Did I make a mistake booking AKL

[Mrspeaks]

Hi. I just booked two nights at Kidani villas for our pre cruise stay. We will arrive Thursday afternoon, go to magic kingdom on Friday, and enjoy the pool until we get picked up to head to the port. I was excited to try DVC rental and had originally wanted to stay at the Polynesian. It was unavailable for our dates so I decided on AKL. I have always thought it would be cool to stay there. My kids will enjoy the animals, it looks beautiful and I've wanted to try some of their restaurants. I'm second guessing my choice since the only park we are attending is Mk. I plan to rope drop or get a prepark opening breakfast. I've read getting there takes a long time. I want to make the most of our only park day and wonder if akl will make that harder to do based on its location and time to get to mk. Any suggestions on traveling to the park or encouragement that I we will enjoy our short stay?

 

[FSU Girl]

I love this hotel and think it's a great choice before the cruise. Magic Kingdom is a little far, but we never waited long for a bus. If you're wanting to get to the park really early you could always take an Uber or Minnie Van (Uber would be cheaper, but if you need a car seat Minnie Van is better option).

 

[buzznina]

I believe buses start running an hour before park opens. If you are really worried you can use the Minnie-van or Uber. We have absolutely no issues always using buses etc.

 

[bluejasmine]

I think you should stay at AKL, we enjoyed it, we drove to MK since it was so far, but like the previous poster said with the Minnie Vans if you don't have a car, would be a good option as well. Enjoy!

 

[Belleofthehouse]

This is our favorite deluxe resort...and traveling to any of the parks has never been an issue. I agree with other posters: use Uber or Minnie vans if you want to get there earlier.
Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kimj88]

I had it booked 4 nights at the end of our trip in November because it was the only place I could get a 1 Bedroom, and I was so not wanting to stay there at all. I was wrong, it is a wonderful resort and is now one of my favorites. To ease your stress I would definitely do the Minnie Van or Uber to get to the MK early though.

 

[OhThePain]

The bus ride isn't more than 25 minutes (the OLP Transportation Wizard estimates a bus to take 21 minutes). We have never had a problem with getting a bus and have never felt the travel time to be any better or worse than any other resort. No one is ever particularly happy with the bus transportation anywhere. You read people complaining about every resort. The grass is always greener I guess. We LOVE AKL (only stayed in Jambo, but have been to Kidani for Sanaa). There's lots to see and do and all the restaurants are excellent (Boma, Jiko, Sanaa and The Mara). Don't let the naysayers make you doubt yourself!

Just to add, buses usually start running at about 6:30AM, although it isn't advertised. They really only want people needing transportation for ADRs and Tours to be at the parks that early. They would rather not have huge crowds gathering that long before a park opens, but they do start running well before the parks open, not just an hour.

 

[Mrspeaks]

The bus ride isn't more than 25 minutes (the OLP Transportation Wizard estimates a bus to take 21 minutes). We have never had a problem with getting a bus and have never felt the travel time to be any better or worse than any other resort. No one is ever particularly happy with the bus transportation anywhere. You read people complaining about every resort. The grass is always greener I guess. We LOVE AKL (only stayed in Jambo, but have been to Kidani for Sanaa). There's lots to see and do and all the restaurants are excellent (Boma, Jiko, Sanaa and The Mara). Don't let the naysayers make you doubt yourself!

Just to add, buses usually start running at about 6:30AM, although it isn't advertised. They really only want people needing transportation for ADRs and Tours to be at the parks that early. They would rather not have huge crowds gathering that long before a park opens, but they do start running well before the parks open, not just an hour.

I can do 25 minutes. I had read 45-60 minutes.

 

[OhThePain]

I can do 25 minutes. I had read 45-60 minutes.

From the time you get on the bus to the time you get off it isn't more than 25-30 minutes (traffic does happen). Add in 20 minutes for waiting for a bus (I don't think we ever waited that long for one, but it does happen) and there is the 45-60 minutes. But that waiting time will happen at every resort. AKL makes you feel like you are a million miles from Disney (one of the reasons we love it there), the whole vibe there really does, so I think people get this feeling that everything that has to do with AKL and AK takes longer than it actually does.

 

[Micca]

Definitely not a mistake! Just set your alarm a little early to get out & catch the first bus to MK. Or spend the $20 on a Minnie van, it's worth it to remove the anxiety.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Not a mistake! Great resort and a great pool for hanging out. Take an uber if you don't want to deal with the bus.

 

[lahobbs4]

Another one that agrees you did not make a bad choice! This resort is so fun with kids and has become our absolute favorite on property! I second taking Uber or Minnie Van on the way there, if you want to make sure you are there at a certain time.

The dining and pool and the theming....it's just so dreamy there

 

[Mousemommy1]

I always think about how funny it is that people complain about the distance from AKL to MK, but not the distance from MK resorts to AK. It's basically the same.

Yes, AK is "out there", but it's literally about 20 minutes. I like that it is set back on it's own, it makes it seem like a resort within a resort.

We are staying there for the 1st time next month and I can't wait!!

 

[rlk]

Love AKV Jambo and Kidani. We usually try to stay at Beach Club, but if we can't get in there, AKV Kidani is our next choice. AKV would be our top choice if we didn't love the ease of walking into Epcot via the International Gate.

 

[BLLB]

Have stayed at both Jambo and Kidani. We always rope drop. Loved our stay, loved the resorts. You will have a great time.

 

[siskaren]

I believe buses start running an hour before park opens.

Buses start running at 6:30 am every day - earlier if the park opens at 7.

 

[buzznina]

Buses start running at 6:30 am every day - earlier if the park opens at 7.

Thanks, I knew they started early enough to normally get to RD in plenty of time.

 

[toodycat]

It’s an amazing resort. Just a fabulous experience! The bus service isn’t bad. I’ve spent more time getting to MK from the Epcot resorts when they are really crowded.

 

[wdw4rfam]

We did a 5/5 split in September between kidani and poly. I love the poly, but I have to admit I was a little sad to leave kidani and wishing we would have stayed at kidani ( maybe because the screaming toddler next door at the poly the entire time we were there?). We never felt that we were far from anything like everyone says, or did we wait for buses. Don’t second guess, you will love it. We actually booked the same split stay this trip for April ( never changed the ticker)

 

[GoGoBeans]

AKL is a beautiful, relaxing resort. We have not had bad experiences with the buses. We’ve also used Uber if we’re not in a mood to wait (and that goes for any resort, not just AKL).

To MK though, you’ll need to take a Minnie Van as Ubers can only take you to the TTC, not to the MK drop off.