Best Resort to explore?

[g8rben]

We're going in September to AoA. Our first day we will arrive early afternoon and hit the pool. I was looking at heading to another resort in the late afternoon to explore and grab a counter service meal. I don't want to make a table reservation as we will be leaving our house in Colorado at around 3:30am to catch our flight so don't want to push it with tired kids. We made a trip in 2013 while I was attending a conference so did the parks, but didn't do much else. This time I'd like to do a bit of exploring. I'm leaning toward heading to AKL to see the animals etc, and then eat at The Mara. I know WL is supposed to be impressive, but we live in Colorado and have that "national park" feel about 45 minutes from our house so I'm leaning away from that one. Besides AKL, my other thought is hitting the monorail resorts. I'd love to hear thoughts, AKL? Something different? The rest of the trip we'll be hitting the parks pretty hard so this is our shot. Thanks!

 

[Minnie-Maniac]

The Grand Floridian is absolutely beautiful. The lobby is very impressive. It is worth a visit.

 

[saskdw]

AKL is a great idea. If that's your original thought I would probably stick with that.

If you have never rode the monorail before, it might be fun to do that and check out one or all of those resorts.

Another idea would be to head to the Boardwalk area. Especially if you haven't been there before. Lots of places to eat. There's BW, BC, YC, and Swan/Dolphin to check out. Mini-golf close by if you have the energy and desire.

Have Fun!

 

[mickeynut1]

We're going in September to AoA. Our first day we will arrive early afternoon and hit the pool. I was looking at heading to another resort in the late afternoon to explore and grab a counter service meal. I don't want to make a table reservation as we will be leaving our house in Colorado at around 3:30am to catch our flight so don't want to push it with tired kids. We made a trip in 2013 while I was attending a conference so did the parks, but didn't do much else. This time I'd like to do a bit of exploring. I'm leaning toward heading to AKL to see the animals etc, and then eat at The Mara. I know WL is supposed to be impressive, but we live in Colorado and have that "national park" feel about 45 minutes from our house so I'm leaning away from that one. Besides AKL, my other thought is hitting the monorail resorts. I'd love to hear thoughts, AKL? Something different? The rest of the trip we'll be hitting the parks pretty hard so this is our shot. Thanks!

I think AKL is a great choice. We love Mara (it's one of our favorites for resort CS) and the resort is beautiful with plenty of animal viewing areas. With that said, any of the monorail resorts would be a good choice as well. Captain Cooks is our favorite resort CS and the tropical atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing.

 

[Fizban]

Another vote for AKL or Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Accident]

If your just looking to randomly explore somewhere I also recommend Wilderness Lodge. If your looking for an outdoorsy afternoon/rest day/interesting food options (and one of the best non-character breakfasts) Fort Wilderness is great with a wide variety of things to do (and one of the resorts so large there is a bus between sections).

We always try to visit the "next likely to stay at" resort when we are there but we hit a few resorts just for dinner or lunch every year so I can't really say we don't explore many of them.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

The Grand Floridian is absolutely beautiful. The lobby is very impressive. It is worth a visit.

Especially when the piano is being played in the lobby.

 

[Minnie-Maniac]

Especially when the piano is being played in the lobby.

I totally agree. That is really cool.

 

[Ceryssa]

AKL would be a good choice. But I'd second the recommendation to explore the Epcot resort area. Eat at Boardwalk Bakery, and/or get ice cream to go from Beaches & Cream. There are 3 resorts to explore there, the beachy area might be kind of fun to hang out on for a while, and the shows on the Boardwalk at night are a lot of fun.

 

[JennyDrake]

AKL

 

[Mainemama]

How about the Poly? Captain Cooks is great, and has the added benefit of Dole Whips! You can walk down to the beach, take a boat ride to MK, go for a spin on the monorail. Depending on the timing, you could catch the lighting of the torch ceremony, watch the movie on the beach, or see the EWP or Wishes from the beach! AKL is very neat, but it can feel like a long ride on the bus to get there.

 

[Babsy]

Yes, AKL is probably the resort that I would suggest. Mara is a great quick service. We love the soups in particular. The animals are easily watched from many public areas. Try the night vison goggles if you are there after dark.
Of course all the MK resorts are also great places to explore. You could go to both the Poly and the GF using the monorail, boat or by walking the pathway between.The lobby is magnificent at the GF and the grounds are spectacular at the Poly. I would eat at the Poly (Captain Cook's) rather than Gasparilla grille at the GF. I wouldn't bother with the CR. It is an impressive resort to stay in, but less so for visiting.

 

[g8rben]

Thanks everyone! I have to say you haven't made it easier with all the great suggestions! We've moved the trip to November, but still have the same itinerary. May have to be a "call it when we get there." I know my wife and daughter would love the animals, my 2 sons and I love the Monorail, so we'll have to see who wins. I really appreciate the opinions on Mara and suggesting Captain Cook's as a great option at the Poly. Good stuff!