Grand Floridian & Animal Kingdom Lodge

[LGH1946]

I have never stayed at GF or AK. I have a 5-night res. at GF. But I was thinking about switching resorts for the last two nights and staying at AK. I really like being on the monorail line but my last two days will be at MGM & AK so it really wouldn't matter about that. Should I switch or is it too much trouble since I don't have a really long vacation anyway?

Does everyone really LOVE these two resorts? I think they are so beautiful, I can't wait to stay there.

I am going Dec. 2-7. :santa

It will be just my daughter & me

She is 40 & I am 60. We have been going & loving Disney for MANY years. We have taken her 2 boys who are now grown, so she & I are making our 2nd trip, that will be just us 2. We have a ball.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I stayed at GF once about 17 years ago. It was truly awesome. My mom (now in her 70's) to this day still comments every so often how wonderful it was. It made quite a lasting impression on us. Having the Monorail right there is definitely nice.

We're staying at AKL this October for the first time and are very excited. I don't think you can wrong with either resort, though. I say go for it and stay a few nights at both. Shouldn't be that much trouble. Then next time, you'll know if you want to stay at one versus the other for all your days. I'd like to get back to GF again some time, but this year it's AKL. Wherever you end up, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

 

[AKLforever]

I have been to both and its all about personal preference really. I love AKL, as you can see from my sig. I didnt like GF because its no my style , BUT its a very beautiful place.
And it had a live old time band playing at the time, that was cool too. But AKL has some insane magic to it, that is very hard to explain. I feel so at peace, and relaxed when Im there. It really feels like home to be there. The smell of the oak fire pit, the warm amber tones coming from the lighting of the place, the smell of the food from Jikos and Bomas and the very relaxing view of the wildlife from your room or from the viewing areas. Ill tell you, I find it very hard to stay away from more then a year. I look forward to that lodge more then anything else in WDW. Sitting out side, at night, drinking my victoria falls or victoria mist drink by the out side fire pit, watching the zebra and giraffe and looking at the stars in the clear night sky. Man, if I win the lotto, Im going to make the lobby, and outside area in the back, jiko, boma and the pool so I can live it everyday

 

[chasgoose]

I would stay at the GF only for this trip and save AKL for later.

5 days is too short in my opinion for a split stay, especially one that involves a transfer to the AKL which takes a while to get to. The common wisdom on split stays is that you should plan a whole day for them. Unless you are willing to give up a park day if things go wrong, they are generally not worth it. While most of the time, the transfer will go without a hitch and you will spend, at most, a couple hours on it, they can stretch into a whole day affair (or at least cause you to be without a room for a whole day).

Also, the AKL is currently going through a major DVC construction project that is going to still be very much underway in December. They are already trying to get people out of there for earlier dates than yours and are offering upgrades to those willing to switch resorts. The hassle and disruption of the construction at the AKL make the stress of switching resorts.

 

[jtlover]

We did this split last year and really loved staying in both hotels. It gave us something else to look forward to. Both are great.

 

[momtobrynncess]

My vote is for GF, and may I say how awesome for you and your daughter to take a trip all by yourselves. It will likely be something you will remember always!!! Although GF is not my fav, I vote for it for this trip. May as well splurge for the short trip. Also, as mentioned above, there is major construction going on at AK, which could impact the trip. Good luck!!!

 

[LukenDC]

The rooms at AKL are noticeably smaller than the rooms at GF and this may disappoint you if you transfer from GF to AKL. I did a Poly/AKL split stay and the downgrade in room size was disappointing and diminished my enjoyment of AKL.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I have stayed at both and love them both for different reasons.

But stay at the GF this time. 5 days is too short for a split stay (plus you will love how much time you save riding the monorail vs. the buses). Also, AKL is VERY pretty at Christmastime, but the GF is UNBEATBEATABLE!!

If you are still torn, stay at AKL first, then move to the GF. You will be surprised how much smaller the AKL rooms are from the GF rooms....

 

[LGH1946]

Thanks to all who replied!

I think it will be GF all the way. I really do love it at Christmas.

I will save Animal Knigdon for next time! Maybe we can go there for dinner.

Is there a place people who are not staying there can sit and watch the animals for a little while, like maybe before dinner? It does get dark earlier in December.

 

[LGH1946]

That is so great you got married there!! I really love the CR , I have only stayed there twice but we were in the tower, it is my fav. resort ....so far!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks to all who replied!

I think it will be GF all the way. I really do love it at Christmas.

I will save Animal Knigdon for next time! Maybe we can go there for dinner.

Is there a place people who are not staying there can sit and watch the animals for a little while, like maybe before dinner? It does get dark earlier in December.

When you walk in the front door, keep going towards the back of the lobby and follow the stairs down and out. The reserve is always open for viewing and there always guides out there (with night vision goggles if needs be) to show you what is out there. It truly is amazing there!! I know we'll be back one of these trips!