Hi,
I haven't stayed at PO at all but I did stay at AKL for the first time last year and the year before I stayed at CBR. So I do have some sense of comparison between deluxe and moderate. For me the biggest difference was the "public space." In the deluxes there is much more of a welcome public space atmosphere. Whereas the moderates are set up in a more motel style with some very lovely grounds. (I adored my walks from my bldg. to Port Royale in CBR) There is something so homey and welcoming about that grand lobby in AKL, and while at first it seems grand, eventually when you settle in it feels like home! I loved just hanging out by the fireplace in the lobby, or in one of the side lounges, they became my little niches but I also felt very connected to the other patrons. Also the SMELL! The smell of AKL is like no other. Warm African spices, it just smells warm and comforting it hits you right away. I didn't get that at all at CBR. CBR was much more about peace and quiet and being away from others. There was a shirt I wore alot at AKL and when I returned from my trip it still smelled like AKL and I didn't wash that shirt for a month! Just put it in a drawer and every once in a while I'd take it out to smell the "Aroma de Boma" and let all the happy memories fill my mind. Smell is one of our most potent memory triggering senses - and AKL certainly knows how to work that to their advantage. I took part in everything "all inclusive" about the hotel from the pool, to the lounges, Victoria falls bar, Cultural Safari night, balconies for animal viewing and of course the public viewing areas for the savannas. I really think when you add all those "free" activities into the cost of the hotel you are getting an amazing bargain. It really is like a vacation within a vacation. While staying at CBR was very nice, CBR was essentially a place to stay while waiting to go to the parks. Whereas AKL made me feel like I never wanted to leave. It was the comfort at the end of my day. I also love animals and I really enjoyed the close proximity this unique establishment has to offer. While I was not one of the lucky people to get a free upgrade to savanna view (another story for another time) I did get a free upgrade to pool view and it was fantastic. In fact I really liked my room. It was conveniently located on the same level as the lobby, easy in, easy out. Every morning I'd get up early go out on the balcony, maybe one or two people would be swimming in the Uzima pool and the lifeguards would be switching out the towels, and I'd breathe in the wonderfully scented air and hear the melodic sounds of African music. Oh it was heaven!
I would go back to "The Lodge" as I know affectionately refer to it, it two seconds. I plan on going back in 2006 as I am going on a
DCL cruise this year. Gosh I can't wait to go back! I should be excited for my cruise but I can't stop thinking about the Lodge!
Anyway, I think you can get alot out of deluxe as far as a family vacation goes. I've never stayed concierge but I hear it is luxurious. I also make it a point every vacation to travel around to the various Disney hotels and walk the properties or dine there. I get similar "warm and fuzzy feelings" from the Polynesian. Couldn't afford to stay there but going to dinner at Ohana and walking Poly property and beach afterward is thrilling in itself! That's what's great about the Disney hotels. Anyone can go there an experience a little bit of the atmosphere. That's how I first got hooked on AKL, I dined at Boma one night the year we stayed at CBR.
You are absolutely doing the right thing by changing your reservation. Take the leap! You won't regret it.
Stina
Enjoy!! But, now you'll be hooked like we are!!
