AofA suite x Akl

[carolk2016]

I don't know why I can't make up my mind, I was pretty set on keeping our reservation to AofA but tonight I found out that it would cost the same as going to AKL. What are the major differences we will have in between both resorts?? My kids are 2 and 5 and this is our 1st family trip to Disney, will they enjoy it more at AofA? So hard to decide ... Thanks

 

[aaarcher86]

Theme is a big difference.

A deluxe will have slides at the pool and TS restaurants. I don't know what type of room you have but the size of that would vary.

 

[tcherjen]

If it was me... On our first trip I would pick AOA. If you are staying in a suite, you have two bathrooms-extra room for the kids to lounge too.

You also have a microwave. This can come in pretty handy for late night food for kids. I loved AOA, we have stayed twice now. We are trying AKL this trip for the 1st time. I am looking forward to it, but we are in 1 room with 4 of us. AOA is my youngest favorite resort. It has great photo ops everywhere.

AKL is also a wonderful resort, I guess it just boils down to what you will be happiest with.

 

[ReluctantDisaholic]

If cost is the same, of the 2 I would pick AKL, no question. If I had to choose between value and deluxe it would be deluxe for the theme, room, food options, etc.

 

[robinb]

I don't know why I can't make up my mind, I was pretty set on keeping our reservation to AofA but tonight I found out that it would cost the same as going to AKL. What are the major differences we will have in between both resorts?? My kids are 2 and 5 and this is our 1st family trip to Disney, will they enjoy it more at AofA? So hard to decide ... Thanks

I would go with AKL, hands down. It is s stunning resort and your kids will love it.

 

[parith1114]

I would go for the Deluxe every time. I've stayed at AoA, and while we found the two bathrooms convenient, there convenience doesn't out weigh the amenities of a deluxe.

 

[Aurora0427]

If you are happy with sleeping in the same room as the kids, AKL hands down. It's gorgeous, great pool, lots of amenities, deluxe. If you have to have two separate sleeping areas, stick with AoA.

 

[cel_disney]

We would take the animals over the bathrooms for sure! And you can use your balcony if the kids are sleeping and you are not to make up for the 'shares room' effect!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

AKL hands down. We are comparing a deluxe to a value and there is simply no comparison. AoA is loud and uncomfortable and all you will have is a food court. AKL is gorgeous, comfortable, has a ton of dining options, 2 pools, slides, etc. etc. etc. We've stayed at both and by our second night at AoA, I wanted to leave. It was awful. We've stayed at AKL twice and would not hesitate to go back.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Animal kingdom...for the food if nothing else

 

[mickeynut1]

Another vote for AKL. We've never stayed at AoA, but we love AKL. The resort is beautiful, the pool is nice, and the dining options are great.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

As PPs have said - at AoA you would get more space/extra bathroom/microwave/ect. At AKL you would be staying deluxe, with animals.
I have stayed at both before, and honestly I would probably take AoA over AKl, because of the theme. The age of your children is perfect for AoA...so maybe stay at AKL when they're older?

 

[katt789]

I don't know why I can't make up my mind, I was pretty set on keeping our reservation to AofA but tonight I found out that it would cost the same as going to AKL. What are the major differences we will have in between both resorts?? My kids are 2 and 5 and this is our 1st family trip to Disney, will they enjoy it more at AofA? So hard to decide ... Thanks

Theme is one of the biggest differences. I would HANDS DOWN choose AKL on any regular visit, the beds are comfier, the resort is much nicer, there's multiple sit down restaurants and you can see animals, and IMO, it's much more worth the money than a suite. There's better amenities since it's a deluxe vs a value.

Now, with 2 kids at that age, I'd pick AoA, the theming is INCREDIBLE there, the giant statues from all the movies in all the areas can easily take up a few hours of playing, looking and picture taking. The interior of the suites are pretty nice too, bright colors, nicely decorated, all very kid friendly. The pull down & pull out beds are both comfy, and obviously with a suite there's going to be more space.

 

[brinkley07]

AKL is our favorite resort, and I would choose it hands down. The atmosphere is much nicer, the food access is better and less congested, getting to transportation is more convenient, and of course the animals on the savannah. Also the comfort level of the room alone would sway me.

 

[AspenLL]

Another vote here for AKL. So convenient with little ones. We had a fantastic time with our 13mo last year.

 

[carolk2016]

Am I crazy to even think about a split stay? That way we can experience both ?!?

 

[dansdad]

Am I crazy to even think about a split stay? That way we can experience both ?!?

Not at all. Split stays are a great idea when you can't decide between 2 resorts.

 

[cel_disney]

We have done split stays with the 1st night at a value and then heading to our DVC and while it makes sense for us economically - it's a bit of a pain....I am glutton for punishment as in April we are doing 1 night at ASSports, then 4 nights at BCV, and then 2 nights at CBR. I am sure I am going to hate moving in the middle...for the first night, I always pack everything we need in 1 suitcase so the others can stay closed and in the car, but it's not going to be that smooth when we move to CBR! I am planning to have all clean clothes though which will help some!!

 

[robinb]

Am I crazy to even think about a split stay? That way we can experience both ?!?

It depends on how long your vacation is and if you are planning to get a package which includes the Disney Dining plan. If you're at WDW for less than a week I think that a split stay is more trouble than it's worth, especially with small children. In addition, you run the risk of being "homeless" between when you check out and the official check-in time of 4:00 pm. As for the DDP, frankly you are in what I consider the "sweet spot" for the DDP with 2 small children. Restaurants are hideously expensive at WDW and the DDP will save you a bundle if you plan on going to a few character meals. If you want the DDP, Disney requires you to purchase tickets along with the DDP as a package. The only reservations that can buy the DDP without park tickets are for people with annual passes or reservations at Disney Vacation Club resorts booked with DVC points. So, if you split stay with the DDP you would be required to buy tickets with each reservation which will nearly double the cost of your tickets since Disney gives a big discount on additional days past the third day.

 

[Babsy]

For the same money, I would choose the AKL. The rooms are not as big but they are very comfortable and have a balcony. Also the resort has more amenities that we would use and the activities at AKL as well as watching the animals would be fun for all. Dining options are much better at AKL.

AoA is nicely themed for little ones and has more space in the room, but over all I prefer the advantages of a deluxe.

Good luck!