Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs?

[232271]

We have tried to stay at all the resorts and are down to just few. Our next trip our kids have a difference of opinions. We only have 5 nights, so I do not want to split the trip up.

So, would you do deluxe AKl for $154.99 (w/tax) or CS $122 (w/tax)

The kids love to swim and I know the slide is small at AKL- so that is one concern.
But adding 10% to our bill in the food court at CSR is a big concern as well.

thanks!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Where did you get that rate for AKL? Is that an AP rate? Or a pin?

I got standard AKL for $139 in May with an AP.

Anyway, I decided between these two resorts for May and went with AKL because I got a great rate.

We may do CSR on our October trip. Not sure yet.

 

[estnh]

If you haven't been to the AKL yet, I think it's worth it. CSR is a beautiful resort, but the experience is much the same as all the other moderates, which you probably have already done, while AKL is something entirely different.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

AKL

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Remember: AKL is a deluxe resort. Having stayed at both moderates and deluxes, I feel comfortable saying there is a big difference between the two. If money is not an issue, I would stay at AKL. After our visit this past fall, both dh and I consider it our favorite. BTW, we got the $139 for 7 nights in May.

 

[VMM]

Ok, this was a tough call for me as dh and I just were torn between the same 2 resorts as well. In the end, we went with AKL. We are going for 8 nights and decided to do 4 at Poly (end our trip there) and then stay 4 nights at CSR, but for just $1XX more (not sure of the price as dh make the ressy) we could get AKL standard room for the 4 nights with the AP rate. So he decided to go with it as AKL is a deluxe hotel. HOWEVER, we are definitely going to be making our way over to check out CSR as it is very high on our to-stay list. Perhaps next year!

Just our situation!

Good luck deciding. I really don't think you can go wrong with either choice though. From what I've read on CSR, it is REALLY nice.

Deb*

 

[Deborah_Mary]

Whoops, sorry for the goof up previous post, DH was logged in and forgot to log out!

Deb*

 

[Cabe]

Remember: AKL is a deluxe resort. Having stayed at both moderates and deluxes, I feel comfortable saying there is a big difference between the two. If money is not an issue, I would stay at AKL. After our visit this past fall, both dh and I consider it our favorite. BTW, we got the $139 for 7 nights in May.

How did you get $139. for AKL in May???

 

[cdntourguide]

I spent five nights at AKL in February and it was nice, but with the poor service given by the CMs, the lack of good housekeeping (only once was the room cleaned by 5pm during my stay, towels and soap given every second day only, bath mat on first day only disappeared never to return), I would suggest going to the Coronado Springs.
As for the 10% gratuity, you will be paying a higher percentage gratuity at Boma or Jiko. If you do buy food at Market Garden you can use take out and not pay the 10%, and go outside to eat.
I do have to say that seeing the animals at night grazing around the lodge is exciting, the store at AKL is the best resort store, the main floor seating area is excellent. But you can do all of these things as a evening or day tour to the lodge.

 

[ncbyrne]

I have found that the a lot of the rooms at AKL are a hike down to the lobby!!
If you stay there, be sure to request the room of your choice!

 

[Leota]

Tough question. I'm super pysched to stay at AKL in a couple weeks. I loved it from our visit there to eat at Boma & decided that's where I wanted to celebrate my Birthday.

But, I have to tell you, CSR is a Fantastic resort, especially if swimming is high on your family's list of priorities. We stayed there when DS was 12 & we spent alot of time in the pool as it is really great. The 10% surcharge at PM is nothing, really. The food there is so much better than the other food courts. It's really very much like a sitdown with the extras that you get for that negligible fee. As posted above, Boma & Jiko are both pricier options.

I guess if the money isn't an issue - Go with AKL this trip & save CSR for another trip where the budget might be tighter or a time when you can get CSR for a little less.

 

[caribear]

The $154.99 is actually $139/night plus 11.5% tax.

Having stayed at both resorts, I prefer AKL. The atmosphere is what makes it so special. The feeling you get when you walk inside the lobby is like no other. We love looking for the animals out in the different savannahs...walking around the resort, both inside and out.

 

[Pig Pen]

I love them both but for that price go for AKL.

 

[232271]

wow, thanks for all the advice. I think we will stick with the AKL.
Since it is a deluxe and all.