Has anyone stayed one or two nights at AKL before moving to a DVC resort?

[pnelson]

We are thinking of changing our reservation and I'm thinking one night would be enough. We would hang out at the resort one day, spend the night, then the next morning we would go to AK and then over to Beach Club. Would that be a hassle?

 

[zurgswife]

We did it last Halloween trip...the kids loved the resort...there is all kinds of stuff to do...and they will move your luggage for you if you need them too....AKL is my favorite WDW resort next to BWV my home resort...

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

We spent 3 nights at AKL last August and then moved to VWL for 4 nights. We really liked AKL and if we had it to do over again would have spent another night or 2 there. We have changed resorts during other trips so we have it figured out pretty well.
IMHO I wouldnt limit yourself to just one night, AKL is a great resort and there are plenty of relaxing things to do.

 

[disneyberry]

just wanted to also say that if you decide to do this, you should stay at AKL at least 2 nights.
staying anywhere for only 1 night really doesn't let you enjoy the place much.

also, definitely have them transfer your luggage for you! it was really easy, we just checked out of AKL in the morning, dropped our luggage off at AKL's bell service desk, asked them to transfer to BWV.
then we went to the parks, and after lunch when we went to BWV, our luggage was already at BWV's bell services!

 

[DiznEeyore]

We did one night at AKL in 12/01 before moving to the VWL for 7 nights. It was fun, but I definitely agree with the previous posters that one night simply wasn't enough! We hope to go back for at least 2-3 nights on an upcoming trip -- this will give us some time to really explore the place.

 

[mikayla'sMom]

We stayed at the AKL for 3 nights prior to our stay at the BW. I agree witht the other posts, 1 night is not enough. It is a wonderful resort. It has a great pool and great food. The animals move around and you would see different animals at different times during the day.

 

[JudithM]

We spent two nights at the AKL before moving to OKW Mother's Day weekend 2001. We enjoyed both breakfast & dinner at Boma's. We attended the Storytelling outside by the fire pit. We were able to take the lobby tour with two very knowledgeable African CMs. Be sure to spend time at the three different areas overlooking the savannahs & talking to the CMs who enjoy talking about heir culture. Have fun & I hope you spend more than one night !

 

[MaryJ]

Wow, this thread is a great encourager to me. We will be doing this exact thing in July---3 nights at AKL then moving to VWL for a week. Now I'm even more excited than before!

 

[vbfamily]

Not to sound like a broken record but...Where are the AK Villas?

 

[MaryJ]

Not to sound like a broken record but...Where are the AK Villas?

Currently....only in our dreams!

 

[pnelson]

Thanks for the replies everyone!! Still haven't made up my mind. As I said on the Community Board, our plans may be changing as it looks like we will be getting an infant to adopt and that just opens up a whole new realm of vacation planning! We are staying two nights at Cocoa Beach, three nights at Hard Rock Hotel and eight nights at BCV. If we changed, we would shorten the BCV's! (or maybe Cocoa Beach-Haven't been hearing great things about it). But now I'm thinking with a baby, the less moving around we have to do, the better! AKL is going to be on the travel channel this week, so I will definitely be tuning in!

 

[danicaw]

We stayed at AKL 4 nights on our last trip, the moved on to BCV (via a 3 day cruise on the Wonder).

I would agree with other posters, 2 nights would give you a better feel for the resort and a better chance to enjoy the animals.

 

[SEC]

We have stayed at AKL for two nights then moved to WLV. AKL transferred our luggage since we flew and did not rent a car. The only hassle was carrying around my laptop (the burden of being a full-time worker and part-time graduate student who wants to go to DISNEY)!

 

[KathyR]

We stayed at AKL last year Halloween week for 1 night before checking into the BWV for the remainder of our stay. We absolutely LOVED it!!!

just wanted to also say that if you decide to do this, you should stay at AKL at least 2 nights.

I couldn't agree w/this statement more! We really did not get to experience the resort as much as we would have liked, and since we LOVED it so much, we are staying 4 nights during our trip this year This way I know we will get to relax and enjoy the resort!

 

[madcoco]

We did it last summer before heading over to VB and decided to do the same this summer. This time DD has a friend coming to stay with us while we are at AKL. Has never been to WDW and thinks Disneyland is huge. Can't wait to see her eyes when she arrives.
Even if you decide against it this time, give it a try in the future.

 

[tripletvan]

when we were last down I did not do it personally but my DB & family did and they were loving it! Not a hassle at all and he is not the most patient person in the world.

 

[twinmomplus2]

We did this in August 2 nights at AKL followed by 5 at the Beach Club. We found it to be fine switching, We do this every trip, As I don't want to use all my points on a weekend night. WE loved Animal kingdom Lodge> Good luck.

 

[JVL1018]

Actutally this is what we're doing in Sept. We're staying 2 days after our weeklong BW stay. As soon as the AP discounts come out, I will be dropping the Friday and Saturday night and booking at AKL.
We're trying to stay in every resort, that's why we're doing this. Last time we stayed one night at the Contemporary before moving to BWV, and I LOVED it(and I was not looking forward to staying there so much). One night isn't enough to get the feel of the resort, IMO. From now on we'll do 2.

 

[JimC]

We did a trip with four nights AKL and four nights OKW, although we had to stay at OKW first. Disney did the baggage transfer for us and it was really no hassle at all.

AKL is our favorite resort. Try to get a savannah view room and spend time exporing the very interesting property.

 

[mickeyc]

We did the opposite. We stayed at BWV and then stayed one night at the AK in Aug. 2001. We then moved to Sarasota, FL. Had a great time at the lodge. Enjoy!