Birthday Surprise...Need Your Help!!!!

[seaprincess]

::MinnieMo Hi everyone! As a fairly new member to the boards, I thought I might be able to rely on your expertise on this matter....

I am surprising my finace for his birthday and taking him to Disney for his 37th birthday and to celebrate our upcoming wedding!! I have his boss in on the surprise and my husband thinks he is going to Florida on business September 30th for four days. The great part is that I will be waiting at the gate at the airport for him to whisk him away!! His boss even volunteered to take him to the airport...what a great guy!! Now I find it hard to contain my excitement!!!!

Anyway, after much research, I had finally decided on the MYW Package with free dining for four nights. We are avid Disney fans having stayed at the Yacht Club, Contemporary and Boardwalk Villas. Because we are planning for our Honeymoon in December, consequently on Disney Cruiseline , I was trying to stay on a budget. After speaking with WDW Reservations, the agent suggested that we try Animal Kingdom Lodge, she said it was romantic and a great place to stay. I was leaning more towards the Contemporary or Yacht Club, however they price about $300-400 higher. Ultimately, I settled on AKL pool view and started planning away.

Now, back to my dilemma...over the past several weeks, I have read a lot of negative comments/reviews about AKL, the most recent one this evening really got to me. Comments about the staff being rude and unhelpful, that the resort is too far away, rooms being dark and unappealing etc. scared me. I realize that everyone has an opinion, but it seems there are a lot of people who agree with these issues. I am now questioning my decision to stay at AKL.???

So... I did some more shopping and found that the Contemporary has a Junior Suite avaialble for about $300 more overall, is it worth it to switch??? I have read that the Contemporary is under renovations, so I am feeling really torn!! Can you help?? Any opinions are welcome.

I want this trip to be perfect, so thanks to all who reply. Have a great night!

 

[safetymom]

I would stay at the AKL. Many many people have had great stays there.

 

[Cruz Family]

My in-laws just got back from AKL and had only wonderful things to say about it. Though I have never stayed there before I think it is a lot more cozy and romantic for a couple, but also has a more manly feel. Where as the Cont. is a little cold and stark, just not very special. I am sure you will have a great time no matter what you choose. Good luck, Melissa

ps- The $300 you save would sure could get a couple
of really great dinners.

 

[lmhall2000]

I think you'd love it!!! We really enjoyed our stay there and if we didn't have 3 little kids in tow we would repeat our stay...the resort was perfect...we just need the convenience of a monorail for little feet that don't like to walk so much and can get back to their room quickly for pool time. If AK were on the monorail we'd stay there all the time!

Tara

 

[Alicnwondrln]

you have to go with your gut
you have to take reviews with a grain of salt
i would stay CR but thats me
what do you really want adn what will he like
it sounds like you went with AKL cuz of the money so ...just make a decisiom and then dont change anything and have FUN

 

[kandeebunny]

I personally would pick CR because it is a shorter thip and on the monorail. AKL is very far removed and it does take longer to get places.

If you want that lodge feel and don't want to be so far away (also splitting the price difference) try WL.

 

[iteachlit]

My brother stayed at AKL during his honeymoon. He stayed in a deluxe savannah view room.

Both he and my now sister-in-law loved it.

 

[Feralpeg]

I make deliveries to AKL all the time. When I do, I wait in line like everyone else and deal with the CMs behind the front desk. They have to look up the guest and make a note of the delivery. I have never had a CM be rude to me. In fact, just the opposite. Sometimes, people give me the wrong name that the reservation is under. That requires the CM to hunt until we locate the right guests. They have never complained about this. I find them to be very pleasant and helpful.

I've stayed at AKL and thought the decor in the lobby and rooms was beautiful. It might be a little dark, but that adds to the feel. We had no problem getting transportion from their either.

Good luck to you whatever you choose. I'm sure you will have a great trip!