AKL with code or Swan?

[DeeCeeSW]

My DH is driving me nuts. Last night we saw the Travel Channel's "Top Ten Family Resorts," and after seeing AKL and that it is considered #1, he is now wondering if we should switch our ressies from the Swan to AKL (once the codes come out for September). The Swan is $139 plus the resort fee, so for a little more we would probably ask for a savannah view at AKL. Any thoughts on this?!

 

[csmommy]

How long are you staying? Why not split stay? We couldn't decided either, so we are doing our first 3 nights at AKL, & last 3 at The Swan!

 

[DeeCeeSW]

DH never wants to split stay again. Last year we spent 2 nights at POR then 5 at the Poly. He hates unpacking and packing again. I don't mind it at all. So, I have to pick one!

 

[Disney Cape Codder]

We stayed at AKL this year and the Swan last year. In our opinion, there is no comparison. AKL is superior to the Swan. The big difference to us is that AKL is a Disney property. The CMs at AKL bent over backwards to assist us and meet every request. The staff at the Swan was less than helpful, even when we reported mold on the ceiling of our bathroom. We loved the superior bus service, excellent food, staff, myriad of activities, pool and of course, the animals at AKL. The pool and access to Epcott were nice at the Swan but overall it did not compare to AKL.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I had a feeling that great things would be said about AKL. I think it would be great for our 2-year-old DS to see the animals (LOVES animals!) but I guess I was concerned about the lack of choices with dining and the option to go to Epcot and MGM and the Boardwalk by foot rather than have to take buses everywhere. However, I understand that the bus service is great from AKL.

 

[MLAinVA]

We just had a very nice stay at Club Level at the Swan. Personnel in the lounge couldn't have been nicer!!! But other Swan employees just didn't get it. Some deliberately looked the other way rather than even saying "good morning". Sorry, but give me the Disney brand of hospitality any time. Our next trip, we'll be at the AKL.

 

[Disney Cape Codder]

AKL is definitely more child friendly than the Swan. We have a DS age 4 and DD age 7. They participated in the pool slide opening ceremony, made cookies, tracked animals, listened to the african story telling, etc. The AKL slide is very gentle and would probably be fine for a two year old. Your 2 year old would also like the zero depth entry pool feature at AKL. AKL and the Swan both have nice pools and kiddie pools but when we were at the Swan it was almost all conventioners and our kids missed seeing other kids. The Mara fast food court had a great kids and adults menu and the prices seemed less than tubbies which you had to walk to the Dolphin for and was not always open. My kids loved the Boma buffet for breakfast and lunch. Your DS would eat free there since he is under 3. Both of my kids told us that they liked AKL better than the Swan last year.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Wow, AKL sounds wonderful. Of course, we turn on the Travel Channel again tonight and what do they show? AKL as one of the best themed hotels! Thank you, Disney Cape Codder, for your detailed posts. It's hard not to lean towards AKL when you all have such wonderful things to say!

Looking forward to seeing new codes so that I can price out views. Looks like the pool view would be comparable to the rate I got at the Swan (after applying the 40 or so percent off). I wonder if there would be a good chance of receiving an upgrade during value season.....

 

[Disney Cape Codder]

We booked a standard view and were upgraded to pool view during President's week. I requested a non-smoking, quiet room and bunk beds. I called the room assigner 2 days before check-in and confirmed these requests. I also told her I knew we had booked a standard view but would appreciate the best view possible. She advised the hotel was not full and all our requests would be met. We loved our room. My impression from talking to AKL CM's is they upgrade whenever possible.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Good to hear! I notice that a lot of guests have been getting upgraded at AKL. I don't want to count on it, though, because I don't have much luck with these things. I was thinking I would book a pool view with hopes for an upgrade to savannah view. This way, I'll still have a terrific pool view room no matter what.