Contemporary Tower or AKL Savannah?

[Amy&Dan]

So we are going to WDW in October for my son's 11th birthday. We will be staying at our DVC resort for most of the stay but thought it would be fun to stay a couple nights at a different resort as a surprise to him. The two places he always seems to dwell on when watching the planning DVD are the Contemporary (loves the idea of the monorail cruising right through the hotel, also loves Chef Mickey's) and Animal Kingdom with a view looking at the savannah. I got on the website and for those two nights in October we are looking at around $840 for CR and $715 for AKL. Hopefully some sort of AP discount will be available as it gets closer. I know the CR is older but that location would be so neat. Is it worth that much for two nights? Any opinions/input is appreciated!

 

[copper68]

this is just my opinion, which probably isn't worth much since i haven't stayed at either.. haha but, i do know that at AKL the animals are so cool.. you can just walk out on your balcony and watch them.. and it's also a nice resort from what i've seen..

the contemporary has the best arcade at any of the resorts, and also is great location for going to the magic kingdom.. and i must admit, it is pretty cool to see the monorail go right through the hotel..

 

[Tigger113]

It depends on which type of Decor you like and if you want a monorail!

 

[wuv tigger]

We did both resorst for DHs 40th. AKL will probably end up being less expensive. We only paid $151 per night Savannah view and $245 for the Tower room. We liked the AKL better because of the animals and the pool. DDs liked the Tower better because they were fascinated by the castle changing colors at night and seeing the fireworks from the balcony. I do not think you can go wrong with either. We usually prefer to stay offsite, but thought each resort was a unique experience that was worth it.

 

[2gether]

Although AKL is awesome and viewing the animals is cool....well, you can always go to the zoo. The Contemporary has a view of MK right on your porch, and you are on the monorail with a separate spur to MK AND the quickest transportation to Epcot. It is a time saver with an amazing view.

AND THE CALIFORNIA GRILL! 289 days.....

 

[QueenOfCelts]

My vote is for a tower room at the Contemporary! We absolutely loved it there - the view CANNOT be beat!

 

[candleonwater]

We stayed at AKL Savannah view last time... this time we're staying at CR Tower. While the Savannah view room was nice... I REALLY hated the bus service from AKL... of course, I'm sure it all depends on how crowded the resort it... but we chose CR this time because of the monorail.

 

[MissionMouse]

I would recommend staying at the Contemporary and here are my reasons behind my recommendation:

1. Magic Kingdom is the most popular park for a child your age.
2. Transporation access to the Magic Kingdom (walk or monorail)
3. It is only a 5-7 minute walk to or from the Magic Kingdom
4. View Fireworks and Electric Water Pagent from your resort
5. Easy transporation to Epcot
6. Easy access to a wide variety of dining option by boat, monorail or walking
7. Chef Mickey's, California Grill, Arcade, Mouse Boats and other services
8. Architectural/monorail feature...great way to start a day
9. You avoid the bus rush everyday by taking the monorail or just take a nice easy stroll
10. It is very easy to take a mid-day break back to your room or pool

 

[Amy&Dan]

OMG, I cannot believe how I torment myself with our Disney vacations! Last night when I went to bed I told DH, we'll do the Contemporary. This morning I woke up and told him, we'll do AKL! Then I realized that this is for my son and he has always wanted Contemporary so I guess that's going to be the one. It is only for two nights and then we'll be moving to a DVC resort. I have always wanted to surprise my kids with a Disney trip but can never seem to work it. So DH and I have decided our surprise will be the Contemporary or AKL. We told them we will be staying offisite at a place that doesn't have a pool and is 30 minutes away from WDW. The look on their faces! Can't wait to pull into the Contemporary on my son's actual 11th birthday and say: "Here we are, happy birthday until you're 20!" Can't figure out who I am spoiling more, me and DH or my kids. Heck on my 11th birthday my mom baked a cake and I got to take 3 friends to the local mall for a movie.

 

[MinnieM3]

If you can, do the Contemporary for sure! You will not regret it! GEt the Mk view.

 

[NCombs]

How close is the actual view of MK from the Contemporary? I've seen some pictures that make it look really far away and that you have a big view of a parking lot. Can anyone give me some feedback because if it really is a great view, I think it look like a great place to stay.

 

[KLR-wlv]

I am having the exact same dilemma! Only it's my son's 9th BD - we'll be at Vero Beach for 5 days and I'm trying to swing the weekend at DW - my son has always wanted to stay at the contemporary too! I'm awaiting codes! We have stayed at AKL in a Savannah room and I have to say it was amazing. I love the whole resort. But being able to sit and watch the animals for a long period of time is unlike a zoo. The giraffes are great to watch - we saw two that seemed to be courting -rubbing their necks together. It is a really unique experience staying there - but a quick walk back to the CR after the parade and fireworks would be terrific. Not fighting bus or boat traffic is worth the extra money I think...

 

[Kimberle]

CR, hands down.

The views are PHENOMENAL, either side. Plus you have such easy access to the other MK resorts.