For those with children around the 2-3 year range...help!

[HeatherPage]

We are renting points at WLV starting 9/6 for four days, I wanted to get down there a day early so I reserved one night at the AKL with one of the great rates floating around these days ($168 savannah view). We've never been to AKL and I thought my not quite 3 year old would enjoy that as he loves animals (wild/zoo type animals especially). Since we may not get there until 6:00 or 7:00 at night, I thought perhaps I should change that one night to the Pop Century or All Star Movies (also places we have not stayed) because he loves Buzz, Woody and Mowgli and Baloo and I hear rates are only about $49/night with the current codes. Can anyone with similarly aged children give me some advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tinkerbell04]

We travelled with my DD, 2, in June and arrived at the Swan at 7:00 pm. I have found, this being her fourth trip, that when we arrive that late, the airplane flight and travel day has her pretty wiped, as she tends to have an early bedtime. She was content with eating dinner and crashing before hitting the pool/parks the next day. We did, however, extend our stay to 12 nights and stayed at AKL for 5 nights at the end. She absolutely loved the animals. So, I don't think you would go wrond with either one, but moving to one of the values sure owuld save you some money, especially with a late check-in. Godd luck!

 

[DisneyPete]

At that age, my kids all loved the All Stars, Movies and Sports. If it was me, I would save the money and book at the All Stars. How about Dinner at Boma's and see the animals when you get to the AKL?

 

[mommyflower]

We have only stayed in the Value resorts with our DS, so I can't help with AKL. The last time we were there we stayed at Pop and my DS just turned three. He loved walking around looking at all the huge figures. I know my DS is usually ready to walk around a bit after being in the plane and car for so long. Pop Century & Allstar Movies would be great for the one night to look around, stretch your legs, and take some great pictures. Also Pop Century has a couple of those water play areas for kids. We put DS in his swimsuit and let him play in each of these for a few minutes as we walked around the resort. DS also liked the Movies, but he was 18 months when we were there, but I'm sure he would still love it!
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[720L]

My 3yr old loved Animal Kingdom Lodge-he liked going to all the places in the hotel that you could watch the animals, he liked going outside to see the animals, and he loved storytime around the firepit. Since you are getting there late, you probably won't get to enjoy these things. The All Stars are fun and kid-themed -2yr old was at Movies and loved it. I'd go with the All Stars and stay at AK Lodge when you can really enjoy it.

 

[MinnieGi]

We stayed at AKL when DD was 2 1/2 for a week and she loved it and so did we. However since you are only going to be there for one night and it sounds like it is an evening arrival I would go with one of the Values. We haven't stayed in one of them, but I do know they have lots of kid appeal and for just a quick one night stay you can't beat the price.

 

[susy]

Since you are checking in at 6 or 7, I would save the $$$ and stay at the movies! Request the Toy Story section when you make your ressies. The food court is really great there.

 

[zurgswife]

I've stayed at both for just one night....they are both fantastic....if money really isn't an issue and your kids like animals...waking up and watching the animals first thing in the morning is awesome..

But if money is an issue the POP has really great themeing and my kids loved crawling on the icons....

So, you really can't go wrong...enjoy..

 

[katvan]

I agree that you may miss out on some of the animals by arriving early evening. Having said that, AKL is just a beautiful resort. I llast stayed there with DH in 2001 and also only for one night before a BWV stay. We arrived very late (10:00pm) but got up early the next AM and had breakfast in the room while looking at a Giraffe outside the window. It was an experience we won't forget. Last year's trip (Oct) we went to AKL for dinner with my then 18 mo old. and after dinner (~7:00p) we were still able to see some animals. If your little one is an early riser you may be able to still enjoy many animals in the AM. Have a great trip.

 

[HeatherPage]

Thanks for the input everyone! I called and switched to Pop Century - preferred room. Hopefully will be near Mowgli and Baloo or the Goofy Pop-jet area. We've never been to Pop before so this should still be a treat. I think will save AKL until he's a little older and for a longer trip. But I'm sure will go visit or have breakfast there or something this trip. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[sters]

Honestly, I'd go with the All Stars and save a few bucks. My boys loved the All Star Sports just to run through the "football field" I have a nice collection of pictures with them peeking through the "O"s. And there is a cute little playground there as well, which killed a little time between breakfast and the Blizzard Beach (the kids area there is very cute). If it's just for the night and you're going to hit the parks anyway, your probably won't have time to go the playground, let alone enjoy much of the deluxe benefits you'd be paying for at the AKL. See the animals when you go to AK. (My kids liked the butterflies that gathered on the path from the car to the front entrance at AKL... go figure! At the time I thought we could save the admission and just hang around the front gate.)

 

[disneyma2]

We stayed at AKL Sept 2003, our dd was almost 3. We were there for 7 nights and she had a blast. She didn't want to leave the balcony, we had a savannah view. In Jan 2004 we stayed in the Ft Wilderenss cabins and rented a golf cart which was the highlight. With that being said, we're headed back in Dec...to AKL...she calls ith the place with the animals on the balcony.

I don't think you could go wrong staying there, my only thought was arriving late, you won't be able to enjoy it, or get your money's worth. If money is not an issue, I'd stay there, if it is, then I'd go to another resort.

You'll love the boat ride from WL to MK, it's so handy and nice, my DD loved it too!