CBR or AKL

[Lilevilmisfit]

We currently have a reservation for CBR in May. We noticed with the stay play and save package deal that it would only be about 50 dollars more for AKL. It would just be a resort view room. I love the idea of the sky liner which is the only reason I’m doubting changing. Which resort do you think is better?

 

[eandt]

We currently have a reservation for CBR in May. We noticed with the stay play and save package deal that it would only be about 50 dollars more for AKL. It would just be a resort view room. I love the idea of the sky liner which is the only reason I’m doubting changing. Which resort do you think is better?

AKL is one of the best resorts on property. People complain about it being distant from everything but we just have not found this to be true at all. I think the feel and theme of the resort itself makes folks believe that it is but the longest bus ride is to MK and that is about 17-20 minutes tops … with that said if the skyliner is important to you then cbr would be the choice.

 

[Lilevilmisfit]

AKL is one of the best resorts on property. People complain about it being distant from everything but we just have not found this to be true at all. I think the feel and theme of the resort itself makes folks believe that it is but the longest bus ride is to MK and that is about 17-20 minutes tops … with that said if the skyliner is important to you then cbr would be the choice.

We’ve never actually used the Skyliner before but I’ve heard a lot about them. Do they make a big difference? I don’t mind the buses either. We’ve only ever gone to resorts with bus service before. It would be our first deluxe resort ever.

 

[japanese maple]

We just stayed at AKL for 9 nights.
The buses were fantastic. I was also nervous, but honestly never a problem. And people say how long the ride is to MK, but didn't seem long to us at all. The bus stop at the resort is nice and big, with a different section for each park.

The pool area is soooo nice and going in May, you'll be able to enjoy it. Even just laying in the lounge chairs, watching the flamingos was great. Then of course all the areas to watch the animals. Cast members are fantastic too.

For us, the Skyliner would not be worth staying at CBR over AKL. Ever.

 

[eandt]

We’ve never actually used the Skyliner before but I’ve heard a lot about them. Do they make a big difference? I don’t mind the buses either. We’ve only ever gone to resorts with bus service before. It would be our first deluxe resort ever.

We own at AKV so biased, but I don’t think you would be disappointed at all with Animal Kingdom. We always stayed at moderates prior to our DVC life and honestly CBR was our least favorite of them all albeit pre renovations … easy choice

 

[maryj11]

We loved AKL. Bus service was good and no problem. We loved Boma, the pool and animals. The lobby is amazing . We had a pool view room. The only thing I would be worried about would be getting a room with a long walk to buses and food. Some rooms seem so far. I’ve read a lot of complaints about long walks. That’s why we booked pool view because we knew it would be close.

 

[eandt]

We loved AKL. Bus service was good and no problem. We loved Boma, the pool and animals. The lobby is amazing . We had a pool view room. The only thing I would be worried about would be getting a room with a long walk to buses and food. Some rooms seem so far. I’ve read a lot of complaints about long walks. That’s why we booked pool view because we knew it would be close.

We were in the last studio on Kudu trail last month … a bit of a walk yeah but it wasn’t horrible, especially when we were rewarded like this every morning …

 

[elvispursley]

I think you risk a long walk at either CBR or AKL. So that being said, I’d choose AKL as it is simply a gorgeous resort and has one of the best pools on property, imo, next to SAB. Personally, I love the food at AKL but I always hesitate to stay there with my mom because she doesn’t like the spices in a lot of the food there (she’s my main WDW travel-buddy). And in case of inclement weather, everything is inside (well, mostly everuthing).

 

[maryj11]

I think you risk a long walk at either CBR or AKL. So that being said, I’d choose AKL as it is simply a gorgeous resort and has one of the best pools on property, imo, next to SAB. Personally, I love the food at AKL but I always hesitate to stay there with my mom because she doesn’t like the spices in a lot of the food there (she’s my main WDW travel-buddy). And in case of inclement weather, everything is inside (well, mostly everuthing).

I agree. CBR and AKL could have long walks.

 

[Mirabell Rose]

The extra magic hours for deluxe resort guests is a perk at AKL that you do not get at CBR. Also, while the halls are a walk at AKL, when it is raining you don’t get wet walking the halls like you do going between the buildings at CBR.

 

[FredPinsocket]

If you’re planning on spending any time at the resort during your stay (outside of just sleeping there), AKL is an easy choice. Whether you’re spending time at the pool, or just walking around the different outlooks, being able to spend time at AKL is awesome. Even if it’s only in the morning, there’s nothing cooler than being able to see animals just steps from where you’re sleeping. And not that it’s a guarantee, but both times I’ve done “resort view” at AKL I’ve had a view of the savanna.

 

[5kidsmommy]

If you plan on using the deluxe extra hours then go with AKL. Those two extra hours in the park are fantastic and one huge perk. Plus I just prefer deluxe resorts with balonies and just more space in general.

 

[Nabas]

Like others have written, AKL is hands down way better than CBR.

We’ve stayed at both more than once. CBR can be annoying. You could end up far from both the lobby and Skyliner, and we dislike having to wait for a bus to get to either, which could be needed depending on which building you end up in.

AKL might be 5-10 minutes farther to some theme parks, but it’s a lot better (IMO) than waiting for a bus to take you to the Skyliner, only to wait in line for the Skyliner itself.

AKL has a fantastic lobby, great pool, 2 nice restaurants and a food court, good store, incredible theming, and giraffes!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Another vote for AKL - just an amazing resort with great pools and food options. I know some folks absolutely want to stay at CBR or Riv for the Skyliner -that's not a must-do for us. In fact, after previously getting stuck for15-20 minutes over the highway, we avoid Skyliner unless it's the only real option!

 

[ktink]

The skyliner is great but AKL wins this one! People complain about it only being close to AK. The thing about that is that when we stayed at GF & Poly, the same could be said about traveling to Hollywood Studios & AK. We stayed at AK for 8 nights & that was a bit much but it's a beautiful resort with amazing food options. We ate at Jiko & Boma & enjoyed drinks at Victoria's Lounge. We had 2 pool view rooms & were able to see animals throughout the resort. I would go with AKL in a heartbeat!

 

[Lilevilmisfit]

Thank you everyone for all your helpful advice! We decided to make the switch to AKL. It also made my daughter very happy because she wanted switch.