Akl?

[dani0622]

I have a chance to change my upcoming trip from POFQ to AKL for a very small monetary difference. Obviously, I know the biggest difference is deluxe vs. moderate, but I still need some convincing. I do think it looks beautiful but I'd like to hear from someone who has stayed how great it is! Thanks in advance!

 

[HopperFan]

...run don't walk to AKL. It is a spectacular hotel. The lobby is breathtaking, the decor and art in the hallways is fascinating, the animals are taking you to another world, the restaurants are delicious, the fire pits are cozy, the live music entertaining, the guides all over from Africa are so interesting to talk with, the gift shop is a treat, the kids have activities galore and I find myself just enjoying wandering around the hotel and soaking it all in. We spent very little time in our room (although nice) preferring to enjoy the entire hotel experience. Everyone should stay there once........

 

[dixiedizfan]

Dani0622: We're booked at POFQ and I would LOVE to upgrade to AKL for a little bit more. Can I ask how much more you have to pay and where you found such a deal?

 

[wendypooh]

Well, we haven't stayed YET, but, if you can afford it.............. WHY NOT!!! We've stayed at POFQ, last year, and while it was nice, we really didn't see enough of a difference between it and the values, to warrant to price difference. This is of course just my opinion. We got a email code, and were able to get the same rate for POFQ, as the values, so we did it, but we wouldn't do it again. Other than it having a slide, we didn't really find it as "impressive" as we were hoping for. I believe that going to a deluxe, will indeed be worth it!!! If you haven't yet, go read this thread.........http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=752192
it's amazing the amount of AKL info you'll find, and it helped to convince us to stay here. My DS who is 6 is so excited about staying there. Not to mention, the african stew, and ZEBRA DOMES!!!!!

Regardless, you'll be at disney, so it'll be great, but again, if you can afford it, go for it!!!!

 

[dani0622]

Thank you everyone!! I am about 99.9% convinced! Just need to convince the hubby which should be easy.

I booked my room using the BRP. My rates were just reduced for POFQ and the cost to stay at AKL now is only $75.00 more than we were originally going to pay to stay at POFQ.

 

[dixiedizfan]

Thanks ... With our AAA we've got POFQ for $111, but it would be $170 a night at AKL, which over a 7-night stay would be over $400 more. Your $75 extra is a WHOLE lot better ... go for it!

 

[Leota]

We loved AKL enough to go back again. I have become enamored of the Swan & Dolphin & thought I would never stay anywhere else (did POFQ for free dining tho - missed the Dolphin everyday)

But, that Savannah View is just incredible. We spend hours on our balcony just watching our animal friends.

I doubt I will ever do a full trip there, I would miss the Dolphin too much, but I do like a couple days there out of a longer trip.

You can't even compare POFQ to AKL. I liked POFQ, but it wasn't the Deluxe experience that AKL is.

That said, I also wouldn't stay at AKL unless I had the Savannah view room. That's the only thing that brings us back there.

 

[liamsaunt]

Definitely upgrade! You will love it. AKL has great restaurants, a wonderful pool, the animals of course, and lots of activities. Plus, AKL has dedicated bus service.

Even if you are booked into a standard room, there is the possibility of an upgrade on check in. There are viewing stations for the animals all through the hotel, so even if you cannot see the animals from your room, you can see them in certain areas of the hallways and the lobby. There is also a trail you can walk out on to watch the animals.

I will be back at AKL two weeks from today! Yippee!

 

[dani0622]

WOW! This place sounds wonderful!!!

 

[Got Quattro?]

Even if money were the same, I would still cose Port Orleans over Animal Kingdom Lodge.

And unlike many posters, I have actualy stayed at both, and know what I am speaking about.

Sure AKL does have better sit down places to eat with Jiko and BOMA, but the mara is the same basic food court you will have at POFQ. Both pools at AKL or POFQ you have to walk a long way to get too, the AKL is covered at least. But the pool at POFQ is much more vibrant and fun to play in.

The animals are cool for the 1st day or so....but soon it becomes a "hey look, theres that giraff again" kind of thing.

If you get bored at AKl you are stuck and theres not much to do without taking a car or bus ride someplace.

POFQ, you can walk to riverside,or take the boat to Down Town Disney. You could do that 3 or 4 times and not see everything. That's the main reason why I would choose POFQ over AKL. AKL you are just so far from everthing, and the resort gets boring after the 2nd or 3rd day. Where POFQ has enough variety and things to do close by.

 

[VAgal76]

As the other posters have said - GO FOR IT! AKL is what our family considers "home." I have a framed drawing of lodge itself that I brought home with me this past trip so I can go back to AKL while in my living room. That should tell you something (other then me being looney).

 

[StillaCubsfan1964]

I just got back from a week at AKL. It was great. Definitely stay there if you have kids. There are so many activities for them to do. Only thing I didn't care about was the size of the bathroom. I ended up learning the hardway (lost skin on my toe) to step between the tub and toilet before closing the door.

 

[henrylovespooh]

I have not stayed there but have spent time in the hotel. It is gorgeous! The restaurants are great, they have activities, there is animal viewing, and the lobby is beautiful. I would definitely do it.

 

[BelleMcNally]

I have stayed at both AKL and POFQ, and I would chose AKL Hands-down. I thought POFQ was very nice, but I have never felt as "surrounded by magic" as I did at AKL. If I could afford to, I would stay there every time. The animals are amazing, the campfires and storytelling at night are so much fun. There are so many small touches that I find something new every time I stay.

The rooms are also gorgeous--roomy with big comfy beds...*sigh*

I could go on and on...