (yet!) but Boma had a good breakfast buffet (big selection). As for your grandmother, I don't think you'll have any problems with a wheelchair at the resort or in the parks. If she does decide to go with you, you could always fax them a room request noting that you will be traveling with her and she uses a wheelchair. I would think that all the handicapped accessible rooms would be on the first floor anyhow.
Have a great time!!

 

[PADVCmember@OKW]

I agree with the previous post - good call with AKL. We were there during Christmas week 2000.

Don't overlook the decorations at the various resorts as the decorations are themed specifically for each resort.

With a little searching, holiday photos of all parks and resorts can be found at laughingplace.com.

 

[Mom of 5]

I don't think you'll regret your decision to stay at AKL. The resort is beautiful - a great place to just hang out - and the transportation was fantastic. We were there in January with our 5 children ( the youngest were 3 and almost 2), and never had to wait more than five minutes for a bus.

Oh, and the Christmas decorations were really nice!!

Enjoy your stay!

 

[shelly3girls]

Thank you everyone for your response. I feel so much better about our reservation now! We can't wait to see the Christmas lights, now to just start all the planning. Let's hope we can find some cheap airfares!

 

[llachance]

One more response. My daughter (15yo) and I were there from the 3rd to the 6th of July. I had no intentions of visiting the park because this was a time to relax before we cruised the following week. We had a savannah view, not even deluxe, saw a million animals and stayed busy all day....ate at Boma one morning for breakfast (preferred dinner because I don't eat as much at breakfast), ate at Jiko for dinner and left for our cruise Saturday morning knowing that we would love to stay there again! Didn't miss the parks at all.

 

[webray]

We spent a long weekend at AKL, never left the resort...and still want to go back for more. It is the best place to go and relax, great pool, food and castmembers.

You will love it!

 

[adams66]

DITTO..... Four thumbs up for AKL savannah view!!

 

[Janet2k]

My parents, my sister's family, my young daughter, and myself all stayed at the AKL over Christmas/New Year's at various times. It was a lovely resort to be in for the holidays. I don't have many photos of the decorations at the AKL resort, but I do have a few: click here to view them.

I hope you have a magical stay in December!

 

[Janet2k]

By the way, please check out Tinkbell's post: click here to view it. She just returned from the AKL with her mother and her 82 year old grandmother. They had a magical vacation.

 

[Andrew015]

AKL is a beautiful place to visit, especially at Christmas. BUT, I haven't stayed there because it's slightly off the main drag to me. I love the MK, along with the MK resorts. This is where I spend most of my time. Also EPCOT, but It's easy to get to from any resort. Anyways, for me being a MK buff, I'd prefer the WL at Christmas over any other resort. Now, if you're not overly concerned with park hoping, AKL might be perfect. Personally, I like the feel of the WL at Christmas over any other resort. I feel that they do it the best! But they're all right up there!!! All what you prefer.

 

[ducklite]

Excellent choice. We think AKL is the most relaxing of all the WDW Resorts. It is gorgeous, and draws you in like no other. It envelopes you so you do'nt want to leave

Anne