CSR vs AKL

[kardut]

Coming to Disney for a conference, will be bringing DH and 22-y-o daughter. The conference is at CSR, and I've already booked my room there.

Just got an email from the conference host that CSR is now sold out of the rooms set aside for attendees, and that overflow rooms are available at AKL for the same price.

I'm very tempted to call to see if I can switch to AKL, but how much of a hassle will it be getting from AKL to the conference? We'll have a car, but I'm sure DH and DD will want to use it while I'm at the conference. Is it worth the presumably nicer accommodations at AKL for the potential hassle of getting to CSR? There is something to be said for being able to pop up to the room during breaks...

What would you do? TIA

 

[saskdw]

It wouldn't be worth the hassle for me. CSR is a great resort. AKL is at the lower end of the Deluxe scale and is only marginally better at best. I'd rather be where my conference is.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I'm assuming that if they're putting overflow at AKL at the conference rate, they may provide a special bus. I suggest asking.

 

[Jose Guerrero]

I've stayed at both, and I think rooms are quite similar. They wouldn't be worth the hassle. However, the food and the bus service at AKL were miles better than at CSR! Also, the theming at AKL is amazing.

 

[saskdw]

The bus service at CSR is considered by most on DIS to be the best at WDW. AKL is actually usually considered one of the worst. The PP's experience would not be the norm.

 

[Babsy]

I would stay at the resort with the conference. But that is simply for the convenience. AKL isn't really all that far from CSR and is a deluxe rather than a moderate. We love both resorts, but I do prefer AKL to CSR. Tough choice!

 

[clayfolks]

To us, the bus service from AKL is consistently the best on property. We have stayed there at least once a year for the past 6 years. In that time, we have also stayed at POFQ, POP, AoA, BLT, BWV, OKW, SSR, and GF. AKL is an amazing property with exceptional dining options and a very good bar. OP, I would totally upgrade if given the opportunity. There is no reason you can't take the car to your conference while your family uses Disney transportation.

 

[Kae]

Hands down AKL. And I have stayed at both. Zero entry pool, Balcony great when traveling with a toddler, better food choices. Lots to do at the resort

 

[clapton]

CSR doesn't come close to AKL IMO! I would definitely switch to AKL!

 

[DisBuckMan]

Yeah, it's really not even close. AKL by a mile, and I really like CSR. CSR is my favorite moderate, but AKL is just better. And, as a previous poster stated, I would imagine that they'll run a special bus service from AKL to CSR due to the overflow.

The perceived "knock" on AKL bus service comes from the fact that other than AK, it's farther from all the other parks and Disney Springs than any other resort at Disney. It has little to do with frequency of the buses, which I've always found to be very good at AKL.

 

[Olaf63]

CSR is a great choice. If the budget allows, look into a business class room with access to the lounge. If not, there are many great choices in room location. No shared buses and a central location make for quick rides to all the parks.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would definitely do AKL, especially at the same rate as CSR! That's a big upgrade. If they don't provide a bus, you could easily uber back and forth at minimal cost.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Personally I would stay where you are, love CSR. We took a bus over to AKL to visit and have lunch last year from WL and it was a little bit of a PITA honestly as it takes awhile on the buses and judging the time would be an issue. Sometimes they seem to go faster and sometimes Real Slow. If I had a conference, just wouldn't be worth it particularly as CSR is such a nice place. You could always just go over to AKL to eat and visit on your free time.