Contemporary or AKL?

[Tigger Woods]

Here's my situation. I'll be staying at Disney for 2 nights in December. (wedged between 2 days at Hard Rock and a week at Long Boat Key) There's my wife and 2 boys, aged 2 and 4. We'll be spending one day at MK and one day just goofing off. I can get the Contemporary Garden or AKL savannah for the same price. ( I haven't stayed at either) My boys aren't ones to sit on the balcony and enjoy the view. (they'd rather climb OVER the balcony) Is AKL so spectacular that you would choose it over the Contemporary, which is in closer proximity to MK? Which place is better for little ones? I know its a subjective question, I'd just like to hear some educated feedback. Thanks..

 

[WDWCRAZY32]

Contemporary, Preference North wing, ground floor, near play ground. You can sit on the patio and the kids can play on the playground. Also very large game room, movie theater, and close to MK. Good pools and marina right outside room.

 

[tileman]

I have never stayed at the Contemporary but have at the AKL
So I vote for the AKL its great

 

[tlt]

If you have one day just to "goof off"...I can't think of a better place than AKL. Great viewing spots for the animals, story telling, night time fire, wonderful pool near the animals, great food. It is like no other resort. By the way...we love Hard Rock!...but since you are staying there, I'd go with AKL since it is so different. The Contemp is nice, but AKL would give you a whole other vacation feel...plus, I hear it is decorated amazingly for Xmas

 

[winniedapooh]

I have not stayed at the AKL but have at the Contemporary. I would choose the Contemporary near the playground as well. You can sit and watch them and not have the balcony fear, which I would have with my cherubs! Hope you have a great trip.

 

[aring75]

Keep in mind the CR is very convenient to MK.

Just a thought.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm a BIG fan of Monorail resorts when you have little ones, if you can afford it of course.

So my vote is for the Contemporary! North wing! Your kids will have so much fun at this hotel. Kids think it's so cool.

And you can walk to MK if the monorail are crowded or taking too long.

Have fun!

 

[jldriscoll]

If you take a look at my counter I think you can guess my pick!!!

Chef Mickey's is there too! Dinner there was one of my girls favorite things to do on our last trip! Perfect for young ones that don't sit still! My daughter was stunned when she was ENCOURAGED to stand on her seat and twirl her napkin with Pluto at her side!!!!

 

[soccer mom]

If the boys are into animals at all they would love the AKL. With a savannah view you can sit on your balcony and see giraffe, zebra, gazelle, bongos, etc. like they were in your backyard. You can also view them from different areas around the resort. It has a great zero entry pool with a slide, and a playground. A young gentleman from Africa tells stories around the fire pit every evening about 5:30 p.m. It is a wonderful place. My kids don't want to stay anywhere else!

 

[Tinkbell]

I've stayed at both. AKL is spectacular, but given the ages of your sons, the theming probably wouldn't matter as much. In your situation, I'd go with the Contemporary. It is not as spectacular as the AKL, but it is great to ride the monorail to MK. Your sons may also need a mid day break and staying at the Contemporary would make that easier for you.

 

[cinmell]

I vote for Contemporary for many of the reasons stated in the above posts!

 

[eeyore0062]

Definitely the Contemporary!!! Just the convenience to the MK, and being on the monorail is a great deal! Also, we have stayed in the South Wing, and loved it... had a great room facing Bay Lake, and we didn't find the walk from there to be any worse to the main building that the North Wing.

 

[Demosthenes]

I've stayed at both, and you can't go wrong with either; but the CR is perfect for your situation. For one thing, proximity to MK is the best in the "World." The bus ride from AKL to MK takes way too long. Also, on your day off, the CR has a lake with boating, the monorail to ride, two nice pools (one quiet for you, one recreational for kids right next to each other. CR also has better access to other resorts, other restaurants, and of course, Chef Mickey's for your kids. Also, on your goof off day, you can take a boat to Fort Wilderness, then ride horses, see the campfire show, and go on a hayride at night. Frankly, in your situation, the AKL pales in comparison.