GF, Contemporary, or AKL

[Hope Soda]

We are looking into trying our first deluxe resort for a trip next year, for maybe 2-3 nights. I was thinking it'd be really cool to stay on the monorail, and I am torn between GF and Contemporary. However, when I asked my 6 year old what he likes in a hotel, he said he'd like to stay at AKL to cut down on the time required to travel to Sanaa. While his reasons are amusing to me, he did plant the idea in my head that AKL, especially with a savannah view, could be quite nice.

So I was hoping some of you more experienced folk could give us some pros and cons of those three resorts? Thanks in advance!

 

[mickeynut1]

We are looking into trying our first deluxe resort for a trip next year, for maybe 2-3 nights. I was thinking it'd be really cool to stay on the monorail, and I am torn between GF and Contemporary. However, when I asked my 6 year old what he likes in a hotel, he said he'd like to stay at AKL to cut down on the time required to travel to Sanaa. While his reasons are amusing to me, he did plant the idea in my head that AKL, especially with a savannah view, could be quite nice.

So I was hoping some of you more experienced folk could give us some pros and cons of those three resorts? Thanks in advance!

AKL is a great resort with a lot to do/see. It is out away from everything, but that's one of things I love about it as it's very peaceful and quiet (IMO). The atmosphere is relaxing, the pool is nice, and the dining options (both CS & TS) are great. The only transportation is by bus, but we've never found that to be a problem as it takes maybe an extra 5 minutes to get around compared to other resorts. Also, since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). We love AKL as we've had 2 great stays and visit every trip to eat at Boma.

We also love the GF as the grounds are beautiful, both pools are nice, it's close to MK, and it's convenient to the CR & Poly for a variety of great dining options. The rooms at GF are quite a bit larger than AKL, but I think the rooms at AKL are a decent size, especially for 3 people.

I can't speak for the CR as we've never stayed, but for overall atmosphere/surroundings, I'd choose either AKL or GF (just my preference).

Good luck!

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

AKL is a beautiful resort that feels like a vacation within a vacation. One day I swear I'm planning a resort only vacation and staying there. It has some of the best restaurants in all of WDW. Even the counter service is delicious. Jambo House's lobby is "jaw-droppingly" impressive. Mornings there are so relaxing when you have coffee or tea out on the balcony while watching the animals. There are plenty of resort activities offered for both adults and kids. I still want to do the wine tasting and the flavors of Boma and Jiko tour. Does your son like animals? There are animal checklists in the room. Our daughter wandered all over Jambo and Kidani on our first visit there until she found every animal but one (and that one ended up no longer being at the resort). She had a blast checking off all of those animals and chatting with the savanna guides. We stay in the villas in Jambo and I could happily move in to one permanently. They are so comfortable and peaceful. I cannot attest to the transportation situation there because we drive our own car, but we have always found plenty of parking at the resort. The one downside to driving while staying at AKL is going to MK because you have to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and and then catch another mode of transport over to the park. If I didn't have people that get carsick, I would just use the bus on those days.

Good luck choosing your resort! Any one of them would be a good choice. We just happen to be very partial to AKL.

 

[Disneyhenry]

I love AKL but I would only stay if I had a rental, however GF is my favorite resort! Everything about it is amazing!

have fun!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The only advantage of CR is the walk to MK. Otherwise, as a resort, it's pretty lacking in theming and amenities, IMHO.

GF is gorgeous. The rooms are large, the pools are great, they have lots of restaurants and the monorail. If you like Victorian theming, it's lovely.

AKL is gorgeous. It's not as convenient as GF and the rooms are smaller.

If you are looking for transportation convenience and bigger rooms, GF has the advantage. If you want really unique theming and don't care about taking a bus everywhere, AKL is great.

 

[hakepb]

AKL, in general, is better the more time you plan to stay in the resort.

If you would only allocate a total of 30 minutes to look at animals from your balcony, you may not see any animals and be very disappointed.

If you normally spend a few hours in the afternoon for pool/relaxation time, then it may be a great experience. Especially if the 6yo loves watching animals. My DS keeps bringing up the resort with animals outside our room as we stay in other deluxe resorts.

 

[Shellyb84]

GF hands down. It's such a beautiful resort, very relaxing, the service is top notch. The QS is open 24 hours and is very good. The rooms are beautiful. Two very nice pools. You could take an uber to AKL for Sanaa.

AKL had always been my dream resort, and we stayed 4 nights there before moving to BC in June. After 2 days we were ready to move on. It is a beautiful resort, but it's really showing some age, the rooms look very worn and they are tiny. The novelty of the animals from the balcony wore off quick for DD7. The pool area is beautiful but DD thought the slide was pretty boring. Also, the CMs were not particularly friendly. Whenever we would pass one in the hall or lobby it was like they averted their eyes so they didn't have to speak. We've had much better interaction with the CMs at every other resort we've stayed at all levels. They were always very late cleaning the room, it was usually not cleaned by the time we returned to get ready for dinner. The bus service was terrible - we waited about 1.5 hours to get a bus back from MK. Even the poolside service wasn't as good as we've had at other deluxes. The food court was really great though.

If you really are wanting to try AKL, a 2-3 night trip is the way to go though. IF I ever stayed there again, (I would choose it over CR or WL but it would have to be the cheapest deluxe option of the others) that's the longest I would stay.

CR is the last deluxe I would ever choose. I've never stayed there and have no desire to.